I’ve had the privilege to work with a number of talented coaches and trainers over the years, but Allison Tai is entirely unique. Not only is Allison a top pro athlete still actively dominating podiums all over the world, she is also the kindest, most down-to-earth person you could hope to meet, who will inspire you to work harder than you even imagined you were capable of! Allison’s infectious passion for the sport has drawn together a whole supportive tribe of fellow OCR enthusiasts, and I feel lucky to be one of them. Before I met Allison I had done a handful of obstacle events - just for the fun and personal challenge - but I wasn’t aware of the possibility of taking OCR seriously as a sport. I was already somewhat competitive as a triathlete, though, so it didn’t take long to catch the competitive OCR bug! Allison’s obstacle specialist training sessions quickly became my most enjoyable and anticipated workouts of the whole week (even though I pretty much suck at most obstacles, especially everything involving upper body and grip strength!) But Allison has an incredible talent for breaking down the strategy and the steps for how to approach obstacles that makes the impossible somehow seem more possible. She also has an uncanny way of believing in your ability to do things beyond what you believe you are capable of, and somehow you find yourself managing them. Working with - and being mentored by - Allison Tai has been absolutely pivotal to reaching all of my OCR goals, starting with earning Contender status and a top 10 finish at my first competitive OCR event at Canada’s Toughest Mudder 2017. Allison guided my overall training for the months leading into World’s Toughest Mudder 2017, which enabled me to hit 50 miles despite still being in recovery mode from an injury. And in 2018 I even had the immense honour of taking 2nd place behind Allison at Rugged Maniac Vancouver (as well as first female 50+.) Such a dream to get to race AND share a podium with your hero and inspiration - who is also your coach!
I have been a runner since 2010, and an obstacle course racer since 2013. With the transition from traditional road runner to obstacle course racer, I knew I needed to find a coach to get me stronger, faster and more functionally fit. I approached Allison Tai about becoming my coach, and was super excited when she said yes.
As a coach, she is patient and understanding, and is willing to adapt your training plans where required. She looks at you as a whole athlete and builds upon current strengths. If there are items you need to work on, she doesn’t seem them as weaknesses, but as mini challenges for you to conquer. She is honest, experienced and celebrates your victories with you.
I am super excited to continue to be coached by Allison, and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Her and I are going to work together to help me achieve one of my biggest obstacle course racing goals to date - Worlds Toughest Mudder.
I have been training under Alli off & on for 3 years now & counting and have never met anyone whose presence lights up a room!
She inspires me and a whole lot of people to be the best that we can be. To push beyond the limit with which one could have thought possible. She makes you believe anything is possible and IT IS!!! You’ll have to work harder though but that’s a given.
Alli works you like a dog during workouts because she knows you can do better. You can take that as a challenge to better yourself or not. Either way, at the end of the day you’ll learn a thing or two about yourself and what you’re capable of.
Allison is not only my coach but also my friend, mentor and family. She’s an amazing athlete & a phenomenal coach & a super mom!!
I’ve never been happier, prouder and healthier!
I started training with Allison a little over a month ago. I am doing strength training, running, obstacle training and nutrition. She is fantastic and super supportive - providing tonnes of feedback and suggestions to help me. I recently competed in a Ninja competition and placed first in my age group and 3rd overall for female.
I was thrilled and would not have done this well without Allison’s coaching and support!
Allison is a fantastic athlete, coach and friend.
I’ve been training with Alli at least once a week, every week since 2011. Through that time, she has helped me prepare for triathlons, half-marathons, strength & fitness challenges and obstacle course races. When I’m injured, she modifies workouts, and helps “fix” me through exercises and stretches. She has a gift for challenging athletes to work beyond their comfort level, but at the same time knowing when to back off if need be. She is a wealth of information on all things OCR, running, food and overall health. Alli has an amazing energy about her and I am grateful to have her in my life.
I signed on with Allison in order to optimize my OCR performance while also training for my first 70.3. Within one month I was training more effectively and felt less burnt out than I had previously (even though I was putting in more hours). My running form has improved significantly and I can already feel a marked difference in my running efficiency.
Allison has helped me navigate training while working out old injuries (and preventing new ones). I'm excited to finally be entering a race season prepared and am looking forward to seeing the coming months bring!
Life gets better when you meet Allison because you are going to be stronger, healthier and happier. Her incredible depth of knowledge coupled with her superb coaching skills ensures you achieve your fitness goals and push yourself past new goals you never thought possible. Over the eight years I have known her, Allison has coached me through 3 triathlons, 4 obstacle course races and countless running races. I am always grateful for her guidance as I run through finish lines. My weekly sessions with Allison consistently reset my motivation to prioritize my health and for that I am eternally grateful.
I attended Allison's free Spartan activation bootcamp the summer of 2016 and that fall I started training with her full time as part of my plan to get my first Spartan Trifecta the next year.
Her ability to break down the technical aspects of the obstacles and the general fitness expertise have greatly increased my strength, speed and agility to be able to achieve my OCR goals.
She has helped me work through shoulder and knee injuries in order to become a better racer.
As a coach, she knows exactly when to push harder and when to tell me to back off to optimize my training.
What strikes me most about Alli is her down to earth and friendly personality- you would never guess that she is a pro athlete at the top of the OCR world and yet she is just that!
Truly honoured to be coached by one of the best the sport has to offer.