Individual Monthly Coaching

Our Coaching Philosophy

At Higher Running, we believe meaningful progress comes from training that is built over time. Training is not the same all year long. It moves through intentional phases, with each phase building on the last. Some parts of the year focus on developing a strong aerobic base, others on adding more specific workouts, and others on recovery so fitness can fully settle in. We are always thinking about how this week connects to the next and how your training fits into the bigger picture.

Our approach is grounded in exercise science and long-term athlete development. We design training with a clear understanding of how the body adapts over time, and we avoid rushing the process or forcing fitness before an athlete is ready. Progress comes from consistent, thoughtful work layered week by week, not from chasing any single workout or short-term result.

At the same time, we believe how you feel matters as much as what the plan says. While we use tools like GPS watches and heart rate data, we never coach by numbers alone. Your feedback, energy levels, stress, and recovery all inform how training evolves. We pay close attention to patterns over time so training stays productive, sustainable, and aligned with where you are in the moment.

Quality care is at the center of everything we do. Each athlete works with one dedicated coach who knows their history, goals, and context. Behind the scenes, our coaches work as a team, sharing ideas and perspectives to strengthen the support we provide, while keeping the athlete–coach relationship personal and consistent. We don’t rush through plans or communication. We take the time to understand what you’re experiencing and adjust training with intention and care.

We also believe that high performance and joy belong together. Training should support a full life, not crowd it out. A mountain runner should still have space for adventure days, and a road runner should still be able to enjoy group runs and the social side of running. Our goal is to help athletes pursue meaningful goals while protecting their relationship with running, so training stays sustainable, engaging, and fulfilling over time.

This balance is what defines Higher Running coaching. Training that is grounded in science, guided by care, and built to support both performance and the person doing the work.

Is 1:1 Coaching at Higher Running Right for You?

1:1 coaching at Higher Running is designed for runners who want to train with intention, value experienced guidance and quality care, and are ready to trust a well-designed training process.

You’re likely a good fit if you:

Train consistently and are committed to your running
Are ready to trust a coach with the bigger picture of your training
Can commit to working together over months, not just weeks
Want to keep learning, improving and feel confident in your training
Are open to communicating honestly about how training feels and how it fits into your life

This kind of coaching may be especially helpful if you:

Feel like you’re doing many things right but know there’s more potential to unlock
Have been consistent but haven’t seen the progress you expected
Working toward meaningful performance goals, such as qualifying standards on the road, competitive age-group results, strong finishes in challenging trail and ultra races, or seeing what’s possible when training is done well over time.
Want more structure and clarity after a layoff or disrupted training
Care about staying healthy while still pursuing meaningful performance goals

Signature Plan

Designed for runners with big goals who want a deeper coaching partnership, frequent communication, and monthly strategy support.

$300/month for year commitment (Sandi $350)
$350/month for month to month (3 month minimum) (Sandi $400)

• Fully personalized training plan based on goals, races, schedule, and areas of improvement, adjusted as training and life evolve.
• Training log analysis and feedback in Final Surge, plus progress tracking multiple days per week so that trends, strengths, and areas for adjustment are clearly identified over time.
• Paces, RPE, heart rate, and mindset guidance so athletes know how each run should feel and how to execute it with intention.
• Unlimited email & text access for questions, changes, or encouragement related to training.
• Comprehensive intake form plus onboarding meeting
• Goal setting and race planning support so that your training stays aligned with what matters most and race day decisions feel clear and prepared.
• One 45-minute monthly strategy phone or video call
• Welcome guide plus curated educational notes and videos so that you understand the why behind your training

Highest Level of Support – Most Popular

Core Plan

Best for motivated runners who want expert planning and custom feedback with minimal back and forth.

$225/month with 12-month commitment
$275/month month to month (3-month minimum)

• Fully personalized training plan based on goals, races, schedule, and areas of improvement, adjusted as training and life evolve.
• Training log analysis and feedback in Final Surge, plus progress tracking weekly so that trends, strengths, and areas for adjustment are clearly identified over time.
• Paces, RPE, heart rate, and mindset guidance so athletes know how each run should feel and how to execute it with intention.
• Email access for questions, changes, or encouragement related to training.
• Comprehensive intake form plus onboarding meeting
• Goal setting and race planning support so that your training stays aligned with what matters most and race day decisions feel clear and prepared.
• Up to 4 pre-race video or phone calls per year
• Welcome guide plus curated educational notes and videos so that you understand the why behind your training

Basic Level of Support

Availability

Coach Sandi is currently full. Signature Tier only. Visit her page for more info and to get on her waitlist. You can also get a feel of what it’s like to be coached by Sandi & Sage through our course.

Trail & Road · Intermediate to Advanced

At this time Coach Sage is not offering personalized coaching, but you can get a feel of what it’s like to be coached by Sage and Sandi through our course. Find out more here.

