Mark Riggs – Pensacola Running Coach
$75.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
50% off your first month! RRCA certified. Pensacola, FL based. Personalized coaching for Beginners to Intermediate. Road, Trail, and Ultramarathon.
Description
Pensacola running coach Mark Riggs specializes in both roads and trails, for those who are either looking to get back into running or bump up in distance to an ultramarathon. Mark also knows how to juggle a busy schedule and will help make adjustments as life happens during training. Reach out to Mark below to get started!
*** 50% off First Month for month-to-month Coaching – Coupon Code: 50%mriggs ***
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate
TYPES: Road, Track, Trail
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra
TRAINING PLATFORM: Final Surge
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited phone, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Pensacola, FL
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
- 5k up to 100-mile Ultramarathon
- Road and Trail Running
- Smart, Flexible training plans that fit busy schedules
- Positive and Constructive feedback
PHILOSOPHY
As athletes, I believe we are all an “experiment of one.” We should utilize proven training methods but also be flexible to allow for each individual’s unique challenges and circumstances. As a coach I want to work cooperatively with YOU to find a plan that gets you excited to go out and run!
Not every race or workout will go as planned. Things happen. Life happens. I want to help you find the positive in the bad times and learn from setbacks. Most importantly, I want to encourage you to take time to enjoy your wins and accomplishments!
COACHING EXPERIENCE
I have led and coached local group training programs. Participants include individuals who are new to running, coming back to running after injury, and people just looking for accountability.
I also coach athletes who are doing everything from training to improve a 1.5-mile PT run all the way to athletes training for upcoming ultramarathons. Reference available by request.
ABOUT ME
I’ve lived in the Pensacola, FL area for most of my life. My day job is working for a local run speciality shop where I’m able to help outfit runners of all levels. I feel fortunate because Pensacola has a great running community and through that community I have made lots of awesome friends!
Most of my training has been for Ultramarathons but I do enjoy running local 5k’s and participating in our Parkrun event. Currently, I’m training for an upcoming 50k trail race and a shorter trail race in north Alabama.
While I love to race, I really enjoy planning self-supported ultra trail runs with friends. Spending the entire day on the trail with friends and ending it with a cold beer is the best!
BIG INFLUENCES
I have many influence, but lately I’ve taken a lot from the work of authors Alex Hutchinson, and Steve Magness. My other influences are too numerous to mention, but they include personal running friends, strength coaches, teachers, and many works by authors and journalist outside the world of running. I feel that as a coach I should always be looking to improve my knowledge, question assumptions, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends. To the best of my ability, I want to make sure that your training is based on science and/or experience and not fads and hacks.
RACING HISTORY
My racing history includes distances from 5k all the way up to 100-miles. Every distance has its challenges and I enjoy training and strategizing for each one. I know what it feels like to train hard to go out and crush a race. I also know what it feels like to train hard and come back with a DNF.
CERTIFICATIONS
- RRCA Level 1
PRs
- 5k 19:43 4/1/2023
- 10k 49:14 4/5/2018
- 15k 1:06:36 2/2/2019 Double Bridge Run, Pensacola FL
- Half Marathon 1:45:35 11/16/2019 (Trail)
- Marathon 3:43:24 11/11/2018 Pensacola Marathon
- 50-Mile 10:28:30 1/15/23 Bear Bait Ultra
- 100k 13:14:18 1/16/2021 Bear Bait Ultra 3rd Place OA
- 100-Mile 28:53:23 3/23/2019 Lake Martin 100
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
I’ve won numerous Age Group awards and placed in the top 3 at races. In February of 2021 I finished as Fastest Male at the Joe Relaxo Challenge. The race requires participants to complete 1 mile every half hour for 24 hours.
CONTACT MARK
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
Shawn –
At age 59, I had the opportunity to run a bucket-list race: The New York City Marathon. Coach Mark was exactly who I needed to run the race I wanted to run. Mark’s enthusiasm, expertise and individualized running program guided my training process and provided much needed accountability. In addition to being flexible with my dynamic work/travel schedule, Mark provided great tips on fueling and hydration that really made a difference. Working with Coach Mark was the absolute best investment and the results were exactly what I asked for during our first exchange: 1. a program of injury free running and 2. the potential of beating my one and only previous marathon time from 1996 (at age 31). Coach Mark’s guidance helped me achieve both goals. Throughout, Coach Mark always emphasized the bigger picture – that the ability to run at any age is something special not to be taken for granted. Great perspective from a great coach!
