Strength & fueling for endurance athletes
Train harder. Race faster. Finish strong.
I'm Tarah, an ultra runner and coach. I help runners, cyclists, and triathletes add the strength and fueling most of us skip, so you hold your pace, stop breaking down, and feel good when it counts. Coached online, anywhere.
What it's like to train with me
These are real five-star Google reviews from the people I coach. In my studio, in their homes, and online.
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars on Google
I am 65 y.o. and once again getting my strength and balance back after injury. By chance I found Tarah and feel like some angel had my back. Even though it will take time to get back, the improvement with Tarah's training has been amazing.
Mara GrissomRegaining strength after injury - Rated 5 out of 5 stars on Google
I can't recommend Tarah enough! She's helped me reach new strength goals while keeping a close eye on my form to ensure I'm training safely. She provides a very welcoming, positive space and is incredibly patient.
Emily HirschBuilding strength, safely - Rated 5 out of 5 stars on Google
Great trainer. I've been training under Tarah for 6 months, she's a very caring and careful trainer but still pushes me to do more, and it shows. You will not be disappointed!
Charlie Meng6 months of training
I've put my own training to the test.
Not case studies. My own races. Here's what I've learned the hard way, and what I bring to your training.
- 70.3
- Qualified for Ironman 70.3 Worlds
- 200mi
- Won my age group at Unbound 200
- 100K
- 6th woman in my first 100K
- 240mi
- Training for the Moab 240
You love the miles. Your body keeps pushing back.
I see the same few things over and over with endurance athletes. If any of these are you, you're not alone, and none of it is permanent.
- You put in the miles but never lift, and your body is starting to let you know.
- The same injuries keep coming back (IT band, runner's knee, plantar fasciitis) and stalling your training.
- You feel great early, then fade in the back half when it counts most.
- You're guessing at fueling, and a bad day has cost you a race.
- You feel a little more breakable every year instead of stronger.
- You know you should lift, but you don't have time and you're worried it'll cost you mileage.
Here's the good news. This isn't about talent. It comes down to strength and fueling, and I can help you fix both.
Built around the miles you already love.
A lot of runners and cyclists skip the gym. I get it. So I build the strength and fueling around your training, not on top of it. Here's what changes when we do.
Hold pace with less effort
We build the strength to keep your speed deeper into the run or ride.
Stop getting hurt
We go after the weakness behind most endurance injuries so you can train without stopping and starting.
Still feel good late
Keep your form and your power in the back half, where races are really decided.
Actually have a fueling plan
We dial in your carbs, sodium, and hydration so race day stops being a guess.
Get stronger as you age
We train for the long haul so you keep doing your sport for years, not just this season.
Fit it into a real week
Two 45-minute sessions, built around your miles instead of piled on top of them.
Two ways to train: in person in Arlington & Northern Virginia, or online
Coach me online
This is for runners and cyclists who want to add strength training and finally dial in their fueling. A lot of endurance athletes never touch the gym, and it's the thing holding them back. I figure this stuff out on my own long runs, so I give you programming, a race-day fueling plan, and check-ins to keep you moving forward wherever you train.
- Strength built around your miles, not bodybuilding
- A race-day fueling plan that actually holds up
- Programming and check-ins, coached remotely
Train with me in Arlington
Most of the people I coach in person are in their 40s, 50s, and up, and we're working on the same things, getting stronger, staying healthy for the long haul, and feeling more confident in your own body. I also love coaching high-school athletes. We train together in my private studio in Arlington.
- For everyday adults who want strength, longevity, and confidence
- Youth and high-school athletes welcome
- My private studio in Arlington, serving all of Northern Virginia
This is the work.
From the studio in Arlington to the start line of 200-mile ultras. What I coach, I'm living.
A little about me
Hi, I'm Tarah.
I'm a personal trainer and certified nutritionist in Arlington, and I'm an ultra trail runner. I ran my first 100K this spring, I'm racing the Silver Rush 50 in Leadville in July, and I'm training for the Moab 240 in October. So I know what it takes to get strong and fuel right, because I'm doing it too.
Most of the people I coach aren't chasing 200 miles. They're runners who want to start lifting, and folks in their 40s, 50s, and up who want to feel strong, move well, and stay that way for a long time. I meet you where you are and build from there, backed by the science. Whatever your goal, I'll help you get there.
- B.S. Kinesiology, William & Mary
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- Mac Nutrition Certified Nutritionist
What you get
- Strength that lasts
- Fueling that fits your day
- A plan built around you
- In Arlington or online
No pressure, no risk
Let's just talk first.
We start with a free intro call. Tell me where you're at, what you're working toward, and what's been getting in the way. You walk away with a real plan, whether that's racing stronger, getting fitter at 50, or just feeling more confident. No contract, no pressure. If we're a fit, we'll go from there.
Book Your Free Intro CallA few things I get asked a lot.
Don't see your question here? Book the free intro call and ask me. I'll give you a straight answer.
Will lifting make me slower or bulky?
I'm a runner who hates the gym. Can you still help?
Will strength work eat into my training time?
Can strength training really fix my injuries?
Do you coach online, or only in person?
Do you only work with endurance athletes?
What does the fueling coaching cover?
What are your qualifications?
What happens on the free intro call?
Personal training in Arlington & Northern Virginia
I train people at my private Arlington studio, serving clients across Northern Virginia, and I coach runners and cyclists online from anywhere. Come find me, or let's set up a time to talk.
Romano Fit & Fuel
Arlington, VA
Service area
Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Falls Church, Vienna, and the wider Northern Virginia / DC metro.
Contacts
By appointment · Mon–Sat
Book a Free Intro CallLet's figure out your next step together.
Tell me what you're working toward, whether that's your first race, getting stronger at 50, or your kid's season. I'll get back to you personally.
Rather just grab a time? Book a free call.