Meet Tristin VanOrd Runner and Coach

When I wake up in the morning there are two things that cross my mind: I need coffee, and I need to go on a run.

Whether running is an addiction, a passion of mine, or a job--I know one thing: it is important, it makes me happy, and it connects me to others in my community who have the same values that I have.

I have been coaching on the university level for over a year now, and being a coach has just “clicked”. I majored in Sustainable Development in college, and was lost at what I wanted to do after school.

I loved my major, don’t get me wrong--but it was very difficult for me to find work in this field without a graduate degree. I was trying to make a living off of my own running career in road racing while working at a local running store in Raleigh. My time there was valuable, but I was struggling. While in Raleigh, I helped form the Raleigh Distance Project: a post-collegiate team in the triangle area of NC. I ran for the club for about 2 years and even dabbled in some coaching while forming the team.

Before going to Raleigh, I graduated from Appalachian State in 2017 after running on the cross country and track team for 4 years. I was able to snag a couple of conference championships during my time up in the beautiful mountains which I now call home again.

After a lot of thinking, being lost, and not knowing what I wanted, I decided to go back to Boone after getting a coaching position for the cross country team. Making this decision was easy; everything fell into place. I was offered a spot on the On Zap Endurance pro team and I knew I wanted to pursue running and coaching. 

I absolutely love running--everything about it. The team aspect, the training, and the lifestyle. Why not give coaching a shot while working to pursue my own running dreams as well?

Since being here I’ve learned so much about why coaching is something I will do for the rest of my life. Whether it is just with individual clients or at the university level, I know this is what I am meant to be doing. 

Every time I get to watch one of my athletes reach one of their goals, I feel as if I have just done that as well. As a coach, I am very goal oriented: I want my athletes to know what they want. If they don’t know, this is always an important first step in the athlete/coach relationship. 

What do you want out of this partnership? What is a goal you know you can accomplish? What are some reach goals that you have?

After exploring goal setting, I believe in a conservative and methodical approach to building up mileage and speed. I believe having a strong base is super important in order to have a long and successful running career. 

And finally, I know that being positive and loving what you do is one of the most important parts of the sport. Although there are ups and downs, focusing more on the positives will help athletes enjoy training for life. Longevity in the sport is one of my main goals for athletes, and for my own career. 

I am so excited about coaching for Team Wicked Bonk Proof! Click the link below for a free consultation.