Melissa Labrie - Running Coach

Melissa Labrie

Running Coach in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, United States

Consistency over perfection

RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation.
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About Melissa

End of summer prep for fall racing discount now available!

Use code: RUNAUGUST for 20% any plan or 1:1 service as a first time customer.

I’m a former Ironman athlete turned run coach with a passion for helping athletes build sustainable, confident relationships with running. My background in long-course triathlon instilled a deep appreciation for structure, consistency, and the long-term process required to reach meaningful performance goals.

I bring over 15 years of endurance experience, including marathons, half marathons, triathlons, and Ironman-distance events. In total, I have finished 2 Ironman races, numerous 70.3s, and 3 open marathons (five times completing the marathon distance, including Ironman events). This experience has given me a deep understanding of structured training, workload balance, and the importance of strength and recovery in long-term performance.

I am an RRCA-certified running coach and a Girls Gone Strong (GGS) Women’s Coaching Specialist. My professional work also centers on leadership development and coaching, and I hold both an MBA and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. This academic and professional foundation shapes how I coach—focusing on goal-setting, accountability, communication, and sustainable habit development alongside performance outcomes. My GGS specialization allows me to bring a deeply informed, evidence-based approach to the unique physiological, psychological, and nutritional needs of women throughout every stage of life and training. While my formal coaching client base is still growing, I am actively expanding it and continuing to develop my expertise in individualized training design and the fundamentals of running coaching.

After stepping away from the sport for a period of time, I experienced the challenges of losing fitness and navigating a return to training. Rebuilding from the ground up reshaped my perspective—not just as an athlete, but as a coach. It gave me firsthand insight into the physical and mental side of starting over, managing setbacks, and creating progress that actually lasts.

Today, my coaching approach is rooted in meeting athletes where they are. I focus on smart, purposeful training that prioritizes consistency, injury prevention, and long-term development over quick wins. Whether an athlete is just getting started, returning after time away, or chasing a new goal, I aim to provide clear structure, accountability, and support.

I believe running should fit into your life—not take it over. My goal is to help athletes train with intention, build confidence, and enjoy the process while working toward their goals.

Coaching Products

Description

Let’s talk through your current training, goals, and what you’re working toward. We’ll look at what’s going well, what isn’t working, what you enjoy in your running, and where you want to go next. By the end of our conversation, we’ll have a clear idea of how to move forward and what it will take to help you reach your biggest running goals.

Free - 30 minute call

Get Free Consultation

Description

Are you coming back to running after some time off, or preparing for your first race? This base-building plan is designed to help you develop a strong foundation of fitness while adding structure and consistency to your weekly running. It sets you up for future marathon or half marathon training by gradually building endurance in a way that supports long-term progress and reduces injury risk. A solid aerobic base is key before stepping into higher-mileage training, and this plan helps you get there with intention and purpose. It can also be used simply to improve overall fitness and give you a better understanding of how to structure your running week independently. This will be a custom plan for you. I take into account your current fitness, training background, and goals to create a plan that is realistic, manageable, and appropriately challenging for your life. Recommended strength training is also included to support durability, improve running efficiency, and help reduce injury risk throughout the plan. Your training plan is delivered upfront, and I’ll also send a few initial emails (post survey once you purchase) as I gather more information from you to make sure your plan is dialed in from the start. After that, you’ll have one email per month for check-ins or questions as they come up along the way.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum of 2 runs per week.

Communication

1 email per month

$45.00 - 12 week plan

Purchase

Description

This program is designed to jump-start your running journey and help you build the fitness needed to confidently complete your first 5K or 10K. It’s a great fit if you’re returning to running after time away or if you’re new to the sport and looking for a structured way to get started. The plan can be built anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your timeline, current fitness, and goals. It’s fully customized for you and designed to meet you where you are while gradually building your endurance and confidence. Recommended strength training is also included to support durability, improve running efficiency, and help reduce injury risk throughout the plan. From here, this base can also set you up for success if you decide to move into half-marathon or marathon training down the road. This isn’t just about running more—it’s about learning how to structure your training in a way that fits your life and supports long-term progress.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum 3 runs per week. It's best if you have a running watch or another way of tracking mileage and pace.

