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Hear from the athletes...
CHAS ADAMS
"I have been running ultras since 2016. I'm a mid-packer, so I never thought I needed a coach. I read books, talked to fellow ultrarunners, etc. However, last year, I decided it was time to step up my game and really see what I was capable of. I looked for someone who was "one of us" and found Coach Saft. After one season with Coach Saft, I was in the absolute best running shape of my life and I thoroughly enjoyed a long training cycle that was almost 39 weeks due to the race schedule. Coach was always willing to talk and change-up training blocks as needed to make sure I stayed healthy and motivated throughout the training cycle. I can't say enough about our interactions throughout training and even during "off season". I'm proud to call Aaron my coach and my friend."
TONY MCDERMOTT
“I have been training with Aaron for just under two years. Prior to working with Aaron, I had worked with two different coaches over around an 8 year period. While my previous coaches all had different strengths in various areas, Aaron is the first one that has put it all together for me. Aaron understands that for many of his outlets, training and racing are outlets from our busy day to day lives. As a working professional, with a spouse and kids, it’s important that training is an outlet and it fits into my other commitments. Through working with Aaron, I have been able to attain goals and push towards new ones, while also not putting unnecessary pressure on myself if I occasionally need to pivot based on what life throws my way. This balance and personal touch is exactly what I was looking for in a coach - and I really appreciate Aaron for all he does for his team.”
TAYLOR EVELAND
"Coach Saft has a magical way of making every mile feel like an adventure (even the uphill and downhill and tempo ones). Thanks to him, I’ve not only improved my pace and overall endurance, but also my belief in what I can accomplish. He builds a training program based around YOUR life and understands the importance of balancing a life and a big training block. If you want a coach who’ll make you laugh, push your limits, and is a walking encyclopedia of ultra-running tips, he's your guy!"
ROBERT BROOKS
"After three Umstead 100 mile finishes, I was looking to improve on the flatter Yeti 100. My goals were to finish faster, finish stronger, not get injured, and to have a quality training plan. With Aaron's help, I ran a nearly 3 hours faster. Hoping it wasn't a fluke or just due to a flatter course, I ran Umstead the following year and gained another PR by 95 seconds. Other PRs and personal course bests followed. As a coach, Aaron uses his own experience and current research from the experts to help you in your running journey. He develops a personalized plan using your wants, schedules, needs, and skills. Strength programs--which have been extremely helpful--are also used. Because of Aaron's approach, I haven't had any serious running injuries that have caused me to throw away a training plan or affected a race. Aaron is an incredibly gifted coach and nice person. I always felt like he has my back. His willingness to listen to your feedback or read between the lines is refreshing. He doesn't look at you as just a number or running project. Still, he holds me accountable (you may need to look elsewhere if you're looking for a coach to scream and yell). He's heavily invested in your well-being and running journey. I have always felt ready and prepared for every race Aaron coached me through."
TED COBERLY
"I have worked with Coach Aaron for almost 2 years and grown tremendously as a runner. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience and coaches athletes of any level and ability. He truly cares about the success of his athletes and fosters a strong team environment. Coach Aaron is responsive to text messages, scheduled calls and emails. He also provides additional assistance through his podcast, youtube videos and other training aids. I have recommended him to friends and family and plan to continue to work with him to reach my running goals."
JENNIFER BYERS
"I have been working with Aaron for three years. Prior to meeting Aaron I struggled with constant injuries and doctors visits. I have remained injury free the last three years and I am stronger than ever. Together he he coached me to multiple marathon and half marathon PR’s.
I love that Aaron is always kind, understanding and realistic when helping me develop my goals. Before I met Aaron I was scared to run another marathon. I have ran eight marathons with the support of Aaron and I overcame my fears. I am incredibly grateful for his coaching and friendship."
MIKE REARDON
“When I decided to hire a coach I was searching for someone with two particular qualities, experience and a true heartfelt passion for trail and ultra running. After listening to a few of his podcasts I knew Coach Aaron was the obvious choice. In the short time we have worked together he has already helped guide me to a finish at Black Canyon 100K, Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker 50 mile, and the Hellbender 100 mile. Next up is the Bear 100, I feel ready, strong, and confident with Aaron as my coach.”
