Coaching for your best performance.
Coach Sarah Hankla
Hi, I’m Sarah. For more than two decades, I’ve helped runners and triathletes achieve their goals through a results-driven, science-based approach to endurance training. As a former collegiate runner, I understand firsthand the dedication, discipline, and balance required to perform at a high level and sustain long-term success.
My coaching philosophy is rooted in proven training methodologies that blend data, physiology, and real-world application to help athletes reach their full potential. Experiences at the Ironman World Championships and in marathon racing have shaped the way I guide athletes through every stage of their journey.
Every training plan is tailored to your unique goals, lifestyle, and schedule. Whether working with professionals, parents, or athletes balancing multiple commitments, the focus remains on efficiency, sustainability, and long-term development. The goal is to maximize performance while respecting the demands of career, family, and everyday life.
Through a combination of science-based programming, personalized support, and consistent communication, my goal for every athlete is to gain the confidence and fitness needed to achieve meaningful results.
How can I help you achieve your goals?
Certifications & Qualifications
- USA Triathlon Coach (Level 2 In Progress)
- USA Triathlon Long Course Specialization
- Play Tri Coaching Certified
- Bike Fit Trained by John Cobb & Serotta International Cycling Institute (SICI)
- IRONMAN® World’s 70.3 2026 and 2027 Qualifier
- 2x IRONMAN® Finisher & IRONMAN® World Championship Kona Finisher 2023
- Boston Marathon Finisher 2023
- Former High School Girls Cross Country Coach at Grace High School
- NICA Level 2 Certification
“Endurance based training should make your life better, not consume it. My coaching is built on three principles: science, sustainability, and consistency. Every training plan is grounded in evidence-based endurance training, individualized to your fitness, goals, and recovery—not generic mileage or one-size-fits-all workouts.”
I believe no goal is too small. Whether you’re training for your first 5K, your first triathlon, an Ironman PR, or simply want to become a healthier, stronger athlete, every goal deserves the same level of preparation and commitment.
You’re unstoppable.
Living with an autoimmune disease and undergoing multiple surgeries over the years presented significant challenges throughout my own endurance journey. Along the way, I learned how to adapt, adjust, and keep moving forward. Despite those setbacks, I have qualified for the Ironman World Championships, the Boston Marathon, and two Ironman 70.3 World Championships.
Those experiences continue to shape how I coach today. I’ve applied many of the training strategies and modifications that helped me succeed to support athletes navigating their own health challenges, including autoimmune conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and even terminal cancer.
My personal journey taught me that effective training isn’t about forcing athletes into a standard plan and expecting them to work around their limitations. Instead, it’s about building an individualized approach that works with their unique circumstances. I enjoy finding creative, thoughtful ways to help athletes continue progressing while respecting the realities of their health, recovery, and daily lives.
Continuing education and ongoing learning remain an important part of my coaching philosophy, allowing me to deepen my understanding of these conditions and their impact on training, recovery, and performance. My goal is to help every athlete pursue meaningful progress with confidence, flexibility, and a plan designed specifically for them.
“Life comes first. Most athletes have careers, families, and responsibilities beyond training. Success isn’t about doing the most—it’s about doing the right work at the right time. Together, we’ll build a plan that fits your schedule, adapts when life changes, and helps you improve without sacrificing the things that matter most.”
