Testimonials

Rich and I first connected in early 2018. I had run a few trail 50ks and I learned quickly that if I wanted to go faster and bigger, I needed some help. I’d been thinking about the Leadville 100 for years and was finally ready to commit to the training. After a few initial conversations, he put together a plan that would help me build up over the course of about 18 months

Right off the bat, we started seeing great results. Having a coach made me accountable and it made a huge difference in my training. In our first summer of training together, I ran a 1hr15min 50k PR—the old PR was at sea level and this one came at 9,000ft. Later that fall, I ran my first 50 mile race and it went great.

2019 was all about Leadville. We started building early in the year and when I got injured in March, Rich put together an awesome cross training plan. I didn’t run for 6 weeks and the entire time, Rich kept me physically and mentally strong. When I was finally ready to run again, he assured me that the cross training kept me fit and he was right. In my first race back, the Vail Hill Climb, I set a huge PR.

The training for Leadville was hard work. But in addition to the running, Rich helped me prepare my mind. We talked a lot about mindset. His pep talks when I was feeling nervous about the race were a crucial part of the prep. He encouraged me to express gratitude for this amazing opportunity during the hardest parts of the race. He talked me through little things, like breathing, that ended up being key to staying calm and focused during such a long event.

On the day of the race, I stumbled into Winfield after a tough first go at Hope Pass. Rich was there waiting for me. He could see I was in bad shape and the first thing he said was, “Let me see you smile!” I needed that. He pieced me back together with food and fluids, then paced me back over Hope Pass. By the time we finished that section I was rolling again. 38 short miles later I was crossing the finish line.

Without Rich, there’s no way I would have earned a buckle on my first try in Leadville. He prepared my body and mind for everything. Even better, I crossed the finish line smiling and already thinking about the next one. I roll with Rich! #betterthanmost

-Jimmy D

Rich Airey is an exceptional coach who prepared me physically, mentally, and spiritually to run the toughest miles of my life. After a very emotional failure at the Leadville 100 in 2017, I started working with Rich with the goal of finishing that race. He not only gave me the confidence in my physical ability to run that far, he also gave me the mental strength to know I could do it. Thanks to Rich’s guidance I completed the Leadville 100 in 2018 and was ready to take on the next challenge. Since Rich started coaching me I have gone on to complete 3 hundred mile races as well as several ultramarathons and shorter trail races with great success at each. Rich is a very involved coach and gives the workouts exactly tailored to what I need even when dealing with injury or time constraints. He is always available to help me understand and get the most out of every run. His approach of incorporating strength work and other complimentary movements to training have been very productive to keeping me injury free and stronger over all. If you are looking for a coach with extensive knowledge about running and strength with a passion for seeing his athletes succeed then Rich is the man for you.

-Emily S.

I met Rich in Colorado last summer. He was kind enough to let me pick his brain on several occasions while I was there. I made the decision to hire him soon after. Since then, I have made leaps and bounds as a runner and as a person. I am stronger physically and mentally than I have ever been; and have achieved some amazing things this year. I appreciate that Rich doesn't care just about making you the best runner you can be, he cares about your person as well. I look forward to what I will achieve going forward with Rich's help. You won't regret the decision to hire him, even though you may sometimes have a love hate relationship. -Sarah R

I first met Rich in 2018 at the Leadville 100 when his client and good friend of mine crossed the finish line, successfully under 30 hours.

I never once thought seriously about ultra marathons until this moment.

Fast forward to Spring of 2019, I decided to give this 'ultra marathon distance running' a try. I ran high school track and in my adult years, I've competed in XTERRA triathlons as well as continue to race my local town trail running series, so I knew I had the momentum in me, just didn't have a clue where to begin with my training for long distance endurance running. I researched online running training plans and knew that route wasn't for me....I needed daily and weekly accountability.

Since I began training with Rich, I have felt a sense of accomplishment on the trails, both mentally and physically. My workouts which often consist of cross training, through Rich's training programs have proven itself with results that I am pleased with. There were mornings I could have easily hit the snooze button and slept in or evenings after work, I simply didn't have the energy to train, but knowing I had a workout planned for me that day through Rich's expertise, I laced up my trail running shoes, put in the ear buds and got on the trail. He provided me the training, but I had to do the work....and I'm so grateful for that! I had a successful first Summer season racing ultra marathon distances and I'm now committed to two more in the Summer of 2020.

