Coaches
Coach Tate- Founder & Head Coach- Elevated
With over two decades of experience in distance running, all rooted in the high-altitude environment of Colorado, Coach Tate brings a deep well of knowledge and passion to every athlete he works with. He spent 16 years as a successful head coach at the high school level, guiding numerous teams and individuals to local, state, and national recognition in both cross country and track & field.
Coach Tate has worked with a wide range of athletes—from children as young as six to adults seeking private coaching and training plans. While he’s supported many different types of athletes, his true passion has always been distance running. After founding Elevated, he transitioned away from coaching in the high school setting to focus on developing strong fundamentals and long-term success in younger athletes.
Coaching Philosophy
“I believe the foundation of a successful runner—and program—is built through strong relationships. Every athlete is unique, and how they respond to training varies. What benefits one athlete may be counterproductive for another. That’s why I prioritize honest, positive communication and strive to create an environment of trust. Once that trust is established, anything is possible.
When it comes to training, I take a ‘quality over quantity’ approach—especially with youth runners. I've seen that the right balance of intensity and volume yields exceptional results, not just more mileage. I incorporate regular progress monitoring, including racing, time trials, and pace management, to ensure every athlete is on the right track. I pride myself on being reflective, data-driven, and intentional in every aspect of coaching. I also believe it’s important to have fun—I smile a lot and definitely bring some goofiness into our work!”
Personal Life
Coach Tate lives in Parker, Colorado, with his wife and two children, Kaylee and Shane. Outside of running, he enjoys boating, construction projects, spending time with his family, and relaxing with their four dogs.
Contact:
303-359-4042
Coach Andie- Co-Founder and Youth Development Coach
Andrea Tate, affectionately known as Coach Andie, is the heart and energy behind our youth running program. A lifelong athlete and co-founder of the program, she brings both passion and experience to her role as a leader in new athlete development. With a background in basketball and dance during her early years, Andrea discovered a deep love for running as an adult—competing in everything from 5Ks to half-marathons.
Coach Andie’s professional journey began in nursing, where she cared for patients in pediatric intensive care, labor and delivery, and now serves her community as a dedicated school nurse. Her years in healthcare deeply inform her coaching philosophy: she approaches every athlete with care, compassion, and a commitment to holistic growth.
After four years of coaching at the high school level, Andrea shifted her focus exclusively to youth runners, recognizing that her true passion lies in helping young athletes discover their potential. As a specialist in youth athlete development, she is driven by the belief that running is for everyone—and that with consistency and support, every runner can improve and thrive.
Coach Andie’s coaching style is built on structure, positivity, and fun. She’s known for her playful spirit, ability to connect with kids, and her belief that running should be both challenging and enjoyable. Her core values center on helping athletes become not just faster runners, but the best versions of themselves—on and off the course.
“What is special about running to me is that anyone can do it. Everyone who works to improve can and will get better. I love sharing with athletes that while running is hard, it can also be really fun.” – Coach Andie
Contact:
303-667-4885
Coach Parks
Athletics have always been a passion for Coach Parks. While she grew up as an avid swimmer, running wasn’t something that came naturally to her in her early years. It wasn’t until adulthood that she truly discovered the power and joy that running could bring.
“Growing up, the idea of running always felt daunting. I used to say, ‘Running just isn’t my thing—I belong in the water.’ But as an adult, I wanted to take on a challenge I never thought I could accomplish. That’s when I set my sights on my first 5K. Running gave me a new understanding of perseverance, and it helped me build strength not just physically, but mentally. From that moment on, I was hooked.”
Coach Parks brings that same determination and energy to her coaching. She thrives on helping others achieve goals they once thought were out of reach—always with a big smile, lots of encouragement, and an infectious enthusiasm.
“I love coaching. There’s nothing more fulfilling than doing something hard together and watching each person achieve their own version of success. Just like my athletes, I’m a work in progress. I’m always learning, always growing, and always striving to turn ‘I can’t’ into ‘I will.’”
Whether you're just starting your running journey or chasing a new PR, Coach Parks is here to guide, inspire, and cheer you on every step of the way.
Coach Zack
As a coach and a teacher, Coach Zack is passionate about empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Coach Zack has been a teacher in Aurora Public schools for over a decade at the middle and high school levels and he has been passionate about running since his days of running cross country and track at Cherokee Trail High school. After his first season coaching with EDT he was hooked because of the fun atmosphere, positive attitudes and everyone’s excitement for running. Coach Zack brings not only his years of running experience to the team but optimistic attitude and his ability to foster strong connections with runners, motivating them to strive for improvement and reach their goals. In his free time, Coach Zack enjoys running (obviously), hiking, reading and spending time with his 2 children (Piper and Milo).
"I love coaching because it allows me to share my passion for running. Running is not just a physical activity; it teaches invaluable lessons about work ethic and perseverance. Each race and practice challenges these athletes to push their limits and discover what they are truly made of. It's inspiring to see how the sport fosters determination and resilience, qualities that will benefit them in all aspects of life."
Coach Ben
Coach Ben is the newest addition to the EDT Family. He’s a local having graduated from Smoky Hill High School, Colorado State University and the University of Colorado. He has been a runner for more than 3 decades and loves the freedom and clarity which comes after running. In his time away from EDT, Coach Ben is a pediatric critical care nurse and a dad. As a former Olympic Trials Qualifier and a TeamUSA athlete competing on the Long Course Triathlon World Championships team, Coach Ben brings a lot to the table about getting the best out of you, each day.
“I fell into running when I started high school and once I found it, I never turned my back on it. Running has brought so many wonderful people and experiences into my life. I want to make this a positive experience for our young athletes as they learn what running can do for them. This is a sport you will only get out of it, exactly what you put into it. Nothing makes me more excited about running than watching someone work hard for a goal and being a part of them accomplishing things they never thought possible. Coaching is the best way for me to pass the passion and love for running and competing to another generation.
“Run today in a way which makes you proud tomorrow ”
Coach Corey
Corey Pollard, "Coach Corey" is thrilled to be a part of the Elevated Distance Training team! With a passion for running that spans well over a decade, she brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the program. As an educator and long-distance runner (running 5Ks to marathons), she understands the unique challenges and rewards that come with distance running.
Corey is a lifelong athlete with a background in competitive gymnastics, diving, and track. She has always loved sports and working with kids. She began her professional career as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Since then, she has worked professionally in various clinical and research settings researching child development and educational best practices. She is the founder and executive director of an educational consulting company working to support students K-12 with specific learning disabilities. More than anything, Corey loves giving kids the tools they need to be successful lifelong which is why she loves coaching so much. It's an amazing opportunity to help foster a love for the sport while emphasizing teamwork, resilience, and personal growth.
Outside of coaching, Corey enjoys running (obviously!), hiking, reading or listening to audiobooks, watching football, and spending time with her family. She believes that every runner has the potential to succeed, and she is committed to helping each athlete reach their goals while building confidence and camaraderie along the way.
She can't wait for this season and seasons to come filled with fun, hard work, and unforgettable memories!