About Me
I’ve been running for more than 20 years and am a UESCA running coach certified to work with those training to run anything from a 5k to marathon distance.
My background is in trail running and fastpacking. While living in San Francisco Bay Area and Reno, NV, my weekends were filled with hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing in Tahoe and Yosemite. But I realized that if I wanted to explore more in just a weekend, I needed to move faster and more efficiently. Transitioning to long-distance trail running not only allowed me to cover more ground in these beautiful spaces, but it also taught me a lot about myself. Each run—good or bad—was an opportunity to push my limits and discover what I’m truly capable of, making the journey incredibly rewarding.
I found that I loved running solo through wild spaces and eventually started challenging myself with bigger self-supported adventures like overnight 30-milers in Tuolumne and a self-guided running tour of Desolation Wilderness’ many lakes.
Certifications:
- UESCA Certified Running Coach
- Specialization in Injury Prevention
- Menopause 2.0: Next Level Training for Optimal Performance
- Wilderness First Aid (SOLO Wilderness Medicine)
- CPR/AED – Adult/Child/Infant
Some adventures I’m most proud of:
Summiting Cerro Chirripó in a day
At 12,536 feet, Cerro Chirripó is the tallest mountain in Costa Rica and ranks as the 37th most prominent peak in the world. The trail to the summit and back spans about 25 miles, with over 9,000 feet of elevation gain. For my run, I packed all the essentials—extra clothing, plenty of snacks, and water with electrolytes—and started early in the morning, finishing around midday. The trail winds through some of the planet’s most unique ecosystems, making it an unforgettable experience. But honestly, one of the highlights was enjoying a veggie casado meal back at my hotel after the run.
Summiting Mount Whitney in a day
Mount Whitney is 14,505 ft tall and is the highest mountain in the contiguous U.S. I definitely got a little elevation sick on this run, but even that couldn’t take away from the sweeping views and the sense of accomplishment of reaching the top, having run 11 miles up from Whitney Portal, with another 11 to go. The total elevation gain was 6,100 feet.
Rim-to-rim-to-rim across the Grand Canyon
R2R2R at the Grand Canyon was a bold goal and is one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. The run was more than 40 miles with 10,000 feet of elevation gain/loss. There were definitely tears and points along the way where the only thing that kept me going was my curiosity at was might be around the next turn.
Rebuilding my running fitness after taking an extended time away from running
Taking time away from running is a good and healthy thing to do! But one time, for me, that break was extended far longer than I planned as I dealt with my own physical and mental health challenges. Getting my running fitness back meant starting with the basics and celebrating slow progress. It was really difficult! But I’m so grateful for that experience that reminded me why I love running and helped me rediscover a beginner mindset that inspired me to start coaching others.
Running with me
As a running coach I work with people who are new to running and/or trail running, “back-of-the-pack” runners, older runners and runners who don’t feel like they fit in the typical “running scene.”
Runners like to say that anyone with a pair of shoes can run because “running is for everybody” and often speak highly of the welcoming community within distance running. But, as a queer runner, I know that this isn’t always everyone’s experience. Alison Mariella Désir speaks to this in her seminal book, “Running While Black.” My goal is to support new and under-represented runners as they gain fitness and confidence in a space that feels welcoming and celebratory of their identities, their bodies and their goals.
I have holistic approach to running and training runners. I want my athletes to experience joy when moving their bodies, for their workouts to feel enjoyable (sometimes that feeling comes after completing a tough workout!) and for their runs to become a space where they can feel confident enough to push themselves while also listening to, and respecting, their bodies.
As Seen in Running Flow
Betsy’s one-day summit of Costa Rica’s Cerro Chirripó was featured in Running Flow: Mental Immersion Techniques for Better Running (link opens in a new tab) by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Philip Latter, and Christine Weinkauff Duranso.
Her experience serves as an example of how recreational runners can use mental techniques and training to reach a flow state during challenging runs—techniques Betsy now shares with her athletes.
A word about weight loss
People come to running with a variety of goals. Some want to run a specific distance, improve their speed, gain overall fitness, or sometimes, lose weight. Whatever brings you to running, I’m excited to support you in your journey.
It’s important to acknowledge that we live in a society that often places undue emphasis on body shape and size. As your coach, I want to shift the focus to what your body can do, rather than how it looks. My priority is to help you increase your aerobic fitness, build strength, and develop a sustainable, enjoyable running practice.
While some people may experience weight changes when starting a running program, it’s crucial to understand that weight is not an indicator of fitness or health. Every body responds differently to exercise, and that’s perfectly okay. Our work together will center on your running goals, celebrating your progress, and fostering a positive relationship with your body and the sport.
Runners come in all shapes and sizes, and there’s no “ideal” runner’s body. What matters most is how running makes you feel, the personal goals you achieve, and the joy you find in the process.
Coaching Services
Personalized Training Plan
I will create a bespoke training plan based on your current fitness level, time availability and goal(s). This option includes one plan revision, if needed, to account for missed workouts due to illness, injury, and family/life responsibilities.
What’s included:
- A bespoke 12-18 week running training plan, including suggested strength training exercises
- One revision to the training plan (because life happens!)
- Option to add-on 15 minute video/phone coaching sessions at a discounted rate to address and issues or questions that come up along the way
Price: $80
Personalized Coaching
I will work with you to meet your running goals. This plan allows is to stay in close contact throughout your training so that I can tweak and continuously update your plan based on your feedback and progress and to accommodate any barriers that come up (ie injury or illness).
What’s included:
- An initial goal-setting meeting via phone/video call (30-45 minutes)
- A bespoke training plan, delivered to you every 1-2 weeks, including strength training suggestions
- Unlimited contact via email or text
- Monthly video/phone check in calls (30 minutes)
- Discounted mini coaching sessions ($20/session)
Price: $100/month or 6 months for $550
Mini Coaching Session
These 15-minute phone or video calls are perfect for when questions come up or doubts creep in. Athletes currently training with me can schedule a mini-coaching session at any time. If you are not currently training with me, please email me for availability.
Price: $20
