In this heartfelt episode of Extraordinary Strides, we sit down with Tia Pettygrue—a coach, pacer, marathoner, and an inspiring force in the running community. Tia’s story is one of resilience, determination, and using her passion for running to make a difference.Tia shares her ambitious goal of completing the Selma to Montgomery 51-Mile Relay, running the entire historic route alongside her husband, Johnnie. But this journey goes beyond personal achievement—Tia is championing a deeply person...
Transform your ordinary running routines into extraordinary accomplishments with the secrets of habit mastery. Ever wondered why your New Year's resolutions crumble by February? Discover how shifting from resolution-focused thinking to a process-based approach can revolutionize your training routine. Drawing insights from James Clear's "Atomic Habits" and Dr. BJ Fogg's "Tiny Habits," I reveal the power of starting small and celebrating every victory, no matter how minor. You won't want t...
Welcome to 2025! It’s a brand-new year, and this is your chance to set the tone for the months ahead. In this episode, I’m diving into the Rise to the Challenge: 4 Months to Extraordinary, a one-of-a-kind program designed to help you stop starting over and start building habits that last.This isn’t your typical New Year’s challenge. Over four months, you’ll join a community of motivated runners and fitness enthusiasts, lean into weekly accountability, and tackle creative themes like "Glow Up,...
Race day is finally here, and while it’s your time to shine, it can also be full of unexpected twists and turns. From forgotten shoes to mid-race cramps, I’ve seen it all—and I’ve coached runners through it all. In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, I’m sharing the ultimate race day survival guide packed with practical tips, humorous anecdotes, and heartfelt encouragement.We’ll dive into how to avoid common mishaps, like showing up late or overdressing, and tackle what to do when things g...
🎙️ Episode Overview:Welcome to another inspiring episode of Extraordinary Strides! In this episode, Coach Christine dives into the transformative power of audacious goals and how they shape not just our runs but our lives. From breaking free of comfort zones to celebrating small acts of defiance against ordinary, this episode will inspire you to lace up, dream big, and take action.We’re also thrilled to welcome back a very special guest: Shelly Rose, a member of The Extraordinary League, who ...
In this quick and festive episode, I’m taking a moment to thank you for being part of the Extraordinary Strides community and to celebrate the magic of the season. Whether you’re gearing up for a holiday run, juggling last-minute plans, or just enjoying a quiet moment, this message is here to bring a little sparkle to your day.🎄 What’s Your 2024 Highlight?Let’s celebrate you! If you’ve had a big achievement this year—whether it’s a PR, tackling a new distance, or simply showing up when it was...
Welcome to this episode of Extraordinary Strides, where we celebrate the resilience, grit, and determination of runners who dream big and achieve extraordinary feats—no matter their pace. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of back-of-the-pack running, sharing strategies, tips, and an inspiring conversation with Theresa Puckett.Theresa is not only a back-of-the-pack runner herself but also the founder of the Six Star Medal Back of the Pack (BOTP) Facebook group, a community for runners ch...
The holidays are upon us, and with them come shorter days, endless to-do lists, and the temptation to cozy up instead of lacing up. But fear not—this episode is here to inspire you to bust through those running slumps and find joy in your miles!Join me as I chat with two extraordinary runners who bring fun, flair, and purpose to every race they tackle. Whether it’s a runDisney event or a World Marathon Major, Ian Hirth and Pearl Devins have a knack for turning every start line into an opportu...
How does running a marathon transform lives? In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, we highlight the incredible stories of the runners from The Extraordinary League who tackled Every Woman’s Marathon, where runners found strength, community, and personal breakthroughs. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or dreaming of your first race, these tales of triumph will leave you inspired and ready to lace up your running shoes!What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🌟 Brittney Bergholm & Jennifer ...
Have you dreamed of combining your love of fitness with travel? Or maybe, just don't want to let your vacation derail your training? On this episode, we’re joined by Ashley from Mystical Dream Travel, our official podcast travel expert specializing in unforgettable runcation experiences. Whether you’re planning a magical runDisney weekend or embarking on a breathtaking cruise, Ashley knows how to craft the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and race-day magic. While Ashley is you...
