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: 50percentoff ***
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
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
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.