Meet Jessica – Endurance and Trail Running Coach
Jessica is an endurance and trail running coach based in the Pacific Northwest, with over 15 years of experience in road running, trail running, and endurance sports. She holds certifications as a UESCA Running Coach, UESCA Endurance Sports Nutrition Coach, and ACE-certified Personal Trainer, providing a well-rounded, science-based approach to coaching.
Coaching Experience and Philosophy
Jessica has been coaching for five years, working with runners of all levels, from beginners tackling their first 5K to seasoned athletes training for ultramarathons. She takes a personalized approach to coaching, ensuring that training plans fit her clients' individual goals, schedules, and abilities. Her philosophy centers on structured progression, strength training, and fueling strategies to optimize performance while preventing injury and burnout.
Personal Training and Strength Integration
In addition to coaching, Jessica is a personal trainer at Northwest Personal Training, where she works with clients to build strength, mobility, and injury resilience. Her expertise in strength training gives her coached athletes an added advantage, as she understands how building strength off the trails and roads directly translates to better performance, endurance, and injury prevention. This is especially critical for trail and ultra runners, where terrain, elevation, and long hours on foot demand a strong, well-conditioned body.
Personal Racing Experience
Jessica has personally completed two full Ironman races and has extensive experience in trail racing, with countless 50Ks, 50-milers, and multiple 100K and 100-mile races. She understands the physical and mental demands of endurance training and applies this experience to help her athletes prepare effectively for their races.
Community Involvement and Group Coaching
Jessica is committed to fostering a strong running community and leads multiple group training programs in the Portland and Vancouver area, including:
Coach for Go Vancouver – A structured 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon training program that welcomes runners of all levels.
Founder of TNT (Tuesday Night Trail Runs) – A free community trail running group open to all paces and experience levels.
Coaching Women in Trail and Ultra Running
Jessica has a particular focus on helping women break into trail and ultra running, recognizing the unique challenges that come with hormonal fluctuations, perimenopause, and overall endurance training for women. She works with female athletes to navigate these factors while building strength, confidence, and resilience on the trails.
A Balanced Approach to Training
Jessica’s coaching extends beyond just mileage and pace. She integrates strength training, structured nutrition, and smart recovery strategies to help runners reach their full potential. Whether training for a first race or an ultra-endurance challenge, Jessica provides the guidance and expertise to help her athletes succeed.
If you're looking for a dedicated, experienced, and well-rounded coach to help you achieve your running goals, Jessica is here to help.