JOHN GOLDFIELD
"As an older runner who strives to maintain fitness-without-injury but also has a tendency to choose very challenging race goals, I found that Aaron Saft has been a perfect fit for me. His one-on-one attention that focuses on consistency and longevity in the sport has contributed to my completing four 100 milers and several other ultramarathon and shorter distance races since 2020. More valuable than the training schedule, and accountability however is Coach Saft's generosity of his time, and personal touch in his direct and frequent communications. The online discussion groups, one-on-one conversations, and flexibility in working directly with my personal schedules and needs has enhanced my enjoyment of "the process" without sacrificing other important priorities in my life. Finally, it's the fact that Aaron is quite simply "the nicest guy" that makes the coaching relationship so enjoyable."
LAURA ROLLINS
"I began training with Aaron in 2018 when I signed up for a big race out west and felt I needed some direction in my training. I'm still with him for this reason. Through training blocks for big races, regrouping, injury and illness, life events and even Covid, he has helped me stay solid in my running through constant honest feedback, goal specific training plans, phone calls concerning race planning, and the fact that he always believes in me. I am in my 50s and still continuing to become a better and faster runner. He leads with knowledge and by example. I consider it an honor to be one of his athletes."
TIM EARLEY
"Aaron is a deeply knowledgeable, supportive, and interactive coach. His coaching offers a ton of value-- in addition to providing detailed training plans and daily feedback, he builds a sense of community among his athletes via social media, group runs, book discussions, and Zoom "lunches." He takes deep dives into important topics related to running-- gear, nutrition, rest/recovery, strength training---you name it. He puts a lot of effort into researching the newest developments in the science of running and the practice of coaching. Best of all, there's an abiding spirit of kindness and openness in everything he does.
I started trail running a year ago at the age of 50 and fell in love with it. Before I started training with Aaron, I was training intensely, but not very efficiently. I found myself fatigued a lot and a bit overwhelmed with trying to nail down an effective, sustainable training regimen.
Since I've been working with Aaron, I feel empowered and confident that I'm doing all the right things I need to do to become a better runner. My legs are fresher. I'm running faster. I feel great after my runs. Every run matters. Every run has a purpose. Most importantly, I know I'm working with a coach who is genuinely invested in my development as a runner, and who can guide me with the expertise, high quality training, and positive energy I need to reach my trail and ultra running goals."
ATHLETE
"A little over four years ago, I decided to hire a coach to help me tackle the Pinhoti 100 and a few tune-up races along the way. Friends had recommended Aaron Saft, and my best trail buddy was already working with him, so I decided to give it a try. Since then, Aaron has guided me through 11 ultramarathons and several shorter trail races. With his support, I’ve successfully completed five 100-milers, ranging from the mountainous Tahoe Rim Trail 100 to the flat and fast Canal Corridor 100, and even one of the toughest and most breathtaking 115k races in the world—the Madeira Island Ultra Trail. Throughout this journey, Aaron has tailored my training to fit my complicated schedule, which initially included ER shift work and balancing family responsibilities. His approach has always prioritized my overall health, both mentally and physically. As an "age-gifted" runner, I know my training can’t mimic that of younger athletes, and Aaron has consistently found the right balance between challenging my abilities and protecting me from my own overambition. Thanks to our collaboration, I’ve remained relatively injury-free, avoiding major overuse or overtraining issues since I started working with him. But Aaron’s coaching extends far beyond a weekly training plan. The counseling, support, empathy, and understanding he provides should qualify him as a therapist and social worker in addition to being a phenomenal running coach. Being part of the Running Is Life team means so much more than just training assignments. It’s about the extra Zoom sessions, book and technology reviews, and running science and gear insights. Aaron truly cares—not just about that little recovery run I did this week, but also about the big, audacious goals I’m working toward. Working with Aaron has been an absolute pleasure, and I look forward to more mountains and miles under his guidance."
TERESA BOWSER
"I started training with Aaron in June 2022 as someone who had trail running experience but semi-new to the world of Ultras and the trail running community. Aaron met me where I was at in the beginning and continues to listen to my big scary goals. His training plans are specially unique not just to your race but personalized to you. Adapting when needed and always challenging you just at the right times. His coaching and mentorship has allowed me to grow into the athlete that I am today- becoming stronger mentally and physically while enjoying the process each and every day. Forever grateful I found Aaron!"