Communication

1 email per month

$45.00 - 12 week plan

Purchase

Description

This custom 12-week half or full marathon plan is designed for runners who are ready to commit to a structured, progressive build toward race day. Whether you’re targeting your first marathon, improving on a previous race, or stepping up from the half marathon distance, this plan is built specifically around your current fitness, training history, and goals. We start by understanding where you are right now and where you want to go. From there, I design a fully customized training plan that fits your schedule, lifestyle, and experience level—so the training is both effective and realistic. Over the 16 weeks, you’ll follow a progressive structure that builds endurance, strength, and confidence in a smart, sustainable way. The focus is on consistency, injury prevention, and developing the fitness needed to arrive at race day prepared—not overtrained. Strength training is included as part of the plan to support durability, improve running efficiency, and reduce injury risk throughout the build. You’ll also have structured recovery built in to ensure your body adapts properly to the increasing workload. This plan is delivered upfront.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum 3 days of running per week.

Communication

1 email per month

$50.00 - 12 week plan

Purchase

Description

This custom 16-week half or full marathon plan is designed for runners who are ready to commit to a structured, progressive build toward race day. Whether you’re targeting your first marathon, improving on a previous race, or stepping up from the half marathon distance, this plan is built specifically around your current fitness, training history, and goals. We start by understanding where you are right now and where you want to go. From there, I design a fully customized training plan that fits your schedule, lifestyle, and experience level—so the training is both effective and realistic. Over the 16 weeks, you’ll follow a progressive structure that builds endurance, strength, and confidence in a smart, sustainable way. The focus is on consistency, injury prevention, and developing the fitness needed to arrive at race day prepared—not overtrained. Strength training is included as part of the plan to support durability, improve running efficiency, and reduce injury risk throughout the build. You’ll also have structured recovery built in to ensure your body adapts properly to the increasing workload. This plan is delivered upfront with 1 email per month.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum running of 3 days per week.

Communication

1 email per month

$60.00 - 16 week plan

Purchase

Description

This is a fully personalized, hands-on coaching experience designed to support you throughout your entire training journey. Your program is built around your goals, fitness, schedule, and lifestyle—and is actively adjusted as you progress and as life inevitably changes. This plan includes progressive strength training. We start with an initial phone call to understand your goals, training background, current fitness, schedule, and any individual needs or limitations. This ensures your coaching experience starts with a clear, personalized foundation. You’ll receive ongoing communication, feedback, and accountability to help you stay consistent, confident, and progressing in the right direction. Whether you’re navigating setbacks, adjusting to a busy schedule, or pushing toward a big goal, you’ll have direct coach support to guide decisions and keep training on track. What’s included: -Initial phone call -Fully customized training plan tailored to your goals, fitness, and schedule -Ongoing plan adjustments based on performance, feedback, and life demands -Regular communication and coach check-ins for accountability and support -Direct access for questions, guidance, and training adjustments -Structured workouts with pacing guidance and clear intent -Emphasis on consistency, injury prevention, and long-term development This option is ideal for athletes who want more hands-on coaching, accountability, and support to help them stay consistent and adapt training as life evolves.

Communication

unlimited emails, unlimited text-messages, unlimited calls

$150.00 / month

Charged after 3-day trial

Purchase

Description

This coaching option provides a fully personalized training plan built specifically around your goals, current fitness, schedule, and experience level. It’s designed for runners who want expert structure and direction, but prefer more independence in their day-to-day training. We begin with an initial phone call to learn about your goals, background, training history, schedule, and any constraints or preferences. This helps ensure your plan is built specifically for you from day one. Your plan is tailored to help you progress consistently while fitting into your real life. Workouts are clearly outlined with pacing guidance and purpose, so you always know what to do and why you’re doing it. Adjustments are made as needed based on your progress, feedback, and any life changes that come up. What’s included: -Initial phone call -Fully customized training plan based on your goals and availability -Structured workouts with pacing and training guidance -Light coach communication for check-ins and key updates -Focus on consistency and smart progression This option is ideal for self-motivated athletes who want a strong plan and expert direction, with flexibility in how they engage day to day.

Minimum Requirements

a GPS watch is helpful for you, minimum of running 3 days a week.

Communication

4 emails per month

$100.00 / month

Charged after 3-day trial

Purchase

How it works

01.

Choose how you want to work together

Book a consultation, choose a training plan, or start private coaching.

02.

Connect with your coach

Share your goals, experience and upcoming races.

