David L.

My coaching background spans multiple endurance sports, with a foundation in athletic development through basketball coaching at the varsity high school level and youth programs. Over the past several years, I have transitioned into endurance coaching, helping friends and training partners develop comprehensive race preparation strategies for various ultra distances.
I currently work with athletes ranging from beginners taking on their first ultra challenge to experienced runners aged 20-50+ looking to improve performance and race strategy. My approach combines my athletic coaching foundation with specialized ultra running knowledge, focusing on sustainable training progression, race-day execution, and mental preparation.
I am currently pursuing my UESCA (Ultra Running Coach Certification) to formalize my ultra running coaching expertise and stay current with evidence-based training methodologies. This certification will complement my existing athletic coaching experience and provide the specialized knowledge needed for the unique demands of ultra distance running.
My coaching philosophy emphasizes building resilient, well-rounded athletes who can handle the physical and mental challenges that ultra running presents, drawing from both my competitive athletic background and hands-on experience in the ultra running community.

I have been running competitively for 7 years, beginning my endurance journey as an adult athlete. My road marathon achievements include a 3:19 finish at the Chicago Marathon in 2019 and a personal best 3:00 at the LA Marathon in 2025, demonstrating consistent improvement and sub-elite performance levels.
In ultra trail running, I have completed multiple 50K races with remarkable consistency, finishing within 10 minutes of 5 hours at challenging venues including Mt. Hood, Moab, and Smith Rock. I have also successfully completed the Wildwood End to End in Portland's Forest Park four times, consistently finishing around 5 hours on this demanding 30+ mile trail course. Additionally, I have served as a pacer for friends during 100-mile races, providing crucial support and motivation during the most challenging stages of these epic events.
My adventure running accomplishments showcase my ability to handle self-supported, multi-day challenges: I circumnavigated Mt. Hood covering 40 miles in 13 hours, traversed the demanding 20-mile Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire's White Mountains in 6 hours, and completed an extraordinary 8-day, 200-mile Run Across Haiti in 2019.
These experiences have given me firsthand knowledge of the physical, mental, and logistical challenges that ultra runners face, from race-day strategy and nutrition management to multi-day expedition planning and self-sufficiency in remote environments.

I have been running competitively for 7 years, beginning my endurance journey as an adult athlete and developing into a self-coached runner through dedicated self-education and hands-on experience. My road marathon achievements include a 3:19 finish at the Chicago Marathon in 2019 and a personal best 3:00 at the LA Marathon in 2025, demonstrating consistent improvement and sub-elite performance levels achieved through my own training methodologies.
In ultra trail running, I have completed multiple 50K races with remarkable consistency, finishing within 10 minutes of 5 hours at challenging venues including Mt. Hood, Moab, and Smith Rock. I have also successfully completed the Wildwood End to End in Portland's Forest Park four times, consistently finishing around 5 hours on this demanding 30+ mile trail course. Additionally, I have served as a pacer and crew for friends during 100-mile races, providing crucial support and motivation during the most challenging stages of these epic events.
My adventure running accomplishments showcase my ability to handle self-supported, multi-day challenges: I circumnavigated Mt. Hood covering 40 miles in 13 hours, traversed the demanding 20-mile Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire's White Mountains in 6 hours, and completed an extraordinary 8-day, 200-mile Run Across Haiti in 2019.
These experiences have given me firsthand knowledge of the physical, mental, and logistical challenges that ultra runners face, from race-day strategy and nutrition management to multi-day expedition planning and self-sufficiency in remote environments.