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...
Welcome to Extraordinary Strides! I’m Coach Christine and in today’s episode, we’re diving deep into Race Day Etiquette—a topic that’s been buzzing in the Stride Collective. We’ll cover the essential dos and don’ts for navigating race day with grace. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or prepping for your first race, these tips will help you make the most of your race day experience. We are excited to have Cindy Smith from Pen and Paces join us to share her inspiring journey. Her story is a pow...
In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, we sit down with Gwendolyn Bounds, an award-winning journalist and author of Not Too Late: The Power of Pushing Limits At Any Age. Gwendolyn shares her inspiring journey from a successful career and fulfilling life to taking on the unexpected challenge of obstacle course racing in her mid-40s. We dive into the pivotal moments that led her to this path, the life lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she continues to push her own limits.Key Discu...
Have you ever wondered what makes running more than just a form of exercise? Join me, Coach Christine, on this thrilling episode of Extraordinary Strides as we unlock the secrets to making your runs both enjoyable and effective. Learn how to harness the magic of a "sunshine and rainbows pace," understand the playful nature of "fartlek," and discover the real benefits behind using fuel belts or hydration vests. Plus, get the lowdown on hill repeats, interval training, and how to power up your ...
What does it take to rediscover a passion that you thought was lost forever? Meet Carmen, also known as Katina Hedges, whose journey from the heat of Mexico to the cold climates of Michigan in the U.S. serves as a testament to resilience and determination. This episode of Extraordinary Strides chronicles Carmen's incredible path from a college runner to a gold medalist at the Michigan Senior Olympics, and her unwavering drive to compete in the 2025 Nationals in Des Moines, Iowa. Along the way...
Imagine overcoming a health setback only to come back stronger and inspire an entire community. Stephanie Rosberg did just that. She moved to Disney with dreams of running marathons, but an autoimmune disease put her on a detour. Hear how that detour led to the creation of the Home State Run Club in Central Florida. Alongside Stephanie, we have Maya Cohn, a dedicated member who started running in third grade with Girls on the Run and has since tackled the Boston Marathon and going on to her b...
Join Coach Christine, your fairy run mother, along with Mod Squad members Sally and Lynn, as we take you on a magical journey through the world of candy and caramel apples. We promise you'll walk away with more than just a sweet tooth. Listen in for tasty trivia, sweet conversation, and apple-solutely delicious fun! We sprinkle a touch of Disney magic into our apple-filled episode. Lynn, our Disney expert, reveals the best spots to find caramel and candy apples at Disney World, from Main...
Ready to conquer your summer runs and stay cool while doing it? Join Coach Christine as she chats with Shelly Rose, who’s gearing up for her first half marathon. Shelly shares her favorite summer training gear and hydration strategies, inspiring you to elevate your running game. From hydration products like Liquid IV and Nuun to overcoming self-consciousness with the right running apparel, this episode is packed with insights to keep you comfortable and confident on the trails.Ever wondered h...
Can mastering the art of recovery unlock your best marathon performance yet? Join us in a captivating conversation with Sue Fabulous Freidus as she shares her remarkable journey leading up to the Chicago Marathon and her recent triumph at the BAA 10K. Discover the transformative power of rest and recovery in marathon training, with insights on scheduled rest days, active recovery activities, and the crucial role of flexibility and stretching.Sue also sheds light on essential recovery tools an...
Why do bad runs or bad running weather conditions happen to good people? Join us as we welcome the official royal couple of the Extraordinary League, Nick and Julie, who share their triumphs and tribulations in preparing for Grandma's Marathon. We'll explore how embracing the tough runs, leaning into the running community, and finding joy in the journey can transform your running experience. Ever wondered about the logistics of marathon day and the benefits of race bib mailing? We dive i...
Welcome to the sweetest virtual fun run of the summer—Will Run for Ice Cream! Whether you’re running, walking, or skipping your way to the virtual finish line, this episode is packed with everything you need to make your 5K a delicious success.In this episode, we’re blending our love for running with the delightful world of ice cream. Here’s what you can look forward to: 🍨 Fascinating facts about the history of ice cream 🍦 Engaging activities and fun trivia to keep you entertained 🎉 Plenty of...
Join Coach Christine on Extraordinary Strides as we explore Shelly Rose’s incredible transformation from novice runner to half marathon hopeful. Get practical half marathon training tips and inspiration!What motivates someone to push beyond their limits and tackle a daunting half marathon? In this extraordinary episode of Extraordinary Strides, we unravel the inspiring journey of Shelly Rose. Shelly's transformation from a novice runner to a half marathon hopeful is filled with compelling tal...
In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, we're diving into the essential top 10 summer running lessons to help you stay cool, safe, and motivated during the hot months. Plus, we're thrilled to introduce Sue Freidus, an inspiring runner raising funds for Girls on the Run Chicago as a SoleMate for the Chicago Marathon. Learn more about her incredible journey and support her fundraiser here: Sue Rises Again.What if you could transform your summer running routine into a powerhouse of hydration, ...