Hidden Gems: Meet Char Griess of Charathoner Coaching

Today we’d like to introduce you to Char Griess

Hi Char, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story really starts with falling in love with running — not just as a sport, but as a way of life. I wasn’t always a marathoner or a coach. In fact, I balanced a corporate job while trying to find joy and purpose in my training. Over time, running became more than just a hobby; it became a passion and a way to push my limits, grow, and connect with others.

As I trained for marathons, I realized how much I loved the process — not just the miles, but the strategy, the nutrition, the balance between pushing hard and resting well. I started sharing my journey online, and soon enough, I found myself helping others who wanted to improve their own performance. That’s when the lightbulb went off: I wanted to help people become better runners, not just by giving plans but by guiding them to train smarter, stay motivated, and stay balanced.

So I became a certified run coach and started creating personalized running plans and content. I love sharing advice, motivation, and real-life insights — not just polished wins, but the struggles and lessons too.

That’s where I am today — excited, grateful, and ready for the next chapter.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road — but I think that’s what’s made the journey so worth it. Just like marathon training, there have been highs and lows, and the struggles have shaped me just as much as the wins.

One of the biggest challenges has been balancing my corporate job with my passion for running and coaching. There were times I felt stretched so thin — waking up early to get my runs in, working a full day, then coaching or creating content in the evenings. It was exhausting, and there were definitely moments of burnout.

Self-doubt has been another hurdle. When I first started putting myself out there — sharing my training, my advice, my dreams — I wondered if people would take me seriously. I worried about whether I was “good enough” to coach others or build a business around running. But I kept going because I knew I had something real to offer.

But every struggle has pushed me to grow. I’ve learned how to manage my time better, set boundaries, and trust myself more. I’ve seen how consistency — in training, in business, in life — really does pay off. And through it all, I’ve stayed connected to why I’m doing this: to help other runners push through their own struggles and find joy in the process.

So no, it hasn’t been smooth — but the hard parts have made the journey richer, and they’re shaping the life I’m building.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Charathoner Coaching?
My business is all about helping runners break through their training and achieve their personal bests — but with a balanced, sustainable approach. I’m a certified run coach and marathoner, and I specialize in creating personalized running plans and motivational content that help athletes improve their performance without burning out.

What sets me apart is that I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every runner is unique — their goals, their lifestyle, their challenges — so I take the time to understand each athlete and build a plan that fits their life. Whether someone’s training for their first marathon or chasing a PR, I help them train smarter, fuel better, and stay motivated.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the community I’m building through my content. I share the real side of training — the wins, the struggles, the messy middle — and that authenticity really resonates. My audience knows I’m right there with them, balancing hard training with life’s demands and staying focused on joy and growth.

Brand-wise, my goal is to be more than just a coach — I want to be a source of inspiration, education, and support. Through my personalized coaching, training resources, and social media content, I want to help runners feel seen, motivated, and empowered to chase their goals.

For anyone reading this: If you’re ready to improve your running and feel more confident in your training, I’d love to help. Whether you need a custom training plan, coaching support, or just some real talk and motivation, I’m here for you. Let’s chase those personal bests — and actually enjoy the process.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Absolutely — I think the Covid-19 crisis taught me some of the most valuable lessons, both in running and in life.

When gyms closed and other forms of fitness weren’t an option, I turned to running even more. It became my outlet — a way to stay active, manage stress, and find some sense of normalcy when everything else felt so uncertain. Running was one of the few things I could control, and that consistency kept me grounded.

Covid also showed me that you can actually build real connections on social platforms when in-person community isn’t an option. At a time when group runs and races disappeared, the online running community became this incredible space for support and motivation. Sharing my journey and connecting with other runners online helped me feel less alone — and that experience really shaped the kind of content and community I’m building now.

On a personal level, the pandemic clarified what I want out of life. It made me realize how short and unpredictable life can be, and that I didn’t want to spend my days in a job that didn’t truly fulfill me. Life is too short not to pursue the things that light you up.

So while Covid brought a lot of challenges, it also brought clarity, resilience, and a deeper sense of purpose. And for that, I’m grateful.

Pricing:

• Personalized Training Plan: $100/month
• 1:1 Run Coaching: $150/month
• 1:1 Run + Endurance Nutrition Coaching: $225/month

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.charathoner.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charathoner/

Image Credits
Prophecy