Meet Our coaches

At Railroad Athletics, our coaches are more than just program builders, they’re mentors, motivators, and athletes who know what it takes to push past limits. 

Every coach on our team brings real experience, elite-level knowledge, and a deep commitment to helping athletes train with purpose. Whether you're a high school runner, a national qualifier, or just getting back into the sport, you'll get the same personalized attention and support.

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all coaching. We believe in meeting every athlete where they are, and helping them grow, one step at a time.

Online Running Coaches

Hayden has coached a World #1 and dozens of at Olympic Trials & National Championship qualifiers.

Courtney applies deep knowledge of training–gained from experience coaching and competing at the D1 level–to fit each athlete’s individual goal.

Jenna begins her coaching career seeking to mentor young athletes who aspire to compete in college.

Alize believes in a partnership, where the athlete sets the long-term goal and she carefully crafts an adaptable plan to get the athlete where they want to go.

Mark is a highly adaptable and personal coach and his athletes know he cares deeply about them well beyond the sport.

Hayden

Courtney

Mark

Jenna

Alize

More About Hayden

More About Mark

More About Alize

More About Jenna

More About Courtney

Hayden

Coaching Philosophy

Hayden believes in true partnership, working alongside athletes to create a personalized path that brings out their best selves. Together, his athletes and he collaborate to unlock untapped potential while keeping running sustainable, joyful, and life-giving.

“Every athlete is different, 

What Makes Hayden Different?

  • Holistic Approach: Running should add to your life, not take away from it. Hayden designs training around careers, school, families, and real-life demands.
  • Precision, Not Volume: Working harder isn’t always the answer. He helps athletes do less but smarter to find their edge.
  • Small Gains, Big Results: Specializes in finding those last “missing percentage points” that take athletes from strong to unstoppable.

Hayden's Ideal Athlete

Highly driven competitors who’ve already found success but feel like something is missing to hit 100%. Whether you’re a working professional, a student-athlete, or a parent balancing it all, Hayden thrives on helping you unlock those extra percentage points that lead to breakthroughs.

Athletes Success Stories

Hayden’s athletes range from everyday runners setting new PRs to national champions and Olympic Trials qualifiers. What sets him apart is the way he meets each athlete where they are and helps them surpass what they thought possible.

so their training should be too.”

  • Krissy Gear – American Record Holder & U.S. Champion, 2023 USA Road Mile (4:23.96); World #1, 800m (2:00.67, 2025 Arkansas Invitational)
  • Railroad Athletics Women – 2024 USATF Cross Country National Champions
  • Railroad Athletics Men – 3rd at 2023 Cross Champs
  • Allie Kieffer – 2nd at 2024 California International Marathon (2:33:26, Olympic Trials Qualifier)
  • Anna West – 4th at 2023 McKirdy Marathon (2:35:04, OTQ); overcame injury setbacks to become a marathoner
  • Alyssa Bloomquist – 9th at 2023 McKirdy Marathon (2:36:29, OTQ), dropping 5 minutes as a 33-year-old mother of two
  • Allen Sumrall – 12th at 2023 USA Indoor Championships (3000m); 17th at 2023 USA Outdoor Championships (10,000m); PRs in 5k (14:29 → 13:57), 10k (29:44 → 28:44), Half (66:32 → 64:13)
  • Amanda Mosborg – 2nd Amateur at 2025 Boston Marathon (2:37:16)
  • Railroad Athlete – 8th at 2023 Garry Bjorkland Half Marathon
  • Allen Sumrall (earlier career) – 16th at 2021 USA Half Marathon Road Championships (1:04:13

National-Class Results

  • Lauren Ohler – College student at UT ran a 5k PR at Baylor University, competing alongside (and beating) NCAA Division I athletes
  • Scott Beardsley – 40-year-old trail runner earned his first race win and PR’d in the 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon
  • Christian Schaaf – D3 alum who joined Railroad after graduation and set PRs in the 800, 1500, 3k, 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon
  • Emma Allison – Former HS XC runner who BQ’d and placed 2nd in her first marathon with a massive PR
  • Grace Marmaras – Busy professional in DC who improved her Half Marathon time by 19 minutes and went on to finish her first full marathon
  • Braden Videon – Former cyclist who completed his first marathon and later dropped 15 minutes for a new PR
  • Amelia Larkin – High school freshman who set a school record and became the first Region Champion in her school’s history

Personal Breakthroughs & PR Stories

Career Highlights

  • 10+ years of coaching at High School, NCAA Division I, and elite club levels
  • Athletes achieving American Records, National Championships, and multiple Olympic Trials qualifiers
  • USATF Level I Certified Coach
  • Announcer for top U.S. races & active volunteer for USATF Men’s Long Distance Running Committee
  • Professional background as an attorney in Austin, TX, blending discipline and leadership into his coaching

Ready to see what’s possible with Coach Hayden by your side?

