Megan PlocherSan Diego Running Coach

Megan Plocher – San Diego Running Coach

5.00 out of 5
(3 customer reviews)

I create individualized training plans that emphasize proper fueling, long-term health, and sustainable performance.

$145.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee

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Running Coach Description

I coach athletes of all levels, from first-time runners to performance-driven racers, using a personalized, evidence-based approach rooted in smart progression and consistency. With a marathon PR of 3:05, I create individualized training plans that emphasize proper fueling, long-term health, and sustainable performance.

Contact Megan

Levels:Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Types:Road, Trail
Distances:5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
Training Platform:Final Surge
Training Plan: Individual, customized training plan
Communication:Unlimited email, unlimited phone, unlimited text
Response Time:Within 48 hours
Location:San Diego, CA
In-Person Sessions:No, online coaching only

Specialties

I specialize in road racing from the mile to the marathon, working with both first-time runners and experienced athletes chasing new PRs. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or dialing in the details for a breakthrough marathon, I meet you exactly where you are.
My coaching takes a holistic approach — combining structured run training with cross-training, strength work, mobility, and recovery. I also guide athletes through nutrition and fueling strategies that support both performance and long-term health.

In a world of generic, one-size-fits-all training plans, I offer truly individualized coaching. Every plan is built around your goals, lifestyle, and training history. My role is to keep you accountable, healthy, and confident as you build toward race day.

Philosophy

Running should enhance your life, not overwhelm it. While not every run will feel perfect, long-term success comes from enjoying the process and building a healthy relationship with the sport.

My coaching philosophy is rooted in patience, consistency, and balance—building fitness gradually, prioritizing longevity, and respecting recovery by making hard days hard and easy days easy. Every athlete and season is different, so training should be individualized, adaptable, and aligned with your goals and lifestyle.

Coaching Experience

I work with individual runners in a one-on-one, remote setting, coaching athletes of all levels through individualized training plans rooted in consistency, proper fueling, and sustainable performance.

About Me

I’ve been running for nearly a decade. I ran my first half marathon in 2019, but I’ve always been an athlete—growing up playing tennis and volleyball, then first turning to running in high school as a way to stay in shape. What started as cross-training quickly became the sport I fell in love with, teaching me patience, discipline, and consistency.
I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness, and I studied nutrition in college, which continues to shape how I approach training, recovery, and fueling.

Today, that perspective guides how I coach. My approach emphasizes smart, sustainable training that supports long-term health and confidence—not just race-day outcomes. I love helping athletes balance ambition with recovery, build consistency over time, and develop habits that allow them to enjoy both the process and the progress.

Big Influences

“Consistency is the single most important principle in training.” — Matt Fitzgerald

I’m influenced by the work of Matt Fitzgerald and have invested heavily in educating myself through books and continued learning. I believe progress comes from proper fueling, discipline, and long-term consistency—not shortcuts. Training is never easy, always worth it.

Race History

I’ve completed five marathons and numerous half marathons, with a marathon PR of 3:05 at the Boston Marathon and a 2nd-place female overall finish at the Pacific Beach Half Marathon (1:26:18). I raced the Boston Marathon in 2025 and am currently training for marathons six and seven at the 2026 Boston Marathon and 2026 Chicago Marathon.

Marathons Completed:

  • Surf City Marathon
  • San Diego Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon
  • Honolulu Marathon
  • Boston Marathon
  • Every Woman’s Marathon (Scottsdale)

Certifications

  • Minor in Nutrition — University of Washington
  • UESCA Running Coach Certification in Progress

Awards & Accolades

  • 1st Place Female Age Group — Surf City Marathon
  • 2nd Place Female Age Group — Honolulu Marathon (2024)
  • Top 5% of Female Finishers — Boston Marathon (2025)
  • 2nd Place Female Overall — PB Half Marathon (2025)

Personal Records

  • Mile – 5:38
  • 5k- 18:49
  • 10k – 38:13
  • 1/2 Marathon – 1:26:18
  • Marathon – 3:05:55 (Boston Marathon 2025)

Contact Megan

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.
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Give us a brief history of your running, and this can include what distances and/or races you’ve run, how long you’ve been running, any past or present injuries, if you’ve worked with a coach or a specific training program before, etc.
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3 reviews for Megan Plocher – San Diego Running Coach

  1. 5 out of 5

    Elizabeth

    I’ve been working with Megan over the past couple months and cannot believe the progress I’ve made with my endurance and pace! I’m relatively new to running and when training for previous races I’ve just used guided apps, but Megan’s program is so well tailored to my goals and skill, incorporating cross-training and strength training which has helped me prevent injuries. Megan takes the time to tailor my program to my skill level and week over week progress to help me be as ready as possible for. my upcoming races. She’s so supportive, encouraging, and is a great accountability partner. Whether you’re training for a big race schedule or just getting started, definitely recommend Megan!

  2. 5 out of 5

    Margaret

    I have been training with Megan over the past 8 weeks and have already seen tremendous improvement in my strength and endurance. She is extremely knowledgeable and uses that talent to help others achieve their goals. She is communicative with her clients as well as supportive and uplifting. I would recommend her to any skill of runner whether you’re a beginner or intermediate. Her prices are unbeatable for all of the benefits!!

  3. 5 out of 5

    Megan

    Megan is an amazing coach. Her personalized approach has helped improve my heart rate, endurance, pacing, and overall performance. She is very supportive and makes adjustments when needed, which makes it easy to stay on track and remain consistent. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to improve their running.

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