Maxx Antush – Seattle Running Coach
$120.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
50% off your First Month! Experienced coach helping runners reach their goals while having FUN and staying HEALTHY!
Description
Seattle running coach Maxx Antush has helped runners achieve their first ultras, wins and podium finishes in ultras, and BQs on the roads with his extensive background in exercise physiology and biomechanics. He knows the Pacific West road and trail scene from Portland, to Seattle and up to Bellingham – reach out to Maxx today!
*** 50% off First Month for month-to-month Coaching – Coupon Code: 50%offantush***
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road, Trail
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra
TRAINING PLATFORM: Final Surge
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text, unlimited phone
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Seattle, WA
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
I specialize in helping professional adults with busy life schedules make their endurance running goals accessible. I work with all levels of runners preparing for races and events of any distance!
PHILOSOPHY
I use my extensive background in exercise physiology and biomechanics to design individualized training that will safely progress you from your present ability level to being able to meet the unique and specific demands of your endurance running goals (while having fun). I believe in adjusting training to fit your lifestyle rather than making you change your lifestyle to accommodate a static training plan. For this reason, I put a heavy emphasis on athlete-coach communication and subjective feedback from runners about their training and life!
COACHING EXPERIENCE
I have been coaching, advising, and mentoring runners of all abilities and experience levels since 2013!
I coach a wide range of AMAZING runners who, in the past couple years, have accomplished goals like finishing a first marathon, many personal bests, completing first ultras, and winning big races like Miwok 100K!
ABOUT ME
I am currently a PhD candidate in exercise physiology at University of Idaho and earned my master’s degree in exercise science from Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. In addition to coaching and academia, I also have experience in the running footwear industry, frequently contribute to local running publications, and speak at presentations on various coaching and physiology topics. I am a native of the Puget Sound region of western Washington and primarily compete in sub-ultra trail running since finishing my college running career but enjoy racing everything from 5k to marathon on the roads, any cross country events, and dabble in the occasional ultra marathon event as well.
BIG INFLUENCES
The notable coaches who have influenced my coaching style include Arthur Lydiard, Joe Vigil, David Roche, Jack Daniels, and Steve Magness. I am fortunate enough to have been coached by some amazing coaches who act as mentors for me in all aspects of life.
RACING HISTORY
Some well-known races I have competed at include, but are not limited to, Chuckanut 50K, Tiger Claw, and Way Too Cool 50K. I have also run dozens of trail and road races throughout every part of Washington state, as well as several USATF cross country and trail half-marathon championships!
PRs
- 5K: 15:46 (4/26/13) WWU Twighlight, 12th out of 30.
- Trail 25K: 1:54:35 (5/13/17) Lost Lake 25K, Course Record (4000ft of vert).
- Trail Marathon: 3:47:54 (6/3/17) Chuckanut Mountain Marathon, Course Record (6000ft of vert).
- Trail 50K: 4:31:04 (3/7/20) Way Too Cool 50K, 4800ft of vert.
CONTACT MAXX
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.
PUBLICATIONS
- How to Choose the Best Running Race for You
- Training Principle #5: Systematic Approach to Training
- Training Principle #4: Specificity of Training
- Training Principle #3: Individuality
- Training Principle #2: Progression
- Training Principle #1: Overload and Recovery
- Why Runners Need Sunglasses
- What is a “Neutral” Running Shoe?
- What is a “Stability” Running Shoe?
- Staying Hydrated in the Winter for Runners
- Mittens vs Gloves: The Great Winter Running Debate
- How to Increase your Running Mileage
- Essential Running Gear for the Beginner Runner
SOCIAL
Steve B –
I am very happy with the training program Maxx is putting me through. I am a 65+ years old professional that works more than 40 hours per week and not a life time runner. Through Maxx’s training program he got me from running 5km a couple of times a week on a random schedule on my own to a 25km (15 miles) trail run with 1000 metres vertical (3000 feet) in 2 months finishing in a time of about 3 1/2 hours. I finished running and smiling. I would highly recommend him. Now to plan the next event.
Andrew Brown –
Max has been an incredible coach for me over the previous 6 months. His in depth understanding of exercise physiology and his experience with the “art” of coaching has made him a truly invaluable guide to my running goals and progressions. Not only is Max an incredibly knowledge academic, he’s a solid guy and i’m thrilled to have him in my corner.