Schedule Your Call with Hayden

Head Coach

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Courtney

Coaching Philosophy

Courtney believes that all runners, regardless of pace, are united by the pursuit of becoming their best selves. Her philosophy rests on three pillars:
  • Enjoy the process first, and the results will come.
  • Take the work seriously, but not yourself too seriously.
  • Together is better: Whatever you can accomplish alone, you can accomplish more with others.

Collaborative, supportive, and athlete-first, Courtney blends structure and science with empowerment and encouragement. She knows athletes thrive when they feel supported both in running and in life.


“Enjoy the process first,

What Makes Courtney Different?

  • Process Over Perfection: She helps athletes find joy in training, so progress feels sustainable.
  • Athlete-First Coaching: Focuses on empowering runners with structure, support, and belief in themselves.
  • Relatable Role Model: As someone who has shared both the highs of PRs and the lows of setbacks openly, Courtney makes athletes feel seen and understood.
  • Flexible Coaching Levels: Gold, Silver, and Bronze coaching options are designed for every stage of an athlete’s journey.

Why a running coach?

Courtney has always been fascinated by the “why” behind training, the structure, the purpose, and the process. Inspired by her college coach, she began helping friends with training plans and quickly realized how much she loved guiding others. What started as curiosity grew into a true passion for coaching.

Success Stories & Approach

Courtney lights up when working with adult runners who are balancing jobs, families, and life, but still want to chase big goals. Whether it’s a Boston Qualifier, a first 5k, or simply rediscovering the fun of training, her athletes often discover they’re capable of more than they imagined.

and the results will come. "

  • Helped Division I athletes at Fairfield University develop consistency and confidence.
  • Guided adult athletes across the U.S. to Boston Qualifiers, marathon PRs, and long-term training success.
  • Supported new runners in completing their first structured training plans with Bronze-level programming.
  • Built a loyal online community of everyday runners through transparent storytelling and relatable coaching insights on Instagram 

Follow Courtney on instagram

Career Highlights

  • Assistant Coach, Fairfield University (NCAA DI Cross Country)
  • USATF Level I Certified Coach
  • 4x Marathoner & Boston Qualifier with a 2:51 personal best
  • Grew a loyal online running community by sharing the authentic athlete’s journey, the highs, lows, and everything in between

Ready to see what’s possible with Coach Courtney by your side?

Schedule Your Call with courtney

Assistant Coach

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@court.marathon.runner

Courtney's Ideal Athlete

Adult runners who want to take themselves seriously, but not too seriously. Busy professionals, parents, and everyday athletes who balance life’s demands while still chasing ambitious goals.

Mark

Coaching Philosophy

In a word: adaptive. There are countless plans that can work, but the only one that matters is the one that works for you, something you enjoy, believe in, and can execute. For Mark, coaching is about guiding each athlete toward that “good plan” and making it come alive off the page.


Perfect training is the enemy of

What Makes mark Different?

  • Adaptive, Not Rigid: Training isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress that fits real life.
  • Deep Empathy: Mark has felt both the joy of setting records and the sting of getting lapped. That lived experience allows him to connect with athletes of all levels.
  • Passion for the Sport: He’s not just writing workouts. He’s been known to jump in races to pace his athletes all the way to the finish.
  • Motivation Matters: Mark thrives when working with athletes who genuinely care, no matter their starting point.

Success Stories & Approach

Mark finds just as much joy in helping someone qualify for Boston as he does in helping someone finish their first 5k. Here are some favorite Railroad moments he’s been part of:

good training. "

  • Caitlyn Hadley – BQ achieved with Mark pacing her first marathon
  • Sammy O – BQ achieved with Mark pacing her second marathon
  • Melanie H – Completed her first healthy marathon, paced by Mark
  • Taylor Hadley – Broke 19:30 in the 5k
  • Kaitlyn Burk – Overcame prolonged illness (mono) to earn a college roster spot at Stephen F. Austin
  • Christian Dang – Completed three marathons in three months in his 50s
  • Jessi Bentley – 3rd at the Cleveland Marathon only four months after being hit by a car and breaking a rib
  • Nicole Mackey – Ran a Boston Qualifying 3:18 at CIM
  • Lauren Stroud – 2nd at Austin Cross, leading Railroad Women to a team victory
  • Juliana Neelbauer – Broke 6 minutes in the mile (5:53) for the first time since high school, at age 40+
  • Christian May – Ran 3:05 at Indianapolis, qualifying for Boston

Career Highlights

  • Began coaching journey in 2013 by co-writing his high school team’s training plan → that same year won the Ohio Cross Country State Championship and earned a full NCAA D1 scholarship to Furman
  • 15+ years of refining knowledge through study and practice, embracing the “One Step at a Time” mentality long before it became the Railroad motto
  • Known for balancing coaching with a successful corporate career and strong family life
  • Coaching influences include John Phillips, Whitney Resch, Rob Mizicko & Chris Neal

Ready to see what’s possible with Coach mark by your side?

