Kelsey McGill – Bend Running Coach
50% off your 1st month! Specialties: Beginner and advanced; Road, trail, and ultrarunning; Process-oriented coaching; Holistic coaching
From: $110.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Running Coach Description
Bend running coach Kelsey McGill has 10+ years of experience in coaching all levels and ages of runners, specializing in trail running and ultrarunning, as well as incorporating strength training. Kelsey also offers in-person sessions in addition to online coaching. Ready to get started? Reach out to Kelsey below!
Please reach out if finances are a barrier or concern – we will find a way to work together.
*** 50% off First Month for month-to-month Coaching – Coupon Code: 50%mcgill ***
Specialties
- Process-oriented coaching
- New to trail and/or ultramarathon running
- Advanced athletes for trail and/or ultrarunning
- Returning to running after an injury or extended break
- Road running distances (5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon)
- Mountain running and races
- Running-specific strength-training for injury prevention and early intervention
- Nutrition and hydration strategies
- Mental skills training
- Race and crew logistics
- Gear knowledge
Philosophy
Hello and I’m glad you’re here!
Before I dive into my experience, I believe it’s important to share that just because I’m a runner doesn’t mean that everything that works for me will work for you. I say that because I highly value the collaborative process of coaching and your feedback is of utmost importance to me. I acknowledge that balancing the many demands of life can be a constant juggle and I empathize deeply with this. The hope is to routinely communicate with the athlete on what is and isn’t working in training/coaching and modify to be supportive to your lifestyle. I will maintain to keep your goals and perspective at the forefront to keep running healthy, fun, and meaningful in your life.
Coaching Experience
I’ve been coaching for 10+ years in multiple capacities and I have worn many hats as a coach. I’ve worked closely with beginners to advanced athletes in addition to a wide age range from young children to 70+ years old. I work with individuals as well as groups. I also currently coach high school cross-country.
Additionally, I am a Certified Coaches Collective Coach which is a certification that provides psychologically-informed skills to support the unique needs of athlete mental & emotional well-being.
About Me
“Quirky. Food-motivated. Compassionate” – actual words from dog describing me
I absolutely love running and have been running for 20+ years. I started on the track & cross-country teams in middle school and found an incredible community through this which I believe is key for thriving in this sport. I eventually found myself trail-running for longer distances and really enjoying running the 50k-100 mile distances. I will often run shorter races and this can significantly contribute to VO2 max and lactate threshold – more on nerding about that later 🙂 Ultrarunning has been my focus for the past 7 years which piqued my curiosity while thru-hiking the PCT in 2017. When I’m able to, I opt to thru- or section-hike, and when I’m homebound, I’m usually training for races with my pup Oliver!
Big Influences
I’m a big fan of David and Megan Roche who embody a very process-oriented approach to running in order to reach the results you’re hoping for. These individuals have certainly shaped my coaching style and my own relationship to running! We all deserve to bet on ourselves!
Race History
- NorCal Last Person Standing Backyard Ultra
- Rogue Gorge Half Marathon (1st female, 2025)
- Perpetua Coast 20 miler (3rd female, 2025)
- Lake Sonoma 100mi (3rd female, 2025)
- Cape Mountain 20mi (4th female, 2025)
- White River 50mi (3rd female, 2025)
- Bigfoot 200 mile
- Hood Hundred 100 miler
- Siskiyou Out and Back 50k
- Sisters Country 50k
- Gorge Waterfalls 50k
- Siuslaw Dunes 50k (1st female, 2024)
- Whitefish Trail Legacy Run 50k (3rd female, 2023)
- Twilight 12 hour
- Sun Mountain 50k & 50 miler
- Behind the Rocks 50k (5th female, 2023)
- Across the Years 6 hrs (2nd female, 2023)
- Blue Mountain Trail Race 30k (1st female, 2022)
- Yakima Skyline 50k
- Salt Flats Endurance Runs 100 mile (5th female, 2021)
- Ancient Lakes 50k (5th female, 2020)
- Chuckanut 50k
- Orcas Island 50k
- Cutthroat Classic
- Javelina Jundred 100 mile
- Teanaway 100 mile
- Crazy Mountain 100 mile
- Bend Marathon
Certifications
- Certified Coaches Collective Coach – A training that provides psychologically-informed skills to support the unique needs of athlete mental & emotional well-being
- Certified Ultrarunning Coach through UESCA
- 200 hour Registered Yoga Instructor
- M.A. in Counselor Education
- B.S. in Expeditionary Studies
Publications
Contact Kelsey
43 reviews for Kelsey McGill – Bend Running Coach
Jonathan Piazza –
Kelsey has provided me with exactly what I needed: accountability and structure. As a father of two, busy job, kids’ sports, etc., running was hard to prioritize. I had some spring races I wanted to sign up for and wanted some coaching leading into my race season. Kelsey’s provided me with structure that works within the time commitment window i gave her. I’ve felt my fitness return and am excited to race knowing I’ve put in some structured work. As a runner that’s done ultras for the last 5 years, i highly recommend Kelsey if you want some structure to take the thinking out of training.
