Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Runner Rising with Nicole Dobransky

On this more personal episode, I talk about how I'm handling peak marathon training for Chicago marathon with coaching fall marathoners, working on projects, and growing the business.

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, I share the 4 components of an Instagram account that actually attracts runners & converts them into paying athletes . By the end of the episode, you'll know how to rate your own Instagram account in 4 areas and better understand why you aren't (or are!) getting consistent athlete inquiries from Instagram.

If you'd like MY expert eyes on your Instagram with a personalized score card and 5 minute video giving you specific areas for improvement, get the Instagram Audit for Run coaches or learn more by going to runnerrising.com.

And why....

Strategy is the "training plan", feedback is the "coaching" but your mindset is the ultimate determinant of whether you become a full time run coach, or stay stuck part time, or worse, quit all together.

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, I introduce the powerful mindset exercise that will help you create the run coaching business you dream of.

In this must listen episode of the Runner Rising podcast, I celebrate 10 years since leaving my corporate finance job by sharing with you the EXACT 4 step system I've used to create a full time run coaching business.

We cover:

-Why sending messages to strangers on Instagram doesn't work

-The 4 step process to get athlete inquiries literally while you sleep

-Why AI shouldn't write your marketing plan

and much more!

To learn more about the Runner Rising Academy and join us before prices increase on August 31st go to www.runnerrising.com

Next week I celebrate 10 years since leaving my corporate job and becoming a coach.

In that time I've built and grown 3 separate 6 figure businesses and there's one thing I absolutely could not have done it without: a niche.

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, you'll hear about all the niche's I've had had over the years and the biggest mistakes I see run coaches making when they niche down. You'll learn why it's so important to match your offer to your niche and why you'll become a better coach when you specialize.

To learn more about the Runner Rising Academy & join at the a price you'll never see again after August 31st, or book a call with me, go to www.runnerrising.com .

In this honest & blunt conversation, Nicole Dobransky, full time run coach shares the habits that keep her coaching business growing, even when life feels overwhelming and busy.

On this episode of Runner Rising , Nicole Dobransky celebrates the milestone of surpassing $1 million in self employment income since leaving her full time job as an accountant & starting her coaching career.

She also shares exactly how much she made in her first year and what it took to double her income and finally start earning six figures consistently.

She hopes you'll be inspired to keep working hard toward your business goals & to stop and celebrate at least one achievement you've already accomplished.

Being asked to be a guest on a running podcast is an exciting opportunity to share your insights and story with runners.

The goal isn't to sell your coaching on someone else's podcast; the goal is to be memorable.

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, Nicole talks about how to prepare and what to say when you speak on a podcast and why you should consider reaching out to be a guest on podcasts in the future.

If you go from 1,000 views on a reel to 20,000 or 1M, there are 3 things you should have in place to ensure that your "luck" actually helps more runners hire you.

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, Nicole shares her own experience with a viral reel this week which helped her add thousands of followers in one day. She breaks down the 3 things that run coaches should have in place that will help them make the most of viral reels and gives real examples of ways run coaches she mentors have grown their business using these systems.

Feeling pressure to do talk-to-camera content, or focus on Instagram to grow your run coaching business, even if it makes you uncomfortable or you hate it?

Don't miss this episode where I share the importance of finding a style of content that works to your strengths.

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast I talk about why and how run coaches can actually take a vacation (without checking in on VDOT or Final Surge at all) and share exactly how I prepared to take 16 days off of work while I'm in Costa Rica.

On this episode of Runner Rising podcast, I interview Elizabeth Corkum , who goes by Corky. Corky is the founder of Coach Corky Runs and a running coach for Equinox and the Equinox + App.

You'll hear Corky candidly share her own start as a run coach and how she "got in the room" by assistant coaching at run clubs and learned from other coaches to get her start. Now, she's a full time run coach with a thriving business and a special place in her heart for mentoring new coaches and providing encouragement, hope and strategy for getting started and growing in a saturated coaching market.