Schedule Your Call with Mark

Assistant Coach

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Mark's Ideal Athlete

Motivated, conscientious runners who aren’t “too cool to care.” Whether it’s an elite athlete chasing championships or someone determined to finish their first 5k, Mark loves working alongside athletes who bring passion and commitment to the process.

Alize

Coaching Philosophy

Alize believes that running is about much more than PRs, it’s about joy, resilience, and building a sustainable relationship with the sport. She knows firsthand that the journey isn’t always easy, but through community and support, every athlete can rise stronger.


"Joy, resilience, and sustainability matter

What Makes Alize Different?

  • Resilient Perspective: Having navigated both the highs and lows of competitive running, Alize brings unmatched empathy and authenticity to her coaching.
  • Community Builder: Leads a training group in Eugene, OR, fostering a culture of teamwork among some of the Pacific Coast’s most competitive athletes.
  • Joy-First Approach: Balances competitive drive with a deep commitment to mental health and long-term sustainability.
  • Proven Results: Already guiding post-collegiate athletes to national-level performances while helping them love the process.

Success Stories & Approach

Alize is quickly establishing herself as a force in the competitive distance running community:

just as much as PRs. "

  • Jake Ritter qualified for and completed the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, then ran a massive 10k PR of 28:19, narrowly missing the Olympic Trials standard on the track
  • Built a group of Eugene’s fastest post-collegiate athletes, training together to chase PRs and national-level placings
  • Guided athletes to top finishes on both the track and the roads, with results that show her ability to bring out the best in highly competitive runners

Career Highlights

  • Began at Railroad as a photographer and later social media manager, before stepping into coaching full-time
  • Leads a Railroad training group in Eugene, OR, focused on post-collegiate and national-level athletes
  • Background as a collegiate runner, overcoming challenges that shaped her into a coach who values mental health as much as physical performance
  • Advocate for building an environment of health, sustainability, and positivity in the sport

Ready to see what’s possible with Coach Alize by your side?

Schedule Your Call with Alize

Assistant Coach

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Aiize's Ideal Athlete

Driven competitors who want to train at a high level while also prioritizing their well-being. Alize thrives when working with athletes who are hungry for national-level goals but who also value teamwork, joy, and mental strength along the way.

Follow Alize on instagram

@zayruns.photo

Jenna

Coaching Philosophy

Jenna believes athletes are people first and competitors second. She knows that running is full of ups and downs, but true success comes when athletes learn to enjoy every step of the process. By focusing on long-term growth, confidence, and well-being over short-term results, she helps athletes build a sustainable love for the sport. Open communication is at the heart of her approach—through weekly calls and ongoing support, Jenna ensures her athletes always feel heard, guided, and supported, creating an environment where both performance and joy can thrive.

True success comes when you love the process and

What Makes Jenna Different?

  • Mentorship Matters: Inspired by a life-changing high school coach who helped her overcome anxiety and fall back in love with running, Jenna knows firsthand how impactful great coaching can be.
  • Open Communication: Prioritizes weekly calls plus unlimited texts and emails, so athletes feel heard, supported, and fully guided.
  • Youth & HS Specialty: Passionate about helping high school and youth athletes not only improve performance but also navigate the complexities of the sport with confidence.
  • Empathy + Experience: Balances her own decorated running career with genuine care for her athletes’ mental well-being.

Athletic & Coaching Stories

Jenna’s journey as both a decorated athlete and an emerging coach makes her uniquely positioned to guide the next generation.

trust the work."

  • 3rd at Footlocker Nationals
  • 2x Nike Cross Nationals Qualifier
  • Set the Pennsylvania state 

Career Highlights

  • NCAA D1 athlete with national-level accomplishments in HS & college
  • Pennsylvania 5k state record holder
  • Mentored by Rita & Robert Gary, world-class coaches and former Team USA leaders
  • Emerging youth coach specializing in long-term development, recruiting guidance, and athlete relationships

Ready to see what’s possible with Coach jenna by your side?