Get ready to be inspired! 🎉 Amanda Hill, a dedicated 1:1 athlete with Coach Christine, joins us for an insider's look into her journey to conquer her first full marathon at the Shamrock Marathon Weekend! 🏖️ Known for its inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere, this Virginia Beach event offers race distances for all ages and abilities and an expo packed with must-have gear. Amanda dives into her training journey, sharing how she balances the rigorous schedule with everyday life—all while e...
Unlock the secrets to optimizing your running performance and long-term health with Coach Christine as we explore the world of supplements specifically tailored for women runners. What if a few simple changes could enhance your recovery, support your bone health, and stabilize your mood? This episode promises to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your supplementation needs, allowing you to maintain an active lifestyle as you age.Our journey begins with a spotlight o...
Kimberly Darling joins us as we explore her inspiring journey through the New York Road Runners 5 Borough Series, balancing life as a military spouse and a full-time working mom. Revel in the unique energy that propels her from the bustling Times Square of the United Airlines NYC Half to the idyllic streets of the Brooklyn Half.Kimberly opens up about how these races reignited her passion for running, setting new goals for 2024. Each run presents its own challenges and triumphs, from the ment...
In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, we’re joined by ultra-runner Susan Devine as she prepares for an incredible 24-hour race—yes, 24 hours of running! But Susan’s mission goes beyond just endurance. She’s raising funds for the Old Fort Strong Fund, a cause dedicated to helping families in Old Fort, North Carolina, recover from devastating flooding after Hurricane Helene.Tune in as Susan shares her inspiring journey into ultra-running, the mental and physical challenges of such long-dist...
In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, Coach Christine dives deep into the final weeks leading up to race day, focusing on tapering, expo prep, and race day strategies that will set you up for success. Whether you’re a first-time marathoner or a seasoned runner, this guide has everything you need to know to arrive at the starting line feeling confident and ready to crush your race. Tune in for practical tips, expert insights, and answers to the most commonly asked questions about preparing...
In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, Coach Christine Hetzel dives into how runners can navigate marathon and half marathon training when natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or power outages disrupt their plans. With Hurricane Helene hitting the southeast and Hurricane Milton on the way, Christine shares her personal experience of preparing and evacuating, offering advice on how to stay safe and adapt your training before, during, and after a storm. This episode serves a...
In this episode, Coach Christine shares the next part of the Top 100 Running Books list, covering books ranked 50 to 26. Before diving into the book discussion, she addresses the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in Appalachia and the southeastern US, encouraging the running community to come together and help those in need. For those looking to donate or offer support, check out the Hurricane Helene Relief Resources.Coach Christine also reflects on her recent training for the Marine Cor...
Ready to become a running detective this October? Discover the spine-chilling Mystery of the Midnight Mile and help solve the enigmatic disappearance of Jack Lantern. Our special Halloween-themed challenge will add a spooky twist to your training, with eerie clues and engaging tasks that promise both fun and fitness. With the final weekend for sign-ups fast approaching, there’s no better time to join this thrilling adventure! Sign up here.We also continue our exploration of the top 100 runnin...
This week on Extraordinary Strides, we break down the latest buzz in the running world, from the new Boston Marathon qualifying times to the intriguing possibility of Sydney joining the World Marathon Majors roster. We’re also cheering on our very own athlete Marcela as she gears up for the historic 50th anniversary of the Berlin Marathon. We also share our love for running literature, kicking off with titles 100 to 76 from my meticulously curated list of top 100 running books. Whether y...
Ready for a hauntingly good time? Join me, Coach Christine, your Fairy Runmother, as we dive into some spine-tingling fun to celebrate all the spooky vibes & frightening fast paces! In this special Friday the 13th episode, I’m giving you an exclusive sneak peek into the bewitching workouts that have our Extraordinary League members spellbound.Want more? Sign up now to have the Freaky Fast Frightening Friday the 13th Interval Run delivered straight to your inbox. This fang-tastic bonus run...