Meet Brian Passenti

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Passenti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
That’s a great question, and my journey into starting my own business was quite organic. Honestly, it wasn’t a grand plan from the outset.

For a while, I was creating custom training plans for local athletes on spreadsheets, simply giving them away because I enjoyed helping people. My wife, however, noticed the significant amount of time and effort I was pouring into this. She was the one who really sparked the idea, suggesting, “You’re putting so much work into this, you should really start charging for it.” That conversation happened in the summer of 2018.

Her insight was the catalyst. I was already employed full-time, so I decided to launch it as a side hustle shortly after that. It allowed me to test the waters, build a client base, and refine my offerings without the pressure of it being my sole income. Fast forward to 2023, and I’m incredibly proud to say that I was able to transition this “side hustle” into my full-time profession. It’s been a rewarding experience, transforming a passion project into a thriving business.

What should our readers know about your business?
What We Do and What Sets Us Apart
At Altitude Endurance Coaching, I specialize in guiding endurance athletes to achieve their ambitious goals. While I work with a diverse range of individuals, my primary focus is on ultrarunners, and I also have significant experience coaching alpinists and tactical athletes who face the demands of big mountain summits and rigorous military-style challenges.

What truly sets us apart is our deeply empathetic and realistic approach. I understand that most of us aren’t professional, sponsored athletes. We have demanding lives outside of training—jobs, families, and other commitments. As a husband and father of young daughters myself, I intimately know that “life gets in the way,” and that’s perfectly okay. My coaching philosophy is built on the principle of meeting athletes exactly where they are. We integrate rigorous, scientific principles into training plans that are highly adaptable to individual circumstances, ensuring that athletes can perform better, reach new heights, and ultimately cross those finish lines without sacrificing their lives outside of sport. It’s about sustainable progress and long-term success, not just chasing a single result.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a week in Denver, I’d absolutely dive into some of my favorite spots, but also explore new things that make the city so vibrant.

Given I’m from the Western Slope, I truly appreciate my time in Denver. For dining, La Loma just outside Coors Field is a perennial favorite – their Plato Al Olivo is an absolute must-have for me. The atmosphere and the food are just unbeatable.

For staying active and enjoying the outdoors, you’d definitely find me at Confluence Park. It’s such a dynamic hub, and I love running on either the Platte River Trail or the Front Range Trail – both offer such scenic routes along the river and give you a great feel for the city’s green spaces. And when it comes to accommodations, the Grand Hyatt just off the 16th Street Mall is my go-to, especially for its unique rooftop outdoor track – it’s an incredible amenity for anyone who enjoys staying fit while traveling.

Beyond those staples, some of the most fun and interesting things to check out in Denver, in my opinion, really revolve around its diverse neighborhoods and thriving arts scene. I’d highly recommend exploring the RiNo Art District for its incredible street art and galleries, and catching a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an unparalleled experience, not just for the music but for the stunning natural beauty. For a more relaxed hang-out, I’d suggest checking out some of the unique breweries in the Highlands or South Broadway areas – Denver’s craft beer scene is truly world-class. And for an exciting “people-watching” experience, nothing beats a stroll down the 16th Street Mall, especially on a lively weekend evening. Denver truly offers a fantastic blend of outdoor adventure, culinary delights, and cultural experiences.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Initially, I approached the idea of getting a coaching certification with some skepticism. I’ve always been committed to staying updated on the latest research and best practices in endurance sports, and I felt I had a strong foundation of useful knowledge. However, undergoing the UESCA certification process completely shifted my perspective.

It wasn’t just about validating what I already knew; it truly opened my eyes to new possibilities and a deeper understanding of the intricate details of endurance coaching. The curriculum provided a structured, comprehensive framework that refined my existing knowledge and introduced me to concepts I hadn’t fully explored.

Furthermore, I have to give a specific shout-out to Jason Koop. His contributions, particularly in the realm of ultrarunning, are incredibly impactful. His evidence-based approach and practical insights, especially through resources like the UESCA Ultrarunning Coach Certification, have been instrumental in bridging the gap between scientific theory and real-world application. The certification, alongside his work, truly helped me solidify my connection to the niche space of endurance coaching as a legitimate and evolving profession. It provided a valuable community and a sense of shared dedication to elevating the standards of coaching.

Website: https://www.altitudeendurancecoaching.com/

Instagram: @altitudeendurancecoaching

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-passenti-42b7bb258

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/altitudeendurancecoaching

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@buckleuppodcast282