You can find Corky on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/coachcorkyruns and her website http://coachcorkyruns.com/

On this more personal episode, I share the 3 underrated ways I've improved in the 9 months to double my income and why asking "Is it worth it" is standing in your way. 

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, I interview Laura Filla, founder of Filla Endurance. Laura has been a run coach since 2019 and in the last 5 years has grown Filla Endurance to a team of coaches to help her make an even bigger impact.

Laura is a serious marathoner who has been chasing a Sub 3 hour marathon for the last 4 years. We discuss the realities of balancing your own training and goals with coaching athletes and how mentoring and building a team has helped her grow not only her income and impact, but keep her focused on her own running goals while holding the goals of so many others.

I hope you enjoy this episode!

You can reach Laura on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coachlaura.run/ and via email coachlaura@fillaendurance.com

Most run coaches think athlete PRs are enough to show that you're a good coach. But that's not the case.

On this episode of the Runner Rising Podcast, learn exactly what makes the difference between a "good for them" client success story and a "I need you as my coach now" case study email or post.

To get Nicole's expert eyes and feedback on your posts, emails or websites, check out the VIP option inside the Runner Rising Academy at https://runnerrising.com/runner-rising-academy-group-program/ or send her an email nicole@runnerrising.com to talk about 1:1 business coaching.

Want to become a full time run coach? Here are 5 truths and a serious pep talk to get you to take ownership of your business & get there.

On a little bit of a more personal episode of Runner Rising podcast, Nicole Dobransky walks you through her decision to hire an assistant run & nutrition coach.

Whether you're reaching max capacity and wondering what your first or next hire should be, or just want a behind the scenes look at what decisions a full time run coach is making, then this episode will be helpful!

Hate the word sales & afraid of looking pushy or salesy, but also want to sign up more athletes as a run coach ?

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast Nicole Dobransky, we discuss the nuances of selling coaching in a way that feels authentic and good to you, but also helps you achieve your financial goals.

www.runnerrising.com

On this episode of the Runner Rising Podcast, Nicole speaks with Alex Novicov, trail running coach about how he transitioned from trying to convince runners on the gym floor (where he was a personal trainer) to hire him for just £100 to now charging £499 for his top tier coaching package with ease. 

After applying what he learned in the Runner Rising Academy and getting valuable feedback from Nicole, he now has a system to attract new coaching clients using social media (in fact he enrolled a new client just before our interview who found him via a real). 

With this new level of confidence, Alex is transitioning out of personal training completely and moving outside the city so he can spend more time on the trails and build his business from there. 

This is a great episode for you if you’re afraid of charging more, if you’re worried about niching down, scared of judgment online, or wondering if Runner Rising Academy can help you too.

Learn more about the Runner Rising Academy, a business growth program for run coaches : https://runnerrising.com/runner-rising-academy-group-program/

On this episode of the Runner Rising Podcast, Nicole Dobransky walks you through the 3 types of run coach instagram accounts she commonly sees, and why these pages either work to get more coaching athletes, or they don't.

Register for the Followers to Athletes webinar now (replay available afterward):

https://runnerrising.com/from-followers-to-athletes-free-webinar-for-run-coaches/

Well... I got scammed.

And it's another lesson in business learned and an opportunity for me to share with YOU the values I hold as a coach and why there's a fine line in the coaching industry between false promises and good marketing.

No matter what happens to me in business it's MY responsibility to learn from it. And I want to share some of those lessons with you on this episode.

As a run coach, the number of followers you have doesn't matter if none of them are actually turning into paying athletes.

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, we talk about what has changed on social media and why "I have open spots" posts or your own personal PRs and finish line pics aren't enough for most run coaches to fill their roster. I share how one client in particular, with over 20,000 followers was getting fewer inquiries and what we did to get her 7 consults with one post.

