Dafne Valle – Seattle Running Coach
From: $110.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
50% off your 1st month! Personalized, supportive coaching for runners balancing goals and real life—build consistency, confidence, and joy.
Description
Seattle-based running coach Dafne Valle works with runners of all experience levels — from beginners building confidence to experienced athletes training for PRs, marathons, and goal races. With over 16 years of running experience and RRCA certification, Dafne creates individualized training plans that fit into real life, balancing training with work, travel, family, and recovery.
Her coaching approach focuses on consistency, smart progression, mental toughness, and integrating strength work in a way that supports running — not overwhelms it. Dafne believes runners improve best when training is sustainable, flexible, and tailored to their current fitness and lifestyle.
In addition to traditional road racing, Dafne has specialized experience preparing runners for multi-day and destination race weekends, including runDisney events — helping athletes manage pacing, recovery, and logistics while still enjoying the experience.
*** 50% off First Month for month-to-month Coaching – Coupon Code: 50%dafne ***
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: VDOT
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Seattle, WA
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
- Personalized training plans for 5K through marathon
- Coaching busy runners balancing training with work, travel, and family
- Building consistency, confidence, and mental toughness
- Helping runners return to structured training after breaks or setbacks
- Integrating strength training alongside run schedules
- Preparing for destination races and multi-day challenge events (including runDisney)
PHILOSOPHY
I believe running should enhance your life, not compete with it. My coaching is built on personalization, flexibility, and long-term consistency rather than rigid plans or one-size-fits-all formulas.
Every runner brings a different background, schedule, and set of goals. My role is to meet you where you are, help you train smarter, and adjust as life happens — whether that means travel, stress, fatigue, or shifting priorities. Progress doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from showing up consistently and learning along the way.
I also believe that joy matters. Training should be challenging, but it should also be rewarding and sustainable. When runners feel supported, confident, and mentally strong, they’re far more likely to stay healthy and keep improving.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
I’ve been a runner since 2009 and earned my RRCA coaching certification after years of informally supporting fellow runners. I’ve now coached athletes across a wide range of experience levels — from first-time 5K finishers to marathoners working toward PRs and runners tackling demanding multi-day challenges.
My athletes succeed by building consistency, learning how to adjust training around real-life demands, and developing confidence in their ability to handle both training and race day. I place a strong emphasis on communication, thoughtful adjustments, and helping runners understand why they’re doing what they’re doing.
ABOUT ME
I’ve been running for over 16 years, progressing from local races to marathons and endurance challenges. Along the way, I’ve learned firsthand how important smart training, recovery, and mindset are — especially when balancing running with work, travel, and everyday life.
Outside of coaching and running, I enjoy hiking with my dog, playing board games, watching soccer, and traveling. I’m also a longtime Disney fan and Disney Vacation Club member, which has given me unique insight into destination race weekends — though I work with runners pursuing all kinds of goals, not just themed events.
BIG INFLUENCES
My coaching philosophy blends practical experience with evidence-based training principles. I’m influenced by work around consistency, adaptability, and mental toughness — including ideas from Steve Magness — and by years of learning what truly helps runners stay healthy and motivated long term.
RACING HISTORY
I’ve completed everything from local 5Ks to road marathons and multi-day endurance challenges. Highlights include finishing the Goofy Challenge (39.3 miles over two days) and the Dopey Challenge (48.6 miles over four days), as well as traditional races like the Tunnel Marathon and Iron Horse Half Marathon.
These experiences shaped my belief that pacing, recovery, and mental strength are just as important as physical fitness — lessons I bring into my coaching every day.
CERTIFICATIONS
- RRCA Certified Run Coach
PRs
- Marathon: 3:56 – Tunnel Marathon
- Marathon + Roller Coaster: 4:02 – Goofy Challenge (Walt Disney World)
- Half Marathon: 1:49 – Iron Horse
- 10K: 50:34 – Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend- Flexible, realistic coaching that supports sustainable progress
CONTACT DAFNE
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:
SOCIAL
Lacy –
Dafne is great to work with and understanding of each runner’s needs! She is fantastic at setting a training program that works with my busy schedule while keeping me on track for my goals. She’s been great about making adjustments for me when I need them. She is very supportive and makes communication very easy to check in. Plus she understands the unique training that is needed for the multi-day runDisney challenges and how best to be prepared for a race when traveling! She has a wealth of running knowledge and a great sounding board for fueling and cross training tips.
I highly recommend Dafne if you are looking to take your running to the next level and achieve new goals!
Rebecca Porphirio da Costa –
Dafne is a a dedicated and detailed coach. An expert at guiding your running activity, she will take you through all phases from starting, to increasing your pace and making it challenging as well as hell you recover from an injury. She’s always studying, always grounded in what’s been published and not just hunches. And will also help you understand how other things might indirectly impact your running, like food, physical therapy etc. I highly recommend her.
Megan Scott –
I’ve been working with Dafne for almost two years now, and she has been incredible from day one. She coached me through my first marathon and a full Dopey Challenge, and even when I was sidelined by an injury, she immediately reworked my entire plan to include biking, walking, and elliptical work so I could stay on track without risking further issues.
She is extremely responsive and flexible, adjusting my plan in real time based on how I’m feeling and what I’m thinking. We talk almost every day, and she always checks in after my runs. I truly feel heard and supported, and her ability to tailor training to me has made such a difference.
Her coaching and communication platforms are also super user-friendly, which makes the whole experience smooth and stress-free. She’s fantastic for runners of all levels and all paces — whether you’re starting your first training cycle or tackling something like Dopey, she’s the coach you want in your corner.
I can’t recommend her enough!