Elaina Raponi – Kingston Running Coach
$95.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Elite runner and coach working with athletes of all abilities and experience levels. I’m here to help you find confidence and joy in the process!
Description
Kingston running coach Elaina Raponi specializes in working with runners on the roads from the 5k up to the marathon, so whether you’re aiming for your first road 5k race, or trying to nab that elusive BQ, Elaina is excited to help you get there. Reach out to Elaina below to get started!
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road, Track
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: Final Surge
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text, unlimited phone
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Kingston, Ontario
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
My specialty is primarily on the road from the mile to the marathon. If you’re a first-time runner looking to race your first 5k, or a seasoned runner looking to reach a new PR, I want to work alongside you.
I take a holistic approach to coaching by equipping you with the training you need while also helping you incorporate cross-training, mobility, and stretching. Beyond providing a training plan, I also help my athletes with their nutrition and fueling so they can continue doing what they’re asking their bodies to do.
In the age of mass-produced, impersonalized, and even AI-generated training plans, I offer truly personal, individualized coaching that’s unique to your needs and goals. At the end of the day, I’m here to keep you accountable, healthy, and motivated on the way to that next race. I encourage you to read reviews from a handful of the athletes I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
PHILOSOPHY
When I first started working with my coach he said, “You deserve to find out how good you could be”. This is the same approach I take with all of my athletes. Your goals are important to me and I want to equip you with the tools and knowledge to make those goals a reality.
Working with a coach and finding a community of runners has been life-changing for me. It’s helped me set and achieve goals I never thought possible, and increase my confidence inside and outside of running. That’s why I started coaching – I want to help athletes find or nurture their love for running and help them achieve their goals, whatever those may be.
From my own training, I’ve learned that running is about more than one race or one season – it’s about consistently showing up on the good days and the bad. I understand that everyone has varying commitments including jobs, families, and other hobbies they may enjoy, and my goal is to help you incorporate a running plan that meets you where you’re at to get you where you want to be.
I believe the best coach-athlete relationships are a product of good communication and feedback. I often share with my athletes that the training plan I create is only as good as the information I have. That is why I like to check in with my athletes to see how they’re feeling, how their bodies are handling the training, and make any adjustments that might be necessary. Having both quantitative and qualitative information helps me be the best coach for you.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
After working informally with family and friends looking to complete their first 5 or 10k race I began completing the National Coaches Certification Program (NCCP) through Athletics Canada.
I’ve worked extensively with new runners who are just getting into the sport and aren’t sure where to start to seasoned runners looking to tackle the marathon. I’ve coached athletes coming back from injury or burnout and helped athletes of all levels break through plateaus to reach new personal bests.
I believe that running is for everyone and embrace working with athletes of all abilities and experience levels.
ABOUT ME
“There’s a little bit of talent, but there’s a heck of a lot of hard work. That’s what people can identify with.”
I heard the above quotation on a podcast and I believe it speaks to who I am as a runner and a coach. I didn’t run in high school or college, rather running was something I sort of fell into. I don’t think I possess any “innate talent” when it comes to running, rather I work incredibly hard, and in doing so have made consistent progress over the years.
First marathon: 3:33 (2021) –> best marathon: 2:55 (2022)
First half marathon: 2:05 (2017) -> best half marathon: 1:19 (2023)
When I’m not running 100 miles a week I enjoy training for triathlon and practicing yoga. I’m a voracious reader, love traveling to new places, and like any good Italian, I love both coffee and pizza. Together with my husband, Brant (also a coach on Team RunRun!), we have an Australian Shepherd named Remy, and a hedgehog named Dill Pickle.
When I’m not coaching or running, I’m a full-time student pursuing my Masters in Counselling Psychology.
BIG INFLUENCES
I’m fortunate to have an amazing coach myself and he has without a doubt been my biggest influence in the sport of running. I also draw inspiration and influence from Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness. I don’t believe in quick fixes or “silver bullets” and firmly believe when it comes to sport, and running in particular, consistency compounds.
RACING HISTORY
I’ve primarily raced in Southeastern Ontario and the Northeastern United States. In 2023 I placed 3rd at the Cleveland Half Marathon (1:22:28), 6th at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon (1:19:55), and 1st at It’s a Wonderful Run 5k in Seneca Falls, New York (17:35).
I’ve ran the Boston Marathon twice and am looking forward to racing the Chicago Marathon in 2024!
CERTIFICATIONS
I’m currently completing the National Coaches Certification Program (NCCP) through Athletics Canada.