Understanding how to write sales copy as a run coach and sell your coaching is the most valuable skill that allows you to feel calm and confident in filling your athlete roster.

Join the Followers to Athletes FREE Webinar, on April 21st at 11 AM PST & learn why your social media isn’t converting into paying athletes — and the exact 3 types of posts that help run coaches consistently fill their roster without posting like an influencer. 

https://runnerrising.com/from-followers-to-athletes-free-webinar-for-run-coaches/ 

How do I manage to grow two online businesses at once, while being a mom of 3 young kids and marathon training myself ?Well on this episode of the Runner Rising podcast I'll share exactly how I do it - from when I do athlete check ins, to when I write social media posts, how I fit in my runs and how often I drink coffee with my husband (spoiler: it's a lot).

I also share how my schedule has changed over the years since I started coaching almost 10 years ago & in different phases of life.

In the last month, my run coaching account reached 1 million views and I enrolled 23 new athletes into my group coaching program.

On today's episode of the Runner Rising podcast, I am sharing the 3 reasons why that happened - and I bet they aren't the "go viral" tips you're expecting.

Do you want to earn more income and help more runners, but you're starting to reach a cap on your time?

You care about your 1:1 athletes and want to want to give them the time and attention they deserve, , but you don't have time to double the number of athletes you coach, so it seems impossible to double your income.

Group coaching could be the right next step for you.

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, originally aired in Feb 2025, you'll hear firsthand how my group coaching programs have been structured , the pros and cons to group coaching, ideas for your group coaching programs, and questions to ask yourself to determine if you're ready.

To schedule a call to discuss if my 1:1 business coaching is the right fit to help you launch YOUR group coaching offer, go to www.runnerrising.com or email me nicole@runnerrising.com .  

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Hi, I’m Nicole, a former accountant turned full time coach for runners. I started Runner Rising to help other run coaches learn the marketing skills to get more clients & so they can spend more time doing the things they love, like coaching & running. Follow me on Instagram⁠ @runner_rising⁠ and check out the Runner Rising podcast every Friday for interviews with run coaches & marketing & business insights.  To learn more about my Runner Rising Academy or business coaching, go to ⁠www.runnerrising.com .⁠

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Hi, I’m Nicole, a former accountant turned full time coach for runners. I started Runner Rising to help other run coaches learn the marketing skills to get more clients & so they can spend more time doing the things they love, like coaching & running. Follow me on Instagram⁠ @runner_rising⁠ and check out the Runner Rising podcast every Friday for interviews with run coaches & marketing & business insights.  To learn more about my Runner Rising Academy or business coaching, go to ⁠www.runnerrising.com .⁠

Does it feel SLOW right now? Getting fewer new athlete inquiries? Less likes and followers on Instagram?

On this episode of the Runner Rising Podcast, Nicole Dobransky shares the reality of seasonality in run coaching (when its slow, when its busy) and what you can do NOW to ensure that you're filling your athlete roster for the summer & fall racing season.

In this conversational and real talk episode ,Nicole also talks about showing up on social media when the world feels heavy or divisive.

If you are consistently posting on Instagram but aren't sure if it's actually helping you get new athletes or not (or if you do get new athletes from instagram, it feels very random and sporadic ,not predictable) - this episode of the Runner Rising podcast is for you.

In this reality check, I break down exactly how you take someone from stranger to follower to fan to athlete, including the 3 types of posts you HAVE to be making and what is no longer working in 2026 that used to work.

If you are posting on social media 3x/week, getting sporadic new followers, posting athlete shout outs, but it’s not converting to consistent paying athletes, then you need to listen to this episode.

And if you want to learn how to become great at attracting new athletes using social media so that you can become a fully booked run coach, join the Runner Rising Academy.

https://runnerrising.com/runner-rising-academy-group-program/

In this real talk episode of the Runner Rising podcast, Nicole Dobransky shares the nuance and realities of leveling up in your run coaching business.

