Coach Jake Head

Trail & Road · Beginner to Advanced

Specialty: Trail, road, and ultra running coach for every stage, from first race to first ultra, plus hiking and mountain adventures

Jake Head is a UESCA-certified ultrarunning coach, nutrition coach, and strength coach, as well as a trail ultra runner based in Washington State. He joined Higher Running as a coach in 2026 after training with the team as an athlete for several years.

Jake was not always an athlete. By age 16, he weighed over 300 pounds and had no background in competitive sports (though he did have an impressive World of Warcraft character). Through running, strength training, and a deep commitment to learning about nutrition, he transformed his health and eventually became a competitive endurance athlete.

Today, he has earned podium finishes across distances from the 5K to 100 miles. Highlights include 2nd place at the Teanaway Country 100, wins at the Ancient Lakes 50 Miler and Tiger Peak 50K, and three straight top 10 finishes at Tiger Claw. He has also finished the Tahoe 200.

Jake’s “why” for running is to celebrate what his body is capable of, and to use the gift of movement to explore beautiful places, while letting his transformation story serve as proof that anyone can run.

Jake loves to geek out on all things fitness-related. His coaching journey began in 2016, after peers took notice of his own transformation and sought his advice. Since then, he has coached new runners to the finish lines of their first races, adventurers through demanding mountain routes, and experienced collegiate runners to their first trail ultramarathons.

Jake’s coaching approach blends evidence-based training with lived experience, helping athletes build durability, confidence, and, most importantly, have fun in the process. He specializes in getting runners trail-ready, whether they’re training for their first trail race, chasing ambitious ultramarathon goals, or preparing for self-imposed mountain adventures.

Above all, Jake believes sustainable progress comes from meeting athletes where they are, respecting their unique backgrounds, and creating systems that build fitness while emphasizing the joy found in running and chasing big dreams.

Email: Jake@haveheart.run

Signature Plan: $260/month for a 1 year commitment, $310/month for a month to month commitment (3 month minimum)

Core Plan: $200/month for a 1 year commiment, $250/month for a month to month commitment (3 month minimum)

“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

“I had the pleasure of working with Jake as I trained for my very first half marathon, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. As a beginner, I was nervous about the challenge, but Jake was incredibly attentive and made sure I had a solid plan tailored to my needs and goals.
What really stood out was how responsive he was to my progress. He constantly adjusted my training plan based on my daily running stats, ensuring I was always working at the right intensity. Whether it was adding an extra rest day or modifying my distance, his attention to detail made all the difference.
Beyond the technical side, Jake was always so motivating and encouraging. He knew how to push me when I needed it and kept my spirits high during tough training days. I never felt alone in the process, and his positive reinforcement kept me focused on the finish line.
Thanks to his guidance, I not only completed my first half marathon but also did so feeling strong and confident. I highly recommend Jake to anyone, especially beginners who want a coach that truly invests in their success.”- Alva C

“Ten months ago, I retired from 50 years behind a desk. I wanted to start a journey to better health and knew I would need coaching.  I reached out to Jake to help me. Over the course of ten months with his help I have slowly went from no exercise a day to walking 3 miles, two times a day plus stretching exercises. My weight, blood pressure and heart rate have all went down. Thank you, Jake. My dog also thanks you as he loves to walk with me.” – Donna H

Articles by Jake:

Training Considerations for Mountain Trail Races

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