Where Every Finish Line Starts

Run Coaching • Beginner-to-Intermediate Athletes

With the same passion we have while competing, we provide custom run coaching that proves every runner, every athlete, and every success story begins at a start line. We empower people of all fitness levels to pursue challenges with confidence, consistency, and purpose—from their first 5K to their first ultramarathon. 

"Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up."

-Dean Karnazes

About Your Coach

Brandon Mohawk

Founder & Coach

My fitness journey began at age 15 when I lost over 100 pounds. More importantly, I've maintained that weight loss for nearly two decades. Though I never put the weight back on, my fitness wasn’t where I wanted it to be.

In 2024, I discovered a new passion: running. What started as a way to improve my fitness evolved into a lifestyle when I combined marathon training with another love of mine—travel. I completed my first marathon in Cyprus, turning a fitness goal into an unforgettable adventure. Since then, I've completed two marathons, two 50K ultramarathons (one on the road and one on the trails), placing in the top 10% of participants in both, and the legendary JFK 50 Mile race in Maryland. I will be training alongside you, preparing for a 12-hour race in October and (possibly) the Kilimanjaro Marathon & pre-race Kilimanjaro climb.

What hooked me on running wasn't just crossing finish lines—it was seeing what I was capable of. Every improvement sparked a desire to keep going, to become stronger, faster, and more efficient. I quickly became passionate about the process of growth and the confidence that comes from accomplishing goals I once thought were impossible.

I know what it's like to be a beginner. I know what it's like to start a journey that feels overwhelming and uncertain. That's why I founded Start Line Athletics—to help people achieve meaningful, lasting results through expert guidance, accountability, and a plan built around their goals. Whether you want to lose weight, run your first 5K, complete an ultramarathon, improve your overall health, or anything in between, my focus is on helping you make consistent progress, overcome obstacles, walk with you to the Start Line, and coach you all the way to the finish line, however far it may be.

What We Do

01

Race-Specific Coaching

Whether your goal is to complete a Couch-to-5K program, conquer your first trail ultramarathon, or achieve any milestone in between, we provide personalized training plans tailored to your unique fitness level, goals, and race demands. Our customized approach ensures you are fully prepared for the specific challenges of your event, equipping you with the confidence and fitness needed to perform on any terrain.

02

Run Coaching for Weight Loss or Improved Fitness

Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your overall fitness, or simply become a healthier version of yourself, our coaching is designed to help you achieve your goals safely, confidently, and sustainably. Through personalized guidance and proven training principles, we’ll help you build fitness, prevent injury, and create habits that last.

My passion for coaching comes from my own transformation journey. I understand both the physical and mental challenges of making lasting change. I’ve learned valuable lessons through my successes and mistakes, and I use that experience to help others navigate their own path. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone discover what they’re capable of, and I’d be honored to be part of your journey.

03

Strength & Nutrition Guidance

Running alone is not the most effective way to become a stronger, more resilient athlete. A well-rounded training approach should also include strength training, mobility work, and proper nutrition. We provide guidance on these key components to help improve performance, reduce injury risk, and ensure you arrive at the starting line—and cross the finish line—as healthy and prepared as possible.

While we cannot provide individualized meal plans, we can work collaboratively with your registered dietitian, nutritionist, personal trainer, or physical therapist to support your overall training program. Our goal is to help you pursue your fitness and performance objectives safely, effectively, and sustainably.

How We Do It

Custom Training Plans

Whether you’re preparing for your first 5K, training for a marathon, tackling an ultramarathon, or simply looking to improve your overall fitness, your plan will be designed specifically for you. As your training progresses, your plan will be adjusted based on your performance, recovery, feedback, and evolving goals, ensuring you stay healthy, motivated, and moving confidently toward your next finish line.

Performance Tracking & Analysis

Consistent progress requires more than simply completing workouts—it requires understanding how your body is responding to training over time. Through ongoing performance tracking and analysis, we monitor key metrics such as pace, heart rate, training volume, recovery trends, race results, and overall workload to ensure your training remains effective and sustainable.

Form & Gait Analysis

We provide individualized running form and gait analysis to help identify movement patterns, biomechanical inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. Through video review and detailed assessment, we evaluate factors such as posture, cadence, foot strike, arm swing, and overall running mechanics. Based on our findings, we provide actionable feedback, drills, strength recommendations, and mobility exercises designed to improve running economy and reduce injury risk.