Jeff Hay –
As a newcomer to trail running, Kelsey has been the perfect coach for me. She’s a great listener and knows how to share her expertise with a beginner in a way that makes me feel confident in my running journey. I love working toward a goal (Smith Rock 50k) and having Kelsey in my corner will make this a reality! I highly recommend Kelsey for anyone looking to improve their running and have fun at the same time:)
Logan Vaverek –
Kelsey has far exceeded my expectations for a running coach. I couldn’t imagine someone better to have in your corner while you train for and chase whatever goals you have at any point in life. Kelsey is an incredibly dedicated coach, beyond impressive athlete, and above all a really really good human being. I cant wait to take on the next training block with her as my coach!
Makai Bradley –
I came to Kelsey feeling stagnant in my running and unsure of how to keep progressing, and trying to manage recurring injury flare-ups on my own. Kelsey has been an incredible communicator, even when she’s out chasing her own running goals. She has been able to juggle my constantly changing work schedule, major life events throwing a wrench into my training plans, illness, preventing any injury flare-ups, and all the while keeps me steadily improving. Not only that though, I’m finding myself looking forward to my training every day, and finding even more enjoyment in my running than before!
Ryan Marquardt –
Working with Kelsey has been great! She’s really helped me gain back fitness and feel much more confident for an upcoming spring road marathon and also with longer term training for a trail ultra this summer. Kelsey is very supportive in terms of overall encouragement and also responsive to making training schedules work to fit with other aspects of life. She’s already helped me troubleshoot calorie and electrolyte intake to avoid hitting the wall on long runs! She’s super knowledgeable, has great positive energy, and embraces all the weirdness and wonderfulness of ultra running! I’m looking forward to the races on my calendar knowing that she’s in my corner.
OldManOlson –
Kelsey Kelsey Kelsey,
What can I say about our short 2 months together. Coach Kelsey has shown me the power of slow and low and how being patient will have it rewards. Under her guidance I have been able to do things that I had not even considered possible. Things like rekindle a friendship with a treadmill, incline training and something about letting my cake bake!! I should just drop the mic now. I have never met some one so down the earth and easy to talk to. Our relationship is in it’s infancy right now but I could not be happier. Excited to she what she can pull out of this old man. Definitely will follow with a review in June and I am sure I will have a lot more to say.
Michael Duprey –
Kelsey is an absolutely stellar running coach!
I am not a natural athlete. I barely every moved my body at all until I turned 30. I stumbled my way through self-training for many years. After running a few ultras and being in the back of the pack, and knowing that my goals for the next year are ambitious, I knew I needed to work with a professional. How lucky was I that I found Kelsey! I was inspired by her impressive record of ultras, and was convinced to work with her through the empathy she expressed in her video and profile.
I can confidently say that she walks the walk (runs the run?) She is empathetic, knowledgeable, and a fantastic cheerleader!
Since I started working with her, I have been running stronger and more efficiently than ever before. It’s like a magic pill. If you’re searching and aren’t sure who to go with, look no further!
