Lora Jackson-Orr – Scottsdale Running Coach
From: $150.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Holistic training to develop the whole athlete and have you smiling across the finish line no matter the size of the goal you achieved.
Description
Scottsdale running and triathlon coach Lora Jackson-Orr specializes in the 5k through the marathon, as well as coaching for triathlons from the sprint or Olympic distance through the full Ironman. She emphasizes proper nutrition for athletes as well as strength, cross-training, and/or stretching when possible to stay-injury free.
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate
TYPES: Road, Trail, Track
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: Final Surge
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 48 hours
LOCATION: Scottsdale, AZ
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only.
SPECIALTIES
I love to train athletes of all ages, from beginners to experienced, in the 5k through the marathon. I also offer coaching in triathlons from the sprint or Olympic distance through the full Ironman. I put emphasis on proper nutrition for athletes as well as incorporating strength, cross-training, and/or stretching when possible to stay-injury free.
I have experience with:
- New Runners/Triathletes
- Experienced Runners/Triathletes wanting to set a PR or qualify for a dream race
- Nutrition plans for workouts, pre-race, and during races
- Intermittent fasting while training
- Training through pregnancy
- Masters Plans (training strong at age 50+)
- Incorporating strength or cross training
- Chi Running Technique; in particular downhill running
PHILOSOPHY
I believe that the unique bond that develops between coach and athlete is one of the most important aspects of coaching. Mentoring, encouragement, accountability, and even friendship are aspects that make it great. A good coach believes you can do things you don’t yet know you can do and sticks with you through the ups and downs of training. A good coach also takes the challenge of meeting each athlete where they are seriously, being tuned-in and responsive to each athletes’ needs. One of my favorite parts of coaching is “getting an athlete” and helping him or her establish and maintain new training habits that often lead to positive lifestyle changes!
I incorporate aspects of Jack Daniels, Chi Running (Danny Dreyer), Matt Fitzgerald’s 80/20 Running, and Joe Friel’s Triathlon training techniques.
Working with me includes:
- Weekly check-ins (phone or Zoom) and unlimited texts/emails
- Nutritional guidance (if desired)
- Cross-training advice (if desired)
COACHING EXPERIENCE
For 12 years, I coached high school distance track. Coaching a team of 30 runners in 3 different events (800, 600, and 3200) helped me learn to assess the needs of each athlete and customize and adjust workouts as much as possible. I charted each athlete’s progress and P.R.s, helped them set new goals, led race visualizations, and advised them on optimal nutrition. While I love team coaching, I most enjoy personal coaching and being able to focus on the individual and customizing a plan that is just right for each athlete.
ABOUT ME
I was a Spanish teacher, a High School Counselor, and then a Middle School Principal. When our youngest headed to college 3 years ago, it seemed like perfect timing to embark on a new journey! First, my husband and I traveled to all lower 48 states in our van; biking, trail-running, hiking, and golfing along the way. We even incorporated a stop to cheer on one of my athletes at Ironman Indiana. At the end of the “van-year”, we decided to split our time between two great states, Arizona and Washington. Meanwhile, coaching with TRR for the last 3.5 years has been an absolute blast and the perfect way to build relationships with athletes all around the US!
BIG INFLUENCES
At various stages in my own training, I had private coaches and group coaching as part of local running and triathlon clubs. Being coached has helped me improve different aspects of my own training and performance and has also helped me hone in my own coaching approach. Most of all, my coaches taught me the importance of listening to and being in-tune to the needs of each athlete and adjusting plans accordingly to make sure you feel confident and successful.
RACING HISTORY
High school track was my introduction to racing. I competed in the Idaho State Track meet in the 800 and 4X 400 relay. I later played collegiate volleyball at Eastern Connecticut. I ran my first marathon at age 25 (without following a plan and without any coaching). It didn’t go terribly smoothly, to say the least, but I reckoned to do it again with a better game plan. Since then, I have completed 19 marathons, including Boston, NYC, and Chicago. Apparently I didn’t learn my lesson because when I wandered onto the triathlon scene, I again did my first couple of triathlons with no game plan to speak of and struggled. But I was determined, studied the sport, became disciplined with my training, and eventually qualified for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii as well as the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Las Vegas, Mont Tremblant, and Austria.
CERTIFICATIONS
I belong to USATF and USAT and always stay current with my First Aid and CPR.
PRs
- 12K- Bloomsday 2012; Spokane, WA -49:16 (6:36 pace); Age Group Award
- Coeur d’Alene Half-Marathon 2012- 1:27:51 (6:42 pace); Age Group Award
- Seattle Marathon 2012- 3:12:09 (7:20 pace); Age Group Award
- Sprint WunderWoman Triathlon Spokane, WA 2010- 59:32; Overall Winner
- Ironman 70.3 Calgary- 2014- 5:01:59; World Championship 70.3 Qualifier
- Ironman Arizona- 2012- 10:34:56; World Championship Qualifier
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- Coached high school track athletes to wins at the Washington 4A State Track Meet; Named Coach of the Year Wesco Track League.