PRs
- Mile: 5:13
- 5k: 17:05
- 10k: 36:40
- Half marathon: 1:19:55
- Marathon: 2:55:06
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- 8th Canadian at the 2024 Canadian Half Marathon Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
CONTACT ELAINA
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
- Building the Perfect Running Shoe Rotation
- Rate of Perceived Exertion for Runners
- Post-Marathon Recovery
- One Runner’s Secret to Running a sub 3-hour Marathon
- New Course Record for the Napanee Heritage 5k
- Buffalo 4 Mile celebrates its 40th Anniversary
SOCIAL
Elise Qian –
I started working with Elaina to train for my second marathon because I felt like I needed more structure and guidance in training. She has been amazing so far! She is responsive, flexible, and supportive; with her coaching, I definitely feel like my fitness and confidence have both increased. I find myself looking forward to the workouts she plans every week, as they are so different from what I used to do on my own. I’m a planner myself, but I love that I can rely on someone who is knowledgable and experienced to plan marathon training! Elaina explains the purpose of each workout and how I’m supposed to feel during them, which is SUPER helpful context for when I’m doing them. I’ve learned so much already, and am excited to continue training!
Shannon Leonard –
Elaina has been a great coach! I am really enjoying all of the workouts/easy runs/long runs programed for me. It is quite obvious there is a lot of thought and purpose that goes into each and every workout I have had scheduled so far. I look forward to learning more about how to become the best runner I can!
Anna Whelan –
Elaina is truly an excellent coach! She has been so helpful and flexible with my ever-changing schedule. She is available and knowledgeable and has truly made me a better athlete in the short time I have been working with her! I hope to continue working with her for the long term!
Tim –
After just a couple months of working with Elaina, I’ve progressed further than I thought I could in just that short period of time. I fell into a little bit of a rut with running, and so far she’s really helped me really enjoy running again. I look forward to each day and what she has planned for me. She’s always on top of the planning a truly makes you feel like you are the only one she works with because she responds so quickly. I’m excited to continue working with her!
Katie Anderson –
I started working with Elaina soon after my first marathon after feeling that my training cycle could have really benefitted from more structure and guidance. My friends recommended Elaina and I’m so happy that I took the leap!!! In just 2 months of working with her I’ve already noticed such a difference in my training and can feel my fitness building under her coaching. My confidence in myself as a runner has also grown with her providing pace guidance for me that are personalized to my goals and abilities. She’s incredibly responsive and encouraging, both when I have questions and to just send me kudos after a solid run! She’s super prompt in sending over the plan for each week and includes awesome context/ guidance for her reasoning for each run.
Runners of all levels would benefit so much from working with Elaina! I can’t wait to continue progressing with her as my coach 🙂
Macon –
Elaina is so helpful at meeting me where I am at but also pushing me to keep focused and working towards the end goal! She is always so available and helpful whenever I have questions or need clarity on certain trainings! I feel so lucky to have her as a coach and as someone who can push to make me a better athlete!
Zachary B –
I cannot say enough great things about Elaina and her coaching. Her coaching brought me to a PR in my half marathon with a time that I would not have thought possible a few months. The runs that she has you do are manageable and she walks you through the different types of runs when they are given. Elaina is quick to respond to any questions that I had and very supportive. I would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a running coach to run with Elaina!!
Natalie –
I started working with Elaina a few months ago after I felt like I needed to change-up my self-guided training. When we initially met, I immediately was comfortable chatting with Elaina, and felt inspired by both her knowledge of the sport and her personal accomplishments. That level of ease in communication and connection has definitely carried through in our coaching partnership so far! I really enjoy getting my weekly training plans and reading the details for different types of runs and workouts. If I have a question, Elaina is always quick to respond. She also checks in to see how a workout goes and makes sure I’m feeling good in my body with the training. She is super encouraging, supportive, and knowledgeable. I look forward to having her as my coach and cheerleader heading into Chicago Marathon in the fall!
One final note: It’s been great to remove the task of creating my own training plans, since life with three kids under 10 and a full time job is busy enough! I think that hiring Elaina has definitely helped to ward off burnout and reignited some of my love for running. 🙂
Rebecca Romary –
The most important things in running are consistency and passion for sport. These are two things I can always count on Elaina to deliver as my running coach. Not only does she take time out of her busy day to give prompt feedback on my workouts, she also responds to my many emails about pace, nutrition, injury recovering, injury prevention, and she also takes times to geek out with me over professional race results, athletes, books, etc. – and she does this consistently, without fail. Her knowledge and passion for the sport are very visible in her personal paces, race results, and just the amount of work she puts into herself- and this motivates to put in the work; to become a better athlete. 11/10 recommend.
Sydney Hornsby –
Elaina has helped me so much in the time we have been together so far. She has taken the guess work out of training for me and allowed me to really focus and enjoy the running! Always willing and ready to answer any questions and provide helpful insight, as well as checking in on runs and how my body is handling the training load. She is very encouraging and helps me navigate my busy schedule and training. I feel so prepared and confident in the training we have done for my next marathon because of Elaina!
