Running success isn’t built in a day; it’s the result of countless small efforts. From early morning runs to stretching and recovery routines, every piece matters. Consistency is the secret to progress. Show up day after day, and let each small step bring you closer to your goals.
#personalpeakcoach #personalpeakathlete #ConsistencyIsKey #RunSmart #SmallEffortsAddUp #InjuryPrevention #DailyProgress
A big congratulations to Andrea for an amazing season and a strong finish at the UTMB Whistler 25km!
Andrea tackled the tough 1500m climb to the peak with a well-executed race plan, managing both the uphill and tricky downhill sections with determination. Her fitness, gear choices, and strategy came together perfectly, allowing her to finish strong, even passing several competitors in the final 4km. It’s been a fantastic season of growth, and her resilience has truly shined through.
Well done, Andrea! Looking forward to seeing what you achieve next season.
📸: @mountain_ambl
#UTMBWhistler #TrailRunning #PersonalPeakAthlete #PersonalPeakCoach
Coming back after your offseason break, it`s important to remember that progress takes time. Fall is the season for gradual, steady improvement, not for pushing to hit your peak right away. Embrace the build and focus on proper form and consistency. A patient approach now will lay the foundation for faster, stronger training in the months to come.
#PatienceInTraining #FallTraining #ProgressNotPerfection #personalpeakcoach
Everyone wants to succeed, but true victory lies in preparation. Juma Ikangaa reminds us that the will to win is only as strong as the work you put in beforehand. Consistent training, smart planning, and injury prevention are what separate those who wish from those who achieve. Prepare well, and success will follow.
#personalpeakcoach #personalpeakathlete #PrepareToSucceed #ConsistencyIsKey #RunSmart #InjuryPrevention #TrainingMindset
Fall is the ideal time to start planning your race calendar for next summer. Look ahead and choose a key race that excites and challenges you. Once you’ve selected your race, you can create a focused training plan with clear milestones along the way. This gives your training structure and helps you stay motivated throughout the year. Whether it’s a local 10K or a destination marathon, having your race picked out now ensures a purposeful training cycle.
#RacePlanning #FallTraining #GoalDriven #personalpeakcoach
Fall is the perfect time to reflect on your past season and set new goals for the upcoming race year. Think about what you want to achieve — whether it`s a personal best, tackling a new distance, or completing your first race. Setting clear, achievable goals now gives your training purpose and direction, helping you stay motivated through the months ahead. Write them down and make a plan!
#GoalSetting #FallTraining #RaceSeasonPrep #personalpeakcoach
As you ease back into training, take time to reconnect with your `why.` Whether it’s personal growth, achieving new distances, or simply enjoying the run, understanding your motivation can provide powerful focus for the season ahead. Let this be the fuel that keeps you consistent and driven throughout your training journey. Fall is the perfect time to reignite your passion for running. #FindYourWhy #FallMotivation #PurposefulTraining #personalpeakcoach
Huge congratulations to Gillian for an incredible season and an amazing performance at the @transrockiesrunning Golden Ultra Full Pint!
Gillian battled through three tough days, showing her strength and resilience. Despite a few challenges, she powered through with determination. Her fueling strategy was on point, and her vertical training truly paid off, especially on the descents. Finishing the race in 8th place after 3 days of racing is an incredible achievement, and there`s no doubt that her endurance and mental toughness will only continue to improve!
Can’t wait to see what you accomplish next season, Gillian. Onwards and upwards!
#GoldenUltra #EnduranceAthlete #MountainRunning #PersonalPeakAthlete #PersonalPeakCoach
The foundation of a strong runner lies in the habits they create. The discipline to wake up early, lace up your shoes, and stay committed to consistent training forms the foundation of success. Build habits that keep you injury-free, from proper warm-ups to recovery routines. Your habits define your performance. Start with small, smart choices, and let them shape you into the runner you want to become.
#personalpeakcoach #personalpeakathlete #BuildGoodHabits #RunSmart #ConsistencyIsKey #InjuryPrevention #HabitBuilding
Big congratulations to Brooke on an incredible season and a strong finish at the LPS 10K!
Brooke has consistently put in the work this year, and it really paid off with a solid finish at her most recent race. She maintained a steady pace throughout and gave it her all in the final stretch, showing true grit and determination.
A special shoutout to Coach Chantel@runningmama85 for all the support and guidance that has helped Brooke shine this season. You’ve made great strides, Brooke—here’s to even bigger goals and achievements ahead!
#LPS10K #StrongFinish #ProudCoach #BrookeGrayston #PersonalPeakAthlete #PersonalPeakCoach
After a hard season of racing, it`s crucial to allow yourself 2-3 weeks of unstructured training. This transition period gives both your mind and body the time to rest and recover, reducing the risk of burnout. Use this time to enjoy easy runs, cross-train, or simply take a break from structured workouts altogether. This reset helps you recharge, so you can come back stronger and more motivated for the next season. #SeasonTransition #RestAndRecovery #AvoidBurnout #RunningTips #personalpeakcoach
As runners, it`s easy to get comfortable with routines, but real progress comes when we push beyond those comfort zones. Challenging your limits—whether through longer distances, faster speeds, or more focused training—leads to growth. At the same time, smart training and injury prevention are crucial. Pushing too hard too soon leads to setbacks. Progress is built through steady, consistent efforts. Challenge yourself, but train smart.