Ron Little –
I had three separate friends highly recommend Maxx to me, and they all loved him, and one friend in particular saw a huge improvement in his 100 mile race performance. So, in preparation for an important 100 mile race (Western States Endurance Run), I requested Maxx’s help and I am *so* glad that I did. I saw an immediate improvement in my enthusiasm for training runs. I love the variety of speed workouts. Maxx works with my schedule and has been responsive to my questions and has given me training and strengthening and heat-adaptation advice, so that I can do my best in this big race while arriving at the start line uninjured.
Apurva Chandra –
Maxx has been a great coach so far! He’s built a running plan for me to prepare for a marathon in September that has variety in it and that can accommodate my summer travels. The strengthening built in to the workout schedule has me feeling stronger than I expected and he’s been great about answering my questions patiently. Can’t wait to see what else he has in store for me in the next 7 weeks!
Paul Kluitenberg –
Maxx is the best! I was very hesitant to invest in a running coach as it seemed a bit overkill but got fed up after 2 years of shin splints and not feeling like I was getting stronger. Three months in and I am incredibly happy I did. In this short time, the plan Maxx has laid out has gotten me back to my pre-coaching mileage but with much less pain, much less fatigue, and I feel much stronger. The shin splints even seem to be on their way out (knock on wood)!
Maxx has been an awesome sounding board for ideas and questions. He is incredibly knowledgeable and his recommendations have treated me incredibly well in practice. He frequently checks in/gives feedback in the training log, is timely in responding, and always very encouraging regarding my progress. He has always gotten back to me in a timely manner on my emails and gives lots of thoughts to my questions.
I’m super excited to see where his coaching takes me!
pisanok –
Updated December 2020
Maxx made great improvements from the first two months that I was using him. There was a greater amount of communication and adaptability. Maxx is easy to talk to about adjusting your planning due to scheduling conflicts or illness.
I was happy to say that coming back from tearing 3 ligaments in my right ankle, to having 6 months to train for my first 100 mile trail race, that I did not get injured while on Maxx’s plan. I think that this says a lot about a coach.
I would still like to see some more communication about maybe why I am training what I am training, and what I should be focused on when I am in a workout. I think that there could be more feedback when you are improving maybe how that is going to affect your future workouts.
This year was a hard one for all of us with the pandemic, but Maxx was always positive, and had to make extra pivots of my plan when races were being cancelled, but my big one was not.
—————————————————————————————————–
June 2019
Although I always have workouts, it just feels like a very hands off experience. I have never had a running coach , so not sure what to expect. And I have asked to have training plans for a rolling two weeks so that I can request changes if needed and that I can plan my busy life and work schedule around what runs I am supposed to be doing. I also don’t feel like for the $$ amount paid that two YouTube videos should be what is prescribed as a strength workout. I am not sure about his running or training knowledge as I really have not seen anything out of the box, or that I could not have gotten from an online training program that I was not paying for. I will be strongly considering whether or not I think a running coach is the best path for me.
Lars Gjovik –
Overall I’m very pleased with Maxx as my coach so far. He is very knowledgeable about running and so far I’m feeling like I’m getting a lot out of the program so far. This summer my running mainly focused on trails and vert so I could do a couple fun 50k distance runs, but with winter coming I wanted to switch up my focus to something more speed focused and Maxx has been very helpful with that. I’m still yet to run any races or time trials under his coaching, but once I do I’m pretty confident I’ll be happy with the results.
Saul Jaspan –
I’ve really enjoyed working with Maxx. I have ITBS in my left knee and was struggling to run consistently. Maxx developed a combination running / strength training program that has allowed me to run pain free.
Overall Maxx is extremely knowledgable and positive / encouraging. I’m extremely happy I decided to hire Maxx as my coach.
savegondor –
Coach Maxx helped provide me accountability and encouragement on my quest to achieve my first 100 miler. I am a middle packer to back packer always slightly ahead of DFL and I’m happy to report that Maxx is someone who meets you where you are at physically, mentally and spiritually. He provides good encouragement from that space to help you succeed.
Pick coach Maxx, he’ll help get you to where you need to go and inspire you along the way.
vanessacunningham –
Maxx is my first running coach and we have been working together for 2 months. It took me a long time to decide to sign-up for online coaching, but I am really happy that I did! As a beginner to intermediate runner, it is really helpful to have someone make my training schedule and provide feedback on my runs. Maxx is super positive and encouraging and pushes me to run farther and faster. I have not been able to achieve this on my own so far. I value the trust in our coach-athlete relationship and feel comfortable sharing my thoughts that are a part of my running. Maxx helps me to train physically and mentally and reminds me of the joy and celebration of running- this is all really important to me. Feedback and availability is not always as consistent or timely as I expected it to be, but it has not been too much of an issue so far. I am looking forward to continuing to work together!
