Shawn Jakubowski – Durango Running Coach
From: $130.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Coach looking to motivate and help runners of all abilities hit their goals by providing personalized training programs!
Description
Durango running coach Shawn Jakubowski is here to help you hit your personal goals with a custom training plan. With a decade’s experience in coaching college cross country and track and field, Shawn’s goal is to help you enjoy running as you continuously get better at it. As your coach, Shawn builds training plans around your lifestyle and goals, including warm-ups, strength, and race training.
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road, Trail, Track
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: Bayfield, CO
SPECIALTIES
- Beginner to advanced runners looking to test their limits.
- Personalized training plans specializing in distances ranging from the 800 meters to the 100 miler.
- Strength training as well as injury prevention exercises
- Recovery from Injuries.
- Nutrition tips for a healthy lifestyle as well as race nutrition
PHILOSOPHY
In order to do well in something it is important to enjoy doing it. My goal is to help each person I coach find enjoyment and fulfillment in the process. Enjoying the process leads to consistent training which is key to seeing improvement. It is important to understand that each runner is different which is why I provide individualized training plans to each client based on factors such as their background, lifestyle and current fitness. What might work for one runner might not for another so it is important to get to know each runner’s strengths and weaknesses and build a plan specific to that runner. With my training package you will also receive the following:
- Warm up routines
- Detailed individualized weekly running program
- General Strength Routines
- Core Routines
- Medicine Ball Routines as well as Weight Room Routines (upon request)
- Injury prevention exercises
- Cross training (as needed)
COACHING EXPERIENCE
I have been a competitive runner since 1998 and have been coaching runners of all ages and abilities since 2006.
11 years of coaching at the college level. During that time I have coached 16 All Americans ranging in events from 3k to the marathon, including a NAIA National Champion and NCAA DIII runner-up in the 3k Steeple.
Besides coaching at the college level I have also worked with a wide variety of runners ranging from competitive post collegiate runners on the track, road or trails to new runners looking to finish their first 5k or marathon.
ABOUT ME
I am a passionate runner and coach striving to help others hit their goals and enjoy the process. While I have experience coaching in events from the 60 meters up to the 50K, the 800 up is where my passion really lies. I have 11 years of experience as a head cross country and track & field coach and 1.5 years of experience as a head collegiate strength & conditioning coach.
Before coaching, I was a Production Engineer working as a assistant coach part time at the college in town. After doing both for 3 years I decided to take a leap and go all-in to coaching. Shortly after that decision I landed my first head coaching job and went all into my coaching career.
Some of my hobbies include: continuing to expand my education in the sport, backpacking, hiking, cycling, spending time with my son and wonderful fiancé who also happens to be a head athletic trainer so she is constantly keeping me up to date with knowledge on injury prevention and rehabs ???? .
BIG INFLUENCES
Coaches that have impacted my coaching style and philosophy include my college coach, Tom Schwartz “Tinman”, Steven Magness, Brad Hudson and Joe Vigil.
RACING HISTORY
Throughout my running career I have had so many great experiences starting in high school, moving onto college and post college. If I had to narrow down a few races that really stand out they would include:
High School
My first state championships in the 800m my junior year. I went in ranked last and ended up kicking down the field the last 120 meters. This was the moment it really clicked that running was something I wanted to do for a long time. That summer I got very serious about my training and looking at different colleges. I will never forget that race cause it was the moment that set up my running and coaching career.
College
Nationals my freshman year in college. We made it as a 4×800 team at a last chance meet and were just happy to be there. In the semifinal we all ran the race of our lives and made the finals shattering the school record by running 7:41 (still the record today). In the finals we ran another great race and ended up 5th after going in ranked 16th. That performance gave us all First Team All-American honors.