#personalpeakcoach #personalpeakathlete #ChallengeYourLimits #ConsistencyIsKey #RunSmart #InjuryPrevention #GrowthMindset
A massive shoutout to Ken for his incredible effort at the Canadian Death Race!
Ken, your grit and perseverance in tackling one of the toughest races out there is truly inspiring. At 60 years young, you’ve shown that age is just a number, and your dedication over the past year and a half is something to be celebrated! You’ve proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible, even if some forest fires get in the way!
#personalpeakcoach #runningcoach #running #runningmotivation #run #runner #runnersofinstagram #runningcommunity #trailrunning #runners #marathon #runninglife #instarunners #ultramarathon #ultrarunning #runnerslife #runcoach #runninggoals
Incorporating cross-training into your training schedule can significantly boost your running performance. Activities like cycling, swimming, and strength training enhance your overall fitness, improve muscle balance, and reduce the risk of injury by allowing for a higher training volume while reducing impact. Cross-training also helps prevent burnout by adding variety to your workouts. Aim to include at least one cross-training session per week for a well-rounded and resilient running program.
#CrossTraining #RunningPerformance #InjuryPrevention #RunningTips #personalpeakcoach
Success in running doesn`t happen by chance. Pelé`s words remind us that it takes hard work, perseverance, and a love for the sport. Each run, each gym session, and every recovery day are crucial steps on this journey. By staying consistent and listening to your body to prevent injuries, you set the foundation for achieving your goals. Embrace the grind and let your passion drive you forward!
#personalpeakcoach #personalpeakathlete #HardWork #ConsistencyIsKey #LoveWhatYouDo #RunStrong #InjuryPrevention #Perseverance
A dynamic warm-up prepares your body for training and reduce the risk of injury. Incorporate exercises like running form drills and dynamic stretching to boost blood flow and enhance flexibility. A proper warm-up sets you up for a successful run by activating your muscles, increasing your range of motion and improving blood flow. Make dynamic warm-ups a part of your routine for peak performance!
#DynamicWarmUp #InjuryPrevention #RunningTips #personalpeakcoach
Discipline bridges the gap between setting goals and achieving them. In running, discipline means showing up consistently, training smart, recovering properly and taking care of your body to avoid injuries. Every mile you run, every stretch you do, and every rest day you prioritize brings you closer to your dreams. Stay disciplined, and watch as your hard work transforms into accomplishments.
#personalpeakcoach #personalpeakathlete #Discipline #ConsistencyIsKey #GoalSetting #RunSmart #InjuryPrevention #AchieveYourGoals
Sleep is a crucial component of your training. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to recover and repair. Adequate rest enhances recovery, reduces the risk of injuries, and improves overall performance. Treat sleep as a non-negotiable part of your training, just like your runs!
#SleepToPerform #Recovery #RunningTips #personalpeakcoach
Resilience is key in running. This Japanese proverb teaches us that setbacks are part of the journey, but what matters is we do after we fall. Consistent training, smart recovery, and injury prevention are vital to staying on track. Embrace challenges, learn from them, and keep moving forward. Every time you stand up, you`re stronger and closer to your goals!
#personalpeakcoach #personalpeakathlete #Resilience #KeepGoing #ConsistencyIsKey #RunSmart #InjuryPrevention #OvercomeObstacles
Huge congratulations to Gillian on her podium finish at the Powderface Marathon!
Gillian was using this race as a training run to prepare for the Golden Ultra stage race in September and learned some valuable lessons along the way. This podium finish is a fantastic achievement and a great indicator of what`s to come. Well done Gillian!
#PowderfaceMarathon #GoldenUltraPrep #PodiumFinish #ProudCoach #PersonalPeakAthlete #PersonalPeakCoach
Coaches
Chantelle Erickson
Lethbridge, Alberta
Chantelle aka “the mother runner” has been running happy for 15 years. She grew up in the GTA in Ontario and moved west after high school and has been a resident of both Saskatchewan and Alberta. She has experience in obstacle racing, 5k-full marathon, relay racing, 50-100k ultras and backyard format (The Lone Wolf, Fernie, BC). Like many runners she entered the sport of running searching for health and wellness.
She began as a treadmill runner and graduated to running the beautiful gravel country roads in Saskatchewan, becoming addicted to sunshine on her face and pushing through the elements. Chantelle learned that running was the key to her mental wellness and from her early start stuck with the sport because of the positive self-image it gave and the opportunity it afforded to set goals and do the hard work to achieve dreams. From the very beginning she has been encouraging and motivating those around her to discover the sport and enter races.
She became attached to following a structure and a plan and believes this has been her success to running consistently for over a decade. She made a promise to herself to complete her first half after her son was born and she accomplished this eight-months after she became a mom. Her personal mantra continues to be “If you can believe it you can achieve it.” She has raced in Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Canmore and Fernie.
