Personalized Running Coach – Training for 5K, 10K and up to the Marathon


I still love the process – the training, the hard work, the pursuit of big goals. That mindset is what I am to pass on to every runner I coach” – Nichole Porath

Coaching Introduction

Unlock your full running potential with expert, personalized coaching from Nichole Porath. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PR, I’ll guide you to run stronger and faster—with a plan built around your life, goals, and unique strengths, no matter your starting point.

Nichole Porath running the Fargo 1/2 Marathon


Meet Your Coach: Nichole Porath

  • 2012 Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier (2:44:12)
  • World record-breaking Indoor Marathon: 2:57, Double Jogger Half Marathon: 1:31
  • Former Brooks-sponsored pro runner
  • Over 10 years coaching 100+ runners of all levels
  • Trusted by athletes who return season after season—some for 8+ years
  • Head Coach of Northfield High School Girls XC (4x Big 9 Champions, 4x Big 9 Coach of the Year)
  • Creator of Northfield’s Youth XC Camp & community kids’ races
  • Sobriety & postpartum depression advocate (2,000+ days sober)
  • Media recognition: Featured in Runner’s World, Running Minnesota, Whidbey Times, Canadian Running Times, Chippewa Herald, and other publications
  • Marathon wins, NCAA appearances, and a track record of chasing big goals and setting records at every level
  • Passionate about personalized coaching for all ages, levels, and life stages

With nearly two decades of experience coaching, I’ve helped hundreds of runners of all levels—from first-timers to Boston Qualifiers to Olympic Trials Hopefuls. A former elite runner and lifelong student of the sport, I bring passion, science, and heart to every training plan I build.

Why Train with TNC Endurance?

  • Trusted results: PRs, BQs, and lifelong improvements with athletes who return year after year
  • Data-driven approach with expert coaching rooted in elite-level experience and continuous study of the sport
  • Training that fits your life: Personalized and strategic plans that work whether you have 30 minutes or 2 hours to train
  • All paces welcome: From 12-minute milers to Boston Qualifiers—no runner is too slow to start
  • Injury prevention focus: Smart training progressions that keep you healthy and running consistently
  • Remote coaching that works: Check-ins, plan adjustments, and constant support via email and text
  • Supportive, empathetic coaching that understands real-life challenges, setbacks, and busy schedules
    👉 Expert coaching plans

Testimonials: Real Runners, Real Success

Don’t take it from me – here is what a few of my athletes have to say:

“I was pretty slow when I started—25-27 minute 5Ks—and only had 9 months to train for my first marathon. After a setback early on, I really started training in January for my May race. In just 4 months, Nichole helped me go from zero to a 3:45 marathon! Most remarkably, while everyone else was hobbling around after the race, I felt great. She knows what she’s doing.”

Ben P

“In 15 years of running, I’d never won a race. After a year with Nichole, I won TWO! My marathon PR dropped 17 minutes in the first 6 months, then another 11 minutes after that. I’ve set PRs at every distance and she keeps me hungry for more.”

Andrew H

“I’m a busy mom of 3 and only run 4 days a week—but Nichole helped me get faster by maximizing every minute. She meets you where you’re at and still helps you improve.”
👉 Read Rachel’s story

Rachel E

“At 50, after years of serious training, I hadn’t improved in 7 years… I was BLOWN AWAY when Nichole helped me take 11 minutes off my Half Marathon time! She’s FANTASTIC!”

John S

“Working with Nichole has improved my running confidence so much. When I first started, I got nervous just about workouts! But now I trust that she wouldn’t give me anything I couldn’t handle. With her support, I dropped my mile time from 6:11 to 5:38 and crushed my 4k goal—going from 16:00 to 14:58. Sub-15! I could never repay Nichole for the confidence she’s given me.”
👉 Read B’s story

BN

“She has made me the runner I am today. In just three short months of working with Nichole’s thoughtfully structured workouts, amazing intuition and belief in my ability to improve, my 5K personal best went from 20:45 to 19:45”
👉 Read Ella’s story

Elle J

Lisa at Twin Cities Marathon after PR ringing bell

“With Nichole, I’ve discovered that you’re never too old to chase big goals. At 63, I ran an 11-minute PR at the Twin Cities Marathon—injury-free and 31 minutes under my Boston qualifying time! Nichole’s science-backed plans and joyful encouragement helped me discover what I’m capable of.”
👉 Read Lisa’s story

Lisa W

Michelle Baxter

“Nichole’s belief in me and her unmatched expertise helped me go from a 3:17 marathon to breaking the sub-3 barrier at CIM in 2021, despite setbacks like injuries and having kids. We’ve worked together for over 10 years, and there’s no one else I trust with my training.”
👉 Read Michelle’s story

Michelle B

👉 See More Success Stories

Join the Community

Ready to join the athletes who’ve transformed their training and racing with an expert running coach? Let’s work together to make your running goals a reality.

Currently accepting new athletes.
👉 Schedule Your Free Strategy Call