Coach Loretta Tobolske-Horn
Every race and run is a learning experience that we carry forward. With a deep passion for running, I aim to share this love with everyone around me. I’m excited to connect with you and support you on your running journey!
Photo Credit Kevin Youngblood
Transform Your Running Journey with Coach Loretta
As a dedicated ultramarathon runner and certified coach, I empower athletes of all abilities-from beginners to seasoned competitors with a special focus on the aging athlete-on their unique running journeys. Let’s achieve your goals together!
Ready to get started? Contact me today for individualized coaching!
Coaching Philosophy
Coaching Philosophy Every race and run is a learning experience that we carry forward. With a deep passion for running, I aim to share this love with everyone around me. I’m excited to connect with you and support you on your running journey!
My Strengths As a running coach, my supportive and motivating nature, combined with open communication, fosters a positive environment for all my athletes. I believe that encouragement is key to unlocking each runner’s potential.
Individualized Approach I recognize that every runner is unique, which is why my coaching philosophy employs an eclectic training approach. This allows me to meet you where you are in their training and align with their individual goals. I celebrate progress, no matter how big or small, and welcome athletes of all abilities and ages.
Lifelong Learning I am a lifelong learner, continually seeking knowledge to better understand and support each runner. My mission is to design personalized training plans that incorporate your insights and the expertise of my colleagues. Running is not just about physical preparation; mental readiness is equally crucial, and I emphasize this in my coaching.
Experience Matters With experience coaching runners of all ages—from children to adults—and participating in races from track distances to ultra marathons, I bring a wealth of knowledge to guide you on your journey.
Join Me When you see me on the race course or during a run, you’ll find me smiling in my happy place. Let’s embark on this running journey together!
My running motto
“Just smile, relax and run!”
Certifications:
8020 Endurance Certification
UESCA Ultramarathon Coach Certified
UESCA Endurance Sports Nutrition Certified
RRCA certified Run Coach
ACE Personal Trainer Certification
Focus on Aging Athletes:
As an aging athlete, I bring unique perspective on training and performance during peri- and post-menopause. My experience allows me to support and empower other women navigating similar transitions, sharing insights on maintaining performance and overall wellness at every stage of life promoting longevity in the sport and life!
Coaching & Advocacy:
With a background in special education, I offer speciality coaching for runners with special needs. I am trained in various methodologies including Staci Sims Menopause 2.0, Thrive Program, CrossFit (Endurance and Kids), Pose, Chi and Good Form Running. As a former race director and marathon pace coach, I have a deep understanding of endurance running.
I support athletes from 5ks to ultramarathons, catering to runners of all abilities and ages-whether you’re a new runner, experienced, or competitive. My coaching spans across trail, road and track ensuring a comprehensive approach to meet the diverse needs of each athlete.
Some Of The Races/Events I’ve Coached Athletes For:
Kettle Moraine 100
Hennepin 100
Tunnel Hill 100
Leadville 100
Javelina Jundred
Mines of Spain 100
Run Rabbit Run 50
Indy Piston 100
Canal Corridor 100
Run Woodstock 100
Potawatomi 200
Bigfoot 200
Tahoe 200
North Country Trail 50
Silver Rush 50
24 Hour Lion’s Roar
Ode to Laz Backyard Ultra
Badger Trail Races
Canal Corridor 100
Run Woodstock 100
Waughoshance 50k
Catamount 50k
Wy’East Howl 50k
50k’s of Convenience
Bayshore Marathon
Marquette Marathon
Boston Marathon
Light House 100
Vermont 100k
Veteran’s Memorial 150
Bigfoot 200
Ice Age Trail 1200 miles
Tough Mudder
Quebec Mega Trail
Tahoe Rim Trail
Dots
Coach Loretta & Coach Linday co-host-The Dirt Podcast
Runner’s Testimonials
Photo Credit Jenny Thorsen
My progression of running brought me to a passion for ultramarathon distances in 2019. I signed up for my first 100 miler (Kettle 100) set for June of 2020...fast forward and that ended up being canceled. Looking back I’m thankful it did. I don’t think I would have finished the race with the training I had and at the time I felt overwhelmed with trying to figure out training/life/work. A bit more about me: I’m 27. I’ve been a runner for ~15 years. I have a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology - Human Performance and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. On paper, I should be able train effectively and efficiently for these events that I aspire to complete. The truth is I was on a major struggle bus when I sought out and found Coach Loretta. I can’t give her enough credit with how far she has gotten me. I gave her the reins of my training a few months before Kettle 100 of 2021 and am darn glad I did! My training is so much more consistent and challenging (in a great way) that I feel like I’m striving for goals vs “just finishing a race/surviving runs”. She’s brings me confidence in my running and body, I can’t thank her enough. My training feels meaningful for the first time in a long time. I was able to finish my first 100 miler in 20:45, which was good for 2nd female and 4th overall on a brutally hot day.I surpassed all of my goals on my first 100 miler and that wouldn’t have been possible without her guidance. She’s the bomb diggity!