Whether you're leveling up to:

A new coach (0-2 athletes)

Part time coach (3-20 athletes)

Full time coach (20+ athletes)

Leader coach (Full time + leading other coaches or a group etc)

You will face the same mental hurdles as you go up each level. Understanding why and when these will show up and taking consistent action anyway is what will separate you from those who succeed and those who stay stuck or quit.

Does your website use words like "big goals" and "busy life?"

Did you create a website when you started coaching, but haven't really edited it since?

Does your website share your run coaching certification and where you live within the first 2-3 sentences?

If so...you'll want to listen to this episode of the Runner Rising podcast where I share the 3 biggest website mistakes I see run coaches making that I truly believe are costing them paying athletes.

If you want me to take a quick look at your website - send me a message on Instagram @runner_rising or email me nicole@runnerrising.com

Ever wondered if you should start a podcast to grow your run coaching business? Or want to know how to balance both group in person coaching AND online 1:1 run coaching?

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, you will learn the inside scoop on how Sara Mandercheid of Elevate Your Running has grown a full time run coaching business - first by hustle and in person run coaching and later with a successful & respected running podcast and a growing team. If you want to hear the struggles, hurdles and realities of taking your run coaching business from a hobby to full time, you will love this episode.

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Sara is the Founder + head coach of Elevate Your Running Coaching, a podcaster, and an endurance masters athlete in Boulder, Colorado. 

You can find Elevate Your Running online at elevateyourrunning.com, and on social media at @sayrahrunshappy and @elevateyourrunning (Instagram, Threads). The Elevate Your Running Podcast is available every Thursday on your favorite listing platform.

Every single week I ask: What was one success? What was one thing you struggled with ?

In this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, Nicole Dobransky shares a success and a struggle from her own run coaching business this week and explains why this powerful exercise can be the difference between long term success and quitting on yourself too soon.

I'm a firm believer that you will only rise to the level of your personal belief.

In this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, Nicole shares her own experience with self belief and personal development books in growing her business.

Nicole's Favorite Personal Development Books:

Motivation: 

• The Gap and the Gain (and 10x is easier than 2X)  
• There's no B plan for Your A game - Bo Eason 
• Energy Bus  

Personal Belief: 

• Essentialism 
• You Are a Badass 
• High Five Habit 

Productivity: 

• Atomic Habits 
• The Compound Effect 

Leadership: 

• Road Back To You

2026 is here and running continues to BOOM! This is great news for run coaches who want to grow their client base or even become full time run coaches in 2026. 

But despite the increase in demand for runner and races selling out at record rates, the online space for running advice &, run coaching is exceedingly crowded.

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, Nicole Dobransky shares predictions for 2026 running & marketing trends that savvy run coaches need to know so they can stand out and succeed.

She breaks down the trends into both running industry trends and online marketing trends and shares how run coaches can leverage these trends to build their businesses. 

To get Nicole’s help in growing your run coaching business in 2026, inquire about 1:1 business coaching or the Runner Rising Academy here.

On this episode of the Runner Rising Podcast, Nicole Dobransky shares an intimate look at her OWN run coaching business. After losing a significant portion of her income in 2024 due to a dissolved partnership, she had to rebuild - her way.

And it wasn't easy. She shares the highs and lows of growing her 1:1 run coaching, creating new group coaching offers and expanding Runner Rising. She shares what worked and didn't work with her marketing and some lessons she's taking away.

The Runner Rising Academy group program starts officially on 1/5 - you can join us to get the system, support & motivation to grow your run coaching business to new levels in 2026 by signing up today!

In this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, Nicole Dobransky asks you to dream bigger in 2026 and beyond. What do you REALLY want in your run coaching business?

Happy New Year!

Don't start the new year without asking yourself these questions!

In this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, Nicole Dobransky walks you through insightful questions and valuable exercises that can help you reflect, analyze, celebrate and learn from the last year as a run coach.

She also shares some of her own insights, lessons and successes as a full time run coach in 2025.