Alex Schwarzkopf –
Kelsey McGill is an excellent coach. She offers helpful, relevant advice and discussion on all topics in coaching calls. Her discussion points exhibit her dedication to helping others to achieve their potential in the sport. Her achievements as a top ultra-endurance athlete and backcountry boss strengthen her position, demonstrating knowledge of issues and available solutions learned through her own experience. Likewise, her attention to personal style and taste, knowledge about nutrition and hydration and general elements of running technique to focus on all make her approach easy to assimilate into in order to establish necessary trust for success. I highly recommend Kelsey McGill. Peace.
Kaileigh Fratus –
I had to switch to Kelsey after a different, less-than-ideal coaching experience and I wish I worked with Kelsey from the beginning! She’s so committed and wants to see you excel – no matter the goal. I will absolutely be working with her again in the future and plan to recommend her to anyone looking for a coach, especially for those aiming to tackle something in the ultra space. She’s flexible, caring, and knows what she is talking about. Truly the best!
Taylar Wilson –
Kelsey is so amazing! I was looking for a coach who could help me train for my first 50k while also allowing me to be flexible and make time for other hobbies. She is so supportive, I really enjoy all of the workouts, and I felt so prepared for my races. She is super responsive if I ever have quick questions about a workout and always has helpful tips about nutrition. This was the first time I’ve had a running coach, and it’s been such a great experience! I’m super excited to keep working with Kelsey and train for more races!!
Morgan Oyster-Sands –
I decided to work with Kelsey because I had taken a few years off from long distance running and I was experiencing some challenges I couldn’t figure out on my own. Kelsey gave me advice right away that effected my running positively. If you want a totally positive feedback mirror held up to you, Kelsey is the coach for you! I just ran my first 50K in 6 years and met all my goals!
Trisha Mernitz –
After running for years and becoming frustrated with my lack of progress, I decided to look for a running coach for the first time to help me train for a race that will be considerably harder than any others I’ve done before. Kelsey is exactly what I was looking for – she’s helped me get more consistent in my training and the strengthening exercises she includes have really made a difference!! She’s so knowledgeable and explains the “why” behind things. She’s been amazing with making adjustments and helping me work through an injury. For the first time in MANY years I am seeing and feeling progress with my running and it motivates me to keep going, which is exactly what I needed. Kelsey even cheers me on for the races I’ve had leading up to the big challenge!!
Ella Mallory –
Oh goodness, I’m not sure where to start! As someone who is completely new to ultra running and wanted to sign up for my first 50 mile race, I knew I would need some help training. I’m so so glad I came across Kelsey and knew as soon as we started talking on the phone that she was going to be a great fit. Kelsey is incredibly kind, patient, motivating and the best person to have cheering you on! Her advice is so good in terms of nutrition, strength, and everything body and mind. I always look forward to our coaching calls because I leave feeling so so motivated to complete this race. Thank you for everything Kelsey. I’m so grateful to have found you!!
Chris –
Kelsey is awesome to work with, she is super knowledgeable and the timely feedback is awesome. I can puts something in my post run notes and the next day I will have an email from her asking what happened or giving encouragement. I love that she breaks everything down for learning. I love seeing the the progress that I am making and looking forward to seeing the future results.
Richard C –
I decided to get a coach for my first 50k race. I wanted to gain key insights on conditioning, strength training, and just ask questioins from a reliable source. Coach Kelsey has met those needs and more. She is helpful, truly invested in my race and conditioning, and just fun to talk with. I feel lucky to have found her. I recommend her to anyone needing to up their run game.
Nick –
I’ve been running distance for over a decade and Kelsey is my first time working with a coach. She has been exactly what I hoped for and more — deeply curious about my pre-existing habits and reasons for running, and then developing training methodologies tailored to my upcoming race. She’s consistent and reliable, our bi-weekly check-in’s are never missed, and she’s always available for further convos beyond those touchpoints. I’m learning new training techniques from her, and she is able to answer my questions with a depth and confidence that relieves that classic runner’s burden of wondering if you’re following the right training plan. She has also done a great job at flexibly adapating my training schedule to map to my spiky work schedule.
I would absolutely encourage anyone looking to level up their running game to work with Kelsey!