Accessibility, Communication, and Motivation

Successful coaching requires strong communication, consistent support, and a coach who is invested in your journey. We prioritize accessibility and open communication to ensure you have guidance when questions, challenges, or unexpected circumstances arise. Whether you need help adjusting a workout, managing training around life commitments, or overcoming mental barriers, we are here to provide timely feedback and support.

Work With Us

Your Questions, Answered

  • Not at all! Whether your goal is to run your first mile, complete a 5K, lose weight, improve your health, or run a marathon, our coaching provides a structured plan designed around your current fitness level and experience.

  • Absolutely not. People begin running at all ages and fitness levels. The key is starting where you are and progressing safely. Your training plan will be tailored to your experience, goals, and lifestyle.

  • That’s completely okay. Many beginners start with a combination of walking and running. We build fitness gradually so you can improve consistently while reducing the risk of injury and burnout.

  • Yes. Training plans are built around your life, not the other way around. We work together to create a realistic schedule that fits your work, family, and other commitments.

  • Absolutely. Running and strength training can be excellent tools for weight management when paired with healthy nutrition habits. We would encourage you to consult a nutritionist or dietician who can work in tandem with us to accomplish your goals.

  • Typical beginner timelines include:

    • 5K: 8-12 weeks

    • 10K: 10-14 weeks

    • Half Marathon: 12-20 weeks

    • Marathon: 16-24+ weeks

    • Ultramarathon: Varied Training Lengths

    Individual timelines may vary.

  • Yes, depending on your starting fitness level and timeline. We can create a progression plan that safely builds toward longer distances. It may be recommended to train first for shorter distance events while working your way into marathon and ultramarathon distances.

  • Though we like to specialize in beginner-to-intermediate runners training for half marathons, marathons, or ultramarathons, we can coach any race distance from a 5k to 100k.

  • Coaching is ideal if you want guidance, accountability, motivation, and a personalized plan. Instead of guessing what workouts to do, you’ll have a clear roadmap designed specifically for your goals.

  • Communication options may include email, text messaging, phone calls, video meetings, or coaching platform messaging. The goal is to provide support and accountability throughout your training.

  • Plans are reviewed regularly and adjusted based on your progress, schedule changes, feedback, and goals.

    Depending on client preferences, we can send training schedules weekly or bi-weekly.

  • Yes. One of the biggest benefits of coaching is having someone in your corner who encourages you, monitors your progress, and helps you stay on track.

  • AI-generated plans are generic in nature, and do not take into account individual needs, schedule changes, fitness levels, or feedback.

    Our logo may be AI-generated, but our training plans? Never

  • At Start Line Athletics, we believe every runner has a starting point. Our coaching focuses on building confidence, creating sustainable habits, and helping athletes achieve goals they once thought were impossible. Whether you’re training for your first mile or your first marathon, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Suited up for my first half marathon - the 2024 Detroit Free Press Half.

Sometimes you run your own race while part of a four-person marathon relay team, resulting in an obnoxious number of bibs. It doesn’t look ridiculous at all!

The finish line after completing my first marathon - The 2024 Nicosia Marathon in Cyprus. I was disciplined with my pacing, but stomach issues made the final three miles much more difficult than they needed to be. I haven’t neglected nutrition or stomach training since!

The finish line of my first ultramarathon - the 2025 Run Woodstock 50k. The race went well, but I could have performed more efficiently had I incorporated strength training into my weekly plan. Strength training goes a long way when running hilly courses.

2nd place finish in age group and 15th place overall finish.

Somewhere along the course of the 2025 Detroit Free Press Marathon, taking place five weeks after the Run Woodstock 50k. The weather was atrocious that year - windy and rainy. The backwards hat signified that I meant business, and the exhausted facial expression reflected…courage?

It always pays off when you plan and train for the weather conditions you may experience on race day.

At the finish of my first 50-mile race, the 2025 JFK 50 Mile. It is the countries oldest, and arguably most popular, ultramarathon. This race went well. My hydration strategy could have been more dialed in, but was an otherwise well-executed race.

Crossing the finish line at my second 50k ultra - The 2026 Thumb Coast Ultra. I went out slightly faster than I should have, resulting in a slower pace for the final three miles of the race. Had I started at a 15-second-per-mile slower pace, I could have maintained it for the entire race, resulting in a faster and more efficient finish.

3rd place finish in age group and 8th place overall finish.

You’re Just Getting to the Good Part!

Ready to get started? Reach out today to schedule a no-fee introductory call and discover how our coaching can help you reach your goals.

What Our Clients Say

"I like him!"

- Brandon Mohawk; Founder & Coach - Start Line Athletics