Eliza Lawson

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“What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t fail?”

If you have ever doubted yourself, questioned your own strength, or felt like you could do more; if you’re ready to prove something to yourself, Eliza Lawson of Barrington, Rhode Island is your coach.

Eliza is certified as a Level 2 USAC cycling coach and a Level 1 RRCA running coach, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Performance and Fitness, and a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Communication. In combination with a science-based and personalized training program, she’ll help you explore the types of support that best move you forward, identify the strategies that spark your motivation, and pinpoint the tactics that help you get through the toughest moments.

Achieving big goals changes lives. If you want to achieve a goal that feels big to you – whether that’s a century ride, your first group ride, a PR, solo bike adventure, a sprint triathlon, or that first ride around the block – Coach Eliza will help you get the most out of your cycling experience. She is ready to help you become the strongest and most empowered possible version of yourself and have fun doing it.

If you are thinking of becoming an athlete as an adult, even an older one, Eliza understands where you are coming from. It wasn’t until later in life that she rediscovered her love of riding a bike outside of spin classes and decided to attempt a century ride. Though unsure at first, she surprised herself by completing the ride. She was also thrilled to realize that she had become fast and fit through her own dedication, consistency, and hard work. She used that momentum to set new goals and is now a competitive age group triathlete and avid cyclist who can often be found riding with friends or on group rides.

Coach Eliza can help you through the challenges and unpredictability that come with injury or illness. She trains and competes while also managing a cardiac arrhythmia, and has experience as a personal trainer working with clients with various injuries as well as with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disease.

Navigating the physical and mental challenges of returning from injury is another area where Eliza can help. After an accident in 2022 left her unable to train for several months, she spent most of early 2023 building back fitness with physical therapy and a progressive training plan and learning how to manage the unanticipated anxiety that came with getting back on the road. Despite the setback, she was able to make it to the podium in the two triathlons in which she competed that year.

Eliza lives in Barrington, Rhode Island, with easy access to southeastern Massachusetts. She is a local bike and pedestrian advocate on her town’s Bike and Pedestrian Committee. She enjoys the natural resources in the area, including beaches, parks, and trails, and loves riding and running the East Bay Bike Path. She has two teenage sons who play baseball, and she spends much of her “free” time watching games and traveling to tournaments. She loves skiing and hiking in New Hampshire with her kids and husband and relaxing near the water in Newport. When traveling for work, vacations, and baseball, she carves out time to explore the local culture by bike. When at home, she is often found in the kitchen baking (and eating) cakes, cupcakes, and muffins. She also spends a lot of time with her hound dog, who is bigger than she is.

Events: General Cycling Fitness, Gran Fondos – Centuries, Learn to Ride

Services: Clinics/Camps, Consultation, Learn to Ride, Skills Training, Training Programs

Specialties: Beginning Riding, Confidence Issues, General Fitness, Road Skills, Women Athletes, Working Athletes

"Eliza is an amazingly talented, supportive, understanding, and knowledgeable running coach! She was really good at getting to know me quickly, meeting me where I was at, and showing me that this running stuff is easier than I think! Her workouts kept me motivated and showed me results quickly. She knew exactly what to say when I was feeling down or nervous to get me out of the funk. And, she knew exactly how to cheer me on and keep me going when I was feeling successful! I’m grateful for the opportunity to run with her this Fall!" ~ Jenny

"This program was exactly what I needed exactly when I needed it! Eliza created an easy-to-follow plan that was achievable for my current fitness level. She was incredibly supportive -- both in supporting me pushing myself and being realistic so I didn't injure myself. Eliza's training program helped me get running again, but the consistency and encouragement of this program helped me see gains in other parts of my life as well. I loved this program and Eliza's coaching!!!" ~ Jen


"If you have any running-related New Year’s resolutions, consider working with Eliza Burke Lawson to achieve your goals! I had just finished the Newport 10 Miler, and I was disappointed with my time. I had never worked with a running coach before. Eliza was so positive and encouraging, and she designed a training plan and workouts that fit my schedule, where I’m at in my running journey, and my ADHD quirks. I’m looking forward to training with Eliza on a few more races in 2025!" ~ Erin

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