Athlete Stories
Harley Guy
“Austin has proven to be an exceptional ultra coach, particularly with his guidance through the demanding Cocodona 250. His expertise in nutrition has been pivotal, tailoring a diet plan that balances energy needs and recovery for such an extreme event. Beyond physical preparation, Austin's approach to mental training has been invaluable, equipping me with strategies to maintain focus and resilience throughout this grueling race. His support and personalized coaching have significantly enhanced my performance and endurance, making him an outstanding choice for anyone tackling ultra-marathon challenges.”
Olivia Hemenway
“I have run on the road from the time I was about 13 years old until two years ago, with multiple marathon training blocks and three half marathons under my belt. Then in 2022 I broke my femur and didn’t think I would ever be able to run again. Re-learning to walk, then to a limp while I walk, to a walk-limp-jog, to kind of jogging, to backpacking through New Zealand. I came home, looked at my partner and said ‘I want to run 30 miles’.
I then found my coach Austin through a family member and that was one of the hardest and best summers of my life. I successfully ran my first 50k ultramarathon in September of 2023 placing 6th in the women's category and 13th overall! Austin was eager to listen, to be a teacher, be patient but also show tough love in some really low moments. His skill to help me as an athlete transfer from running road to running trail after such a major injury was amazing. Like I said, I never thought I would ever be able to run like I used to and maybe ever again, but I actually have come back stronger running longer distances than I ever have before. Training in these ways takes a lot of trust from an athlete to a coach and last summer I trusted his expertise in my adaptations, stuck to the training and it all paid off!”
Sara Newblom
“Austin is an amazing human; he helped me realize my potential as a runner and athlete. He’s also my husband, which makes me both partial and more critical. I grew up running for fun, ran track, and had a handful of races under my belt – but I had never run further than 25k. I had a love-hate relationship with running. When running long distances, I felt like I had to “run” the entire time. I would exhaust myself day after day and felt unsuccessful because I wasn’t making meaningful progress. He inspired me to run my first 50k, which was the most physically challenging thing I had ever done. The race was hard, painful, emotional, empowering, and I couldn’t wait for the next. I wanted help and although some may find it odd to choose your husband as your coach, I knew he would be the best. Austin has an insatiable desire to know everything he can about his passions. Running is one of his greatest passions and he takes every opportunity to absorb more information. I knew I could fully trust his advice and had already seen what he had done for his own running.
His training program completely changed my relationship with running. I started really loving it, looking forward to each run, his feedback, and saw quick results. My body evolved, my running improved, became easier, I maintained more energy through the week, and learned how to fuel. I received feedback that was easy to understand, he explained the science of running, fueling, and resting. I blew my originally 50k time out of the water during my next race and continued pushing myself by signing up for a 50-mile race. At that time, I expected to keep pursuing longer distances, I had no idea that 50-mile race would be both my best and last ultra. Under Austin’s coaching I spent about 6 months training for the Bogus 50-50 in Boise, Idaho. I have never felt so well prepared for a race. I knew how to fuel, pace, and I was in the best running shape of my life. I completed that race in about 12 hours, which was ahead of my goal by about an hour. Before crossing the finish line, I had an opportunity to pause (briefly) on a hill overlooking Boise and that moment was filled with so much gratitude for my endurance, health, and Austin’s coaching. That moment was more meaningful to me than actually crossing the finish line and I’ll forever remember it.
What makes that training and preparation for that race impressive, is unbeknownst to me and Austin – I had Ankylosis Spondylitis. I’ve had this autoimmune disease my entire life and before Austin started helping me, running would lead to intense back and hip pain that would force me to stop. That was the only six months in my life that I didn’t have debilitating back pain and made true progress. I may run again in the future, but need to focus on less impact sports for now. Austin safely guided me through training, he’s patient, focused, factual, and knowledgeable. He lives and breathes this sport, when I decide to run again – I’ll be using him as my coach.”