Sarah Bishop
The Coach
Sarah Bishop
Specialty: Triathlon, Running, Cycling
Current Location: Fairfax, VA
Languages: English
Education / Background: Engineer; Air Force veteran, and 15+ years in base building and heavy civil construction industry
Athletic Highlights:
2x Ironman Podium as professional triathlete
2x World Championship qualifier as professional triathlete
National Champion 2022 40k TT Master
2020 Olympic Trials qualifier
1st place 2020 Mesa Marathon and course record (2:39:59)
2019 Age Group National Champion in Sprint and Olympic Distances
2nd Place Age Group at 2019 70.3 World Championships
1st place 2018 Air Force Marathon
1st place 2017 Marine Corps Marathon
Coaching Highlights:
Has qualified over 50 athletes in the last 6 years for the Boston Marathon and coached triple digits to PRs
Coached several triathletes to Ironman Age Group podiums and Ironman World Championship qualifiers
Specializes in athletes over 40 years old achieving lifetime bests
About Sarah
Bio
Sarah is an accomplished athlete with a remarkable journey in the world of competitive running and triathlon. She began her athletic career as an All-American collegiate 800m runner, showcasing her exceptional speed and endurance. After taking a break from the sport for nearly a decade to focus on raising her four children, Sarah made a return to competitive running in 2014. Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood and training, she displayed incredible determination and perseverance. In 2017, Sarah won the Marine Corps Marathon and the Air Force Marathon in 2018. These achievements solidified her status as a top-tier athlete in the running community.
In January 2019, an unfortunate injury forced her to shift her focus to cross-training on the bike. Undeterred by this setback, she set a goal to complete a half ironman. In May 2019, Sarah exceeded expectations by not only finishing her first 70.3 race in Chattanooga but also earning her pro card. This remarkable achievement marked a turning point in her career and opened doors to new opportunities.
As a coach, Sarah specializes in triathlon training, ranging from sprint distances to the full Ironman. She also offers standalone run training programs for distances ranging from 5k to the marathon. Her coaching approach is results-oriented, driven by a deep understanding of what it takes to achieve one's goals. As a mother, Sarah recognizes the importance of efficient training and strives to help her athletes optimize their time and efforts.
One of Sarah's greatest strengths as a coach is her ability to instill an unwavering belief in her athletes. She empowers them to recognize their true potential and encourages them to push beyond their limits. This mindset translates into their training and racing, enabling them to maximize their performance and achieve their full potential as athletes.
Fun Facts
Favorite race: Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga
Ultimate athletic goal: American record holder in the 40K TT
Favorite fuel: Gummy bears and coffee
Favorite off season hobbies: Vacations with my kids
Is Sarah your new coach?
Arrange a 1-hour Consultation or check out our three different Coaching Memberships and hire her as a coach!
athlete Testimonials
Check out what Sarah’s athletes are saying!
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Sarah pushed me to see my true potential as a long distance runner.
With her guidance and solid coaching I have qualified for Boston four times now and ran my personal best at Boston this last year. Sarah has also coached me to not only my first 70.3 but to a world's qualifying time at my first full Ironman distance this year!
- Melissa King
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I couldn’t be more grateful to have her in my corner
She has a unique gift for seeing more in people than they can see in themselves and then helping them to achieve and believe what she sees. Training with Sarah is no frills. Hard work wins the day - every time. And Sarah lives by this.
- Read Ziegler
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I have thrived having Sarah as a coach for well over a year now
I am running faster than I have in 15 years and only getting faster. She has helped me with my training, and has also been able to bring me back if I can’t train for various reasons. She is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the support to bring the best out of you!
- Jason Lehman
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Under Sarah’s guidance I have performed beyond what I ever expected when taking on a coach
I came to Sarah as a 43 year old runner who had plateaued, but who never felt as though my potential had been reached with a PR of 3:40 in the marathon and 1:40 in the Half. Sarah’s coaching goes beyond just what to go out and run everyday. My current PRs of 3:17 in the Marathon and 1:32 in the Half were achieved at the age of 47!
- Annie Litaize
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I've trained with Sarah for over a year now and couldn't be happier with input and mentorship.
Sarah works hard to learn the strengths and development areas for individuals (triathletes in my case) and will build you up in the best possible way. Sarah understood my priorities of steady build-up of both strength and endurance, while also being understanding and flexible of my impossibly busy schedule.
- Parker Leinbach
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Sarah's dedication and ability to adapt training plans to meet challenges were instrumental in my success
Coach Sarah has been an invaluable part of my journey to achieving personal bests in both Ironman and Marathon, offering unwavering support and expert guidance. Her blend of rigorous accountability and relentless optimism helped me stay positive and focused, especially during injuries and setbacks.
- Wesley Donehue
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I always feel prepared when I get to the starting line
I’ve been working with Sarah since 2018. She’s helped me progress from a 3 hour marathon time to my most recent PR of 2:41. Sarah is VERY knowledgeable about what it takes to be successful and will structure your training to help you meet your goals.
- Andrew Heiser
