Max Chmielewski – Bellingham Running Coach
$50/mo for 4 spots! Trail running coach specializing in working with athletes transitioning to trail & ultra running with individualized coaching.
$99.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Running Coach Description
Bellingham running Coach Max Chmielewski has trained and raced both road and trail races, having gradually progressed in distances on the trails from the marathon up to 50ks, 50 milers and 100 milers, and he’s excited to help both beginner and intermediate runners either work towards a new PR or towards a new distance on the roads and trails. Reach out to Max below to get started!
*** $50/mo for 4 more spots – Coupon Code: 50monthlymax ***
Specialties
I specialize in creating customized training plans and coaching athletes of all abilities looking for a coach to partner with them to maximize their training to fit in their lifestyle. My plans are unique to you and fit with your training background and your specific goals with an emphasis on your long term plans not just your next training block.
I’ve had some of the most meaningful athlete partnerships when working with athletes with a goal of competing in their first trail marathon or first ultra marathon. I really enjoy helping athletes get comfortable on trails and work with road athletes interested in transitioning to trails and seasoned ultra marathoners wanting to race a longer distance.
Philosophy
I started coaching to empower the athletes I work with. I want to set them up for success and help them achieve the goals they have for themselves. I believe that running is for EVERYONE! I’ve worked with a broad range of athletes, success can be anything from becoming a consistent runner to training to reach the top of podiums.
I believe my job as a coach is to fit training into your life, not your life fit into your training. I’ll help get the most out of your abilities and the amount of time you can devote to your training. I’ll be part of your support system. Every athlete is unique; you’ll receive an individualized training program to fit into your short-term and long-term goals. Life happens and training doesn’t always go as planned, through regular communication and feedback I’ll adapt the training plan to help you continue to improve as a runner to meet your goals. No one program works for every athlete, your program will be adapted to your progression.
I build training programs to be sustainable and challenge you to meet your goals. When you have a goal event we will get specific with training to meet the unique demands of that event.
Coaching Experience
I have been formally coaching the past two seasons. I’ve coached adults looking to unlock their potential to train for a goal race or to train for a longer distance. I’ve coached athletes trying out trail racing for the first time, going from shorter trail races into ultra marathons and athletes who’ve completed a 50k wanting to go up in distance. I love working with athletes with big goals of pushing their own limits.
About Me
Growing up in Northern Minnesota, I’ve spent my post college years playing in the mountains of Colorado and Washington. I grew up playing just about every sport and have been a competitive athlete for as long as I can remember, but I was not a runner. I’d skipped dryland running workings for Nordic Ski season, played goalie in soccer so I didn’t have to do the same running drills, I did not like running in my youth. Once I moved to Colorado in my 20s I found a love for traveling through the mountains. As seasons passed I wanted to move faster and faster which has brought me to ultra trail running.
I have personally trained for race distances up to a 100 mile mountain ultra race.
Big Influences
I believe there is no one best training structure for all athletes. I work with my athletes to find what fits best in their lives to help them progress in their training. Some of my favorite trail/ultra coaches I look up to are Jason Koop, Scot Johnston and David/Megan Roche.
Race History
I’ve trained and raced almost all trail race distances from 100 miler down to a 5k, I’ve stood on top of the podium and I’ve DNF’d races.
Certifications
- UESCA Ultra Running Certified
Personal Records
- 50 miles: 8:42:53 Run the Rock
- 100 kilometers: 12:33:42 Freaky Creeky – CR
Contact Max
4 reviews for Max Chmielewski – Bellingham Running Coach
Ben Mcglothlin –
Max has successfully helped me build a sturdy foundation of running. I had not ran a mile in over a decade and now I’m able to do 10+. With a 50k trail race planned, I’m confident in Max’s ability and encouragement to get me to the finish line.
Molly Lie –
After successfully completing up to a 50 mile finish without coaching in the past, I worked with Max for about 7 months to build towards a 100 mile goal race. The quality of my runs absolutely increased with his coaching and the race-specific workouts were really helpful in building my physical and mental strength. I appreciated all the feedback and encouragement Max gave throughout as I completed training races, including a 50 mile PR. In the end I successfully completed my goal race and really appreciate Max’s help in getting there!
JennaSzoka –
Max is an extremely knowledgeable, dedicated and compassionate coach. I started working with him to achieving a new distance goal. The distance and race had yet to be selected. He took the time to explain my training plan and tailored it to meet my lifestyle. Working with Max pushed me out of my comfort zone of typical training in the best way possible. I successfully completed a 50 mile trail race I had eyed up for the past few years. To top it off all the training lead me to finish the race better than expected with a faster time over all and a podium spot. This was a fantastic experience and I would highly recommend working with Max in training for your trail running and ultra distance goals.
Adam Iverson –
I came to Max after a hard and slow 50 mile finish that beat me up pretty well. With a 100 miler on the calendar about 3 or 4 months down the road, I knew I needed to have the dynamic feedback on training runs only a human coach could provide. From the beginning Max’s intake questions along with looking at my previous training data painted a clear picture in his head where we were – and where we needed to be to get me ready for 100 miles in September. Throughout the summer Max pushed me harder than I would have on my own while still being encouraging and realistic about what we were trying to accomplish in running 100 miles. You can expect Max to be extremely communicative, flexible, approachable, and I will say (as a 100 mile finisher!) a damn good coach to get you into the fitness you not only need to achieve your goals but to feel good and prepared on race day.