I went from minimal experience to now running ultra distance trail runs/races with self confidence. Rich has prepped me in everything from nutrition, hydration, necessary gear, self care leading up to endurance races (sleep!!) to mental prep with his many mantras, all leading with his calm demeanor.

If you are curious about ultra marathon distance running and looking to deepen your experience out on the trail or simply perform better, I would highly recommend training with Rich Airey...he's good stuff!
-Corrie C

Let me start by saying that working with Rich Airey was an absolute pleasure. He is thoughtful, thorough, and sincerely focused on helping you accomplish your goals, whatever they may be.

Approaching him with little to no running background and then completing the Leadville 100 Trail Run five months later is a powerful testament to his training knowledge and his commitment to his clients.

His training platforms are structured, well balanced, and yet seem to mesh well with a busy lifestyle. If you’re looking to push yourself in a disciplined and healthy way, I strongly recommend working with him!

- Clark O.

I just wanted to write you and say thanks for the seminar on Sunday. I had a lot of fun and I learned a good deal. I definitely picked up
some things to help me improve my own running. I was also able to
learn as a coach and your seminar helped me add some new tools to my
arsenal. I now feel more able to help the athletes I coach with their
running. I will begin to apply some of the drills we worked on to our
class warmup and I am confident it will be a positive addition.
Thanks again.
All the best,
-Tom A

It was great to meet you  - I thoroughly enjoyed the class. Although it was a lot of information to digest, I learned more about the mechanics of running in one day than I have in the previous 30 years.

-Nick D

Hey Rich!

I am a big RunningWod fan and StopMe Project fan. I have followed your racing techniques/advice to help me run better. I can truly say you have had a huge impact on my running career. We met years ago at RunningWorks. Those five days changed me from a recreational runner to a addict to a maniac to a D1 prospect. I don't know if you have read Ayn Rand, but she once said "The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." Which I really believe in. That's one reason I am such a fan. Since RunningWorks I have run on 3 different continents, 10 different countries, and completed my first Marathon. Placed second at the Rehoboth Half Marathon, and won several 5k’s and 8k’s.

All in all, I wanted to yet again thank you for all your hard work and dedication.  You really show people that its not about where you are coming from but where you want to go and if you really want it you will go get it.

Many Thanks!

-Thomas S

Richard Airey and RunningWod coaching has truly taken me to the next level, faster than I believed possible. Through fundamental and technical training my running has become exponentially faster and efficient. Coupled with focused strength training to compliment and enhance my running I have become stronger as well, which helps me maintain form and endurance. In the past year I have shaved off nearly 45 minutes off of my marathon time with a PR of 2:58 gaining me a qualifying spot in Boston 2014! Thanks RunningWod!

-Cameron R

Rich,

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your coaching over these last 4 months or so.

I have tried to crack 3 hours in the marathon 7 times over the last 6 years, each time with the old fashioned high mileage plan and each time with poor results. Inevitably the mileage wore me down, left me injured and I never had a proper pacing plan for race day.

In November I found Crossfit and was introduced to your Strength program. You immediately changed my way of looking at training. Your workouts were short, they were precise, they were fast and they worked. My 5k time dropped by a minute, my 10k time by two. But in January I lined up at the Carlsbad Half Marathon and knocked 6 minutes off my time! Again, never running more than 14 miles in a training session and never having a run on the schedule that didn't have purpose. Some of my best workouts were 200 meter repeats or one hour time trials. I never would have that those types of workouts could lead to success.

Meanwhile I was diligent about my Strength workouts 2-3 days per week and I not only got stronger, but faster and I even dropped weight.

So yesterday when I lined up at the start line of the LA Marathon I didn't know what to expect but I knew I was well coached, well prepared and fit as can be. And thanks to your coaching, your support, my strength and a really detailed pacing strategy, I was the last runner of the LA Marathon to cross the line in under 3 hours! 2:59:42 - 18 seconds has never felt so sweet.

Couldn't have done it without you - thanks for everything!

-Brian M