Danielle Wolfe –
Mark coached me for my 2nd marathon. He is very knowledgable and super supportive! Having a great coach like Mark my corner along this journey was just what I needed. I highly recommend Mark! You will not be disappointed. He provides invaluable feedback and encouragement. I am very grateful to have met Mark and to call him my coach! He’s the best!
Matt Rogers –
As someone with an on again-off again relationship with running, working with Coach Mark has helped my build not only consistency but excitement to get miles in each day. I started running because it always felt easily accessible but felt that it never came easy (and never truly enjoyed it). I would often burn out because of a lack of direction or motivation. I never considered working with a coach until my sister in law gifted me 3 months of working with Mark for Christmas. Now being forced back into running I’ve found that my biggest hurdles in training have become some of my biggest strengths because of Mark. After sharing a couple of goals, he worked with me to set up a training plan that works with my schedule to take all stress of planning off my shoulders. I never thought I’d be excited to open my calendar Sunday evening and see what distances and workouts I have set up for the week but here we are. His trust and belief of what I am capable of achieving and excitement for reaching new goals and milestones has my confidence and motivation at an all time high. Distances and achievements that once seemed ambitious and out of reach now feel attainable. I’m excited to see how much further my feet can take me that I never would have normally considered and fully trust and believe Coach Mark can help me get there!
Bradley –
I worked with Mark for several months before a 50 mile race, and I was very happy with my progression. Not only does Mark have an overall knowledge of training, he also tailors every session to meet my personal goals and fitness level. He is encouraging, motivating, and provides clear feedback that has helped me improve. I highly recommend Mark for anyone looking to take their running to the next level.
Talor Stone –
Couldn’t do it without him! Mark has gone above and beyond to provide the structure, accountability, and support that I needed to stay dedicated to running. He’s incredibly proactive in offering feedback both before and after runs, and he works with my insane schedule to find solutions that work for me. I can’t sing his praises enough and I’m pretty sure my friends are tired of hearing about how awesome my running coach is! 😀
Mary Stearly –
Mark is a fantastic coach! I started working with Mark while training for my first Ultra and his knowledge and advice have been so valuable. He gives great feedback on training sessions, has helped me tremendously with how I think about fueling for endurance events and is always always positive. Working with him makes it easy to trust the process and I have no doubt I will make it to the start line fully prepared.
Jason –
After entering my 40’s I thought I could just toss on some running shoes and run anytime I want and at any distance or speed like I used to. However, I quickly found myself experiencing pain at a certain distance each time and I couldn’t figure out how to move past that threshold without injury. I then reached out to Mark, who has helped guide me through this process, and after making some adjustments to my running mechanics/mindset, and a gradual progression in my training plan, within about two months of working with him I have been able to more than double my previous distance threshold without any pain or injury. I actually look forward to my runs each week and feel like I’m making great progress. It’s never too late, and I look forward to continuing my training with Mark and highly recommend him to anyone who could use some professional guidance and instruction on how to become a more efficient runner!
Tina Broxterman –
I’m a 35 year old mom of two little boys. Between work, being a wife and mom I figured my running would never progress because of time restraints. After working with mark for a few months, I realized things began to change. I trained for my first 15 mile race (with many moments of sickness or missed workouts) and was surprised when I finished my race faster than I ever imagined. Not only did I finish fast, but I also won first overall female. I couldn’t have done it without the amazing training and support from mark. He structured workouts to fit your life and your goals which is difficult to do. Since I began training with mark I have grown in my confidence as a runner! I look forward to many more PR’s and new goals ahead.
Gana Bayarmaa –
Mark is a great coach to work with, very supportive and always encouraging you on the progress. It’s nearly my 3rd month training under Mark and I’m already seeing a significant improvement in my running as a whole. I like that Mark knows how to implement a routine accoustumed to your current potential with slight challenge.
Terry Sovinsky –
I am 70 year old male and after ceasing my ultra running 8 years ago I thought I would give it another try. I hooked up with Mark who taught me new things related to my training method and running form. Incredible feedback and highly knowledgeable. Very very user friendly and responsive.