ABOUT ME

About Nate

I grew up in California’s Central Valley playing all the traditional sports, but I was just as drawn to skateboarding and snowboarding. I’ve always been motivated by challenge — physically and mentally.

After graduating high school in 2001, I joined the United States Marine Corps, eager to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of. My time in the Marines shaped who I am. It taught me discipline, resilience, and leadership. Traveling overseas gave me a deep appreciation for perspective — and for the things at home we often take for granted.

After completing four years of active duty with an honorable discharge, I began attending California State University, Fresno while working full time. I met my wife, Jillian, during that season of life. Shortly after we were married, I was recalled to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. When my contract was fully complete and I returned home, I found a new outlet — running.

What started as curiosity about human potential quickly became a passion. I ran my first 50K in 2010 with no coach, no training partners, and very little research. I simply forced myself to the finish line. It hurt — a lot. But that experience sparked something bigger. I wanted to understand how to train smarter, move better, and push further without breaking down.

That search led me to trail running — and I fell in love.

I began working my way up from 50K to 50 miles to 100 miles, drawn not only to the challenge but to the community and beauty of the landscapes. In 2014, fueled by that passion, I created the San Joaquin River Trail Half Marathon in Auberry, California. What started as one race grew into a full calendar of events. Today, I direct and host multiple trail and road races each year through my company, San Joaquin Running.

Along the way, I’ve continued training and racing while building a business and raising two incredible kids with Jillian.

Like many runners, my journey hasn’t been linear. After my first 100-mile DNF at mile 80 of the 2016 Tahoe Rim Trail 100, I realized that passion alone wasn’t enough — I needed guidance.

In 2017, I began working with ultrarunning legend Ann Trason. Under her coaching, I experienced massive growth — setting a PR at Tahoe Rim Trail, running under 24 hours at Angeles Crest in 2018 and 2019, and placing 3rd overall at the Bishop High Sierra 100K. Working with Ann changed my perspective on coaching and made me a firm believer in having experienced guidance when pursuing meaningful goals.

I later began working with David Roche of Some Work All Play, continuing to learn and evolve as both an athlete and a coach. I’m also a Certified Ultrarunning Coach through the United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy.

Over time, local athletes began reaching out for help. What started with coaching a couple runners grew into a structured coaching service. Today, I work with athletes of all levels, helping them train intelligently, build resilience, and chase ambitious goals — whether that’s finishing a first 5K or competing at the 100-mile distance.

My coaching philosophy is simple:

Train with purpose. Build strength and durability. Stay consistent. And never lose sight of the joy that comes from moving your body through wild places under your own power.

Running has given me community, challenge, growth, and freedom. I’m here to help others find the same.