Zach Sibson – Philadelphia Running Coach

Description

Former cross country and track and field runner, Philadelphia running coach Zach Sibson has moved up in distances to the half and full marathon, as well as triathlons, and is here to help you work towards that PR or to work towards a longer distance, all the while incorporating cross training such as cycling, swimming and weight lifting.

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Contact Zach

LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate
TYPES: Road, Track
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: VDOT
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only

SPECIALTIES

As a former runner in cross country and track and now presently longer distances in the half and full marathon as well as triathlon, I focus on cross training a lot. I believe cycling, swimming and weight lifting etc are great complements to running in a controlled way that benefits and does not hinder your running. I am very communicative and I will respond within 24 hours to any questions regarding training. We can go over anything you have on your mind about how to improve your training.

PHILOSOPHY

As a former collegiate runner that walked on with no experience, I focus on runners just starting and to those who have some prior experience that want to find that next PR. My training philosophy is to have an atmosphere full of positive energy first. This comes from my belief that running and training can be both fun and serious at the same time. While running can seem like a chore, my vision is to uproot that and make sure we are on the same page through communication on your physical feelings and mental feelings through your running journey to improve your state of mind as well as your fitness.

Being mentally prepared for training runs and races themselves can make running more enjoyable. By doing this you keep an open mind to how this sport can bring more energy and a positive outlook to your life through the running community and outside of it.

Physically, the journey itself is a reward as you create mini goals to reach that big goal set in front of you. We will create these little goals together, seeking ways to improve your fitness to reach your end goal. Every goal reached is another small step in the right direction and makes training more interesting, engaging and enjoyable.

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Prior to Team RunRun, I have coached family members unofficially in weight training and some running. I am new to coaching, but not running with experience as a collegiate cross country and Track & Field student athlete along with running post college presently.

ABOUT ME

When I’m not constantly running, I’m cycling or swimming and racing triathlons or reading/writing stories in my free time. I find nature to be extremely beautiful, so you can catch me outside hiking as well. I am always looking for new spots to hike. In addition, I have done some trail running to get off of the regular roads for softer ground.

BIG INFLUENCES

Big influences on my decision to become a coach in running are from my collegiate coach Mike Wilson while I attended Eastern University from 2017 to 2020 and a personal fitness trainer and family friend, Kacey Manwaring.

Mike’s philosophy of individualizing each and every athlete made a substantial impact on my running. He focused on what everyone needed whether it was less mileage and more intensity, vise versa or utilizing our strengths to the very best, communicating to us what we would prioritize each week. I believe that individualizing plans is the optimal way to bring out the very best in each and every athlete.

Kacey’s approach was more group based, but what I found intriguing was her attitude and professionalism as both fun and serious. She incorporates many rigorous sessions that were engaging as well. In that sense, I want my athletes to enjoy the journey of running and build lasting relationships while achieving PR’s.

RACING HISTORY

I began running with no experience to lose weight and walked on in college. From there I ran competitively as a collegiate runner from 2015 to 2020. Post college I began running for the Philadelphia Runner Track Club and I still am running for them presently. I have completed races from the 800 up to a full marathon as well as completing a full ironman triathlon in July of 2022. I have found myself very much in the endurance aspect of running, but my roots are in cross country and track.

CERTIFICATIONS

• ISSA certified running coach (International Sports Sciences Association)
• ISSA certified in CPR and AE.D.

PRs

Ranging from my collegiate running days to running marathons post college.

• mile: 5:06
• 5k: 17:48
• 8k: 28:29
• 10k: 36:16
• 10 mile: 1:02
• Half-Marathon: 1:24:34
• Marathon: 3:13

CONTACT ZACH

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