Rebekah Isenberg –
Maxx really knows what he is talking about! His coaching style is laid back and positive with plenty of encouragement. However he will push you to be and do your very best. If you are looking for a coach who will help you realize your potential- Maxx is the man.
Margaret Branick-Abilla –
I am really happy with the improvement I’ve seen so far and excited to see where things go in the coming months. Maxx is responsive to questions about everything from “what does RPE mean” to trail shoe choices to my race schedule. He works around my calendar and work schedule. I’m doing workouts and pushing myself in ways that far exceed what I have done in the past when training on my own. Maxx was highly recommended to me by a friend, and I’m glad that I followed up. I’d highly recommend him to anyone looking to get to the next level with their running.
joelio –
I have to admit, when I first signed up I was a little unsure about whether it was going to be worth paying someone to tell me how to do what I’ve already been doing for many years. However, as I got further into the training program that Maxx has been planning for me, I’ve understood more and more the value in what he’s providing me. He has set realistic targets which has kept me motivated, so I’m progressing more consistently than I have in previous seasons. My training load does not feel excessive, or depressingly difficult (you know those days when you dread the thought of going out just to get it done), yet when I compare my overall volume to previous years Im doing more than ever. So now that Im into my third month with Maxx I feel confident that I can just trust the training program that Maxx is creating for me, knowing that come race day in September I will be more prepared than ever but also still enjoying the training enough for the next challenge, whatever that might be. The only reason I gave some 4s instead of 5 stars is that there is a bit of a turnaround time for the communication, but that is largely to do with the fact that we live on opposite sides of the world.
Sarereed –
Maxx is super positive, understanding and knowledgeable. He’s flexible and adaptable to changes with my unpredictable work schedule, but immediately responds to training log comments and holds me accountable to getting my part done. It’s been a lovely experience so far, thank you Maxx!
Dandewey –
I have only been with Maxx for a few months but so far he has been wonderful. He has been responsive and did a great job of starting my program at a good level for where I was already at. And I already feel stronger! Looking forward to getting into my Chicago Marathon training phase soon! Thanks Maxx!
jcarriere –
I have only been working with Maxx for a short while but I have already seen huge improvements in my running. He is very encouraging and adapts my training plan when my life gets busy. He is quick to respond whenever I have any questions. I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with him!
tmartin613 –
Maxx has been excellent about responding to questions and adjusting my plan as needed for my life.
I feel like it’s been working well. However I have not reached my goal race so I can’t so I gave a four for that.
Rascal –
I was in the position of needing a coach because of chronic injury related to my lopsided approach to running, and was pointed in the direction of Maxx Antush and Team RunRun. Starting from scratch after losing my base due to repeated disappointment, Maxx and I have worked together through injury back to my running health, and I have made real progress in reclaiming my strength and passion to again run mountains and connect with nature. Maxx has been patient and listened as I have shared my sum of experience with what I know best: my body and it’s limitations, and provided a plan that has allowed me to think about running faster and more efficiently than I imagined possible before we began working together – and afforded me the luxury of again running long. Although I was really limited during the first few weeks in my ability to dig in and just ‘run’, Maxx and I have now found a rhythm and beginnings of a real understanding, which has allowed me to begin to look at training and running as a different system than what I have known as someone who found the run late and missed efficient running in the shorter distances. With big goals this year, Maxx has at times tempered my emotional highs and sometimes crazy expectations with the right answers, while allowing me to drill down to see more clearly what I may have done wrong in the past. Honestly, I’m pretty excited to see where this goes – Alan R
gregj66 –
Lots of positive reinforcement and understanding. The training plan works for my age and schedule and is tweaked based on my needs. I feel better, run better, and actually look forward to my workouts even if they look tough on paper.
Maxx’s studies / science background was a plus for me. But, I do appreciate his real world application to the training and I have started to learn to go by feel and not get, too, hung up on the metrics.
It’s only been two months, so I’m psyched about was lies ahead as I tackle some new adventures.
