About Us

The Top Of The Trail Story

Serving you to run Further, Faster, Stronger.

The Story

At Top Of The Trail, our love for trail and ultrarunning keeps us going strong. With a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience, we’re all about providing top-notch services to lift your running to the top.

Coach Greg on the trails. A selfie.

The MAn

Who Is He?

My name is Gregor Rasp (Greg, for the lack of a better nickname), and I am the driving force behind Top Of The Tail.

I started coaching runners almost 15 years ago, helping folks of all levels improve their performances. Like many coaches back then, I started with road running.

Approximately ten years ago, when trail running was emerging in the region, I switched gears to focus on trail- and ultrarunners.

More about Greg >>

The Woman

Who Is She?

Hi there! I’m Sutinee Rasp, but everyone calls me Nee. I’m married to Greg.

I started running about 20 years ago. At first, I ran on the roads, but then switched to the trails, and I love it.

Greg has been my coach from the beginning of his career, and we’ve had some great successes together.

We have teamed up for Top Of The Trail, using our combined expertise to lift your running to the top and beyond.

More about Nee >>

Nee, The #MountainGoat , at the recent VTM race.

Is Top Of The Trail Worth Your Time And Attention?

For some people, the answer may be NO.

Here’re six reasons NOT to be with us

We don’t have it! Anyone who tries to quick-sell you a magic pill is most likely a charlatan or a hidden genius, the latter of which is very unlikely.

There is no Easy Way or Shortcut to athletic excellence. You have to put in the effort patiently and consistently. Patience, consistency, and perseverance are the keys to success.

Running Training is challenging, but ultimately rewarding. It requires unwavering determination and perseverance. Setbacks and obstacles are inevitable, and physical and mental discomfort are normal when pushing to the next level.

We apply the concept of Minimum Effective Dose. This means we aim for the smallest possible training stimulus to achieve the desired results. This approach limits the risk of injury and saves valuable time.

We prescribe Training Intensities with a specific goal in mind. Each intensity level targets a particular physiological system to optimize it. That’s why it’s important to stick to the prescribed intensity, even if it feels easy or hard. This is called Intensity Discipline.

We can coach you effectively even with limited knowledge of a particular race. In training, we focus on honing skills and improving crucial physiological systems. The cumulative effect of all training sessions ultimately leads to success on race day.

Here’s what you can expect from us

  • PROFESSIONAL and absolutely individualized training ADVICE, based on EXPERIENCE and SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE.
  • Passionate COACHING with a HOLISTIC approach.
  • Clear and ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS from day one on.
  • Solid KNOWLEDGE of all things training, running, recovery, race preparation, and more.
  • GUIDELINES for nutrition and injury prevention.
  • Lots of FUN most of the time!—spoiler alert: interval sessions can be hard!

A Holistic Approach

True coaching excellence is not just about training plans and workouts. We prioritize an athlete’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being by creating a supportive environment for growth and development.

Here’s how we incorporate this holistic approach into our coaching:

  • We conduct thorough physical assessments to understand the athlete’s strengths, limitations, and injury history.
  • We design personalized training programs that cater to each athlete’s unique physical needs and goals.
  • We emphasize proper technique and injury prevention to ensure long-term health and performance.
  • We recognize that mental and emotional well-being are crucial for optimal performance.
  • We provide emotional support, motivation, and guidance to help athletes manage stress, overcome setbacks, and build resilience.
  • We promote a positive and encouraging environment where athletes feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
  • We provide guidance on nutrition and lifestyle choices to optimize athletic performance and overall health.
  • We educate athletes about proper nutrition, sleep, and recovery.
  • We believe that athletes are more than just their sport; we encourage them to pursue personal growth and development off the field.
  • We offer education and mentorship to help athletes understand training science and physiology and create successful training plans for themselves.
  • We promote a well-rounded approach to life, emphasizing the importance of education and relationships.

By embracing a holistic approach to coaching, we strive to empower athletes to reach their full potential in their sport and as individuals. Our goal is to create a positive and transformative coaching experience that extends beyond the training sessions and has a lasting impact on our athlete’s lives.

Sounds great!

Take Your Running To The Top!

Further, Faster, Stronger

Minimal input, maximum output