Coach Lizzy Peper
Hi, I’m Lizzy, aka your friendly, peppy, run coach here to encourage you, answer your questions, and help you reach your goals in a sustainable, enjoyable way.
I started running when my mom forced me to join the high school cross country team in 2008 and since then have fallen in love with the sport, met lifelong friends through the run community, and made a career in run marketing (thanks, Mom). Now, I am passionate about helping others find their love of running and racing. I currently live in beautiful Puerto Rico and offer virtual training options.
Running Experience
After competing for 12 seasons of cross country, indoor and outdoor track for Towson High School, I had the opportunity to run for Marist College. In my very first DI collegiate race I came in last place and ultimately finished my college career in 2016 as a cross country captain and proud middle-of-the-team performer.
After college, I made the goal of running a half marathon in every state…I still have a very long way to go. I have run numerous 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons, plus 2 marathons. I set a half marathon PR of 1:36:58 at the 2017 Philadelphia Half Marathon and a marathon PR of 3:54:05 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. My running goals have changed over the years, but I always love being a part of the energy of a race day.
Coaching Experience
Starting in 2016, I led track workouts and coached 5K, 10K, 12 mile and Half Marathon Group Training Programs at Charm City Run, a Baltimore-based running store. I quickly discovered my passion for coaching runners of all levels, in particular beginners. In 2018, I created a signature Speed & Strength program that combined interval running with bodyweight strength exercises.
Furthering my love for low-impact workouts, I started teaching barre classes in 2019, including designing a Barre for Runners program, at Baltimore-based studio Barrevolution.
While living in Boston in 2022, I helped lead track workouts for runners training with MyStryde treadmill studio.
I became an Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Level I Certified Coach in 2019 and am currently working to become run certified with the United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy (UESCA).
After a combined 6 years of in-person run coaching experience, I now offer virtual 1-on-1 training programs.
Coaching Style
My coaching style is supportive, hands-on, and as you can probably guess, peppy! In particular, I specialize in working with beginners of all ages. My goal is to make your running experience enjoyable and sustainable. I want to know how you are feeling every step of the way and make sure running realistically fits into your schedule. My coaching attitude is very encouraging and upbeat, while being realistic and honest. I work with runners who are committed to keeping in touch, doing their best, and maintaining a healthy relationship with running. In short, I want you to have fun working towards your goals and be able to continue for the long run.
A few of my guiding principles including building mileage and intensity slowly to avoid injury, being realistic with fitting running into your real life schedule, and building confidence through education and positive talk.
If this sounds like a good fit for you, click below to learn more about training options and submit a training interest form. I look forward to learning more about you!