Sarah Kozul

I started running in 2010 to celebrate turning 40, inspired by a fellow twin mom who challenged me to train for a half marathon. I tried running for a month just to make sure I “wouldn’t hurt my knees”—and now I know that movement is medicine. As an engineer, I am drawn to the data, the structure, and the sense of progress. I've enjoyed being a student of the sport and fourteen years and 20,000+ miles later, I’m still learning, exploring, and loving the journey. I didn’t grow up running. I was raised on a farm in Missouri, where the only running I did was chasing hogs, cattle, or my siblings. But once I found running as an adult, it is an activity I want to enjoy for my lifetime. I’ve lived in Missouri, Texas, Virginia, and now Florida, where I’ve been a volunteer coach with the Lakeland Runners Club since 2016. I coached the fledgling middle school cross country team—coaching my own twin daughters—and have led 5k, 10k, and half marathon programs for the club. I’ve seen firsthand how running builds community. I’ve watched friendships blossom, runners cheer each other on, and our local culture grow stronger with every group run. I’m an RRCA Level 2 Adult Endurance and Youth Coach, trained in the Galloway run-walk-run method (which I still use in my own training), and I currently serve as the Southern Region Director on the RRCA Board of Directors. I’ve completed 26 marathons across 15 states and Europe. My most meaningful race was in 2023, a comeback marathon after back surgery. I had qualified for Boston in 2017 (missed the cutoff) and again 2018, but a disc herniation left me cheering for my friends from a wheelchair. It took a few years to trust that I wouldn't have a relapse, but slowly I was able to build mileage and feel the joy of a marathon finish again. I love to run in new places. I don’t listen to music when I run. I play games like “only make right turns today” or “never repeat a route during marathon training.” Making running flexible and fun led me to run all 1,666 streets of Lakeland—a 14-year project with no timeline, just a commitment to keep showing up and seeing what’s around the next corner. --- My training plans are tailored to your availability, experience, and goals. I apply practical, evidence-based methods grounded in the principles of legendary coaches like Daniels, Pfitzinger, Lydiard, Magness, and Galloway, balanced with the latest in scientific research to create a plan that works for runners of all paces and experience levels. The VDOT app is a great tool to share those plans and have workouts loaded directly to your GPS device. Life happens. Training plans should support your life, not take it over. Whether you're navigating work, family, injury, or unexpected changes, I’ll help you adjust your goals without losing momentum. Delaying a race doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re being smart. Success isn’t just about race times. It’s about what you learn, about running, yourself, and how to have fun even when its challenging. Everyone else will be happy for you no matter what the time on the clock reads. I want running to add value to your life. When you look back, I hope you remember the joy, the friendships, and the sense of fulfillment. We don’t need gimmicks or fancy tricks to be successful. We need consistency, clarity, and care. I coach with empathy, science, and a deep respect for the journey—whether you’re chasing a PR or just trying to stay active and injury-free. --- I’ve been married to my husband Vince since 2003, and we’re proud parents of twin daughters who are thriving in college in Colorado. We love to travel, from European cities to America’s national parks, and I always make time to run and explore. Whether you’re training for your first race or your fiftieth, I’m here to help you build a plan that fits your life, fuels your goals, and keeps the joy alive.