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Get to Know Coach Maggie Guterl
- WildPeak Collective
- Jan 14
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 31
"Where Experience Meets Intentional Training"
Coach Maggie Guterl has been involved in trail and ultrarunning for more than fifteen years, bringing a deep well of experience shaped by racing, writing, and coaching at the highest levels of the sport. A professional ultrarunner known for her toughness, endurance, and historic performances in some of the world’s most grueling events, Maggie has built a reputation for thriving where curiosity and resilience meet.
In addition to her racing career, Maggie has been a featured columnist for UltraRunning Magazine and iRunFar, where she candidly shares her experiences, lessons learned, and love for the sport. Her writing reflects the same honesty and passion that define her approach to coaching.
Maggie holds a BFA from Pratt Institute and was a NASM certified Personal Trainer. This combination of creative thinking and technical expertise ultimately led her to coaching, where she found her true calling: helping athletes work toward their own running and fitness goals. A self-described “veteran of the sport,” Maggie has long immersed herself in training theory, sports science, and performance data. She is UESCA certified as an Ultrarunning Coach and joined the WildPeak Collective coaching team in 2025.
Maggie has a robust racing resumé, which includes:
1st Female at Cocodona 250 (2021)
“Last Person Standing” at Big Dog's Backyard Ultra (2019)
1st Overall at Brazos Bend 100 and Course Record (2016)
Top Ten at Western States (2016)
2nd Place and Golden Ticket at Georgia Death Race (2016)
Three Barkley Marathons Start lines (2018, 2019 & 2021)
2022 Hardrock 100 Finisher
Collegiate Loop Unsupported Fastest Known Time
Maggie’s coaching philosophy centers on balance. She believes goals should be taken seriously, but that training must also remain engaging and enjoyable. When fun and challenge are properly aligned, athletes can push their limits without burning out. Her approach is holistic and highly individualized, taking into account each athlete’s strengths, weaknesses, background, and goals. She emphasizes specificity—considering terrain, climate, race format, and other key variables—to ensure athletes are fully prepared. No two training plans are alike, because no two athletes are alike.
She views the coach–athlete relationship as a true partnership built on communication, trust, and honesty. Maggie prioritizes getting to know her athletes and maintaining consistent, two-way feedback so that progress is both measurable and sustainable.
Maggie is especially excited to coach athletes who are “as curious as I am about what’s possible.” She finds equal fulfillment in working with newcomers to the sport and seasoned runners alike—whether that means exploring untapped potential, experimenting with a new race format, or bringing structure to years of unstructured running.
She believes running teaches grit, patience, and determination, lessons she has carried from the final miles of an ultra into everyday life. For Maggie, running is also a form of meditation—a practice of focus that quiets the mind and reveals unexpected strength.
Running has profoundly shaped Maggie’s life. Her career, friendships, and even where she lives have been guided by the sport. What began as a tool for supporting her mental health has become a foundation for happiness, adventure, and peace, taking her to places around the world she may never have otherwise discovered.
Want to be a part of Coach Maggie's Team?
Check out our website at https://www.wildpeakcollective.com or email us at info@wildpeakcollective.com for more information on how to get started!
Q&A With Coach Maggie
What is a myth about run training that you wish more people understood?
"The "No Days Off" mantra. Recovery is where the magic happens if you are doing the work. And to complete the hardest recommendation on a plan (the rest) with consistency and diligence is sometimes the hardest part. But I promise it is worth it."
What is your number one piece of advice to new runners?
"Consistency. No one workout is the most important. Consistency isn't a straight line, it ebbs and flows. But to keep showing up day after day is where you will see results."
What is a common mistake runners often make and how can they fix it?
“The biggest mistake with the highest consequence is not practicing their race day fueling during their long runs. We address this by coming up with a plan before we hit their biggest volume long runs. Then the athlete has the responsibility to begin testing and reporting back to the coach about what is working and what is not. Nutrition is a huge reason a race can go off the rails even if the run training was perfect. And I can tell you from experience that is the most heartbreaking mistake you can make."
What is a proud coaching moment for you?
“When my friend Morgen told me she wanted ME to be her coach for her first ultra postpartum."
What is the biggest lesson running has taught you, that you share with your athletes?
"Running teaches you grit and determination. I have honestly channeled the "final miles of an ultra" mentality into my daily life. It is like a kind of meditation and the necessity of that singular focus can quiet the mind and extract some surprising results in any life situation."
How do you help athletes stay motivated during a tough training block?
“I urge athletes to mentally visualize their goals during training runs and to have a single minded focus while executing said training run. IT can be quite freeing and an added bonus to clear the mind (even if it’s only temporary) of life stresses and distractions.”
What is a favorite go-to workout you assign (or train with yourself)?
“Who doesn't love the long run? And it's so much more than just running slow for a long time. I can't wait to get into all the nuances with you."
What is your most proud running moment or accomplishment?
“Two come to mind immediately: representing Team USA in the 2015 IAU 24 Hour World Championships where we won gold and becoming the first woman to win Big's Backyard World Championship in 2019. Although only one has the word "team" in it they are both team competitions. Being part of a team in a traditionally solo sport brings out the absolute best in yourself."
What inspires you during tough runs or races?
“I am going to take this question to be what motivates me in tough runs. Nature inspires me end of story. What motivates me has likely evolved over the years. It used to be," can I do it?" I know I can do it now because I just don't quit. It's now whether I can maintain my process goals (like am I fueling properly) en route to the finish. A perfectly executed race is a rare and beautiful thing."
What other training means to you utilize (i.e. cross training, strength, etc.)?
"I am huge advocate of strength training. As an aging female athlete, I think it is so important. I found a community outside of running at my gym during this three year struggle with my Achilles. Unfortunately, injury is a big part of running and although there are steps we can take to avoid it, it does happen. It's nice to have activities you enjoy to fall back on. Another discipline I like to utilize is cycling and yoga.. and new as of today: swimming!"
Where is your favorite place to run?
"I am lucky to live near some of the most beautiful mountains in the world; the San Juan Mountains. Although a run in these mountains is more like a hike (but then so is ultrarunning.) The other thing I am grateful for is the ability to run up the dirt road behind my house into one of the most epic trail systems in Durango, CO; Missionary Ridge."
Run Wild. Train with Purpose.
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