Coaching
Coaching
Coaching is more than just preparing for a race. It’s about finding a balance to train physically and to mentally prepare for a goal. Coaching to me is so much more than formulating works, it’s about working together, communication and an invested approach to determine what works specifically for you. Life has a lot of moving pieces, I’m invested in the person first, to balance your athletic goals to fit your lifestyle.
Mental Performance
I’ve learned, through injury, setbacks, and big wins, that success in sport and life isn’t just about physical training. It’s about what’s happening between your ears.
As a professional athlete with a masters degree in neuroscience and physiology and another masters degree in applied sports psychology, I coach from both personal experience and science-backed strategies. I help athletes and high performers develop the tools they need to manage self-doubt, build resilience, and stay grounded when the pressure hits.
Mindset isn’t just motivation, it’s a skill you can train. And when you do, you don’t just perform better, you enjoy the process more.
If you’re ready to build confidence from the inside out and grow through challenge, I’d love to help you get there.
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My Coaching Background
My coaching journey began during my undergraduate years while studying organic chemistry, and it deepened through my master’s degree in Neuroscience, Physiology, and Structural Biology from the University of Colorado Denver. With over a decade of experience coaching athletes of all ages and abilities, I bring a balanced approach, grounded in science, shaped by personal experience, and led with compassion.
I’m continuing my coaching education with a master’s degree in Applied Sport Psychology from Adams State University, expanding my expertise and developing new tools to help athletes prepare for their goals—both physically and mentally.
If you're looking for 1:1 support in your training, I offer personalized coaching plans delivered through TrainingPeaks, with options for monthly or bi-monthly check-in calls. Whether you're building toward a race, a big adventure, or simply want structure and accountability, I’m here to help you train with purpose and confidence.
Ready to get started or have questions? Feel free to reach out, I’d love to connect.
Book a 1-hour goal setting consultation with me!
Testimonials
"I had not been formally coached in many years so when I started looking for a coach to take my running to the next level I was worried I would be reluctant to give any coach my full trust. I initially reached out to Hillary after feeling like I got to know her through her book. Hillary was quick to return my message, and it was apparent from our first conversation that she deserved my complete trust. She has been very diligent in getting to know me as an athlete and a person. Her coaching style is very positive and encouraging. I am very proud of our accomplishments together so far, and I look forward to many more seasons of working together."
- Sophie McDonald, North Carolina
"Hillary Allen is equal parts inspiration and brass tacks. She combines these traits and skills to create a responsive and empowering coaching technique. Specifically, since it is a strong motivator for me, I have appreciated the way in which Hillary has supported strategies to continue incorporating novelty and adventure into my training. This resulted in highlighting the importance of scheduling events that bring personal excitement and motivation. For me this has included organized races as part of my training strategy and schedule.
- Tim M, Illinois
“I recently attended Hillary's workshop on mental performance in athletics (and in life). Hillary gave a marvelous talk and then invited participants to engage in an activity around goal setting and understanding what hinders us and what aids us in showing up for ourselves on a daily basis to make our goals become a reality. I’ve now been working with her as my mental perfromance coach and I’m noticing real change.
- Jeff, Boulder
"Hillary’s workshop on mental performance was both powerful and practical. Her inspiring story and contagious energy immediately drew everyone in, creating an atmosphere where it felt safe to reflect, engage, and be honest with ourselves. She guided us through identifying a meaningful goal, breaking it down into smaller, more manageable pieces, and exploring what we can and can’t control when it comes to mental barriers. It made my goal feel so much more attainable and less overwhelming. Hillary has a special way of showing how focusing on what’s right in front of us - one step, one choice, one moment at a time - can shift everything.
- Jared, workshop participant
"I’ve been working with Hillary on mental performance and after a few months, I feel like I broke ground in terms of figuring out what is holding me back. She offers simple tools that could help me to find the motivation each day to strive to be the best version of myself on that day in those circumstances. I’m feeling motivated, strong, and excited to tackle my next endeavor, one step at a time!”
- Devin, New York
"When looking for a running coach, I wanted someone who did more than simply send me plans through an online coaching platform. I needed someone who encouraged me, celebrated my victories (big or small), and listened to my concerns & worries. Hillary does all of that and more! She is such a beautiful mix of talent, compassion, dedication, and “girl power”! Hillary also coaches my wife. Even though we may not race the same distances anymore, Hillary knows exactly how to keep it a family affair no matter if it be training, crewing, pacing, racing….she gets it. I am so incredibly lucky to have her on my side guiding me throughout all of my adventures in life!"
- Jaime McDonald, North Carolina
"I am a (very) slow, (very) recreational runner and the thought of working with a running coach seemed kind of ridiculous to me given my ability level. However, I took the leap and I could not be more grateful! I have the incredible privilege of working with Hillary Allen! When I work with Hillary, she makes me feel so capable and she treats me like an athlete! Yes, she is a rockstar and elite athlete and this may sound intimidating, but in this capacity she is a coach (and cheerleader) who values my goals and limitations and who does so with kindness and patience! She has worked with my busy schedule, is responsive to my questions and time constraints and has helped me literally shave minutes off my time. This is such well spent time and money! Hillary is helping me reach my goals and it’s so exciting!"
- Lisa R, Oregon
“Since I began working with coach Hillary, I have become a much stronger, more confident and overall better athlete. This has shown in my performance improvement in trail race distances from the half marathon to the 100 miler. She has also introduced me to a new sport (cycling) and incorporates strength training into my training to be a stronger and healthier athlete. Additionally, she has taken the time to really understand me as a person, not just an athlete, by regularly checking in with me about running related things and on my personal life. I consider myself so lucky to work with someone as smart and talented as coach Hillary.”
- Elise Mordos, New York