Leah Pan – Washington, DC Running Coach
From: $80.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Busy Life. Big Goals. Better Training. Whether it’s your first race or your fastest yet, I build custom training plans that fit into your real life—not the other way around. Let’s bring back the joy in running, even when life is busy.
Description
Washington, DC running coach Leah Pan helps busy runners, particularly with young families, getting back into it. She focuses on balancing life, training, work and family responsibilities. Reach out to Leah below to get started!
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate
TYPES: Road, Trail
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra
TRAINING PLATFORM: Steady State
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited phone, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Washington, DC
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
- Postpartum and return to running after illness/break
- Road running distances (5k, 10k, 10 miler, half marathon, full marathon)
- Trail and ultramarathon for beginners
- Running- specific strength and mobility training for injury prevention
- Mental skills and mindset training
PHILOSOPHY
Running is more than just a sport—it’s a powerful tool for personal growth, balance, and well-being. I believe that every runner, no matter their pace or experience, deserves to find joy and fulfillment in their journey. Especially for busy parents, running can be a sacred time to reconnect with themselves, build strength, and nurture mental clarity amidst life’s demands.
My approach emphasizes sustainable progress, injury prevention, and celebrating every milestone, big or small. I’m passionate about helping runners set realistic goals, build confidence, and discover the runner within, whether training for their first race or chasing a personal best.
Running is a lifelong journey of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment—and I’m here to guide and support every step of that path.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
Self coached from a 5k to completing three 100 milers. New to run coaching, but was a certified personal trainer before having a family.
ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Leah Pan—a certified run coach, endurance athlete, and a mom who knows firsthand how hard it can be to make time for yourself. I started running after college, just to see if I could finish a 5K. Since then, I’ve crossed over 150 finish lines, from 5Ks to 100-milers and learned so much about myself along the way.
Running has been my anchor through life’s chaos, a space where I can breathe, reset, and feel strong. That’s exactly what I want to help other parents —especially with young kids—find through coaching. Whether you’re brand-new to running, getting back into it, or chasing a new goal, I’m here to support you with realistic training that fits your life—not the other way around.
My style is all about encouragement, consistency, and celebrating every win (big or small). We’ll focus on sustainable progress, strength, and mindset—so you can not only hit your goals but feel great doing it.
BIG INFLUENCES
My coaching style is deeply influenced by strong, resilient women who embody grit, balance, and authenticity. I draw daily inspiration from elite athletes like Des Linden and Sara Hall, whose tenacity and consistency remind me that progress is built over time, and Kara Goucher, whose advocacy and transparency reflect the power of showing up fully—in sport and in life.
Equally influential are the everyday mom athletes I’ve trained with, cheered on, and learned from—women balancing family, work, and the pursuit of personal goals. Their determination, time-stretched miles, and celebration of small wins fuel my belief that running is for every stage of life.
RACING HISTORY
I wasn’t born a runner—in fact, I failed the mile in high school gym class. But something clicked years later when I laced up for my first 5K in 2006. Since then, I’ve run over 150 races, from 5Ks to 100 milers. As a mom of young kids, I’ve trained through naptimes, early mornings, and chaos to complete three 100-mile ultramarathons. Running became more than a sport—it’s been my anchor, my outlet, and a reminder that strength isn’t about speed, it’s about showing up. Every mile has taught me that transformation is possible at any stage of life.
CERTIFICATIONS
- Level 1 Run Coach Certification-RRCA
- Masters in Public Health- The George Washington University
- Bachelors in Psychology, Minor in Exercise Science- The George Washington University
PRs
- 5K: 22:41 (5/11/25) Tricia Davis 5K for Sinai House, 3rd Female
- 10K: 49:56 (12/22/12) Christmas Caper DC
- 10 Miler: 1:20:00 (4/5/25) Cherry Blossom 10 Miler
- Half Marathon: 1:49:12 (4/28/13) Nike Women’s Half Marathon
- Marathon: 3:54:52 (10/12/14) Chicago Marathon
- 50K: 5:22:17 (12/19/15) The Seashore Nature Trail 50K
- 50 Miler: 12:35:14 (4/9/16) Bull Run Run 50 Miler
- 100k: 16:37:36 (3/12/16) Thomas Jefferson 100K
- 24 Hour: 22:40:02 (3/8/25) Crooked Road 24 Hour Ultra, 1st Overall, 100.34 miles
- 100 Miler: 23:14:19 (11/12/22) Tunnel Hill 100
CONTACT LEAH
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.
SOCIAL
Kelley –
Coach Leah has been instrumental in getting me moving again consistently and without injury. She has taken the time to listen to my goals, my thoughts on the training and how I’m feeling to make sure she’s adjusting my plan accordingly. She is very hands on which is exactly what I need right now! I would recommend Coach Leah to any of my family or friends looking to get into or back into running.