Mindy Kaufman

I believe coach–athlete relationships are among the most meaningful connections we experience as humans.

The discovery of endurance sports looks different for each of us, but many of us stay because of a great coach or mentor. Progress is rarely linear, which is why having the right people in your corner matters so deeply in endurance sport. Running fundamentally shaped the course of my life, and from an early age, I knew I wanted to give back to the community that provided me with purpose, opportunity, and growth.

By high school, cross country and track & field had stolen my heart. That love led me to pursue collegiate running at the University of Montana Western while earning my teaching degree with a minor in sports coaching. Never the most naturally gifted athlete, but one who improved through consistency, I grew as both an athlete and a student of the sport, ultimately earning All-American titles in cross country and track & field.

After college, I explored road and trail racing before being introduced to ultrarunning by my older sister, a fellow CTS Coach. My coaching practice is athlete-centered and grounded in current, science-based methodologies for ultrarunning, road racing, and various types of trail racing. I partner with athletes to achieve their immediate performance goals while prioritizing long-term development, health, and durability.

My background in education and high school coaching has prepared me well for working with both new and experienced ultrarunners. Teaching and coaching require adaptability, clear communication, high expectations, and the ability to meet athletes where they are–skills that I am excited to share with my athletes through CTS. Whether guiding an athlete to their first ultra or supporting long-term performance goals, my approach emphasizes curiosity over rigidity, holistic development, and sustainable progress.