Chantelle found her affinity for the ruggedness of the mountains when she backpacked 70 miles across the Bob Marshall Wilderness in 5 days with her overpacked 50lb pack! She believes this trip gave her a passion for summiting mountains and showed her what she was capable of through adversity. She volunteered at the Lost Soul Ultra (LSU) in 2016 and was instantly inspired to break into ultra racing.
She entered the world of ultra marathoning in 2017 completing her first 50k at LSU. Endurance is her cup of coffee. After making the podium in a couple of races (Coulee Cactus Crawl x 2 and LSU), she realized that showing up for your training plan every day pays off and that be coached is the secret to unlocking the key to become a smarter, more efficient runner.
Chantelle has overcome many good and bad experiences in racing and believes every run and race is an opportunity to learn and apply your experience to better yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. She has completed races pregnant, pushing a running stroller, in extreme windchills, heat and smoke and somehow still manages to bust a grin at every finish line. Chantelle has overcome injuries and learned the importance of strength training, physiotherapy and allowing your body to rest and recover. Running has been an outlet for overcoming some major setbacks and obstacles in Chantelle’s life.
When Chantelle is not busy running she is drinking her coffee black, instructing fitness classes (spin is her favourite), hiking, cycling, camping, creating healthy meals, reading, writing and spending time with her friends and family. She is currently working on establishing a non-profit for youth bridging her passion for running and cycling into a physical literacy mentorship program.
Education/Experience
- BA Youth Ministry (Hon.) Briercrest College
- Personal Peak Certified Running Coach
- Certified personal trainer (CanFit Pro)
- Certified spin instructor
- Certified Concept2 Row instructor
- Qualified TRX instructor
- Certified Merrithew Pilates Barre instructor
- Certified Pre and Postnatal Fitness Specialist (Fit4Two Canada): Additional courses in pelvic floor health, symphysis pubis dysfunction, abdominal separation, postural assessments, nutrition for the endurance athlete, periodization of nutrition
- Published columnist for Canadian Running Magazine
- Lethbridge Sport Council Board Member (Present)
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Alberta Insurance Council, Life Insurance & Accident/Sickness Insurance Agent
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2021 Top Fitness Instructor, Impact Magazine Canada
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Lethbridge Sport Council, Executive Member (Treasurer)
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St. Teresa of Calcutta, School Council Chair
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2 Runners Protein, Ambassador
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Currently enrolled in UESCA Run Coaching Certification
Travis Brown MKin, CSEP – Certified Exercise Physiologist
Calgary, Alberta
Travis is a Coach and Exercise Physiologist with a Masters Degree in Kinesiology based in Alberta, Canada. With 15 years of experience coaching runners at all levels, I have a proven track record of success. I’ve coached and crewed many athletes on their way to success, including both 12 hour and 100-mile world records, and multiple top 3 finishes at Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra, The Canadian Death Race, and countless other ultramarathon races.
As a runner myself, I have extensive experience racing distances ranging from 800m to 100 miles at the National level. I’ve achieved many personal milestones in my running career, including a 2nd place finish at the Canadian 100 Mile Trail Championships. With my deep understanding of how the body works, I approach coaching by breaking down each component of training and carefully examining it to build a program that is tailored to each individual athlete.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, I can help you learn more about the why of your training as you achieve your goals and reach your full potential. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards your Personal Peak!
Education/Experience
- Masters of Kinesiology, University of Calgary
- CSEP-Certified Exercise Physiologist
- ISAK-Certified Anthropometrist
- Canadian National Ski Mountaineering Team Head Coach 2014-2020
- Race Experience: 2015 Sinister 7 100 mile – 2nd place, Represented Canada at the Ski Mountaineering World Championships in 2015 & 2017, numerous podium finished at races from 800m to 100 miles
Management Team
Travis Brown – Head of Physiology
MKin, BKin, CSEP – Certified Exercise Physiologist
I have always been completely fascinated by how things work. I love breaking something down to it’s component parts fixing it and putting it back together again; better and more efficient than ever before. I have always been an athlete, and through my education I’ve been able to combine this fascination with breaking things down with my passion for athletics. Everyday I get to take a sport, break the training down, carefully examine each piece, and build something amazing to optimize every aspect of training for it.
Education/Experience
- Masters of Kinesiology, University of Calgary
- CSEP-Certified Exercise Physiologist
- ISAK-Certified Anthropometrist
Ashley Brown – Head of Coaching
Bachelor of Health Science – Health Economics
Ashley has a degree in Health Science concentrating on Health Economics, and uses an upstream approach to organize and build systems that work for athletes, rather than fitting athletes into the system. Using a mix of behavioural strategies and physiological outcomes, Ashley creates training systems that integrate the different physiological outcomes Travis wants, in a way that works for you. Primarily, Ashley is a problem solver, and the bigger and more messy the problem, the more exciting and fun it is!
Education/Experience
- Bachelor of Health Science – Health Economics, University of Calgary