Beyond the
Gun Running
The race is won long before the starting gun ever fires. Research-backed coaching that turns your potential into performance.
Trained to peak,
not to trend
Every athlete deserves access to quality coaching. Beyond the Gun Running turns potential into performance through proven principles and real-world experience — mind, body, and race day.
Research-Backed Training
Every plan is built on proven physiology and sports science — not passing trends. We train on what actually works.
Custom Training Plans
Personalized blocks built around your intake, goals, and schedule. Updated as you progress.
Nutrition & Supplements
Fueling and supplement guidance to support your training load, recovery, and race-day performance.
Recovery Coaching
Recovery is where adaptation happens. Learn to rest, prevent injury, and show up stronger every week.
Race-Day Mentality
Train the mind like the body. Build the confidence and composure to compete when it matters most.
1:1 Access
Video calls, async check-ins, and direct messaging keep you accountable and dialed in with your coach.
From the start line
to your finish line
I'm Zach Houff, a Division III cross country and track & field athlete. I've lived the early mornings, the mileage, and the mental battle it takes to compete — and I built Beyond the Gun Running to give every runner access to the kind of coaching that actually moves the needle.
I don't chase trends. I coach with research-backed training, proven principles, and real-world racing experience — building plans around you, your goals, and your life.
"The race is won long before the starting gun ever fires."
The work shows up
Real progress from real athletes. Your breakthrough could be featured here next.
I ran 2:07 in my first college 800m. A year and a half later, my PR was 1:52. That drop wasn't luck — it was structure, consistency, and training the right things. That's exactly what I build for the athletes I coach.
Choose your level
Monthly 1:1 coaching — from self-guided training blocks to a full coaching partnership. Enrollment is opening soon. In the meantime, grab a one-time plan below.
Base
Self-guided
- Custom training plan from intake form / consultation
- New 4-week training block every month
- Recurring monthly delivery
- Built on research-backed principles
Advanced
Guided + accountability
- Everything in Base
- Custom plan updated monthly
- Async check-ins via Google Calendar & Final Surge
- 1 video call per month
- Race-day mentality coaching
Elite
Full 1:1 partnership
- Everything in Advanced
- Weekly plan adjustments as you progress
- 2–3 video calls per month
- Direct messaging access
- Mentality & race-prep coaching
- Supplement & recovery coaching
All tools used (Final Surge, Google Calendar, Contact Me / Zoom) are free for athletes.
One-time training plans
No subscription — buy a complete, research-backed training block outright and own it start to finish. Take a look at a sample below.
12-Week Plan
A full training block
- Complete 12-week personalized plan
- Built from your intake & goals
- Research-backed periodization
- Emailed directly to you
- One-time purchase — yours to keep
24-Week Plan
A full season of training
- Complete 24-week personalized plan
- Base, build & peak phases mapped out
- Race-specific taper included
- Emailed directly to you
- One-time purchase — yours to keep
36-Week Plan
Long-term buildup
- Complete 36-week personalized plan
- Multi-phase, goal-race focused
- Strength & recovery guidance
- Emailed directly to you
- One-time purchase — yours to keep
Secure one-time checkout via Stripe. After purchase, you'll fill out a quick intake so your plan is tailored to you — then it's emailed to you.
Your path to the line
Reach Out
Fill out the contact form and tell me about your goals, background, and current training.
Intake & Consult
We review your history and race goals, then build a plan tailored to you.
Train & Adjust
Follow your plan on Final Surge with check-ins, video calls, and adjustments.
Race Ready
Show up to the line prepared in body and mind — the work is already done.
Powered by the tools athletes trust
Let's build
your race
Tell me about your goals and where you're at. I'll follow up to talk through the right program for you.