Clear answers.
Before you commit.
The coaching process, pricing, race goals and what happens when life changes the plan.
Getting started
Who is Apex Rises Coaching for?
Runners from beginners to competitive athletes. Coaching covers road, cross country, trail and ultras. Your training history and goals determine the starting point.
Do you coach complete beginners?
Yes. We start with your actual fitness and a manageable routine, then build gradually. You do not need a race result or a high weekly mileage to apply.
How do I get started?
Complete the coaching application. Claude reviews your background and goals, then follows up to discuss fit and availability.
What happens after I apply?
We talk through your history, goals, time and constraints. If coaching is a good fit on both sides, we agree the practical details and build your plan. An application does not guarantee a place.
The coaching process
What does one-to-one coaching involve?
A long-range plan, weekly workouts, review of your completed training and feedback, ongoing adjustments, and support with race preparation.
How often does the plan change?
It is reviewed weekly and adjusted when your response or circumstances call for it. Fatigue, sleep, work and recovery all inform the next steps.
What platform do we use?
TrainingPeaks holds your training plan, completed workouts and session notes. WhatsApp and email are also available for questions between reviews.
How much input do I have?
Your input is essential. Workout feedback, perceived effort, fatigue and changes to your week help Claude understand how you are responding.
Will I understand why I am doing each workout?
Yes. Your long-range plan gives the wider direction, and each training phase and workout has a purpose. Ask whenever something is unclear.
Pricing & commitment
How much does coaching cost?
International coaching is $99 USD per month. South Africa is R1,500 per month. Georgia is ₾160 per month. All three include the same one-to-one coaching relationship.
Is there a minimum commitment?
The current minimum commitment is three months. This gives us time to establish a routine, review your response and develop the training.
Can I cancel or pause coaching?
The current cancellation policy requires 30 days’ notice. If injury, travel or other circumstances mean you need to pause, contact Claude to discuss your situation.
What if coaching is not the right fit?
We discuss that honestly before you start. Applying begins a conversation about your goals and the support you need.
Race types & distances
What distances and events do you coach?
Shorter road races, cross country, half marathons, marathons, trail races, road ultras and mountain ultras, including 100km and 100-mile events.
Do you only coach trail and ultra runners?
No. Road running and shorter distances are part of the coaching. The training is specific to the goal and the runner.
Have your athletes completed major races or won events?
Yes. The athlete stories include a Val d’Aran by UTMB 100-mile finish, an outright Salt Pans Ultra 100km win, trail podiums and a first trail marathon.
Can I transition from trail to road running?
Yes. We account for your background and introduce the demands of road running progressively, using your response to guide the pace of the transition.
Life, recovery & setbacks
What happens if I get injured?
A doctor or physiotherapist handles diagnosis and treatment. Coaching adapts within their guidance, your feedback and your recovery.
What if work, family or travel disrupts training?
Tell Claude what has changed. The plan adjusts around the time and energy you actually have.
What if I miss a session or a week?
We continue from your actual position. Missed sessions are not crammed into the next few days. Recovery and consistency take priority.
Can you help me return after time away?
Yes. We start from your current fitness and rebuild a manageable routine. The Build or return route explains the approach.
Practical details
Do you coach runners in other countries?
Yes. Coaching is remote and available worldwide. Plans, feedback and direct communication connect the process across locations.
Do I need a GPS watch?
A GPS watch helps track training, but equipment needs depend on your goal. Race organisers may have their own mandatory kit requirements. We can discuss what is useful for you.
How quickly can I expect a reply?
The current coaching service includes WhatsApp and email access with a 24-hour response time. Detailed workout feedback is kept in TrainingPeaks where possible.
I have another question.
Use the Contact page or ask during the application conversation. Specific goals are often easier to discuss directly.
Still have a question?
A short conversation can make the next step clearer.