Sarah Kuchel –
Elaina is a great coach. I was looking for a coach that’s professional but also personable and that’s 100% Elaina. She responds quickly to concerns or a request to tweak my schedule when life happens. As an intermediate runner, my biggest goals are to get faster and stronger while not getting injured and she has been instrumental in that. She is quick to respond and her availability and support helps me stay motivated to keep working to my goals. She’s a great cheerleader and has improved my running, no doubt. Cannot say enough good things about Elaina.
Megan Moss –
I am training for my first marathon after only running for about 7 months. When I first started running my pace was slow and my heart rate was insanely high. I also had ankle surgery several years ago so I decided to hire a coach because I wanted someone who could help tailor a plan based on my needs and goals and Elaina has done just that! I’ve been working with her 2 months now and my pace has gotten faster and my heart rate much more steady. She is also super responsive and adaptable so if something comes up or if I’m having pain anywhere she will help by altering workouts and giving stretching suggestions. She makes a point of checking in every couple of days (if not daily!) and is happy to communicate in whatever way is best for me. Although running is why we’re all here, I love that Elaina recognizes that people also have lives outside of running and takes the time to get to know you and your priorities when it comes to developing her plans. She’s also super personable, approachable, and supportive. I couldn’t ask for a better coach if I tried!
Lydia Yates –
I cannot say enough great things about Elaina or recommend her highly enough as a coach. She is just absolutely awesome! Not only is Elaina a wealth of knowledge and extremely responsive, she’s also your biggest fan and very encouraging. She really listens to understand you and what you’re working towards and tailors the plan to you. I began working with Elaina after having run my first marathon and can honestly say in just the few shorts months we’ve been working together I can already see and feel improvements in my efforts. I will not only be a better runner, but also a much more confident runner with the help of Elaina. So grateful to have found Elaina through Team Run Run!
Kristen Largay –
I have nothing but great things to say about working with Elaina! She was recommended to me a few months ago by a friend who is also training for her first marathon. I have done a few half marathons in the past using online training plans but having the personal touch of a coach has made such a big difference. Elaina is extremely responsive anytime I have a question and reaches out consistently throughout the week to comment on my runs and ask how I’m feeling. If something comes up and I can’t fit in a run, Elaina helps modify my schedule. I have noticed a huge difference in my runs and feel stronger than I ever have before while also consistently increasing mileage every week leading up to my race. I will definitely continue working with Elaina after my race and would recommend her to anyone looking for a coach!
Meghan Douglas –
I’ve been working with Elaina for about two and a half months now and it has been so worth it having her as a coach! I feel like I’ve made so much progress with her. A few months ago running a marathon seemed so intimidating but with Elaina’s help I feel so much more confident that I’m going to not only reach my goals, but exceed them. She’s done a great job of giving me workouts that push me while still being attainable. She is also so quick to respond whenever I message her and she often reaches out just to check in and see how I’m feeling/how a run went. I really appreciate all of her help and support and if you’re thinking about getting a coach I definitely recommend Elaina!
Maria Romero –
I’ve been working with Elaina for two months now, and I can’t say enough good things about her! I spent a year getting back into running on my own and saw plenty of progress. In two months training with Elaina though I’ve seen much more progress much faster than ever on my own! My mile run time is already two minutes faster than when we started. She’s incredibly kind, responsive, respectful and friendly. We had a consultation before I signed up where she answered all my questions and we chatted about her coaching style and what I was hoping for from a coach. I’m so excited to see how the rest of the year goes working with her. Every question I’ve had she’s been happy to answer. I really can’t recommend Team Run Run and Elaina more!
Elizabeth Luzum –
I have had a few coaches and i am extremely satisfied with how responsive elaina is to commenting on my workouts, answers to my questions, and new and reviewed information helpful for my runs! Although i have done a few marathons, i ALWAYS appreciate feedback. I will enjoy my path leading up to my next big race with Elaina!
Meaghan Donahue –
I love working with Elaina!! She is really responsive and organized, and very easy to talk to! I love how she breaks down workouts/explains the purpose behind each activity while keeping it fun. She has also provided a wealth of knowledge regarding fueling during runs and incorporating cross-training. I highly recommend her!!
Azadeh Barzideh –
When I started with Elaina as my coach, I already had a failed running experience using the Couch to 5K app and I wasn’t sure if running is my thing. But with Elaina’s planning and encouragement, I feel confident that my goals are achievable. Elaina is always ready to answer any questions I have and is eager to know how each run of mine feels like which is an attitude toward exercise that I truly admire. I’m a type of person that is consistent with my practice when someone is watching me and encouraging me which is the coaching style Elaina has for me. I definitely recommend Elaina to all who doubt if they should start running and whether they can keep up.
Jessica Li –
Elaina is a wonderful coach! She’s incredibly responsive, always answering my questions and being super timely with plans and plan adjustments. She’s super knowledgeable about all things running from tempo workouts to aerobic base building to injury recovering to stretching. I highly recommend Elaina!