- All American USAT; 2012-13
- Ironman All World Triathlete; 2012-13
- Boston Marathon Qualifier/Participant; 2006, 2009, 2014
CONTACT LORA
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
Nezha E. –
Lora is an outstanding coach. She provides structured training plans that are both personalized and adaptable, which has really helped me stay consistent and motivated. She listens carefully, understands my goals, and gives the right balance of support and challenge. Since working with her, I’ve felt less stressed and more trusting of my training. Progress is a long journey, but with her coaching, I truly feel I am on the right path.
Theresa Dinh –
New runner here. It’s been great working with Coach Lora!
After running my first half, I was hooked and wanted to continue growing as a runner – progressing while staying injury free! We did exactly that. Starting with returning back to running after my first half, leading into another half marathon, and then the big build to complete my first marathon ever.
No injuries at all throughout training and we incorporated strength straining throughout the whole building block. Whenever there was some “weird niggle”, Coach Lora was there to provide advice and would modify if needed! I also really appreciated her flexibility/accounting for my busy work schedule.
Coach Lora creates workouts that help prepare you – both mentally and physically – for race day. For example, my marathon was on a hilly course (total gain of 1040 feet) – so she incorporated plenty of hill work to get me ready. I honestly have grown so much as a runner this past year working with Coach Lora – it is crazy to look back at all the miles put in and progress made with her help!
Tracie Lindeman –
Lora is a fabulous coach! Having just turned 63, I was not happy with the way I was slowing down. She has helped me get back to where I was timewise and she is endlessly encouraging and helpful. I highly recommend her no matter what your level.
Maggie Smith Chaviano –
Lora is hands down the best coach! I just completed the Boston marathon and I am confident I could not have done it without her. I approached Lora with a little less than three months left in my training, knowing I needed more personal guidance on my plan. I am 43; I hadn’t been working out consistently when I began training and was experiencing some joint pain. Lora listened to my goal – which was to finish the marathon injury free – and attentively monitored my progress each week, layering in alternate workouts, running, and fueling tips each week. I unexpectedly lost my Dad during the experience and she met my grief with empathy and flexibility. I not only finished the marathon feeling great but I beat my last marathon time by five minutes – almost twenty years later. I couldn’t recommend Lora more and hope I have the opportunity to work with her again!
Danny Seliger –
Lora is an awesome coach! I was getting slower… she got me on a great marathon plan and I have been breaking my own PRs over and over. More important a great person! 5⭐️
Chris Hummel –
I have really enjoyed and benefited from Lora’s coaching. She has been helping me since my return to running after an 8 year hiatus. Over the past 5 months I have been able to build up more mileage and speed than I expected that I would be able to at this point, all while staying free of injuries. Lora’s a great coach, I would certainly recommend her to anyone looking to take their running to the next level.
Taylor Rogers –
Lora is an amazing coach. She helped me through a pulled muscle injury and taught me to listen to my body. She is helping me train for a full marathon and I couldn’t be happier with her coaching! I am a better athlete because of her!
Shara Miller –
My Journey to a Boston Qualifier
When I first approached Lora with the ambitious goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, I was skeptical about whether I was capable. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated an incredible blend of technical expertise, empathy, and strategic planning that made me believe in my potential.
Each week, she analyzed my performance data and adjusted my training plan. When I struggled with a particular workout or showed signs of fatigue, she would modify the program to prevent burnout while still pushing me towards my goals. Her encouragement is a consistent blend of tough motivation and gentle.
For anyone hoping to transform their training or reach a goal, Lora is a great match.
Kasi Smith –
Lora Jackson is the best out there! I have been working with her for only a few months and with her knowledge, encouragement and training plan I am running faster than ever before. She is always checking in and brings a smile to my face. So grateful to have her!!
Karen Barger –
Lora has been a great coach! Although I am not new to running and have qualified for and run Boston, it has been a few years. With a BQ in my goals, Lora is helping me with drills and a structured plan to get me there. Lora works with you to personalize your program to your needs and goals and is super responsive and encouraging! I highly recommend Lora!
Tim Rogers –
Lora has been a great coach! I came with several years and marathons of racing experience but had never ran with any type of structured program. Lora helped to create such a program for me which has helped in overcoming my own personal running plateaus. She has a great source of information and positive energy almost every day and, let’s face it, with how often running sucks, and we all need all the encouragement we can get!
Irving Calderon –
Lora is amazing. I went from zero running to running 10 miles a week. She helped me get through my shin splints, the main reason I couldn’t get into running before. Now I’m preparing for a marathon, which is something I could not say without her guidance.
She gives clear detailed workout instructions. Superb communication skills, encouraging, and straightforward. Having her as a coach is a game changer. I highly recommend Lora as your new coach.