Post college (I have two for this one)
One of the largest goals I had as a runner was to break 16 minutes in the 5k. I was always more of a mid-distance runner so I never did in HS or college. Post college I ran under 16:05 two times but was never able to dip under. After a small break from running I finally decided to really give it another go this past year during the COVID quarantine. I got in the best shape of my life but all the races were canceled so I had limited opportunities. A few buddies and I got together for a 5k time trial on the track and I ran 15:48. Being able to run a PR in the 5k at 37 years old showed me I still have many more great years of running ahead and I am still currently chasing down PRs cause of that race.
My first Ultra was a 50k in Louisville, KY and was a very humbling experience for me. I had no idea what to expect going into this race and I think I felt about every human emotion during the span of the race. I never felt complete exhaustion like I did in this race and I remember telling myself the last 3 miles that I would never in my life put my body through this again. That evening I got home and registered for my second 50k that took place three weeks later, funny how running works.
CERTIFICATIONS
- United States Track and Field (USATF) Level 1 and 2 coaching Certifications
- USATF Register Coach #7310439915
- USATF Certificated Official
- United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Program Management Certification
- USTFCCCA Endurance Event Specialist
- USTFCCCA Strength and Conditioning Certification
PRs
- 800- 1:55
- 1500- 4:02
- 5K- 15:48
- 8k-26:08
- 10K- 34:38
- 10 miles- 56:30
- Half Marathon- 1:14:05
- Marathon- 2:48:41
- 50K- (Trail) 3:56:46
- 50 miles- 9:25:55
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Coaching
- United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Women’s National Coach of the Year
- Kentucky Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (KTCCCA) College Cross Country Coach of the Year
- 11 total (NCAA & NAIA) conference Coach of the Year Awards (6 cross country/5 Track & Field)
- 16 total (NCAA & NAIA) Track & Field/Cross Country 1st Team All-Americans
- 1 NAIA National Champion
- 1 NCAA DIII National Runner up in the Steeplechase
- Coached a total of 68 national qualifiers in Track & Field and Cross Country
Personal
- 3 x Tennessee High School State Champion
- NAIA All American
- 3 x NAIA National Qualifier
CONTACT SHAWN
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
- My personal website: http://www.bowskistrengthendurace.com
SOCIAL
Joshua Patterson –
In the past I would just follow generic plans. It got the job done or so I thought! December 2021 I starting working with Shawn. Within a month I could tell a massive difference in my overall fitness level. I used his coaching to prepare me for my first 30 hr timed ultra where I ended up getting first place male. After that event I decided to focus on a WSER qualifier in early 2023. Along the way in this training cycle I have PR’ed my 5k 10k and half marathon. He is always able to move things around when things come up and I never feel like I am just going through the motions. With Shawn I feel like I am consistently moving forward. It was gotten to the point where several members of my local running community has asked what I am doing to see such progress. I will continue to work with Shawn for the foreseeable future and an excited about whats next. Thanks Shawn!!
gck –
I worked with Coach Shawn to train for a few trail ultras, and not only did I end up with a big 50k PR, I also got an unexpected 5k road PR along the way! Coach Shawn’s training was really effective in improving my fitness while still feeling very manageable. He also provided good core and strength routines. I appreciated how encouraging he was and that he was responsive to questions or training adjustments. My next training cycle will be for a fast half marathon, and I’m looking forward to working with Coach Shawn for that!
dsrosero –
This is my first time training with a running coach and what an amazing experience! In a couple of months Shawn has helped me achieved a level I never imagined… his personalized training methodology is outstanding and very effective.
Norman Eubanks –
I’m currently working with Shawn to train for a 50 mile ultra marathon. I’ve worked with 4 coaches now (one was a pro ultra runner) and he is hands down the best. The amount of knowledge and coaching you obtain for the price is great. It’s worth every cent! Shawn keeps you accountable but understands that life happens. I’m constantly having things get in my way but we always have a work around.
Shawn works FOR you. He also listens. He’s also not afraid to push you..in a safe way. I’ve had coaches seem to treat me like I’ve never ran before and another one go too harsh at the beginning. Shawn has seemed to have found that sweet spot.
One of the best things about Shawn’s coaching service is he is responsive. He is quick to text/email you back. I’ve had issues with this in all coaching I’ve had in the past. It’s my pet peeve. Shawn makes you feel like you are his only client, which I know I’m not.
