Carrie Neiman – Asheville Running Coach
From: $130.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Physical therapist offering personalized training so you can achieve your goals. Will also help you work through and prevent injuries.
Description
Asheville running coach Carrie Neiman also has a background as a physical therapist, and she focuses on strength training to complement a running routine and help with injury prevention. Whether you’re coming back to running, new to running, or looking to tackle both small and big goals, Carrie is your coach.
*** Carrie’s roster is currently full and she is not taking on new runners ***
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate
TYPES: Road, Track
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: Final Surge
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text, unlimited phone
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Fletcher, NC
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only.
SPECIALTIES
With my background as a physical therapist, my passion is making sure that runners are well-rounded in terms of training so they can be at their absolute best when it comes time to compete. One of my soapboxes is having a solid strength training program to enhance your running program so you can be stronger and decrease your chance of injury. It is always optional to add strength training to your running program, but I will always highly recommended it!! I especially love working with athletes who are new or “new again” to running and with those who are looking to set PR’s, up their running game, or tackle some speed training or a longer distance.
I also love to give athletes a way to address stubborn or new injuries and help them work through them so they can get back to running and doing what they love. If you have a history of injury, I can give you some exercises or stretches to keep that at bay. I can construct individual recovery plans with specific exercises and will always be upfront with you if I feel a face-to-face evaluation with a physical therapist in your area could serve you better.
I am a mom of two busy young boys so I understand managing a crazy schedule and trying to fit in the time for you to be healthy and at your best too. I have taken continuing education courses in prenatal fitness and running and return to running post-partum, as well as general running-focused courses with a physical therapy focus. Whether you are looking for ways to better fit running into your schedule, hoping to avoid injury or work back from an injury by adding some strength training to your routine, trying to “up your game” with a more focused program that could lead to a PR, or starting to run for the first time and want to do it in the best way for you, I would LOVE to get to know you better and help you reach your goals!
PHILOSOPHY
Every athlete is unique and brings a unique past and experiences to their running journey. Because of this, every training plan should be individualized. I always highly encourage strength training and some cross-training as part of your running routine, but also realize what this looks like is different for each person.
I realize running is only a part of each athlete’s life so I strive to make sure training plans will fit into and enhance other areas of your life. This includes making sure training is fun and enjoyable and addressing each athlete’s specific goals, whether this be running for 15 minutes without walking or setting a new marathon PR. Running should be fun and a way to add enjoyment and feelings of accomplishment to your life!
COACHING EXPERIENCE
I saw what a coach can do for your running after my running partner introduced me to her husband’s coach and had him draw up a plan to decrease our 5K time. This led to a 5K PR and then a marathon plan that helped us shave 20 minutes off of our first marathon. These results got me hooked on having a specific plan to follow vs. using a generic plan.
Soon I started drawing up plans for myself and my running partner and eventually started helping out some friends. I have worked with runners on plans from 5k’s to half marathons and with seasoned runners and those just getting started. I really enjoy helping people meet their goals and eliminating the stress of thinking about what they need to do to meet them.
ABOUT ME
I was born and raised in Wisconsin and moved to the mountains of North Carolina after I got married. My running journey started as a sprinter in high school, specializing in the 400. I went to the state track meet all four years of high school as part of various sprint relay teams. I credit my sprinting background with my tendency to have a great kick at the end of my races. While I did not run collegiately, I ran recreationally (and for stress relief!) during college and grad school and beyond. I have also done two sprint triathlons and loved the experience!
These days I like to joke that I run for my sanity! Running or some type of workout is my favorite way to start the day. I have two young (and very busy!) boys and it makes a huge difference to me if I can start the day active and not have to worry about fitting a run or a workout in later. That (and coffee!) make me a bit more of a morning person.
I credit my training as a physical therapist with the reason I have been very blessed to experience no major running injuries during my career. I feel that has given me an enhanced body/movement awareness and drilled into me the importance of variety of movement and having a strong core as the base of a good athlete. This may make me a bit of a nerd, but I will take it!
When I am not running, you can find me hiking with my husband and boys, watching my boys in their various activities, reading a good book, doing yard work, or putting a puzzle together.
BIG INFLUENCES
When I re-started running, Hal Higdon was the first plan I used. I based most of my initial coaching and personal plan-building off of his principles and still incorporate some of them into my coaching. My background in physical therapy has also played a huge role in how I coach and why I encourage athletes to incorporate some strength training and cross training into their schedules. As I get more serious about coaching, I am looking into and learning from the philosophies and training styles of Jack Daniels, Steve Magness, and Arthur Lydiard.
RACING HISTORY
I am proudest of my first marathon. I ran through high school, college, and grad school and for two years after. However, once I got married and moved to the mountains of North Carolina, I turned to other types of exercise for fitness. I didn’t know the best places to run and lived in a place where I couldn’t just go out the door and run. Plus, I admit, the mountains may have intimidated me a bit!