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Go to www.runnerrising.com to learn more about working with Nicole or joining the Runner Rising Academy to help achieve your 2026 run coach business goals.

In this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, I interview Annette Rolston, who fell in love with running as an adult and now helps beginner runners train for their first race as a run coach.

Annette is a graduate of the Runner Rising Academy which helped her create her marketing system to bring in new runners. She also gained the confidence to leave her position as a full time teacher to pursue run coaching and teaching part time.

In this episode, Annette shares her story, some valuable learnings & reassuring guidance to help other run coaches gain the courage to take the next step in growing their business online with the Runner Rising Academy.

You can connect with Annette on Instagram at Mariposa Miles.

Learn more about the Runner Rising Academy and how it can help you grow your run coaching business: https://runnerrising.com/runner-rising-academy-group-program/

Use code COACH to save $350 off the group program or $700 off VIP.

It's separation season!!! Here's an exact plan for December from marketing expert for run coaches Nicole Dobransky to gain new athletes in your run coaching business in January.

Covered in this episode:

1. Why you should not wait til January to increase your marketing efforts.
2. What the focus of your marketing needs to be in December.
3. What kind of social media posts/reels to do in December.
4. 4 emails to send in December that will help you get clients in January.

Need more step-by-step guidance like this? Join the Runner Rising Academy before December 17th to join the BONUS 2026 run coach business planning call.

https://runnerrising.com/runner-rising-academy-group-program/

What does it take to build a six figure business online ?

It's these habits - they may be simple but not always easy - that have helped me do it. And in this episode, I share how you can build these habits too.

It's here!! The new and improved Runner Rising Academy is now open for enrollment.

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast I walk you through the new and improved Runner Rising Academy group program, explaining who it's for and what exactly you can expect if you join.

Enrollment is OFFICIALLY open for a January start.

Use code BLACKFRIDAY to save $700 off the group program and $1000 off VIP.

Learn more and enroll now to grow your run coaching business with me.

Stuck in the emotional roller coaster of gaining a run coaching client and then losing one ? Want to add not just 1-2 new athletes to your roster but more like 10-20 more?

Want to be fully booked and/or the known run coach for your speciality or in your area?

Here are 3 obstacles I see standing in the way of making the breakthrough you need to create consistent income and the coaching business that you dream of.

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Get on the waitlist for the Runner Rising Academy group program, which opens Friday, November 21st:

⁠https://runnerrising.com/runner-rising-academy-group-program/⁠ 

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, run coach Nicole Dobransky explains why you may actually be marketing to the wrong runners & how to fix it.

Announcements :

• Podcast is back to 1x/week! 

• New segment - I’ll do a free business audit. To enter - submit a 5 star rating with review on either Spotify or Apple by 11/21. Bonus for tagging runner_rising in an instagram story.   I will select one person for a free marketing audit & 30 min call.

• Runner Rising group program is coming back in the new year and I’m offering a special Black Friday week sale . Stay tuned. 

Happy Halloween!

Today's episode of the Runner Rising podcast highlights a common mistake I see run coaches making on social media. I use a powerful analogy of a Taylor Swift themed Halloween house to show you why you're not getting as many new run coaching clients as you want.

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Nicole Dobransky is a RRCA run coach, marathoner and mom of 3, with 9 years of experience coaching thousands of runners online & teaching others to use social media to market themselves. Nicole is a former CPA who transitioned careers to build a full time business coaching runners online. 

Through her company Runner Rising & her podcast, she helps run coaches gain confidence with marketing & build an effective strategy so that they can work with more runners, make a bigger impact AND have more time to spend coaching and doing the things they love. 

Learn more at www.Runnerrising.com

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, I interview Rick Prince, the founder of UESCA, one of the leading endurance coach certification platforms.

Rick’s job is to know what is going on in the running space, so you won’t want to miss this interview!

