Chris Poole – Portland Running Coach
$105.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
$40 off your 1st month! Experienced Runner helping athletes of all backgrounds and experiences feel confident and happy through the training process!
Description
Portland area running coach Chris Poole is well-versed on both the track and the roads, along with XC challenges, and is here to help beginners just starting out or looking to increase in distance, to intermediate and advanced runners trying to nab that elusive BQ or PR. Chris also offers in-person sessions. Reach out below to get started!
*** $40 off First Month for month-to-month Coaching – Coupon Code: 40off1stpoole ***
LEVELS: Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road, Track
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: Steady State
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited phone, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Beaverton, OR
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: Yes, within 30 miles of zip code 97005. Options include: In person workouts-training runs-form work, strength training, pace work, and live feedback on in person workouts. Reach out to Chris for more information.
SPECIALTIES
I pride myself in being able to specialize working with all types of runners! From beginners looking to incorporate running into their lives, to those taking running back up after a long hiatus, and even those who are looking to compete competitively at the local, regional, or national level.
My approach is to challenge, inspire, and motivate each athlete I work with, helping them think about running in different ways, allowing you to reach the goals that hold the most importance in their lives. Whether it is running your first 5K, marathon, or achieving Boston qualifying times or even Wanda World Age Championship marks, I truly get my joy in being that support person in helping you achieve your goals!
My expertise lies on the roads, having coached many athletes to successful PR’s from the 5K to the marathon. I have helped those newer to running begin their journey to running their first races.
I also have expertise in track and cross-country racing, having competed scholastically and continuing to coach at the high school level. I believe that a happy, healthy, sound runner is a fast runner. As your coach, I’m committed to guiding you from where you are today to the goals you want to achieve tomorrow!
Athletes typically come to me for several reasons:
- If plans you have found on the internet haven’t worked for you, and are needing a more personalized, 1:1 approach.
- If you’ve hit a plateau in your race times and are looking for something new to help break through the plateau
- If you’re struggling with injuries and need guidance to break free from this cycle.
- If you are seeking a more system-based program and don’t have immediate access.
When you are coached by me you can expect:
- Personalized training plans specific to your running/racing goals, accessible anywhere in the world!
- Expert advice for runners aiming to step up in racing distances, or try something new!
- Development of a more focused and holistic approach to your running training. To be the best version of yourself, I believe that you should train all aspects of your running toolbelt.
- Expert race nutrition and mental performance tips to help you excel on race day
I pride myself on offering individualized coaching tailored to each person’s life. My approach differs greatly from the cookie cutter, mass-produced training plans; I will always provide a individualized coaching experience that’s as unique as each athlete I work with. Running and training should be fun and something you look forward to! I take the guesswork out of the plan, and make sure that it fits around what is important to you in life.
I will always provide your weekly plan 1 week in advance to make sure that we are progressing at the rate you are, and accounting for anything that life may throw at you. Coaching to me is more than spreadsheets and splits, it is also a partnership to get to know you as a person and to be your biggest supporter and advocate! Please see my reviews to hear athlete experiences from those who work with me, and reach out with any questions or to learn more!
PHILOSOPHY
I believe that running is for everyone ! It doesn’t matter how “Fast” or “Slow” you are. If you have a body, you are an athlete.
There are 4 values that are a part of my relationship with each of my athletes:
- Communication (I commit to being very communicative and responsive! Coaching is a big financial investment, and you deserve to have a coach that will respond to you in a timely manner. Likewise, there is never such thing as oversharing with me. More information I have, the better it is for our relationship and how I cater your specific training to you)
- Compassion (Things in life happen that we can’t control! The one thing you will never get from me is a lack of sympathy and empathy. I will always work with you on whatever comes up and figuring out the best course of action, even if it means pausing coaching)
- Flexibility (As much as I’m sure a lot of us would love to run full time, the reality is we have to have full time jobs and family commitments we need to balance with our athletics! Let me take the guess work out of trying to fit things around your schedule. Last minute thing comes up? No problem, we will work together to gameplan a plan B, or even Plan C)
- Never be afraid to fail (I don’t think many people realize they are much more capable than they realize. I may scare you with some of the things I bring up that I think you might be able to do! I promise you, I will never suggest a pace/time/workout to you that I don’t firmly believe you can’t complete)
COACHING EXPERIENCE
I have been a coach for over 4 years. I have a very strong understanding of the communication and individualization necessary to guide, motivate, and prepare an athlete for races and the overall running journey. I coach athletes of all abilities! In the past 2 years, I have coached athletes who wanted to have guidance in preparing for their first half marathon, to those training to compete in the Abbot World Marathon Age Group Championships, to those looking to break through their old PR’s!
