Run strong at any age. Start where you are today.
A plan built around your body, your schedule and your life, with strength work included so you keep running for years. Online anywhere, or in person in Sugar Land, Texas.
Book a free call to talk about your goals. There's no obligation to continue.
What brings you here? Tap one to see how I can help.
Running since 1989 / Comrades, Two Oceans, Boston, Big Sur · Certified coach / RRCA, NASM, Precision Nutrition Level 1 · Online worldwide / Or in person in Sugar Land, TX
Does this sound like you?
• You’re coming back to running after a break, an injury or a busy stretch of life, or you’re a gym regular adding running.• You’re training for a first half, marathon, ultra or a multi-day trek like the Tour du Mont Blanc, and you’re not sure how to structure it.• You want a new PB or a Boston qualifier, but you’ve stalled, burned out or keep getting hurt.• You’re the parent of a young cross country runner who needs the individual coaching a big team can’t always give.I build a plan around you and coach you through it. Every running plan includes basic strength and mobility work. Want a full strength program too? See Running + Strength.
Programs & prices
Choose one, or combine them. Online or in person, for adults and young runners.
Every program includes a plan built for you, weekly check-ins and unlimited support by private chat, text or email. Running, strength and nutrition programs have a 3-month minimum. Everything is billed every 4 weeks, in advance, with two weeks' notice to stop. Small group programs are offered from time to time. Interested? Mention it on the short form.
Most chosenOnline Runner$200 per 4 weeks
For every level and distance, with a specialty in marathons and ultras. A weekly personalized running plan with pacing, race strategy and running nutrition guidance. I follow your runs on Garmin or Strava. Includes a monthly Zoom call.
For hybrid goalsRunning + Strength$325 per 4 weeks
Running and strength combined in one plan, so you’re never guessing when to run and when to lift. Ideal for Hyrox or a multi-day trek such as the Tour du Mont Blanc. Includes a monthly Zoom call.
12-Week Functional Strength$200 per 4 weeks (12-week program)
A written program with sets, reps, scaling options and video demos, 3 to 4 sessions a week, for home or gym. Best if you already know the basic lifts. Includes a monthly Zoom call.
Nutrition Coaching$200 per 4 weeks
A plan built around your goals using simple hand portions and lasting habits, paired with movement that supports your results. Includes two Zoom calls a month. No quick fixes, no shaming and no before-and-after promises.
In person, Sugar Land$280 for 4 weekly 45-minute sessions
One-on-one running or strength, with text support between sessions. Single sessions are $70 for current clients and $80 for everyone else.
Youth cross country$280 for 4 weekly 45-minute sessions
One-on-one, in-person coaching in Sugar Land for young runners, focused on fun, confidence and age-appropriate training. Parents are kept updated, with text support between sessions.
Ready to start?
Book a free call to talk about where you are, where you want to go and how to get there.
What clients say
"As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I have always focused on weightlifting and performance and have never been a runner... Charmaine not only inspired in me a newfound passion for running, she tailors every day specific to my needs using her expertise, experience, and science-based programming... The value of having an expert coach guiding you throughout the journey is priceless!"Gabriel Murphy, Google review"Running with Charmaine has been a life changing experience for my teenager. What an amazing coach and wonderful human."J Koppikar, parent, Google review"If you are looking for a great mentor and great coach you have come to the right spot... So don't be afraid to reach out!"Nathan Peters, cross country runner, Google reviewRead more reviews on Google
Ready to write your own story?
Take the first step →
Hi, I'm Charmaine
I started running in South Africa in 1989, ran my first marathon in 1991 and my first Two Oceans and Comrades ultramarathons the next year. These two ultras became my main races each year, and I earned permanent numbers at both. After roughly 190 races in South Africa, I moved to Texas in 2004 and have since raced New York, Boston, Big Sur and trail ultras across the US. See my full race historyFor years I coached myself, reading everything I could and writing my own plans. When more people asked for help, I made it official. I'm a certified running coach (RRCA), strength coach (NASM) and Precision Nutrition Level 1 coach. I'm now finishing PN's sports nutrition course, and I've studied with Dr. Stacy Sims on training women through midlife.
Why I lift weightsAfter menopause, a routine scan showed I had osteopenia, even after decades of running. I started lifting and doing plyometrics, built up slowly and fell in love with it. Now I help runners, especially older athletes, make strength part of their training.
The whole person behind the planBefore coaching, I ran Life's a Gift as a yoga studio in Sugar Land from 2004 until Covid. I also trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at UC San Diego and graduated from the California College of Ayurveda. I don't teach these now, but they shape how I coach: paying attention to stress, recovery and how your body feels, not just the numbers on your watch.“Charmaine pays special attention to each student, working closely to make appropriate modifications for the student's level and at the same time challenging each to grow.” — Lurlean H., former yoga student
Ready to start?Book a free call to talk about where you are, where you want to go and how to get there.
Getting started takes four steps
The first call is free, and nothing is owed until you decide to go ahead.
1. Pick a time. Choose a time for a free Zoom call below. You'll get a confirmation right away.2. Talk it through. We talk about your goals and what's been getting in the way. Ask me anything.3. Decide and pay. If you'd like to go ahead, you pay by Zelle or PayPal every 4 weeks.4. Get your plan. You fill out a detailed questionnaire, then we go over your plan together on Zoom.
Book your free call
Share only what you're comfortable with. Health details are optional on this first call.
Common questions
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Programs start at $200 every 4 weeks, with a 3-month minimum. You can see every price under Programs. Q: How does payment work?
A: Nothing until you decide to go ahead after the free call. Then you pay by Zelle or PayPal every 4 weeks, in advance. Q: Am I too old, or not fit enough, to start?
A: No. I love working with older runners and people coming back to exercise. Your plan starts where you are today, not where you think you should be. Q: Can I combine programs?
A: Yes. Running + Strength puts both in one plan, and you can add nutrition coaching to any program. Q: In person or online?
A: Most coaching is online, and I coach clients anywhere in the world. In Sugar Land, I coach strength at my private gym, a park or your gym, and running at a local park or trail. Q: What if I get injured or need a break?
A: If you have an injury or medical condition, I can freeze your package for up to a month at no charge. After your first 3 months, I ask for two weeks' notice to cancel or pause. Q: How much time will this take?
A: It depends on your goal. Most strength sessions take about 60 minutes, and I'll show you how to shorten them when you're short on time.
Life's a Gift · Running, strength and nutrition coaching · Sugar Land, TX
Coaching supports your training and habits but doesn't replace medical advice. Please check with your doctor before starting a new exercise or nutrition program, especially if you have a health condition.
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