JULIE JORDAN
"I have been an athlete of Aaron Saft’s for three years. In this time my running and how I feel about it have been completely transformed- I have become a stronger, more purposeful runner and I love the joy I experience in my miles. Aaron does an amazing job of creating personalized training blocks to take his runners from where they are to where they want to be on a safe, logical, constructive path. What I admired about him before I became one of his athletes is how he treats the running community, how he gives back to it, how he is a fantastic trail steward and how his family supports his running- they make it a family affair. These things led me to want to become one of his athletes and have increased as I have gotten to know him. Having running be a positive impact in my life and reflecting that positivity is something I wanted in my running as well. Since becoming one of Aaron’s runners, I have learned how many certifications he has in coaching and how he is constantly learning more and achieving higher levels of those certifications. He is striving to become a better coach for us as we strive to become better runners. I am amazed how much individual attention we receive: daily two-way communication in our training platform and options for zoom and phone calls as desired. For his athletes as a group I enjoy that we have: monthly group runs, monthly reviews on running themed books, weekly zoom calls on various topics, social media groups where we celebrate each other’s races and successes as well as have a space to network and ask questions of each other. This camaraderie that Aaron has created amongst his runners has taken a sometimes solitary sport and created a team feel. Some of his other runners whom I have met through these have become some of my closest and favorite running partners. We are able to follow Aaron’s podcast and newsletters, which have great guests and subjects; and following Aaron’s ambitious race schedule is an exciting part of knowing him. Aaron builds trust with his runners. He learns their strengths and weaknesses. I am able to have as much flexibility in my training blocks as I need- as a fulltime working mother who is at best a “back of the pack” runner and often the DFL, this is appreciated. He is also insistent that what I plan to run will align with being a healthy runner who can look forward to longevity in enjoying my sport. Since I have started with him, I have PRd my 100 Mile three times and set a new 50 Mile PR. Aaron also helped me prepare for and then celebrated with me on a 180 mile multi day adventure I dreamed up. Aaron Saft has the knowledge, capabilities, interest and patience to help any athlete go from where they are to imagining and achieving new goals. I am so grateful to be one of his athletes."
NICOLE BURNHAM
“When I searched for a coach, finding the right fit was key. From our first phone call, Aaron took the time to understand my background and goals. His personalized training strikes the perfect balance of flexibility and structure, and I receive useful, regular feedback. He has a stunning resume and is incredibly knowledgeable, yet he constantly seeks out ways to expand that knowledge for the betterment of all his athletes, from back-of-the-pack runners to lightning-fast podium finishers. Aaron is personable, positive, and wise. I couldn’t ask for a better coach. Contacting Aaron is the best decision I’ve made for my running."
SHERRY MARCOTTE
"Aaron has been instrumental in my running!
It’s so amazing to have someone who can coach you to things you thought might be out of reach again. Aaron is amazing with communication, support and getting you to the finish line ready to race!"
LEE GOLDBERG
"In July of 2020 I came as close I ever had to pulling my race bib and walking off a course mid-ultra. Until then I had no formal coaching or training as it related to running. I was introduced to Aaron and have been bragging about him being my coach ever since. Apart of race specific coaching, Aaron provides insight to finding your “Why,” general health concerns, nutrition, and professional referrals. Many PRs and podiums later, I could not imagine where I would be as runner without him – probably not running. Running with a coach is the ultimate advantage!"
PENNY ANDERSON
"The thing that differentiates Coach Saft is his attention to detail and availability. I’m a normal, mid-pack runner and he is just as invested in seeing me meet my goals as he is in his athletes that are winning races. His planning is specific to the athlete and never feels “programmed”. He is so invested in teaching, educating, and supporting his athletes. I cannot recommend Coach Saft enough."
CERA JONES
"For years I failed with training plans and added stress to my running goals. I love that Aaron uses time based workouts and believes in not overtraining which really fits my life better. Now that I can be consistent with training, I'm finishing races faster than I ever thought I could! Plus the added mobility and strength workouts have kept me injury free."
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