Running Coach in Albany, NY & the Capital Region | Golden Runs
Albany, NY & Remote Nationwide

Train Smarter.
Run Stronger.

Boston Qualifiers Coached First-Race Finishers UESCA Certified

I create custom training plans and provide 1-on-1 coaching to help you reach your running goals — whether you're chasing your first 5K or a Boston qualifier.

Book a Free Consultation

A free 20-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit.

Read Success Stories →

“I really enjoyed Emily’s positivity, encouragement, and practical feedback. Thank you for giving a favorite pastime back to me!”

— Kathy
Is This For You?

Coaching for every kind of runner.

I work with runners at every level. If any of these sound like you, let's talk.

“I'm training for my first race.”

You want a plan that makes sense and a coach who'll help you get to the start line feeling prepared, not overwhelmed.

“I've hit a plateau.”

You've been running for a while but can't seem to break through. You need smarter training, not just more miles.

“I'm chasing a big goal.”

Boston qualifier. Sub-3:00 marathon. A new PR. You're serious and want expert guidance to get there.

“I'm coming back.”

After injury, time off, or life getting in the way — you want to rebuild safely and confidently with a plan that meets you where you are.

How It Works

Training built
around you.

No cookie-cutter plans. No guesswork. Just personalized coaching powered by real data.

I use Final Surge to deliver personalized, data-driven training plans with clear communication built in at every step.
01
Personalized Plans

Built around your schedule, your race calendar, and your life — not a generic template pulled off a shelf.

02
Performance Tracking

Weekly check-ins to adjust based on how you're feeling, not just what the data says. Pace, distance, and heart rate all factor in.

03
Ongoing Support

Text, call, or message — whatever works for you. Continuous feedback through Final Surge, every step of the way.

Start with a Free Consultation
Success Stories

What athletes say.

From first-timers to Boston qualifiers — real runners, real results.

Maia N. running the Stockadeathon in Schenectady, NY
Maia N.
Goal race PR in first coached block

I was able to improve my time and have consistent months of running. Emily’s advice was always helpful and encouraging.

Tammy C. running the Boston Marathon in Boston, MA
Tammy C.
Raced Boston healthy after mid-block setback

Emily’s joy and enthusiasm for running really shines through and got me even more excited to race.

Laura B. running Miles on the Mohawk in Schenectady, NY
Laura B.
Rediscovered the joy in running

She created a training plan that felt realistic and manageable — and helped me rediscover the fun in running.

Brenden D. running the Mohawk Hudson Marathon in Albany, NY
Brenden D.
Plans adapted around a busy schedule

“Emily put together a great training program for all of my races. She was able to adjust the plan perfectly to my schedule as needed and it made for a very enjoyable training block!”

Your Coach
Emily Taft running the Mohawk Hudson Half Marathon in Albany, NY

Hi, I'm Emily.

UESCA Certified Running Coach
Marathon PR
3:57 2:59

I wasn’t a track or cross-country athlete growing up — I just genuinely loved running. My dad used to bring me to local 5Ks, and I quickly got hooked on the energy and community, even though I was far from the fastest. I tried plenty of other sports and always saw myself as a pretty average athlete, but running was the thing I kept coming back to. Even as a teenager, you could often find me jogging a mile or two around my neighborhood just because it felt good.

Coaching
70+
Athletes coached
3+
Years coaching
UESCA certified 5K to marathon Remote nationwide First-timers to BQ chasers

Running
2:59
Marathon PR
1:19
Half marathon PR
15+
Years running
Boston Marathon NYC Marathon Sub-3:00
Pricing

Three ways to work together.

Whether you want ongoing coaching, a plan to run on your own, or just an hour to get expert eyes on what you’re doing — pick the option that fits.

Not sure which one is right for you? Book a free 20-minute consultation and we’ll figure it out together.
Coaching Consult
$100
1-hour session

Credited to your first month if you sign up for ongoing coaching after.

A focused 1-hour video call. Bring your training questions, race plan, or AI-generated workout for an expert review.

What’s included
  • Pre-call review of your current training
  • 1-hour video session
  • Honest assessment of what’s working
  • Written follow-up with next steps
Custom Training Plan
$20
per week

10-week minimum — from $200 total.

Just the plan — no ongoing communication. Great for experienced runners who want structure but prefer to train independently.

What’s included
  • Initial consultation
  • Fully custom plan built for you
  • One follow-up call in the first 4 weeks
  • Final Surge platform access

Stop dreading your long runs.

Download my free Long Run Mindset guide — 8 mental strategies to help you feel calmer, more confident, and more in control on every long run.

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