Jazz_Mangin –
I was referred to Maxx after contacting David Roche for coaching! I am so so so pleased with my experience with Maxx! I’ve been coached for only one month by him and the difference in my discipline and focus for my goals has never been more on point. I am running my first 50k this weekend. Maxx jumped into my training plan one month before the race and knew exactly what/how many miles to give me to get me to the start and finish line feeling great and well prepared! He is smart and educated and answers all my questions very quickly! I cannot wait to see how my training/running continues to improve in the future months/years that he is my coach! I have big goals for running and I believe with the help and guidance of Maxx I will achieve them all and so much more!! All I have to say is thank you for being my coach Maxx! 5 stars all around!!
JackBode –
This is my first time working with a running coach, and Maxx has been great to work with so far – he is patient, positive, and provides good feedback after runs. I am excited to see how my first 50k goes in the fall. I feel like the training plan and motivation from Maxx is helping me to stay on course and become a stronger runner!
mcsimon84 –
I have nothing but great things to say about Maxx. He reviews my training daily and always has a positive comment about it. He also responds to all my questions quickly. While I have only had Maxx as a coach for 2 months, just knowing I can trust the workouts he designs and then hold me accountable for those workouts has drastically improved my running. That alone has probably increased my weekly mileage by close to 50%, which will undoubtingly lead to performance gains down the road as running rewards consistency. My first order of business in getting a coach was just to become a consistent runner and Maxx has already helped me achieve that goal in a very short period of time. He is very willing to work with whatever time you have available to get the most out of your time running while still making sure you have fun in doing it. I look forward to continuing to work with Maxx in the coming months as I start to think about new races goals.
ShayCHonaker –
I’ve been running off and on for quite a few years but it’s been awhile since I ran competitively. Going in to running my first 100, I knew that I needed to have a coach help me plan my runs out. Ultrarunner and coach, David Roche, recommended that I contact Maxx. I emailed him with what I was looking to accomplish and he tailored a plan for me. I actually wasn’t sure how we were going to build a high volume base and get my long runs in the allotted time frame. I think Maxx did a BRILLIANT job in planning it out. I feel strong and confident 3 weeks out from race day.
vcmccarthy18 –
Working with Maxx has been a truly wonderful experience. This is my first time working with a running coach, and Maxx has exceeded my expectations! I have never run so much or felt so strong. It’s been really special to see the changes in my running and strength since the beginning of my training schedule. I always feel that the training plan is just enough to push me and make me work for it, while at the same time not being too much to be discouraging. Maxx also responds so quickly to my feedback and emails- I’m not sure how he does it! I didn’t expect to feel so supported for the given price of the base coaching package. Thanks for being so great, Maxx! Looking forward to continuing training with you!
eprenshaw –
I started working with Maxx about 2 months ago and so far he has been fantastic! This is my first time working with a coach and I feel that he has already helped me improve. After about 7 years of running and lots of good races, I was able to lower my half marathon PR by 4 minutes, exceeding my best expectations for the race. Maxx is great with questions, feedback, adjusting the training schedule, and keeping the training manageable for where you are. In the middle of training for the half marathon I got sick and then trying to come back I had some slight injuries. Maxx kept me sane and on track through it all adjusted my schedule accordingly and reassured me that my fitness was there in spite of setbacks. I am someone who is pretty type A and detail oriented and Maxx has had a great balance of pushing me just enough but not too hard, which I really needed. I would highly recommend him.
ramaciotti –
Maxx is awesome! He is very responsive with emails and feedback about the runs. He has adapted my training calendar when I needed alterations. He keeps me grounded and on track. I have a big race calendar ahead of me this year, and I know with Maxx in my corner, everything will be alright!
Banjo –
Max has been a great coach! He has been able to work in races that I have signed up for last minute. He changes workouts based on my changing work schedule without any issue.
ChungChin –
Engaging Coach Maxx has been one of the best decisions I made to help me improve my running adventures. Coach Maxx has been a supportive coach who replied to my questions swiftly and was positive in all his feedbacks and comments.
It’s my first time engaging a running coach online and it has been a pleasant experience working with Coach Maxx. I would definitely recommend him if you’re looking for a coach to help you improve.
annatav –
Coming from an injury and needing a change from my prior coach, I luckily found Maxx. He listened as I described my busy work life and what my goals were. He has developed a plan that works with my life and not against it. He is unbelievably responsive to my emails, texts, etc and is so positive and supportive. I am lucky to be working with him now.
kristo5747 –
Though I only started working with Coach Max, I have nothing but good things to say about his communication quality and consistency (my previous coach was the opposite!). He is always available for questions and is open to change. I feel very strongly about the success of this year’s racing season. I’ll give only 4/5 for “Training program effectiveness” since we just got started :-).
