What It's Like to Be Coached by Koop with AJW & Kaci Lickteig | Koopcast Episode 149
Episode overview:
Kaci Lickteig, known to many as the Pixie Ninja, is one of the most popular personalities in Ultrarunning. Her incredibly positive spirit is infectious. In this episode, you will learn all about her 8 Western States finishes, her challenges with injuries over the years, and her incredible relationship with her coach, Jason Koop.
Episode highlights:
(18:08) Western States 2017: challenges, stress, deciding not to quit, “get in the boat”
(24:56) Kaci’s experience with injury: running with a torn hamstring, getting surgery, crutches to 100 miles in six months
(40:05) Kaci’s relationship with Western States: personal experiences, why the race is so special
Our conversation:
(0:00) Introduction: AJW covers for Koop, introducing the Coached by Koop series, Kaci at Western States
(3:02) Kaci’s journey to Western States: setting the goal to win, working with Koop
(6:03) Continuous coaching relationships: the benefits of a long-term partnership
(6:40) Kaci at Western States: gaining places, adapting as an athlete and as a coach
(8:25) Solving the Western States puzzle: addressing weak links, technical skills, downhills, race strategy
(10:40) Race specificity: training camps, volume and vertical
(13:43) Winning States in 2016: race day mindset, the role of a coach, staying calm
(15:49) Koop and Kaci: independence and support, growing as a coach-athlete team
(18:08) Western States 2017: challenges, stress, deciding not to quit, “get in the boat”
(23:03) Coaching an athlete who wants to quit: meeting the athlete where they are, the power of community
(24:56) Kaci’s experience with injury: running with a torn hamstring, getting surgery, crutches to 100 miles in six months
(29:40) Training for Western States 2022: training, mindset, working with Koop and a 23 hour finish
(32:58) Earning veteran status at Western States: maturing in the sport, dedication
(35:10) Aiming for 10 Western States finishes: goals, injury, preparing for the Javelina Jundred
(37:50) Managing expectations as a coach: taking things one day at a time, knowing your athlete
(40:05) Kaci’s relationship with Western States: personal experiences, why the race is so special
(44:04) AJW’s relationship with Western States: community, honoring the race
(47:00) Passing the baton: upholding States as a symbol of the community
(49:31) Wrap-up: running does not come easily, achieving your goals, giving thanks
(51:46) Outro: recap
Additional resources:
Instagram: @ultrarunnerkc
Twitter: @runner_kc
Facebook Kaci Lickteig
Information on coaching-
https://trainright.com/
Koop’s Social Media
Twitter/Instagram- @jasonkoop
Buy Koop’s new book on
Amazon-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MYVR8P6
Audible-https://www.audible.com/pd/Training-Essentials-for-Ultrarunning-Second-Edition-Audiobook/B09P38S2PR?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-290525&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_290525_rh_us