Corey Turnbull – Ottawa Running Coach
$55.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Coming back to running? Just getting started? Struggling to fit training into a busy life? Personalized coaching for building fitness, finishing your first race, setting a new PR, or chasing a big goal.
Description
Ottawa running coach Corey Turnbull works with beginners just starting out or with seasoned runners looking for a breakthrough. Busy schedule and not sure how to maximize the time? Corey is here to help with consistency, focus and fun. Reach out below to get started!
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road, Track
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra
TRAINING PLATFORM: VDOT
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited phone, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Ottawa, ON
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
Have you ever heard the saying “The Devil is in the Details”?
As a coach, I truly believe that closely examining the details, including the one-offs and those frustrating “shouldn’t be happening” moments, reveals the true story of an athlete’s progress. These are the very reasons why coaches exist—to spot these nuances and guide athletes through them.
I’d here to help anyone, but I have had a lot of fun working with people like:
- Busy professionals or parents trying to figure out how to fit it all in.
- Athletes who are looking for a fresh start or a fresh set of eyes on their training.
- Athletes who truly believe there is more, but can’t quite find the right recipe.
- Masters athletes who want to remain competitive.
- Athletes who want to shift gears a bit and maybe go after something new or play with their fitness. Got an FKT in mind?
By working closely with athletes to understand their current situation, I can intuitively determine whether to adjust the training plan or stay the course. This approach has enabled me to design successful and realistic training cycles for all my athletes.
PHILOSOPHY
Consistency – Embrace the daily grind. Not every session will be glamorous, but each
one contributes to your progress.
Honesty – Let’s be realistic about our commitments and aspirations. Life happens, but
with proper planning, we can work around it.
Have Fun – Running is your time; make sure you’re enjoying it.
Maximize Each Day – Understand that not every day will be a personal best or a breakthrough. That’s okay, but it doesn’t mean you should give up. Focus on doing the best you can with what you have each day.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
Coaching since 2013
- 2013 – 2015 – Worked with local schools to provide assistance with their XC
- 2013 – 2015 – Created and coached a Learn to Run program for a couch to 5K. ( First
time or begin again runners ) - 2018 – 2021 – Created and coached SFR Run Program managing Youth to Adults (
Track, XC, Road, Trail and Ultra ) through weekly planning cycles including in-person
coached sessions. The cycles and workouts were customized for the adult athletes
balancing the busy work/life challenges they faced. - 2019 – 2021 – Local Sports teams for off and in season conditioning. Providing coaching
to prepare and sharpen local sports teams that require high end Vo2 conditioning with
short recovery.
ABOUT ME
I’m a passionate Masters runner dedicated to achieving personal excellence. I don’t let age hold me back; instead, I see it as a strength, believing that my best is yet to come. While I love the thrill of racing, I find true joy in the journey of preparation. For me, running has always been about the inward experience and discovery. The quality sessions I engage in allow me to push my mind, body, and spirit, resulting in personal growth. There are moments during a run when I can cycle my thoughts and recalibrate. More than once, I have left my house and returned with a new perspective.
My peak moments are achieved by a synergy between my mind and body, a state I attain through running. This balance extends to positively impact my family life and professional endeavors.
Throughout your journey, I’m here to cheer you on. I’m more than happy to share my experiences and help you reach your goals. My approach will always be honesty and encouraging you to be the best you can be in every moment.
BIG INFLUENCES
Honestly, I consider myself a hybrid coach because I believe that each athlete is unique and requires a personalized approach. My training and philosophy are heavily influenced by Jack Daniels, but I also draw inspiration from the insights of individuals like Steve Magness and Dr. Greg Wells.
It’s important to note that some of the best coaches I’ve worked with are not widely recognized names. These silent experts are the backbone of our running communities, and their contributions have truly enriched my understanding of the sport and coaching.
RACING HISTORY
In 2017, after several years of progression, I hit a plateau. I could not find the right recipe to unlock that next level but I remained committed and confident that I had more to offer. In 2021, I began working with a new coach who also believed and a new level of running resulted. At the age of 52, I have continued to progress and continue to see PBs including a sub 18 minute 5K (17:52) 2022 and a sub 3 hour (2:58) at the Boston Marathon in 2023.
PRs
- 5K – 17:52 (2022)
- 10K – 37:21 (2020) ** Covid TT with crew
- 10 Miler – 1:01:09 (2021) ** Covid TT solo
- 1/2 – 1:21:12 (2022)
- Marathon – 2:58:43 (2023)
- 50K – 4:21:01 (2023) ** Solo
- 50 Miler – 9:21:36 (2013)
CERTIFICATIONS
- NCCP Level 1 Triathlon Coach
- PN Level 1 Nutrition Coach
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- 2013 Smiths Falls Healthy Living Ambassador
- 2015 Chosen as Pan Am Games Community Torch Bearer
CONTACT COREY
Finding a coach who is a great fit for you is really important. We encourage you to email your coach prior to signing up so you can connect, communicate, and ensure a good athlete/coach fit.
PUBLICATIONS
- A Secret For Running: And the Undervalued Importance of Patience
- New Year’s Resolutions Reimagined
- What Are You Going to Do with All That Fitness?
- The Gift of Running
SOCIAL
Hal Hughes –
I have only had Cory as a coach for a couple of months, but it has already improved my running times significantly.
He is excellent at getting the best out of me. His training plan is thoughtful and specific, and he has literally expanded my perception of what is possible for me as a runner (at 52 years old!).
Cory is encouraging in his approach, and inspiring by the example he is setting in his own training.
I cannot recommend Cory enough as a coach!
Marc Levesque –
Corey is the real deal. Not only is he an experienced runner with truly impressive accomplishments of his own, but he’s a capable and compassionate coach. He takes the time to learn about you and your goals before building a thoughtful training plan and sharing a bunch of helpful resources.
He’s always available to answer questions, and closely monitors progress — on several occasions he proactively adjusted my training plan in response to how I was doing, and in others he reacted thoughtfully and with encouragement when illness or injury had to slow us down.
I would 100% recommend him to any runner or any ability looking to get serious about their training. Thanks for the good times, Corey!
David Farstad –
Corey is an excellent coach with a deep knowledge of the sport. I can not recommend him more! You can tell that he cares about you and your goals and is quick to answer any questions or provide guidance. No matter how silly the question may seem. After a year of struggling to find a training plan or running app that wouldn’t leave me injured or under trained I bit the bullet and hired a coach. Best decision I have made in my short running life. He helped me complete my first marathon and was there with encouragement the whole way. I look forward to working together to chase my goals and dreams in the years to come. Thank You Corey!