We discuss:

• How a specialization can help run coaches stand out
• How Rick anticipates AI changing things for run coaches 
• Rick’s story of building UESCA and reality vs. expectation when it comes to income 
• Some of the opportunities for run coaches right now
• Some of the challenges run coaches are facing right now
• For established coaches who are so swamped working in their business that they don’t have time to grow it - when should you hire others (assistant coach, VA, coach, etc) to help you grow your business? And don't make this mistake when paying them!

I am excited to share that I’ve been asked to join UESCA as a recommended Coach Mentor. I will also be speaking on the December webinar for UESCA certified coaches and the Runner Rising Academy and my business coaching will be recommended to UESCA coaches.

To learn more from Rick Prince:

All Things Endurance Podcast

UESCA YouTube

PS You can get 10% off any UESCA certification, including the Certified Endurance Nutrition Coach program that I’ve completed with UESCA, with this link: 

https://uesca.com/ref/95/ 

Fall marathon and half marathon season is upon us!! As run coaches, it's an exciting and busy time where many of your athletes are running the races you've been helping them prepare for MONTHS for. 

And in the back of your mind, you might wonder - how many will stay after this race? 

In this episode of the Runner Rising Podcast, I discuss all the methods I use in my coaching to help retain my athletes, season after season. 

This includes: 

1. How to create the expectation of a longer term coaching relationship starting with onboarding. 
2. Using a monthly check in form to make sure the runner is feeling supported and catching any miscommunications right away. 
3. Using the pre-race call and post-race reflection to celebrate wins, set new goals and continue coaching.
4. How having other offers - a community, an supplementary program, etc, can help with retention. 
5. How you can use your marketing to attract clients who are more likely to stick with you season after season. 

And of course...we discuss the MINDSET you need to have to charge more and retain more athletes.

I hope you enjoy this episode and best of luck to all your runners racing over the next couple of months! 

Want to take your run coaching business from side income to full time?

On this episode the Runner Rising podcast, Nicole shares the truth about what it really takes, based on her experience transitioning from full time CPA to six figure online coach (and how long it took!).

To learn more about the Runner Rising Academy or get Nicole's guidance to help you grow your business from hobby to full time, go to www.runnerrising.com

Consumers (and runners) are more skeptical than ever of what they see online and are starting to tire of excessive marketing and advertising. So how do you, as a run coach in 2025, stand out and show people that you're a trustworthy coach who can help them?

On this episode of the Runner Rising Podcast, I review 4 different ways that I am using now to build trust with my online audience on Instagram and that you can do too.

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To learn more about 1:1 business coaching or the Runner Rising Academy, go to www.runnerrising.com

Run coach, did you post way less than you hoped on social media this summer? Send no newsletters? Get caught up comparing to the runners who DO post every day and feel like there's no point?

You're not alone.And in this episode I share the truth about how I haven't showed up as much as I wanted to this summer. But that doesn't mean I'm quitting or that I'm bad at business.

If run coaching is your side hustle, your hobby business or even your full time business, and this summer you had other bigger priorities (your full time job, kids at home, anything else...) that only allowed you to make running schedule updates, do athlete check ins and reply to (most) your emails and DMS and your Instagram feed got left behind, that doesn't mean you're doomed.

Business has ebbs and flows and if marketing your run coaching business took a backseat this summer, here are 3 ways to start taking action, without the overwhelm.

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To chat with me about my 1:1 business coaching spot, learn more and schedule a call here.

Ever put pressure on yourself as a run coach to perform well at races? Afraid to share your failures for fear of feeling like you don't know it all?

On this episode of the Runner Rising podcast, I speak with Heidi Baker, trail running coach, personal trainer, ultra marathoner and homeschooling mom of 3, about her journey to full time trail running coach and 100 mile ultra marathon finisher and the struggles and DNFs along the way.

I think you will love this honest conversation with Heidi!

You can find Heidi on Instagram at StrongMamaMiles and her podcast Lets Run That Again.