I am experienced not only in developing training plans and tailoring workouts to individual athletes, but also in race strategy, pace targets, and overall nutrition preparation. I consider myself a lifelong student of the sport, and continue to educate myself through personal experiences in both race experiences and staying up to date in studies related to the science of running, biomechanics, and nutrition.
Some highlights of PR’s of athletes that I have had the privilege to coach:
- Female Athlete who achieved a 1 Hour Marathon PR (5:47 to 4:47)
- Male Athlete who achieved a 2:40 marathon in their first marathon at Age 40
- Multiple athletes who have achieved PR’s from 5K to Marathon
- 26th Place Hood to Coast team with athletes/Coach sponsorship in 2024
- Multiple athletes at the High School Level that have gone on to compete at the Collegiate Level
ABOUT ME
I love working with all different types of athletes! I will never limit myself to working with a specific group of athletes, as each person is on a journey unique to them, whether they are taking running up for the first time, are looking for that next break through in breaking an old PR, or looking to continue competing at an elite level. Every athlete I have the privilege to coach and work with only helps myself grow as a coach.
I developed a love for running when I ran cross country for the first time as a high school freshman to get in shape for basketball. Not going to lie, I didn’t like running when I first started! However, I had the right coach and support system that showed me how fun the sport is, and quickly got addicted to the thrill of trying to PR every single race. I eventually quit basketball and focused on my running as I fell deeply in love with the sport. I have over 16 years of running experience, along with 4 years as a Cross Country and Track Coach at Sherwood High School in Sherwood, OR. I competed collegiately at Linfield University in McMinnville, OR (NCAA D3). I am also still competing today in Road, Cross Country, and Track meets!
Running has benefitted me both physically and mentally in ways I did not even realize was possible. I am a life long runner now, and a lot of this was initiated by the great coaches I have had in High School and College. I want to provide the same for you. This is why I wanted to started Poole Running Lab and become a Run Coach.
BIG INFLUENCES
My coaches in High School, College, and Post Collegiately have really influenced how I coach with each one of my athletes.
My high school coach, Danielle Wise, helped get me introduced to running and made it fun, while helping me achieve high goals I had set for myself.
My college coach, Greg Mitchell, helped me realize that with the right system, I was able to run times that my high school self could have never thought I could achieve.
My post collegiate coaches and acquaintances helped me ultimately put running into perspective, and help me re discover how to enjoy the process of training, running, and not to try to compare myself constantly to others. Running is such a personal journey, and it takes the right support group to help you realize and achieve what you want!
RACING HISTORY
I have been racing competitively for over 15 years. I competed in track and cross country in High School, where I was an All-State Performer at the 3A level in Oregon. I then competed at Linfield University in McMinnville for 3 years, focusing primarily on the 5K and 10K on the track as well as Cross Country in the fall.
PRs
- 800: 2:04 (Stayton, OR 2013)
- 1500: 4:07 (McMinnville, OR 2016)
- 3K: 9:22 (McMinnville, OR 2016)
- 3200: 9:55 (McMinnville, OR 2016)
- ​5K: 15:54 (Portland, OR 2016)
- 10K: 33:41 (McMinnville, OR 2015)
- 15K: 55:36 (Salem, OR 2021)
- Half Marathon: 1:18:58 (1/19/2025) Cascade Half Marathon (Turner, OR)
- Marathon: 3:01:50 (Eugene Marathon 2025)
CERTIFICATIONS
- UESCA Certified Running Coach
CONTACT CHRIS
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.
SOCIAL
Steven Boyton –
I cannot tell you how fantastic and influential coach Poole has been for me! I was a high-level distance runner in high school, early college and collaborated with many good coaches over the years. I had not run competitively for the best part of 10 years. I started to compete again in local races with no assistance/guidance a few years ago and always found that I would overload myself and pick up injuries, especially when trying to train for a marathon. It has always been my goal to run a marathon to the absolute best of my ability. I picked up a stress fracture in the taper for a marathon I was trying to race a couple of years ago and utterly lost all confidence I had to go through this process of failure all over again.