A few months after my second son was born, I was talking with a friend about how we used to run and both wanted to some day run a marathon. And so, we did! We both had a toddler and an infant at home but dove in and got it done. We went from no running at all to marathon with a 30 week plan, and we were both hooked!
This experience got me re-hooked on running and showed me the importance of a great plan to help you reach your goals. It also demonstrated how awesome the running community is and how much fun it is to connect with a friend and running partner on a regular basis. Many people may think runners are crazy, but there is no friend like one who will get up at 5 am to run 20 miles and think it is fun!
CERTIFICATIONS
- Licensed Physical Therapist in North Carolina. License #P12233.
PRs
- 5K: 21:58 (1/28/2023) Polar Bear 5K, 1st Female Overall.
- 10k: 45:24 (6/12/2022) RAD 10K, 3rd Female Overall.
- Half Marathon: 1:44:05 (5/28/2022) Downhill at Dawn Half Marathon.
- Marathon: 3:55:01 (10/29/2022) Swamp Rabbit Marathon.
CONTACT CARRIE
Finding a coach who is a great fit for you is really important. We encourage you to email your coach prior to signing up so you can connect, communicate, and ensure a good athlete/coach fit.
PUBLICATIONS
Mike Willauer –
Coach Carrie is awesome! We signed up with her to help our daughter Sophie train in the off season for high school cross country. Coach Carrie’s support and guidance have been exactly the motivation Soph has needed to stay on course and build on her gains from the fall season. Custom training plans and accountability have been instrumental in keeping her focused on her goals. With the season still months away, Sophie is confident in her ability to start with a PR at the very first event and cut her times significantly from last year, thanks to Coach Carrie. As we watch Soph choose to put in the time and miles, we know Coach Carrie has been, and will continue to be, a critical component of her success. We simply could not be any happier with our experience and highly recommend her to anyone considering a private coaching relationship. Thanks Coach!!
Daniel Romero –
Absolutely amazing! Carrie has been terrific in helping me grow as a runner! Helping me organize specific training plans and making sure I have attention to details has been awesome. It has only been a couple months but I’ve already seen improvement! I’m planning on running the Big Sur marathon in April and I know her guidance and encouragement will help me succeed!!
Michael Goldsbury –
I’ve been very happy working with Carrie over the past few months. She has helped me organize my training, modify my runs and workouts to better target my goals, and suggest some adjustments to prevent problem injuries from recurring. I’m always happy to get a check in after my run to see how everything went, even if it was just a short and easy jog.
Kristin Patchell –
As an athlete and a mother balancing a full time career I wanted to work with a woman who could relate to the challenges that can be present when balancing all the demands of the day, while also pushing me to a place of accessing my full strength(s). Carrie was a perfect fit for me. She immediately created an open and encouraging work dynamic and offered her knowledge and expertise in such an empowering way. I appreciated her insights, consistent communication, and the fact that she went above and beyond to be available to check-in or make adaptations to the plan, if needed (and in my case Covid made this a reality). Carrie’s demeanor is grounding and her attitude encourages the importance of listening to your body, pivoting when needed and pushing yourself when you can. I can’t wait to work with Carrie again and will recommend her anyone. Thank you Carrie!
Janet Sewell –
Carrie was a fabulous coach for me. I was already a runner and battling an IT band issue. I needed help getting thru training for a 1/2 marathon. I signed up for 3 months and with her help I made it thru the race. I told Carrie I needed someone that would not push me to be fast. I needed help with exercises for IT band and a slow race. That is exactly what she did for me. She was also very good with emailing me several times a week and updating my training schedule. She posted my workouts a week or so in advance so I knew what my upcoming workouts were. You will not regret signing up with her!!
Hope Levandoski –
Carrie is a great coach! She’s helping me improve my overall speed (which was what I was working at). She has a great plan I’m place, she’s motivating and relateable! So happy I got matched up with her and can’t wait to see what the future holds with her help. Very much recommend!
Whitney Snell –
After some running injuries over the past few years while marathon training, I was looking for help with strength training + a running schedule, and signed up with Carrie. She has been wonderful the past several months providing a variety of weekly workouts, is extremely responsive, helps keep me motivated, and is a kind/caring person. I highly recommend working with her!
Shelby –
I love running half marathons and was looking to speed up my pace and work through an injury. I decided to work with Carrie and have been very impressed! Her training plan has greatly helped me improve my fitness and base strength. She keeps me accountable and is always available for questions and support.
Jillian Biggs –
I’ve been a client of Carrie’s for the last several months. I went from a non-runner to completing a 10K with her guidance. As a physical therapist and a running enthusiast herself, you cannot find a better coach than Carrie. When starting to train for my 10K, I found out that I had a torn quadriceps tendon from an unrelated activity. Carrie coached and encouraged me through the injury, and I completed the 10K at a competitive pace. She responds quickly, provides professional advice and plans, and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure you are prepared to complete your goals. One of the best things about Carrie is how encouraging she is. She was my biggest cheerleader and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I could not have done this without her. I am looking forward to my next challenge with an excellent coach in my corner. Highly recommend!!