Kelly Kenney –
I’ve worked with Maxx over the past few months and it has been amazing! I’ve felt more sure in my training and been given wonderful direction every step of the way. He is always quick to respond to any feedback I give him and has helped adjust my schedule to my busy life as a law student.
I have raced since training with Maxx and it was my most positive race experience ever – in a completely new distance to me! I would very highly recommend Maxx!
jasonscarecrow –
Maxx seems like a good coach, based on the schedule I am given. It is starting to give good results. He has been very supportive and encouraging. I am returning from an overtraining issue that took me out for a few months (which occurred while working without a coach). As a result of my health condition when I was just starting back, I was seeking increased communication with Maxx during that timeframe. He said he would be available, but hard to schedule with. I have requested meetings or other questions via email, but he has not responded to these inquiries. He updates the schedule weekly, and has sometimes shown willingness to adjust to changes requested. He does generally respond to the questions I post in the spreadsheet, but other forms of communication or phone meetings do not seem to work well. It is still early to know the longer term result of training with him.
BParker –
I started working with Maxx a couple months ago. His style of coaching, his encouragement to keep running and training fun, and the accountability has been a perfect combination as I build back up to longer distances. The almost daily feedback on my runs, the opportunity to bounce around ideas and his willingness to answer questions is exactly what I was looking for. I feel like my running is really improving even in this short amount of time and I am really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve working together.
Wmmaples –
This is also my first time working with a coach. I’ve had lots of questions about the training program, nutrition, stretching, strength training and other subjects and Maxx has answered them all. He’s available via text or email and is very prompt to reply. I’ve only been training with him for 2 months but have seen improvement already. I’m looking forward to the coming months and I’m confident he will help me reach my goals. Highly recommend Maxx if you want a dedicated, knowledgeable and proven coach!!
tess.c –
Maxx is coaching me through a training program for my next full marathon. He has been terrific. We live in different cities, and so we do not meet in person for runs, but he is always available by phone and by email for any questions that I have. His training program and the shared google training plan has been great. Thanks for all you do, Coach!
LanceTip –
Coach Maxx is extraordinarily knowledgeable, responsive and upbeat. He’s always happy to “geek out” when I ask him to and always gets back to me within a few hours. His training plan has given me the confidence that I can hit my racing goals while keeping me safe from injury. Thanks, Maxx!!
joelhamilton –
It has been a pleasure to work with Maxx so far. I’ve worked with a few “high profile” coaches in the past and have found Maxx to be more knowledgable and much, much more approachable and available. In my particular circumstance I feel that Maxx and I have a lot in common as far as what kind of races we’re targeting and what our goals are, so it’s been great to have someone that really understands that I want to be a great runner, not just an average runner. Looking forward to many more happy miles and great racing in the future!
jmlynch_05 –
This is the first time that I’ve worked with a running coach, and I either didn’t know what I was missing or Maxx is really good. The progression over the past 8 weeks has been fantastic. I’ve never ran more and felt better. Maxx is easy to communicate with and always makes adjustments based on my running performance/feedback. He is quick to comment on our training log when I post post-workout feedback. Overall, great experience. Looking forward to many more months of training.
ryanheadlines –
I’ve refrained from getting a coach for a long time because I’m afraid it would come in between me and my desire to run a number of races or I’d get too worked up to sticking with a schedule or doing a lot of workouts beyond what my body can handle. Maxx was a different story, and had been an amazing coach from day 1. He adjusts the workouts based on my response to the previous one and how my body is recovering. I still get to do all the crazy races I’ve always wanted to do because that’s where my happiness lies and he has supported me through programming that will allow me to do all of them yet also get me ready to run them as best as I can. If I have a question, he’s a text away. So far, I’ve run my races really well yet not felt as tired and run down as I used to be training on my own and doing crazy miles. He’s really knowledgeable and I see a method and progression to his programs that has kept me happy as a runner and the best version of me as an athlete.
jnibler –
Max has been a fantastic coach. When I started training with Max a few months ago, I couldn’t run a 5k without doing a little walking and my pace was very slow. Through Max’s coaching, my speed has improved dramatically and I am successfully competing in 5k and 10k races with a half-marathon coming up. Max has helped guide me through the aches, pains, and weird stuff that impacts new runners and helped me with my mindset. He is very communicative and responsive. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Max and watching my speed and distances improve.