Nate Szymanski – Toledo Running Coach
From: $60.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
$45 1st month special! Science-based running coaching for busy adults balancing life, family, and training. Real plans, real support, real results.
Description
Toledo / Detroit / Ann Arbor running coach Nate Szymanski knows how to juggle a busy schedule with training for races, anywhere from 5k to the marathon, and is excited to work with both beginner and intermediate runners towards their own goals as well. Nate also offers in-person sessions in the Toledo / Detroit / Ann Arbor area – reach out below to get started!
*** $45 1st month for month-to-month Coaching – Coupon Code: 45firstnate ***
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate
TYPES: Road
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 24 hours
LOCATION: Milan, MI
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: Yes, within 30 miles of Zip Code 48160. Sessions are a case-by-case basis, reach out to Nate to get started.
SPECIALTIES
- Beginner
- Couch to 5K
- Military PT Testing
- 5K
- 10K
- Half-Marathon
- Marathon
PHILOSOPHY
Whether you’re lacing up for your very first run or preparing to set a personal best in your next marathon, my mission as a coach is to guide you with structure, accountability, communication, and science-backed training. I believe every runner deserves a plan that’s not only personalized but also sustainable and adaptable to real life.
My coaching approach is rooted in evidence-based principles and the latest in endurance science. I focus on long-term development, injury prevention, and steady performance gains—not quick fixes. Each training block is tailored to your experience, lifestyle, and goals, whether that means building consistency, developing speed, or peaking for a goal race.
Communication is at the heart of the coaching relationship. I check in regularly, adapt your plan when life happens, and provide honest feedback to help you grow. You’re not just following a schedule—you’re learning how to train with purpose.
Ultimately, I coach to help runners gain confidence, push through limits, and enjoy the process as much as the results. Running has changed my life, and I aim to pay that forward by helping you become the strongest, smartest, and most resilient version of yourself.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
Although I’m new to professional coaching, I bring nearly 17 years of leadership and mentorship experience as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. Throughout my military career, I’ve led diverse teams, developed individuals through structured guidance, and cultivated a culture of discipline, accountability, and personal growth. That same approach now informs my coaching style—focused, supportive, and built around helping others reach their full potential both physically and mentally.
ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Nate — a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force with nearly 17 years of service, a certified distance running coach, and, most importantly, a husband and father of two young kids.
Leadership and mentorship have been central throughout my military career. I’ve guided teams through complex challenges, helped shape future leaders, and learned firsthand the value of structure, discipline, and adaptability. Those same principles now fuel my passion for coaching and helping others become stronger versions of themselves.
Outside of the military, I’m deeply passionate about running, strength training, personal growth, and nutrition. I also enjoy spending time outdoors — fishing, golfing, hiking, swimming, and exploring whenever I can. These activities help keep me grounded and remind me of the importance of staying active in ways that bring both joy and balance.
I know how busy life can get — balancing family, work, and training isn’t easy. That’s why I approach everything I do with flexibility, purpose, and a deep understanding of how to make progress sustainable in the real world. Whether it’s coaching runners or mentoring teammates, I believe in showing up, putting in the work, and leading by example.
BIG INFLUENCES
My coaching style is grounded in structure, science, and practicality. I follow evidence-based training principles focused on smart progression, pacing, and recovery — rooted in the UESCA framework and current endurance research. I value consistency and accountability, but I also understand that life gets busy. As someone balancing a career, family, and training myself, I build plans that are flexible and sustainable for the long haul. Strength training, cross-training, and overall lifestyle habits are key components I encourage to help athletes stay healthy and perform their best. More than anything, I see coaching as mentorship — guiding runners toward not just performance goals, but greater confidence, resilience, and long-term growth.
RACING HISTORY
My journey into running began in 2023 with what turned out to be a pretty transformative experience — running on a relay team for the Glass City Marathon. That race lit a fire in me. The energy, the teamwork, the finish line — I was hooked. From that moment on, I dove into the world of running headfirst. I started studying training principles, learning everything I could about endurance performance, and building out my own plans. I coached myself through my first half marathon — the Detroit Free Press Half in October 2023 — and have been training and racing ever since. What started as a single race has grown into a passion for performance, coaching, and helping others discover what they’re capable of.
PRs
- 5K: 20:19.8 (9/8/2024) Stinger 5K at the 180th.
- 10K: 45:33 (8/24/24) Unofficial
- Half Marathon: 1:35:49 (4/27/2025) Glass City / Owens Corning Half Marathon
CERTIFICATIONS
- UESCA Distance Running Coach
CONTACT NATE
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
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