I lost both my dog and grandmother in the same week earlier this year and it took its toll on me tremendously. Running has always been therapy for me, a way for me like many others, to deal with the emotional turmoil of losing your loved ones. As much as I wanted to rely on running, I felt like I would not be able to due to my significant history of injuries. I was simply broken and just emotionally drained from not being able to run and compete to the best of my ability.
My wife suggested I seek out professional help from a running coach to see if they could help me, and as much as I hate to admit it, she was absolutely correct. The moment I spoke to coach Poole, I knew his background, enthusiasm and exceptional professionalism could be the thing I needed. We set initial goals and expectations, and the rest is, as they say, history. He constantly communicates and makes changes as needed to your own personal training plan. I am now just 4 weeks out from finally being able to run my first ever competitive marathon and feel so confident and ready. The results have been astonishing. He has pushed me constantly throughout this process. He always makes himself available for check-ins and discusses ongoing training plans via phone or email. He has helped me manage minor injuries, made amazing shoe recommendations and his training plans are so detailed and specific to my goals.
I truly am shocked that he is not coaching Collegiate or Olympic level athletes. To say Coach Poole has changed my life, would be an understatement. If you do not seek the help of Coach Poole for your running goals, no matter the level, you are missing out working with one of the absolute best coaches in the business. I cannot recommend him enough!
Leonel Jines –
I saw results!
With a structured running routine provided by coach Poole I was able to build up mileage gradually and have a successful race!
Coach keeps good communication about workouts and checks up on how I’m feeling. Very flexible to changing up workouts or changing runs. Provides good tips on recovery and race plans as well.
I have some big goals and I realized they are more achievable with a good coach!
Coach Poole and I actually competed against each other in high school so being familiar with him gave me the confidence to contact him and hire him as my coach to achieve those goals!
If you’re trying to take your running to the next level or just need some guidance, he is your guy!
Angel Cardenas –
I have been working with Coach Poole for a few months now and the only thing I regret is not reaching out sooner! Coach Poole helped create a plan that was specific to me and provided detailed notes behind every workout. Any questions has always been answered promptly and with a great attitude. Coach Poole has also been so flexible and understanding of my work/life schedule. Coach Poole has made running enjoyable to me again and I am excited to continue to work together for a long time!
Lara –
I have loved working with Chris and have noticed an improvement in my running both in consistency and my ability to get after harder efforts.
The plans he builds are well thought out and tailored to my individual goals and he is readily available for questions and feedback. Signing up for my first half marathon I was looking for support as I had limited knowledge of the sport being someone who picked up running in my late twenties.
Chris’ passion for the sport and for coaching really comes through in everything that he does and I would recommend him to anyone looking for coaching at any level!!
Morgan –
Coach Poole is great coach that I would recommend to anyone looking for hands-on coaching whether it be to set a new PR or build the foundations of a healthy running regimen. Coach Poole is knowledgeable about running foundations, building speed and endurance, while working with specific needs and goals for his athletes
Workouts were always timely, instructions were always clear, and we went through a wide variety workouts while I trained for a fall marathon. He helped me plan around travel and vacations to make the most of what resources were available. He was also supportive and encouraging when workouts didn’t go as planned and when training was difficult.
If you’re looking for a knowledgeable coach who’ll be behind you every step of the way, I recommend Coach Poole!
Maria –
I’ve been working with Chris the last couple months as I start a marathon build and have noticed a big difference in training (vs. following a generic training plan). The feedback I receive each session / week has been super helpful and makes me feel confident as I approach a new week of training and keep building into more mileage. Thanks Chris!
Becca Christiani –
I have been working with Coach Chris Poole for a few months now and he has brought so much structure to my running! He works around my schedule where needed and understands the tradeoffs between running and general life stuff. He has pushed me further and faster than I would by myself and I know I’m going to be able to hit big goals with him as my coach!! I love that he has experience working with ALL levels of runners from elites to beginners as well as coaching for all sort of distances. Highly recommend!!