Roabel Medhanie - Running Coach

Roabel Medhanie

Running Coach in Oakland, CA, United States

If you've got a goal, we've got a goal.

VDOT Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.
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About Roabel

My running journey started in 2018 with a single decision to change my life. What began as a personal health transformation grew into something I never expected. A love for the sport that has taken me from my first half marathon to dozens of races since. During the pandemic, I built a virtual fitness community offering free daily workouts and launched a virtual run club that brought runners together from all over the world. Watching people hit goals they didn't think were possible, and knowing I played a small role in that, is what led me to coaching. When I started working with my own coach, I gained firsthand experience of what great coaching feels like. But I also noticed a gap. Too many runners get a training plan without the education to understand it, or get pushed hard without honest conversations about expectations. The magic is in the balance, knowing when to challenge your athlete, when to pull back, and how to set expectations that keep someone motivated for the long haul, not just the next race. I invest in making sure you understand your training. Why you're running the paces you're running, what your body needs to recover, and how to make smarter decisions as a runner. Knowledge is what turns a good training block into lasting growth. Accountability is the other half of the equation. Life gets busy. Motivation comes and goes. I stay in your corner consistently, checking in on your training, your recovery, your schedule, and the moments when life gets in the way so that you never have to figure it out alone. I coach because running changed my life, and I want to be part of that story for you.

Video Introduction

Coaching Products

Description

14 day free trial: This is a month-to-month training program for runners who want to develop long term, not just for one race. Your plan is built around your current fitness, your goals, and your schedule, and it evolves with you as you improve. I work with a small group of athletes so you'll always get a high level of personal attention and communication. I use the VDOT methodology, which reflects your current fitness level with all training paces automatically configured. We will monitor your VDOT score and make updates as you get stronger, ensuring you're always working at the right intensity. What's included: - Personalized training plan delivered through the VDOT O2 app - Weekly check-ins to review how training is going and make adjustments based on your feedback - Scheduled calls to talk through your goals, race plans, and any bigger picture changes -Real-time program adjustments Unlimited access to me through the app, text messages, or scheduled calls Race day strategy calls to finalize your pacing plan, fueling approach, and execution so you arrive at the start line confident and prepared Strength training guidance to support your running, reduce injury risk, and build the durability to handle consistent training Nutrition guidance to fuel your training properly, support recovery, and make smart choices on race day This program is a good fit whether you're building a base for the first time, staying consistent between races, or working toward a new PR.

Minimum Requirements

While not a hard rule, it's extremely helpful to have a smart watch that is compatible with the VDOT app

Communication

unlimited emails, unlimited text-messages, 1 call per week, 1 in-person session per month

$150.00 / month

Charged after 14-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 Roabel

Athlete requirement

I work best with athletes who are committed, coachable, and communicative. You don't need to be fast or experienced, just need to show up consistently and be willing to put in the work. Having a race on the calendar or a clear goal is incredibly helpful so that it becomes our north star and shapes everything we do together. Being coachable also means trusting the process, I ask that you stick to the plan and trust that I'm guiding you in the right direction. I'll always welcome a conversation when you don't feel that way. Having a VDOT compatible smart watch is ideal for tracking your training data, but not a requirement. At the very least, I'll need you to always log your training and be honest with how your training is going. The more transparent you are, the better I can coach you. In return, I'll bring structure, education, and accountability every step of the way.

Distances coached

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

Languages

English

Coaching options

Online/Remote coaching

Specialties

Boston Marathon, Cross Training Advice, Mental Skills, Recreational Runners, Competitive Runners, Beginner Runners

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

Roabel helps runners progress through remote, education-driven coaching grounded in VDOT O2 methodology. He blends pacing education, recovery guidance and consistent accountability—shaped by building a global virtual run club—into private plans for beginners through marathoners, including Boston hopefuls. Explore his private coaching to see how this balanced approach builds lasting progress.

Frequently asked questions

This coach supports runners focused on General Fitness, 5km, 10km, 15km, Half Marathon, and Marathon with coaching specialities that include Boston Marathon, Cross Training Advice, Mental Skills, and Recreational Runners.

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

Yes. Roabel Medhanie coaches Cross Training Advice, Recreational Runners, Competitive Runners, and Beginner 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 Private Coaching. Product availability can change as the coach updates their marketplace offerings.

I work best with athletes who are committed, coachable, and communicative. You don't need to be fast or experienced, just need to show up consistently and be willing to put in the work. Having a race on the calendar or a clear goal is incredibly helpful so that it becomes our north star and shapes everything we do together. Being coachable also means trusting the process, I ask that you stick to the plan and trust that I'm guiding you in the right direction. I'll always welcome a conversation when you don't feel that way. Having a VDOT compatible smart watch is ideal for tracking your training data, but not a requirement. At the very least, I'll need you to always log your training and be honest with how your training is going. The more transparent you are, the better I can coach you. In return, I'll bring structure, education, and accountability every step of the way.

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