03.

Start training

Get your plan, stay connected and track your progress in VDOT.

Training with Melissa

Athlete requirement

I work with runners of all levels who simply want to get better and are open to guidance along the way. Whether you’re just starting, returning to running, or chasing a new goal, you should be willing to stay consistent, communicate openly, and trust the process. Life happens—I understand that. Training may need to adjust around work, school, or other commitments, and I’m here to help you navigate that. If you’re looking for direction, accountability, and a flexible approach that fits your life, we’ll work well together. Read an athlete testimonial below. I have been an athlete in team sports and endurance athletics since I was a young child. Now at 56 years old, I continue to prioritize physical fitness in my life and, along with other activities, I run competitively (well, as competitively as my old knees will let me). 5K's. 10K's. Half marathons. I still love to "toe the line" and challenge myself to be better. In recent months, I decided to partner with a running coach---Melissa. I decided that incorporating expertise into my training plan would give me the structure, guidance and accountability that I need to continue to improve. Since working with Melissa, I am so glad that I made this decision. She challenges me to be better all the while being aware of my life commitments and how much time I am able to dedicate to my training. I find her to be an excellent listener. She is always timely in making sure I have my plans well ahead of time. And even though she is a certified coach, she is so approachable if I have any input that I believe may be helpful. In order to do that, one needs to be available. Melissa is always willing to talk with me or exchange emails, and I appreciate that personal touch. - Current athlete, Steve

Distances coached

General Fitness, 5km, 10km, 15km, Half Marathon, Marathon

Languages

English

Coaching options

Online/Remote coaching

Consultations

Specialties

Competitive Runners, Recreational Runners, Certified Strength and Conditioning, Cross Training Advice, Mental Skills, Beginner Runners , Masters Runners

AI Summary Based on information provided in Melissa's profile.

Melissa brings over 15 years of endurance experience—including Ironman, 70.3s and multiple marathons—alongside RRCA Level 1 and Girls Gone Strong Women’s Coaching Specialist credentials. With an MBA and MS in Organizational Leadership, she provides structured, sustainable training that prioritizes consistency, injury prevention and habit-driven progress. Explore her private coaching, plans, and summer discount.

Frequently asked questions

This coach supports runners focused on General Fitness, 5km, 10km, 15km, Half Marathon, and Marathon with coaching specialities that include Competitive Runners, Recreational Runners, Certified Strength and Conditioning, and Cross Training Advice.

Yes. Melissa Labrie is currently accepting new coaching clients, and you can reach out directly from this profile page.

Yes. Melissa Labrie coaches Competitive Runners, Recreational Runners, Cross Training Advice, Beginner Runners, and Masters Runners specifically for General Fitness, 5km, 10km, 15km, Half Marathon, and Marathon, tailoring the plan to experience level and race distance together.

This coach currently offers Consultations, Training Plans, and Private Coaching. Product availability can change as the coach updates their marketplace offerings.

I work with runners of all levels who simply want to get better and are open to guidance along the way. Whether you’re just starting, returning to running, or chasing a new goal, you should be willing to stay consistent, communicate openly, and trust the process. Life happens—I understand that. Training may need to adjust around work, school, or other commitments, and I’m here to help you navigate that. If you’re looking for direction, accountability, and a flexible approach that fits your life, we’ll work well together. Read an athlete testimonial below. I have been an athlete in team sports and endurance athletics since I was a young child. Now at 56 years old, I continue to prioritize physical fitness in my life and, along with other activities, I run competitively (well, as competitively as my old knees will let me). 5K's. 10K's. Half marathons. I still love to "toe the line" and challenge myself to be better. In recent months, I decided to partner with a running coach---Melissa. I decided that incorporating expertise into my training plan would give me the structure, guidance and accountability that I need to continue to improve. Since working with Melissa, I am so glad that I made this decision. She challenges me to be better all the while being aware of my life commitments and how much time I am able to dedicate to my training. I find her to be an excellent listener. She is always timely in making sure I have my plans well ahead of time. And even though she is a certified coach, she is so approachable if I have any input that I believe may be helpful. In order to do that, one needs to be available. Melissa is always willing to talk with me or exchange emails, and I appreciate that personal touch. - Current athlete, Steve

Coaching is available through Online/Remote coaching and Consultations. Review product details to choose the format that best matches your goals.