Who is amanda?

Hi, I’m Amanda — a military brat turned military spouse, mom of three (plus one fur baby), and a run coach with a deep passion for helping others find joy in the miles. My husband and I have been married for 16 years, and through every PCS, deployment, and time zone, running has remained my anchor.

Running isn’t just a hobby — it’s part of who I am. What started as a way to challenge myself has grown into a journey of self-discovery, mental grit, and a never-ending curiosity about the science of movement. From diving into the latest research on technique and nutrition to obsessing over running shoe reviews on YouTube, I love learning everything I can — and turning that knowledge into practical guidance for the athletes I coach.

As a coach, I’m especially passionate about working with beginner and intermediate runners — whether you're training for your first 5K, stepping up to the half or full marathon, or just looking for a consistent routine. I offer personalized coaching through Final Surge, with unlimited communication and quick responses to keep you on track and supported.

Though I currently live in Stuttgart, Germany, I coach runners all over the world through virtual coaching. My focus is on injury prevention, mental resilience, and sustainable training plans tailored to your life — not someone else’s template.

🔹 Coaching Philosophy

I believe in training smarter, not harder. That means:

  • Prioritizing injury prevention through strength work, warmups, cooldowns, and proper form.

  • Supporting your mental game as much as your physical one.

  • Encouraging balanced cross-training — including rowing, cycling, and strength work — to build endurance without burnout.

  • Meeting you where you are, with plans customized to your schedule, fitness level, and goals.

🔹 My Coaching Style

  • Beginner & Intermediate runners

  • Road & Trail focused

  • 5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathons

  • Individualized plans via Final Surge

  • Unlimited text, phone & email

  • 24-hour response time

  • Virtual coaching only (unless you’re local to Germany!)

🔹 My Story as a Runner

I’ve been racing since 2017, when I ran my first Half Marathon with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Series in San Antonio. Since then, I’ve crossed the finish line at multiple distances — and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Race PRs:

  • 5K: 30:02 (12/20/2023)

  • 10K: 57:13 (3/5/2022)

  • Half: 2:21 (4/3/2022)

  • Full: 5:38 (12/2/2018)

🔹 Certifications & Influences

I’m a Level 1 RRCA Certified Run Coach, inspired by my own coach, Cassie Nevins from Team RunRun, who guided me through both an ultra and a marathon. My friend Sala also played a huge role in encouraging me to step into the coaching space — and I’m so glad she did.

While I’m still early in my coaching career, I bring years of personal experience, a deep respect for the sport, and a true love of helping others discover what they’re capable of.