Shawn’s coaching is also effective. My fitness is improving each week. I plan to retain his services for as long as I need them.
Will Rommel –
I’ve really enjoyed working with Shawn for the last few months. I have a pretty hectic schedule with a newborn, long work hours and commute. Shawn has provided me so much flexibility and continually adapts my program to account for my schedule. I decided to work with Shawn since I was interested in applying some weight training into my running routine, and looking to get back up off the couch after burning out toward the end of 2020. Through Shawn’s training plans, which vary week to week and keep it interesting, I’ve become more confident running and have been able to become more confident, and cover a lot more weekly miles than I thought possible. Shawn checks in via text frequently, and I’ve never hesitated to send over a question about the plan or a run. Using Final Surge has been awesome as a tool as well. Not only does it upload my Garmin data, it also makes it easy for me to block off days when I have conflicts that would impact the plan, and Shawn can work around it. Highly recommend Shawn! If you’re on the fence, go ahead and sign up!
Brady Fielding –
Coach Jakubowski had amazing templates for running. He put in a lot of effort into my customized training plan. He got me down to where I feel I can run a 7 minute pace for long distances. He seemed to always be available and was very involved. He sincerely wanted to help me achieve my running goals and I was very impressed!
Drew Anderson –
I retained Shawn as my running coach to help me prepare for my first half marathon. I didn’t want a cookie-cutter program downloaded off the internet. In the weeks leading up to the race he continued to provide workouts that would push me but never so much that it was too much. It was harder than I would have pushed myself, and the results have paid off noticeably.
Shawn has always been available to answer any questions, he adjusts my workouts around my schedule when needed, and does so with thought and consideration of where I’m at in my workouts. He has a knack of knowing when I can be pushed and when I need to lay off a little bit.
I’m looking forward to pulling on his trail running knowledge to help me get through a 50k race coming up next May.
Chris Marrone –
I am a competitive obstacle course athlete (OCR) and working with Shawn has been a pleasure so far. He is very knowledgeable and answers any questions or concerns quickly. He checks in with me frequently and is flexible with training programs when I need to be flexible. Shawn not only writes great programs but he explains the purpose behind the workouts which not many people do. Overall I would highly recommend Shawn to anyone that is looking to improve in the sport of running!
Chuck Brown –
Great coach! Fast and thoughtful responses. Great advice. I’m running much better and Shawn has helped me get through some injuries. Highly recommend.
Breylen Derrick –
Coach Shawn has been great. He is very interested in helping me achieve my goals. For the past 2 months under his guidance, I have improved more than I could have imagined. My confidence is growing and Coach Shawn is always available to answer questions or rearrange the training to better suit my needs. He is a great coach and becoming a good friend. I highly recommend him whether you are a beginner, a recreational runner, or former running trying to get back into it. Coach Shawn will help you reach your goals.
Dan Thomas –
I’ve been working with Shaun for a couple months now. He has setup a good routine around my schedule and has consistently helped me to stretch my limits. His training and confidence in me helped me achieve a new PR Marathon time, which I didn’t think was possible! I’m excited to continue working with Shaun on my next goal of a 100 Ultra. I’ll let you know how it goes. ????
azikai –
Shawn is an experienced coach who is both knowledgeable and very easy to work with. He has far exceeded my expectations for online coaching with his personally tailored and constantly updated programming. Utilizing heart rate data and other performance metrics, he regularly updates my program, working around my busy schedule and concurrent strength training program. I saw significant gains in my running after just a few weeks of his programming.
On top of programming, Shawn has successfully coached me through maintaining and improving my fitness while injured, and helped me get back to running every day again. He has provided resources for rehab, as well as core strengthening routines and links to helpful videos for improving running mechanics.
Communication with Shawn is excellent. He has always been there with instant feedback to any questions I have and is reachable through text and email as well as the Final Surge App.