Sammy Stimac, Ultramarathon Runner
Ornery Mule Coaching was suggested to me by a work colleague. I contacted Michele, and she referred me to Head Coach Loretta. Coach Loretta was so informative, knowledgeable, and gracious with her time. She gave me a few choices but I knew after our conversation she was the one. I wanted someone who has put in the miles, knows how to adjust schedules, and works with “older” athletes! She came through with flying colors. Coach Loretta is very “hands-on”, and very personable when explaining things. Even when I did not want to do the plan (not feeling it), I still got it done for she just has that charismatic way to get you to “do it” without pressure, and understands, providing alternatives. She also has compassion for when I became injured she went all out to make sure I healed properly, again adjusting my plan. When I DNF’d at two races that REALLY hurt (especially this last one) she was STILL proud of me. She wouldn’t ponder on the negative and made me look at the positive for what I DID DO (PR with regards to distance), not what I didn’t do. I could go on and on and on, but would probably get deposted <lol>, but I cannot say enough about her coaching. I will not let anybody else have this coaching spot for she KNOWS ME and cares, truly cares. As long as she will have me I will be her student/athlete! I am truly grateful and blessed!! Thanks Coach Loretta!!
Ila Allen, Ultra Marathon Runner
“Coach Loretta is an amazing coach! To start off my training program, I filled out a questionnaire and talked on the phone with her so she could figure out my philosophy and running knowledge. She was able to take all that and put together a running program that was fit for me. Every week I looked forward to seeing what my plan was going to be. It was nice having a coach that checked up on me and adjusted plans as needed. She didn’t just coach about running, she also helped with the philosophy of running, nutrition, mental games, and recovering strategies. What also makes her stand out is that my she had me come up with a goal for my big race: Mines of Spain 100: Big Dream, Modest Goal, and Play it Safe. So I said 28 hours…30 hours…and just finish. On race day she followed me on the race app and was encouraging me every step of the way. This may have been my 4th 100 but you can never learn enough. By race day I was running faster and stronger! With that being said, I crushed my Big Dream, by finishing my race in 27:45!! I couldn’t have ask for a better coach!!! Thank you, Loretta!”
Tara R. Flesch, Ultra Marathon Runner
Update-Since this was submitted Tara went on to win overall at 50k’s of Convenience in 2021, Overall at Lions Roar 24 hour (22:18:46), and Finishing Silver Rush 50 miler (12:48:57). Next up Leadville 100!
“Although I need many many more pages then this to tell you how truly blessed and grateful I am for Coach Loretta , here is a just some of her amazingness : In 2019 I set out to complete my first hundred miler . I thought I knew what I was doing but I apparently did not as I did not finish that hundred miler . Following a book or someone else’s plan was not the right way to accomplish my goal . This year I did not give up on my goal and thankfully I didn’t as I was able to find Coach Loretta Tobolske Horn. Coach Loretta did not just give me a plan with miles to do but rather she gave me support , encouragement , advice and so much more . She looked at all areas my life , my age , my health, injury issues , my goals, my schedule. She looked at Me . She checked in on me and truly listened to my concerns and knew when I needed rest even if I didn’t want to . Ornery Mule Racing put on many virtual events this year and because of Coach Loretta , who went above and beyond what any coach would do , I completed my first hundred miler ! Thank you Coach Loretta!”
Connie Nunham, Ultra Marathon Runner
“If I only had three words to describe Coach Loretta it would be smart, patient and efficient. Loretta started coaching me when I was still dealing with an unknown chronic hip pain and I hadn’t ran an ultramarathon in a couple years. With her knowledge and experience of the sport and her well thought out training schedule designed for my personal needs she was able to get me back running! Having a coach who has as much of experience, success and patience as Loretta does is something I recommend for everyone. “
Erin Dial-Duran-Ultra Runner
“I want to give a big shout out to Coach Loretta Tobolske-Horn! She is much more than a coach! When the pandemic happened I decided to try out a running coach to help reach my goals I was looking for. She gave me a running plan that worked awesome! She had to fine tune it some and she checked on me weekly to see how things were going. Along with Ornery Mule Racing putting of great virtual events I ran 200 miles each month two months in a row! I would have never been able to do this with out the great support of my coach!”
Cortney Wilson, Ultra Marathon Runner
“I could fill a page about the positive influence Loretta has had on my running career and life. It would honestly take a page, but it boils down to: Loretta will never coach you into something she can’t do herself or knows in her heart you can do.”
-Jarrin, Runner
“Loretta's positive coaching has led me on a journey from being a non-runner to a 29:44 5K time. Even with my times being slower than those aiming for a marathon, Loretta always celebrated my improvements as personal victories...as important to her as those running in the 21's or faster. I've been running for 8 years now thanks to Loretta's encouragement and inspiring dedication to running"
-Pam, Runner
My Running Accomplishments:
I’ve had the privilege of competing in various events including:
219.49 miles: Overall FKT Great Lake to Lake Trail (South Have to St. Clair Shores)
The Raven 24 Hour 2024: 3rd Overall Female
Canal Corridor 100 mile finish 2022-8th female
Alexander County 24 Hour 2021: Overall Female
Six Days in the Dome 2021: 3rd Overall Female
Kalhaven Trail Ultra 2021: Overall Female
Michigan RRCA Female Champion 2016 & 2021
Desert Solstice 24 Hour Track Invitational 2020: 3rd Overall Female
Tunnel Hill 100 2019: 1st Overall Female
Hennepin Hundred 2018: 2nd Overall Female
Boston Qualifier
Ranked Two years in a row for top 100 mile women in UltraRunning Magazine-14th in 2019 and 23rd in 2020.
Loretta Tobolske-Horn finishes her first 100 mile ultramarathon in 19:34:56 at The Hennepin Hundred.
Specialty Coaching Available
Coach Loretta has a background in special education. She has worked in the field of special education over 26 years with experience as a classroom teacher, early intervention home visitor, supervisor, building principal, Special Olympics and Unified coach and volunteer pusher for Ainsley’s Angels. For information about coaching to support your special needs and accommodations, set up a time to meet to determine specialty coaching pricing.