Rachel Mann –
As a relatively new runner being coached for the first time, I feel really lucky that I found Kelsey. She is kind, empathetic, and encouraging. She understands when I have had to adapt the program because of life demands or (unfortunately) injury, and has given me pointers that have helped me increase my distance and endurance with confidence. I’ve learned a lot about what I’m capable of in a short time! It’s really great to have Kelsey in my corner, and I look forward to working on new goals together. ❤️
Magen Lowry –
I’ve even working with Kelsey for a little over 3 months and it’s been such a joy! Kelsey is so incredibly kind and encouraging. I’ve been working through an injury and she’s been on top of check-is and adjustments to my training my plan. I appreciate how empathetic and positive she’s been through this experience. This is my first experience working with a coach and Kelsey’s been a dream. She’s a badass crushing inspiring distances in her own running while being the best cheerleader and mentor for my goals. Stoked to keep working with her.
Else Trygstad-Burke –
Kelsey is an absolutely wonderful coach! I feel so lucky to have come across her and to be able to work with her. I very much appreciate her holistic approach to running. I was nervous to come back to running because of injuries over the years, and I’ve miraculously stayed pain-free and injury-free for the entire duration of my training plan due to the thoughtfulness and expertise that she applies to crafting the workout plans. Her knowledge of sports psychology is such a great asset, as she is able to help support athletes through the many mental blocks that can take place during training. Her willingness to adapt training plans around a busy schedule is so helpful, too! I highly recommend Kelsey!
Michael A. Tucker –
After failing miserably at Comrades this year I was searching for a coach with marathon/ultra experience to get me back on track and help me get this old beat up body back into running shape to not only run but race my next marathon or ultra and with Kelsey I found the perfect match. Working shift work and having had a few operations over the past 10 years, I didn’t have many weeks running more than a few times and only averaging about 40km a week. Kelsey really listened and has made me feel like a runner again. I haven’t felt this good in 10 years! Thanks Kelsey
Debi VanDerMolen –
After years of running, this is my first time working with a coach. Kelsey is exceeding my expectations. She listens to me and is very knowledgeable in all areas of running. Having Kelsey in my life saves me so much time and gives me peace of mind that I am training correctly. Her encouragement and expertise have been a blessing!
Harrison –
Kelsey was a very supportive and positive influence on me. She would always have an answer and in depth explanation for every question I could think to ask, and always very timely in her responses. I enjoyed benefitting from her services as my running coach, and would absolutely encourage anyone thinking about upping their running game to give her some serious consideration. Thank you, Kelsey!
Kyra –
Working with Kelsey has been amazing- she is such a kind, genuine human being who really cares about her athletes and takes great care in getting to know them. She really took the time to get to know my history and tailored my training plan carefully to fit my schedule and my current limitations. I have been returning from a long break from an injury and working with her has not only helped me get back to running safely, but also increased my motivation and confidence in running again. She is super supportive, patient, and always brings a very warm and welcoming energy to our coaching calls. She is very knowledgeable about the sport and happy to answer any questions. She has been so flexible with me along the way as well as I have adjusted certain goals and I feel so supported by her. She is an amazing cheerleader and I look forward to continuing to work with her as I work towards some of my bigger goals!
Krystal Alexander –
Hands down, Kelsey is the most kind, supportive, responsive and knowledgeable running coach I’ve worked with. Her level of detail in running workouts, warm-ups, and strength training have made an incredible difference in my training and overall progression.
Kelsey is very easy to communicate with and extremely helpful in planning, setting goals, and assists in overcoming any fears. She is truly such a kind person and I’m very thankful I choose to work with her!
Allison A –
Kelsey is the absolute best! I have been a runner for 20+ years but was relatively new to the trail and ultra world when I started working with Kelsey. She took the time to really understand my athletic background, my recent training, my time/lifestyle constraints, and goals. She designed training that met me where I was and helped me work on some of my weaknesses more consistently. She is extremely supportive, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about trail running! Her guidance has helped me tremendously not just in training but with all aspects of nutrition and recovery. Since working with Kelsey, I’ve been able to put in some of my most consistent training ever and complete my first 50k! I cannot recommend Kelsey highly enough!
