Hello!
I’m Jessica Kelley, coach and owner of Evergreen Endurance. Learn more about my coaching philosophy and experience below.
Coaching Philosophy:
I coach athletes of all levels and abilities. As a working mom, I understand what it means to lead a busy life and am an expert at helping people with hectic schedules find time to train.
My approach to coaching is evidence-based and backed by a B.S. and M.S in the biological sciences. Although my coaching methods use the best available science, I also understand that every athlete is an individual, and that coaching is an art as well as a science. I write training plans tailored to your schedule, taking into account how a particularly stressful week at work or at home can affect your ability to train and recover. I pride myself on being extremely responsive and accessible. My athletes have unlimited email and phone contact with me, and I communicate with many of them on a daily basis.
Last but definitely not least, I consider myself anti-diet and take a body-neutral approach to coaching. I understand and have experience working with people who have a history of eating disorders. I welcome folks of all races, genders and sexual orientations.
Athletic background:
I have not always been an athlete, and am not a “natural” athlete by any means. I know what it’s like to work hard for results and I understand the challenge of making big changes. I also know how rewarding it is to set a goal and then achieve it, and I love helping others do the same.
Some of my notable endurance accomplishments are listed below.
Notable results/routes:
Methow River: Source to C(olumbia) – hike, bike, and packraft the entire length of the Methow River from its source in the North Cascades to its end at the Columbia River.
“Where the River Meets the Road” – 1,350 mile bikepacking and packrafting solo adventure across Alaska, funded by the Kyle Dempster Solo Adventure Award
Press Traverse – previous Women’s FKT
Ultrapedestrian Wilderness Challenge – Mother Mountain/Northern Loop (in a day)
Ultrapedestrian Wilderness Challenge – La Bohn Traverse (first female finisher)
Chiwaukum Traverse (with bike shuttle)
2016 White Mountains 100 – “A 100-mile human-powered race across interior Alaska” – finisher, on foot. Race report here.
Baker Lake 100k (2x50k) – solo and self-supported
Joshua Tree Nat’l Park traverse – first woman to complete traverse solo and unsupported in one day, previous women’s FKT.
North Cascades Nat’l Park traverse – Women’s FKT. First (and only) woman to complete traverse solo and unsupported in one day
UltraPedestrian Wilderness Challenge triple crown – first person to complete the triple crown. Each event completed in one push.
Zion National Park traverse – in one day
Fat Dog 50 mile ultramarathon – finisher
Spokane River 50k – finisher
2013 Norseman Xtreme Triathlon “world’s toughest iron distance race” – finisher
2013 Spring Fling sprint triathlon – 1st OA (overall)
Lewis and Clark 12-hr ultra cycling race – 1st OA
2011 Grand Columbian Super Triathlon (swim 5k/bike 200k/run 50k; 9 months post-partum, nursing) – 2nd OA
2011 RAMROD cycling event (149 miles and 10k+ ft of elevation gain; 8 months post-partum, nursing) – finisher
2011 Triple Bypass cycling event (120 miles and 10k+ ft of elevation gain; 7 months post-partum, nursing) – finisher
2008 Ironman Canada triathlon – finisher
Numerous top 10 and podium finishes in local bike races and triathlons
Backcountry experience:
In addition to the races and events listed above, I am intimately familiar with Washington’s backcountry, particularly the north and central Cascades and foothills. I frequently assist my athletes with trail recommendations and trip planning. I also have experience in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Alaska, as well as international adventures in Guatemala, Ecuador, and Tanzania.
