Vanessa Panella – Torrance Running Coach
From: $99.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
20% off your 1st month! Passionate coach with a decade of experience specializing in trail running, strength training, and post-injury running. 🏳️🌈
Description
Torrance running coach Vanessa Panella specializes in Obstacle Course Racing, distances in both running and OCR from the 5k to ultras, strength and conditioning, and coming back from running post-injury. Not sure where to start? Reach out below to Vanessa to get started.
*** 20% off First Month for month-to-month Coaching – Coupon Code: 20%panella ***
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate
TYPES: Road, Trail
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra
TRAINING PLATFORM: Training Peaks Premium
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 48 hours
LOCATION: Torrance, CA
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
- 5k-Ultra Trail & Mountain Distances
- Post-Injury Running
- Masters Athlete Training
- Hybrid Racing Sports
- Beginner-Advanced Strength and Conditioning
- Obstacle Course Racing
PHILOSOPHY
I believe that properly implemented strength training is essential to having a healthy life; especially for runners.
I also believe in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for my clients to learn about themselves and achieve their goals.
My title as a coach is always earned through the effort I give with clients. It is a lifetime pursuit.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
I have been coaching full-time for nearly a decade. I’ve had the privilege of guiding individuals through various fitness journeys. I got my start by supporting cancer patients and those navigating pre and post-joint surgery, honing my expertise in injury prevention and recovery.
For nine years, I’ve been deeply engaged in teaching in-person sessions on trail running and obstacle racing. My expertise comes from both personal experience in racing and hands-on instruction in these specialized classes. I take joy in sharing the intricacies of safe trail navigation and empowering individuals to build strength and confidence in their bodies.
I’m here to help you reach your fitness goals in a supportive and friendly manner. Let’s work together to make your fitness journey enjoyable and successful!
ABOUT ME
I joined the US Navy right out of high school and after my service I went right into coaching while going to school for Kinesiology and found that I really loved helping people achieve their goals so I stuck with coaching and doubled down on my career choice. I absolutely love coaching masters athletes and my favorite thing is watching someone as they do the hardest thing they’ve ever done (no matter what that means for the person).
I’m a huge dog person and I love taking my dog out in the mountains with me. I spend a lot of time in various California national parks to get my mountain time in via camping and trail running.
BIG INFLUENCES
My track/cross country coach from high school has been the biggest influence in my life and coaching style. She got me out of my bad influences in high school and she has been my mentor ever since. I wouldn’t be the person I am without her.
Addie Bracy and Jason Koop also influence my coaching style when it comes to having high standards of service and also taking care of people by giving them the tools to succeed at their goals.
RACING HISTORY
- Spartan 5k-Half Marathon x 25+ combined
- 24hr Ultra x 3
- 12hr Ultra x 3
- Spartan Ultras x6
CERTIFICATIONS
- NESTA PFT
- Revolution Running Coach
- Heart Rate Performance Specialist
- FRC Mobility Specialist
- Kettlebell Coach
- Battle Rope Coach
- Official Coach of Spartan | Hyrox | DEKA
PRs
- Spartan Ultra: 10:22:34
- 50K Trail: 9:46:25
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- Placed top 3 in my age group in 50K Spartan Races and Top 10 Elite Women in 50k Spartan Races
CONTACT VANESSA
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
Aimee Blessing –
I came back to add a few comments to my previous review of Coach Vanessa. Since then I have completed my first marathon and that really couldn’t have been achieved without her. Even when I shared my fears and doubt, she was there to encourage and hold fast in her belief in me. That feeling of crossing the finish line was a result of the 6 months of training with Coach Vanessa. It’s something that I will cherish forever. I’ve already signed up for my next marathon in May and due to its known “hilly-ness” I plan on using Vanessa to coach me again. Couldn’t recommend her more. Truly a great human being.
***
One year ago, the thought of running AND finishing a marathon was beyond my comprehension. My response was always “No possible way!” But…something happened about 7 months ago. After not training for a half marathon and being completely kicked in the butt by it, I decided to actually train for another half. Needless to say that I did better. Seeing the results of putting in the work lit a fire within me. “If I put forth the time, energy and effort into training, who’s to say that I couldn’t run a marathon?” One thing I knew for certain was that I would need a coach. I couldn’t and didn’t want to half-ass my training. I did a Google search for run coaches and found this site. In choosing a coach I was looking for someone who had strength training experience, had walked the walk, presented themselves in a professional hardworking manner and that’s when I found Vanessa. Her bio resonated with me. I reached out and told her where I was at physically and mentally and she responded right away. It was easy to open up to her about my concerns (IT Band issues) and fears and goals. I have been working with her now for the past 5.5 months.
Her training plan has been nothing short of helpful and beneficial. The other day I ran 20 miles…20 miles! I cried. I never thought my body could ever get to that point.
My upcoming marathon is November 9, 2024. The excitement is now outweighing the anxiety. Vanessa was a major factor in that. We have video chatted monthly and she is always so encouraging when we talk. I had an IT band setback during a half marathon and I was completely bummed out. She reassured me that I still had time to work on it and she was right. I highly recommend her as a coach. No doubt I will be using her again.