Jillian –
Kelsey is the first coach I’ve ever worked with and I’m having the best time! She is a great listener and always responds timely to my questions and comments. She’s great at taking in to account life outside of running and tweaking my schedule to fit my needs. And I’m learning so much!
Janae Langlois –
Kelsey is amazing and so easy to work with! She is a great listener and communicator. I feel she really invests in each of her runners by getting to know their running histories and current situations. She creates plans based on current goals/needs, and follows up about how the workouts go, tweaking the plan as necessary. The coaching calls are fun and informative, as she’s willing to answer any and every running-related question as best as she can while also offering helpful resources. If you want a coach who is attentive and always encouraging, I highly recommend working with Kelsey!
Fiona –
Kelsey is all-time! I decided to find a coach to train for my first 50k and getting to work with Kelsey has been a game changer. She’s thoughtful, supportive, and positive while also pushing me toward excellence—whatever that might look like on any given day. Her focus on not only the physical, but also the mental side of trail running has been enormously helpful as I’ve worked toward longer distances and greater overall volume. With Kelsey’s guidance I started my 50k feeling confident that I had put in the work to have a good day, and I ended the race knowing that all the preparation had absolutely paid off. Cannot recommend Kelsey enough as a coach!
ld –
If you’re looking for a coach who understands that you’re a human and not just a running machine, I can’t recommend Kelsey highly enough. She’s knowledgeable, kind, and conscientious. As an amateur ultra runner who wanted to feel more confident in my train-up this seasons, I’ve thrown every question at Kelsey (program design, nutrition, gear, etc.), and she’s lit my way every time. If you’re stressing about which coach to choose, stop stressing — Kelsey’s everything a beginner could hope for and more.
Jamie –
Kelsey is great! Very easy to communicate with and provides a very comprehensive plan. It’s awesome that she tailors my plan to accommodate my busy race schedule as I tend to do a lot of mid distance racing, mostly trails and OCR. She also provides excellent insight into related topics such as supplement use. Overall I am very happy with Kelsey as my coach and I would highly recommend!
Paya –
I came to running with no experience and started from scratch. Kelsey has so much patience and warmth and builds a training plan that is sustainable but still challenging and achieving progress. Kelsey creates a safe environment to ask all the questions and listens to all concerns and meets me where I’m at while helping me reach my goals and stay injury free. Kelsey motivates and encourages me and her voice is so worm and welcoming! I’m so grateful for Kelsey!
Ellen J –
Working with Kelsey has been, hands down, the best decision I’ve made during my running journey as I train for my first 50k. First of all, she is just an incredible human being, and is a joy to work with. She brings a really warm and supportive energy that helped me feel instantly comfortable and motivated. As a coach she is genuinely invested in my goals, progress, and success, and I love that she focuses on both the mental and physical aspects of running. Not only that, but she is so knowledgeable about every aspect of running—from training plans and gear, to nutrition, recovery, mindset, etc. It’s clear that she really loves what she does and she brings so much expertise and thoughtfulness to every single one of our coaching calls. After only a few months of working with Kelsey, I feel stronger than ever as a runner and am excited about chasing goals that I once thought were out of reach. Kelsey is also incredibly responsive and is always available to answer questions, tweak plans, or just provide encouragement on tough days. I can’t wait to see how far I can go with her in my corner!
Kaeley M –
I came across Kelsey’s coaching after training for a race with an AI based running plan. During that race (before working with Kelsey) I can honestly say that while I had achieved my time goal in the race, I was facing burnout from trying to keep up with the terminology, and projected paces. I would get so confused about what my target pace/ zones/ efforts were that I spent at least half of the runs trying to come to peace with the fact that while I was following the plan, I wasn’t ever feeling confident.
It shouldn’t be a shock to learn that when I started working with Kelsey, it was a totally new world. She asked about my lifestyle, family, and goals, she asked how my lifestyle, and environment change on daily and weekly basis….shocker, I wasn’t just a cog on a machine, and I was learning to love the time I was setting aside for myself. Kelsey has made me training and strength plans that have helped to make me stronger each week both physically and mentally. She has also been so kind and flexible with my many, many questions of how to complete a workout, or how to work on an aches and pains as they have come along. She has also helped me to massively improve my running fitness and I can honestly say that this is the most consistent I have ever been in my running in my life, and that is with the busiest schedule I have ever had.