Schedule Your Call with Jenna

Assistant Coach
High School & Youth Specialty

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Jenna's Ideal Athlete

High school and youth athletes who are motivated to grow but need guidance, confidence, and support. Whether they’re aiming for PRs, team championships, or navigating the recruiting process, Jenna thrives when working with athletes who want to enjoy the journey while striving for their best.

Follow Jenna on instagram

@jenna.mulhern

High School Career

  • Conference Freshman of the Year (Indoors)
  • Competed at NCAA XC Nationals (Sophomore year) 

College Career (Furman University)

  • Began coaching her sister, friends, and former competitors → discovered her passion for helping others achieve their goals
  • Recognized by Head Coach Hayden Cox for her dedication and shared values
  • Now leads Railroad’s High School & Youth athletes, guiding them through training and the NCAA recruiting process

Coaching Career

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Allen Sumrall

12th @ US Indoor Championships
16th @ US Half Championships
17th @ US Outdoor Championships
Bates & UT-Austin XC/TF Alum

"RAILROAD HAS GIVEN ME SUPPORT, DIRECTION, AND MORE DESIRE AND INCENTIVE TO ATTAIN MY RUNNING GOALS."

Railroad Athletics is great. Without Railroad, I may have stopped running seriously years ago.

But Railroad’s support, community, and coaching enabled me to get faster, enjoy running, and even qualify twice for US Championships while finishing graduate school and beginning my legal career.

Railroad welcomes people who balance personal running goals with their school or career goals. It’s quality support and quality community designed to make pursuing your running goals easier and more fun.

Gabbie DeLay

USATF TX Southern 8k Champion
Started running during COVID

"ATHLETES CAN THRIVE WHILE GENUINELY LOVING THE PROCESS"

Railroad combines personalized, attentive coaching with a uniquely supportive team culture. Coach Hayden's highly individualized and adaptable coaching style focuses on long-term development—he knows exactly what workouts will elicit the right effort while keeping you healthy and progressing.

Though the team has athletes competing at the highest levels across the country, it maintains a down-to-earth attitude that values both hard work and enjoyment. The close-knit, encouraging atmosphere and sustainable training philosophy create an environment where athletes can thrive while genuinely loving the process.

Christian Schaaf

US Road Championship Qualifier
Elizabethton XC/TF Alum

"MY JOURNEY WITH RAILROAD HAS BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING!"

As a former D3 runner, I thought my running career would be over after college. Coach Hayden gave me a path to continue chasing my athletic dreams post-college.

Since joining Railroad, I have PR'd in every track event from the 800 - 10k, debuted in the half marathon, and have run in my first USA Championship race. If you're looking for a group that will continue to support your running goals, look no further - Railroad Athletics is the team for you!

Amanda Mosborg

Carleton & Northwestern XC/TF Alum

"Railroad's REMOTE FORMAT, EFFORT-BASED PHILOSOPHY, FREQUENT COACHING TOACH POINTS, AND SUPPORTIVE TEAM ATMOSPHERE HAVE KEPT ME EXCITED AND MOTIVATED ABOUT RUNNING."

I'm so grateful to have discovered and joined Railroad last year. As a former collegiate, sub-elite runner balancing full-time work and training, Railroad has been a game-changer.

Its remote format, effort-based philosophy, frequent coaching touch points, and supportive team atmosphere have kept me excited and motivated about running. With my coach's guidance, I’m excited to continue chasing my goal of competing at the elite level and on larger stages. Boston Marathon on deck!

Lauren Ohler

PhD Student & PR Queen

"RAILROAD HAS BROUGHT ME PRs IN EVERY SINGLE DISTANCE WHILE MAINTAINING MY LOVE OF RUNNING"

I have worked with railroad over two years in which my lifestyle was highly dynamic and constantly evolving. Hayden valued both my running and life priorities, and consistently created training plans that seamlessly fit into my schedule.

Hayden knows how to sharpen a athletes to their top potential, while fostering a supportive, balanced, and intentional environment. Railroad has brought me prs in every single distance, while maintaining my love of running and drive to improve.

Elle Monticello

US Road Championship Qualifier
Elizabethton XC/TF Alum

"RAILROAD HAS HELPED ME ACCOMPLISH SO MANY GOALS!"

Railroad has helped me accomplish so many goals in 2024 with multiple PRs in the 5k and 10k as well as racing my first Half Marathon. I can't wait to run my first marathon at the end of 2025!

I love the team aspect even though running is not always team sport but its always amazing to know you have a team of runners who share similar interests and goals as you do. We are a team no matter your pace and there is always support no matter if you PR in a race or if you have a bad race the team is with you no matter what. Coach Courtney is awesome!

@ 2025 Railroad Athletics LLC

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