Abbie Chaffin
Running Coach
Rooted in Running | Meet Abbie Chaffin
Abbie is a people-first coach, passionate about helping athletes build sustainable, lifelong relationships with running and movement. A former soccer player and track athlete, she found endurance running after moving to Chicago and quickly became immersed in the city’s running community. Running has brought so much joy and meaning to her life and she dreams of bringing those feelings to as many people as possible.
Abbie’s been coaching in some capacity for almost a decade, teaching thousands of group fitness classes! Abbie was one of Marina’s very first athletes when she decided to get back into marathon training after a few rough training cycles. Through experiencing a truly empathetic and motivational way of coaching, she was instantly interested in learning as much as she could. When Inner Lane began to expand and an invitation came to start coaching, the obvious answer was YES. Abbie learns something new every training cycle about her athletes and herself as a coach. She considers herself lucky to have the privilege to support runners in a way that continues to be so supportive to her.
The Inner Lane Approach | Coaching Style
I believe coaching is meant to build confidence in the person you are becoming and trust in yourself that you will do the work when things get hard. My job is to help you learn and make choices that support you being the best athlete you can be. The best part of my job? Celebrating all the milestones athletes reach through the training process.
Athletes working with me can expect a hype-girl who genuinely wants to see them win, whatever winning looks like to them. I expect my athletes to set themselves up for success, just as much as I do for them. I value open communication and a good work ethic; we will work best together if you try your best no matter what you have going on.
Training and fitness is built brick-by-brick, with no one workout that stands above the rest. I love working with athletes long-term because we get to experience every season of training together, which makes those big wins even bigger because we know the work you did to get there.
Currently
Training For: LifeTime Chicago Fall Half Marathon!
Current Shoe Rotation: Brooks Glycerine Max, New Balance Super Comp Trainer, New Balance Super Comp Elite
What's Bringing Me Joy: Being outside in the sunshine
Current Running Obsession: Listening to my silly podcast on a long run! I love running to Girls Gotta Eat and Good Hang!
Get to Know Abbie
Favorite race you've ever run: London Marathon. Smooth logistics, great spectators, and a giant sightseeing tour!
Race morning breakfast: Frozen blueberry waffles with syrup
Most-used coaching phrase: It’s supposed to be hard, otherwise what are we doing here?
Advice you give most often: It’s not that serious. Have some fun!
Favorite athlete milestone to celebrate: Gaining CONFIDENCE!
What you're currently learning: I’m getting my NASM Personal Training certification!
What you're moving through right now: I’m a different runner than I was a decade ago. My desire to be FAST has changed, I want to be healthy and happy!
Coaching Specialties
Half & Full Marathon Coaching
First Race Preparation
Long-Term Athlete Development
Lifestyle Integration
Building Confidence Through Movement
Qualifications
Certifications
RRCA Run Coach Level 1
ACE Group Fitness Certification
NASM Personal Training Certification - in progress
Race Experience
Marathon x 3 (Chicago, Berlin, London)
Half-Marathon x 15+
10K/5K - too many to count
Shamrock Shuffle 8K x 8
DIY Ultramarathon (50K) x 1
TSP Crew
Professional Background
Group strength and running
Community building, community marketing
Experienced run club lead
Elsewhere
Where else can athletes find you?
Senior Instructor @ Studio Three Chicago
Coach for The Program @ Bandit Chicago