Thank you Kelsey for your expertise, your patience, your confidence in me as a runner and human. And thank you for the opportunity to work with you!
Doug Palmer –
I had a decent running career/habit in my 30s-40s. Then I hit 50s and had a run of health challenges and injuries. I tried to work my own way back only to quit with frustration. I was convinced my running days were over.
I started working with Kelsey however and she helped to put spring back into my step, literally. She knows exactly how to ease in a runner – and, I’m basically starting from zero. I not only feel great physically but she’s helped me rediscover a joy in running. I went from thinking I’d never run a 5k again to planning for a marathon. Amazing! I’d highly recommend her for beginners but I’m so
Impressed by her range of knowledge and I expect experienced runners will benefit too.
Erin D –
Kelsey is an amazing coach and cheerleader. Her expert knowledge, personalized approach, and unwavering support have transformed my running experience.
If you’re seeking someone who can elevate your running experience and help you achieve your goals, I wholeheartedly recommend her.
Hannah Newberry –
I have loved being coached by Kelsey. She’s such a wonderful mix of challenging me while cheering me along the entire way. She’s helped me adapt to different training runs and answered all of my many questions. While I love running, it’s not my entire life. Kelsey understands that and adapts training to what works for my schedule. This has been so valuable to me as I get to do all the things now. I’m a better athlete & happier person for it.
Jake Gerstenberger –
Kelsey has been the perfect coach. Some people require more patience and others and I lean towards the more side. She helped build my strength and recover from a previous injury that took me out for several weeks. From there it’s been measurable progress and noticeable results. Kelsey is a great coach and has a very personal approach.
Douglas Ragan –
I wanted an experienced coach who would help me chart a path for my first 50K. Kelsey has been there throughout my training with knowledge and support. She understands that at 68, I am not your typical aspiring ultra-marathoner. So she has adapted programs and schedules several times to accommodates issues that develop. I am confident, with Kelsey’s help, that we’re going to do this!
Arlee Hiskey –
I flipping love working with Kelsey! She is such a rockstar!! She is so so encouraging and is always helping me work through minor lil training and injury freak outs with lots of good ideas, encouragement, and research backed knowledge! She is so responsive to my wants and needs in the training blocks while still helping me put in the WERK! I’m so stoked to be coached by Kelsey!!
Denise Dicks –
After a year of arch issues that curtailed my training, I was fortunate to find Kelsey who created a safe and measured plan to get me back on the trails. I was immediately drawn in by her compassionate and easy going manner. (Watch her video. It’s the best!) From our first conversation, she made clear that I held the agency in our relationship – and in my training – and she would be guided by the style of coaching that best served me.
I am especially grateful for her support when it seemed that ITB issues would become another nagging issue to keep me from running. Her plan of strength work and treadmill run got me back on the trails in less than a month, which feels nothing short of miraculous!
Leslie Howe –
I’ve loved working with Kelsey, she’s so knowledgeable and responsive! I had a race just a couple of weeks after I started working with her and even on such a short timetable she was able to give me some nutrition help that was invaluable. She continues to push me and help me not only train in a healthy way but know what my body needs and respond to it. She’s also such a positive and kind person and truly a joy to get to chat with 🙂
Anna Raymaker –
I opted to work with Kelsey because her training philosophy resonated with me – like her, I really appreciate the process of training, learning from every training experience, and using these experiences to delve deeper into the sport (and even explore new sports and experiences!) She understands and supports you in your own individual running journey, and she offers helpful guidance when you’re not sure what to do. I also appreciate that she offers a fresh perspective, and she has allowed me to get out of my head a bit, and more into just simply enjoying running. Thanks Kelsey!
Amy Schuster –
Kelsey is, at baseline, just a super human. She understands running, but she also understands people and meets you where you’re at, helping you gain traction to reach more than just your running goals. I love that she is so committed to my whole health, because running isn’t always just about putting those shoes on.
I love that I have Kelsey for life and running!