Trail & Road · Intermediate to Advanced

Coach Rachael has 2 openings. For more information, please visit her page.

Road · Beginner to Advanced

Coach Ray is currently full. For more information and to join her waitlist, please visit her page.

Trail & Road · Beginner to Intermediate

Coach Jake is currently taking new athletes. For more information, please visit his page.

Trail · Beginner to Intermediate

Coaches Sandi Nypaver and Sage Canaday personally mentor every coach on our team. This ensures that all athletes work with a knowledgeable coach who cares deeply and provides thoughtful, high quality coaching.

Not sure which coach is the best fit for you? Reach out to us at sandi.higherrunning@gmail.com— we’re happy to help you find the right match.

“Rachael has been an incredible coach and I’ve been working with her for well over a year. I’ve been a runner for 15+ years but she has taught me so much, helped me achieve some big PRs, and most of all is responsive and very thoughtful. She really cares about the success of your running and has so much knowledge and experience. If you want to run fast, learn more, and achieve goals that you thought weren’t possible, I’d highly recommend her.”

John D.

Higher Running is the best of the best. Always has been. Coaches who care no matter whether we are back of the pack or medal chasers. The coaching and communication makes you feel like you are elite in your mind and theirs both on the road/trail and in life.

Pam K.

“Ray has been my guide in the ultras journey for over 5 years! She really took time to get to know me, my goals and figure out what would work for me. But most of all, she taught me how to truly listen to my body again. After years of chronic disease, I thought of ultras as a way of getting back at my body that failed me so many times before. Now, “we” play together and “we” go to beautiful places.” -Amy G.

“Jake Head helped me train for my first couch-to-half marathon at Lake Sammamish, and I cannot recommend him enough. Throughout the whole journey, he helped me build the confidence I needed to become a runner. He taught me not to look at running as a punishment, but as a privilege to be able to move my body. Jake emphasized that not every run needs to be a PR, but encouraged me to slow down, and appreciate the journey. He is not only extremely knowledgeable and thoughtful but genuinely invested in my long-term fitness goals, but he also takes the time to listen to my needs and what I enjoy, curating workout plans that are personalized and sustainable. Jake is truly passionate about running. He coaches by example by competing and training for ultra-marathons himself. Whether you are an experienced runner, just getting into trail running, or starting your fitness journey, Jake is the coach for you!” – Emily L

Through her expertise and holistic approach, Sandi has helped me move from a 3:27 marathoner to a 2:48 marathoner looking to continue improving. But it’s not just about the times—she’s helped me fall in love with the process, embracing both the delightful discomfort of shorter races and the personal growth that comes with each new distance.

What sets Sandi apart is her genuine care for the whole runner. She’s incredibly responsive and adaptable, evolving my training as my needs and goals shift. Her creativity in designing fun, effective training plans keeps the journey exciting, and her patience as I try new things makes me feel supported.

Sandi’s influence extends far beyond running—my life has genuinely changed since I started working with her. My friends and family have noticed that I’m stronger and more resilient and her belief in my potential has inspired me to set some aggressive goals. I am endlessly grateful for all she’s done to help me continue becoming a better version of myself. If you’re looking for a coach who will invest in your success on every level, the team at Higher Running is the best! -Michaela K.W. (Now a 2:42 marathoner!)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does weekly training log feedback look like?

We take an in-depth look at your runs and comments, then provide thoughtful feedback inside Final Surge. This includes pacing, heart rate, RPE, overall workout execution, and key trends over time.

Is strength included?

Our coaching is focused on running, which is our core expertise. We do not provide fully personalized or progressive strength training programs.

We can offer general strength guidance and share our pre-made strength resources. In the Signature tier, some coaches may also offer a movement or gait analysis and suggest exercises based on individual needs, but strength training is not coached with the same level of customization or progression as running.

Can you help with nutrition?

We can offer guidance on pre- and post-run fueling, in-race fueling, and hydration strategies. We do not provide meal plans or weight loss coaching, but we’re happy to share trusted dietitian referrals if needed.

What happens if I get injured?

While we prioritize injury prevention, injuries can still happen. If they do, we’ll help adjust your training to focus on what you can do and support a smart return to running. We also have a detailed injury policy available upon request.

I’m just looking to finish my race. Is coaching for me?

Absolutely. We work with runners of all experience levels and goals, and we’ll match you with a coach who’s excited to support you wherever you are in your journey.

Is cross-training included?

Aerobic cross-training such as cycling, elliptical, swimming, or similar modalities may be included when it supports your overall training and long-term health. This is most often helpful for runners building mileage, returning from injury, managing injury risk, or those who simply enjoy cross-training. When included, it’s programmed intentionally and integrated into your training plan in a way that supports your running goals.