Sarah Kozul - Running Coach

Sarah Kozul

Lakeland, FL
Accepting New Clients
About Sarah Kozul
I want to help you train smart, stay injury-free, and balance running with the rest of your life. That starts with an honest look at where you are and what you want to achieve. I’ve coached since 2013 and am an RRCA Level 2 Adult Endurance & Youth Coach. I’ve completed 25 marathons—going from barely finishing my first to qualifying for Boston in 2017. I love being a student of the sport and translating science into practical, lifelong training for runners of all levels.
Description
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 motion is lotion. As an engineer, I was 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 started with our fledgling middle school cross country team—coaching my own twin daughters—and now lead 5k, 10k, and half marathon programs. 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 25 marathons across 14 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 Jack Daniels, Pete Pfitzinger, Arthur Lydiard, Steve Magness, Jeff Galloway, and Joe Vigil 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.
Athlete Requirements
I welcome all runners at all levels - from those working toward their first 5k to trying to qualify for Boston. Athletes need to be open minded about how long a goal might take, have discipline and accountability.
Qualified To Coach
Keywords
Available for Coaching
Online/Remote coaching
Coaching Certifications
RRCA Level 1, RRCA Level 2

Training Plans

Get a customized plan from Sarah Kozul