Jennifer Cleland –
I never thought I would be a runner again but with the exceptional support and coaching I have received from Lora, miracles can happen! I tried exercising on my own with little to no success. Frustrated and defeated, I turned to Lora, and the difference was night and day! From the beginning she has always made me feel like my goals were attainable. I have gone from barely walking to running over 6 miles at a time in a matter of a few months. My goal to run a half (and eventually a full) marathon feels obtainable; this is a direct reflection of Lora’s coaching, help, tips, and support. Even when I have a bad day, she is there to help me see the big picture and re-focus on my goals. She answers questions quickly and builds workouts that are both challenging and attainable while greatly increasing my fitness levels….what more can you ask for?
McKenzie Brumet –
Lora is a great coach! I was nervous when I first reached out, but she immediately made me feel at ease and supported in my goals. Lora has great knowledge and she is wonderful at checking in and sharing her wisdom. I’ve been very impressed with how quick Lora is at responding to workout updates or texts. It’s clear she cares about her clients and it’s great knowing she’s there when anything comes up.
My goal with Lora was to run a marathon, which I did! It was a great experience and now I want to continue working with her to improve even more. I very much recommend Lora!
Amanda Miotke –
I signed up for a 70.3 triathlon, this was my first 1/2 ironman so defiantly a beginner. Lora Jackson was recommended to me by my sister, I am SO glad she was my coach! Lora’s training plan, guidance and advice is what helped me to complete my goal. I was so nervous on race day but took comfort in knowing Lora helped me to prepare for this and rely on my training. She was patient with my schedule when life got too crazy and would help me adjust workouts to fit my timing. I am looking forward to working with Lora again for the next 70.3 and maybe a marathon in my future.
Meg Skibitsky –
I have loved working with Lora. It had been eight years since my last marathon and I PR’d my last marathon by 35 minutes! She helped me see how strong and resilient I truly am even during times when I was struggling. The training plan she put together was challenging but do-able and took my fitness to the next level. She worked with me using the technology that I was familiar with. I needed to work my training into a pretty busy travel schedule and she was amazing in planning the training around that, often revising the plan. The drills made me so much faster. We incorporated strength and stretching that improved my running form. I had been training using an app for training and am SO glad I splurged on an individual coach. Lora helped me find my inner athlete and I’m so glad she came into my life!
Jeremy Anglin –
Lora is an incredible coach. I reached out to her to re-spark or re-discover my passion for endurance sports. I have been doing endurance sports for over 15 years and felt that I needed some new direction. I have always looked up to Lora, as I am used to seeing her at all of the local races competing or cheering on, and knew that she would be a good fit to help me in my goals. During this most recent training season, Lora laid out a well-thought-out training cycle and workouts. The workouts were new and challenging and took me to a new level with some great discoveries along the way about my strengths and weaknesses. In addition to the workouts, Lora has been an amazing encourager on the side. She celebrated the wins and picked me up when I felt I was struggling. Lora helped me discover and focus on my passions and future goals will be going forward. I now consider her a friend, coach, encourager, and all-around endurance rock star. Whatever level you’re at, beginner or veteran, I’d recommend Lora to give you the challenge and encouragement you need to complete whatever event you’re training for.
lemwin12 –
I have been working with Lora for a few months. I am a 64 year old female with a long history of running, since my 20’s. The technology involved with online coaching is new to me, but I really needed help preparing for the Senior Olympics coming up in May. Lora has been patient with me as I ease back into a training schedule for both running and swimming events. She has been understanding with me about the emotional difficulties that I have sometimes when trying to balance my health and fitness with my mental attitude. She has been super responsive on either email, texts or the final surge app. I would highly recommend Lora to anyone looking for an online coach. The only reason I didn’t give effectiveness 5 stars is because I haven’t yet made it to my main competition, where I hope to see results.
Ioana Lupu –
This is my first time having a running coach. I was not expecting to get such high quality coaching and feel that Lora definitely exceeded my expectations from the get go. Lora is very knowledgeable and always responds right away to my questions and comment. I am very impressed with how quickly she gets back to me. I like her easygoing approach and she has adapted for me to my health challenges and my crazy schedule and the tough weather changes around here. I have absolutely surprised myself with how fast my half marathon time has improved. Fastest time in five years for the same race. I worked hard but it did not feel overwhelming because of Lora’s help. I sense that my running will become even better because of her coaching. Highly recommended.
Kim English –
Lora has been a complete game changer for me. She started me where I needed and I have progressed exactly like she predicted I would. She gives detailed instructions that are easy and straight forward. Her knowledge is undeniable and her willingness to communicate and share information is refreshing and encouraging. She is by far the best online coach a person could hope for and has far exceeded my original expectations of an online trainer. Now I’m ruined! I was fortunate enough to start with the best and the bar has been raised! I would highly recommend Lora to anyone interested in an excellent coach.
Nicole Baune –
Lora Jackson is an incredible coach! I have been very fortunate to work with her this past summer while training for triathlons. I truly feel Lora did everything in her power to make me the best I could possibly be. Her knowledge, experience, and passion for the sport of triathlon is easily recognized in her attention to detail in the training plans she has written for me. Lora implemented highly focused drills throughout workouts that have been extremely beneficial. Most importantly, her communication is better than anyone I have worked with. Lora genuinely cares about her athletes and I hope more athletes have the opportunity to work with her!