Coach Sandi Nypaver

Co-founder & Director of Coaching Development

Intermediate to Elite Running Coach

Coach Sandi co-founded Higher Running in 2014 and works with intermediate to elite marathoners and trail runners who are committed to improving and want to do so in a way that supports long term health and joy in the sport.

Many of the athletes she coaches already have a strong understanding of training principles and care deeply about doing things well. They are thoughtful and analytical about their training, but want experienced perspective to help them apply that knowledge with precision and timing. Sandi helps runners prioritize the right work at the right time so their consistency translates into measurable, meaningful progress.

Her athletes include age group podium finishers, Boston qualifiers, marathoners progressing toward Olympic Trials standards, elite trail runners, and ultra mountain athletes racing toward the front of their fields. Just as importantly, they continue improving year after year while staying healthy and engaged in the process.

Sandi’s coaching is grounded in exercise science and long term athlete development. Training is purposeful, guided by careful observation, clear communication, and individualized adjustments, while prioritizing joy in the journey.

She is a USATF and Lydiard Certified Coach, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and Level 2 Certified Gait Analyst. She has completed Jay Dicharry’s Running Rewired course and Cornell’s Plant Based Nutrition Certificate program, and has studied performance psychology through the Finding Your Best course with Michael Gervais and Pete Carroll.

As an elite runner with podium finishes from 5K road races to 100 mile trail ultramarathons, Sandi understands firsthand the physiological and mental demands of racing across distances.

Athletes who work with Sandi value steady progression, thoughtful communication, and a coaching relationship built on trust. While she supports runners pursuing ambitious goals such as qualifying standards, age group wins, and competitive trail racing, her work centers on helping athletes improve now while building the durability, perspective, and enjoyment that allow them to stay in the sport for life.

Coaching includes:

• Movement assessment and gait analysis for Signature athletes
• Strength recommendations tied directly to your needs
• Integrated mindset development

Email: sandi.higherrunning@gmail.com

Here’s a video to see what working with me is like:

Follow Sandi: 

   

Working with Sandi Nypaver at Higher Running has been transformative — not just as a runner, but as a complete being. I first came to Sandi when I was recovering from an injury, battling both physical and mental barriers to getting back on the road. The fear and uncertainty I felt during that time were a challenge, but with Sandi’s guidance, I gained both physical strength and mental fortitude.

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!)

Working with Sandi Nypaver through Higher Running has been an absolute gift. As a 63-year-old woman, I’ve never felt stronger, more capable, or more supported in my running journey. Sandi’s coaching and training plans are thoughtfully tailored to my specific goals and always prioritize both performance and safety. What sets her apart for me is that she cares about me as a whole person, not just as a runner. She weaves in support for my mental and emotional well-being, which has made all the difference. Her wisdom, responsiveness, and experience are unmatched. I’m so grateful to have her in my corner, helping me define and accomplish my short and long term running goals. -Pam R.

Sandi has been in my corner from the start – since I started being coached by her I’ve really learnt a lot about running and about recovery. She has a ton of wisdom, not just knowledge. She is incredibly attentive and seems to really care about her athletes and truly uses a wholistic approach. She seems to know when I need a rest before I myself do. -Aisling C.

MEDIA:

Burnout is Complicated (Trail Runner Magazine)

Training and Racing at Altitide (Trail Sisters)

Top Mistakes Trail Runners Make In Training (Trail Runner Magazine)

4 Tips for Dealing with Injuries

Joining the Topo Athletic Team

Grand Canyon: https://www.runinrabbit.com/blogs/rabbit-chatter/sandi-nypaver-fkt-grand-canyon-rim-to-rim-to-rim

Sandi Nypaver has the Power to Control Her Own Happiness: https://www.nicoledeboom.com/104-sandi-nypaver-power-control-happiness/

Contributor to Trail Sisters: https://www.trailsisters.net/team/sandi-nypaver/

Women’s Equality In Trail and Ultra Running – Video Podcast

Ultimate Direction- How to Train for a Mountain Ultra: http://blog.ultimatedirection.com/how-i-trained-for-and-won-the-rut-50k/

Strava- Coach Sage and I wrote a series of 4 blog posts concerning training for trail races: https://blog.strava.com/how-to-run-hills-17147/

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