MEET THE COACHES

KELSEY COUPAUD

STRENGTH coach

Kelsey’s path into the endurance world didn’t start on the roads or trails… it began on the competition floor as a longtime competitive cheerleader. That foundation built her strength, discipline, and mental grit. But it wasn’t until she picked up running later in life that she discovered a new kind of challenge, and a new version of herself.

When she began running, Kelsey proudly occupied the back of the pack. Every mile took effort. But instead of backing down, she leaned in… putting in the work, learning from every step, and trusting the process. Over time, that consistent effort paid off. She went from chasing finish lines to chasing podiums, becoming a regular age group award-winner and someone who knows firsthand what it takes to transform potential into performance.

Kelsey is also one of the original Elevate Run Coaching athletes. She knows exactly what it feels like to be on the receiving end of a training plan, to wrestle with doubts, and to celebrate milestones that once felt out of reach. That perspective helps her connect deeply with the athletes she now coaches; because she’s been in their shoes, and she still walks alongside them in her own training journey.

Her passion for running led her to dig deeper into how the body works; not just to improve her own performance, but to help others stay strong, healthy, and consistent. Kelsey has spent years studying strength training, anatomy, biomechanics, mobility, and injury prevention. She’s shadowed local physical therapists who specialize in working with endurance athletes, gaining valuable insight into how movement patterns and strength imbalances can impact both performance and longevity in the sport.

With her blend of personal experience and science-backed knowledge, Kelsey brings both empathy and expertise to her coaching. She believes strength is for every runner, not just the fastest or the most experienced, and is passionate about helping others build strength that supports them on every step of their running journey.

running & strength highlights:

  • certified ACE STRENGTH coach

  • half marathon x13

  • countless 5ks, 10ks, and everything in between

  • top 10 finish at the white river half marathon

  • f45 strength coach since 2026

  • rush running race team since 2024