Kevin Kim –
I honestly cannot put into words how great Coach Shawn has been. Shawn has been so easy to talk to about my training and my concerns and has 100% been willing to work with any issues that I had. Furthermore, he is so knowledgeable that I feel like whenever I ask him a complex question on running or even strength-training. The best part about being Shawn’s trainee is that he makes me feel like I’m part of a real team. He’s been able to push me to heights that I never thought I could EVER achieve in running. And the way he motivates is AMAZING.
The best part honestly about working with Shawn is that he WORKS WITH YOU. I’ve had so many trainers, coaches, and fitness apps where it felt like everything is cookie-cutter, but Shawn really takes his time out of every few days to talk to you, and figure out the best course of action with your training plan. He really has been amazing and honestly, a bargain for everything he does for me. I highly recommend Coach Shawn for any level runner.
Joshua Rois –
Coach Jakubowski has been absolutely incredible as a guide and encourager throughout my training. He has not only provided an excellent training regime but has also been extremely personable and encouraging throughout the process. He is genuinely concerned with my progress and checks in often. In addition, he’s always readily available for inquiries and/or guidance and is extremely encouraging upon every exchange. He’s always been prompt to reply to any of my messages and is quick to make any adjustments or changes to the program as required. I highly recommend his services to anyone who wants to take their training to the next level and who wants a coach who is passionate about running and is truly concerned with help others achieve their goals.
Eric –
Coach Jakubowski is in constant contact. This was a fear when I first signed up, that if I was lucky, I might hear from him once a month or so. This is not the case. Coach Jakubowski actually wants me to text him daily about my workout, if I did it, how it went, how I feel. Initially I asked for 2 days a week of gym training, but as I started training, I soon realized that I needed to work more on endurance, so I told Coach this, and he readily changed up my program to include one gym day and more running.
Something else that I found awesome was that I signed up for a race and told him about it. He looked it up, and he and another team member signed up for the same race. I got to run with Coach, albeit, Coach is much faster then I am.
I have nothing but positive things to say about Coach Jakubowski. The only way he could be there more for me is if he lived with me.
THANK YOU COACH JAKUBOWSKI!!! I’m becoming a much stronger and better runner because of you.
Team RunRun member Eric McCulley
Sean Deam –
Shawn has been awesome to work with. From our initial conversation on what my running goal is, he welcomed my input in things I wanted to sustain (strength training) outside of running and made sure that it is a part of the program he built for me. With that, he’s super understanding and flexible to changes in my schedule.
In the 2 months since working with him my trail work and endurance have vastly improved. His program helped me complete an insane (in my opinion haha) 25k recently and I’m excited to see what the rest of the year with him looks like as I progress towards my goal with his coaching.
Megan –
Shawn Jakubowski has been an incredible asset to my running performance. I never really considered myself a serious runner; I competed in a few triathlons for fun and really just ran along with other workouts to relatively stay fit and healthy. But it has been amazing to see how much my running ability has improved in just 2 short months of working with Shawn. He is extremely approachable and available, as well as very knowledgeable in this sport. He has been able to build a program not only improving my running ability but allowing me to maintain strength training as well. I have PR’ed in many distances: 5K, 10K, and even half marathon times in the short time we’ve worked together. I would highly recommend this coach to any runner looking for a positive influence to help them meet their goals or take their running to a higher level.
Bella Lopes –
I absolutely love my trainer, Shawn Jakubowski. He’s so amazing – He checks on me all the time, gives me great workouts. I have seen a big difference in my body, my legs, my arms, and my self-esteem is so much better than I’m able to walk and run into all kinds of things since I started training with him. I highly recommend him and he is the best.
Mariah Stuart –
Coach Jakubowski has been phenomenal. I never thought I would become the runner I am now. Thanks to his coaching plans I have been able to PR and run times I never thought I could. He is easily reachable and answers any questions or concerns I may have. I work crazy hours and he has been able to accommodate my plan around that. I would highly recommend coach Jakubowski to anyone who is looking to take their running or active lifestyle to the next level.