This episode is a real, unfiltered conversation between the Strides for Strength coaches about what it actually looks like to navigate a tough season—physically, mentally, and emotionally. We unpack the pressure to “do more,” the myth that you have to keep up with everyone else, and the permission to honor whatever season your body is in. From race weekends to pelvic floor struggles to the importance of women supporting women, this episode pulls back the curtain on the messy middle. If you’ve...
In this episode, we’re bringing you all the unfiltered life updates—from Erin being as pregnant as pregnant can be (yes, complete with burrito-on-belly commentary) to how both of us are navigating seasons of running that look nothing like they used to. We talk about shifting identity, giving yourself permission to slow down, and why it’s okay for your training to change when life does. This conversation blends humor, honesty, and coaching perspective as we unpack what it really means to honor...
In this episode, we sit down with registered dietitian Brooke Czarnecki to unpack the hidden epidemic in the endurance world: under-fueling. Brooke shares her personal story of overcoming disordered eating, why RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) is more common than we think, and how you can start rebuilding trust with your body. From gut issues to burnout, we cover the symptoms you’ve probably normalized and the small shifts that can make a massive difference in how you feel on...
This episode is a truth bomb in the best way. Danielle Kepics—a functional medicine PA, former therapist, and absolute powerhouse joins us for a no-BS conversation about performance, periods, and why “just push through” culture is failing athletes. We unpack what’s actually healthy, how stress impacts performance, and why eating more and doing less might be the exact reset you need. In this episode, we talk about: How endurance athletes confuse discipline with disorderThe stress bucket & ...
In this episode with one of our athletes, Brittany who just completed the New York City Marathon, we dive into what it really feels like to train and race while life unravels around you. This training cycle for her was the kind of season where running becomes more than a goal; it becomes a lifeline. Something to help you connect deeper to you. Through her story of navigating grief after losing her mom, navigating the uncertainty of allowing her body to process & heal all while building re...
In this conversation, Courtney Daniels shares her journey to completing her first Ironman, reflecting on the mental and physical challenges she faced throughout her training and race day. From the importance of nutrition and mental preparation to the sacrifices made along the way, Courtney provides the insights she wish she would have known going in to her first Ironman and tying it back to the everyday endurance athlete's experience. She shares the emotional highs and lows of race day,...
We’re welcoming registered dietitian and board-certified sports nutritionist Stevie Lynn Smith back to the Strides for Strength podcast—this time as a soon-to-be published author! Her new book, Power Up: A Young Woman’s Guide to Winning with Sports Nutrition, is all about helping female athletes fuel with confidence, ditch diet culture myths, and build a strong foundation for both performance and lifelong health. This conversation explores the importance of nutrition for athletes, parti...
Nicole joins us on the Strides for Strength podcast to share her journey from a high school state champion swimmer to a triathlete chasing Ironman dreams. From navigating setbacks like injuries and illness to rebuilding her running from the ground up, Nicole’s story is one of discipline, patience, and persistence. Whether you’re curious about triathlon or just need a reminder that growth comes with time, this conversation will inspire you to embrace the long game in your own training. 💡 What ...
In this episode of the Strides for Strength podcast, Kristen sits down with Coach Mich to share her journey as a runner, reflecting on her journey from a hesitant participant using primarily the on/off again via Couch to 5k method to a now consistent, strong, motivated athlete. She discusses the importance of finding personal motivation, the impact of motherhood on her running journey, and the significance of nutrition in helping her performance. Kristen also emphasizes the value of tra...
The Strides for Strength coaching crew is back together on the mic! In this roundtable catch-up, we get real about marathon training highs and lows, pivoting race plans, pregnancy running struggles, and how to keep running fun when life feels full. Tune in for hot takes on the pro running world, updates on our own training (or lack thereof), and the reminder every runner needs: races will always be there, but your joy matters most. What You’ll Hear: Why pivoting your race plan can be a smart,...
In this bonus episode, Michaela and Erin share their very different experiences with this year’s Boston Marathon registration results. One got in, one missed it by just five seconds. Together, they unpack the emotions, lessons, and logistics behind chasing big goals and how to hold space for both joy and heartbreak in the same moment. What You’ll Hear: The highs and lows of Boston Marathon registration day: acceptance vs. rejectionHow Erin navigated qualifying while pregnant and the decision ...
From cross-country moves and inconsistent summer training to hitting a pull-up PR, we’re catching you up on life, running, and what registering for Boston really feels like (spoiler: it’s not always seamless). We also dive into fears about setbacks, how to reframe “starting over,” and why AI training plans may not always have your best interest in mind. What You’ll Hear: Why one of us is celebrating 3x6 pull-ups in the off-seasonThe reality of moving across the country mid-training cycl...
The finish line isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning of what comes next. In this final episode of our Race Series, Michaela and Erin dive deep into the emotional highs and lows after race day, how to process the “post-race blues,” and why reflection is the secret weapon for becoming a stronger lifelong athlete. Whether your race went perfectly or totally fell apart, this episode will help you reset, recover, and refocus without rushing into the next big thing. What You’ll Hear: Why a post-ra...
In this episode of the Race Series, Michaela and Erin swap stories from their first marathons and share the unexpected challenges that pop up on race day—from weather that won’t cooperate to porta-potty disasters. You’ll learn how to prepare for conditions you can’t control, adjust your race plan on the fly, and handle start line stress like a pro. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or your 10th marathon, these lessons will help you show up ready for anything. 💡 What You’ll Hear: The m...
Tapering before a big race can feel more mentally exhausting than the peak weeks of training. In this Fall Race Series episode, Michaela and Erin break down why taper is so tough, how to navigate the spirals, and why the weird aches and anxieties are totally normal. Whether you're deep in the taper blues or just curious what’s coming, this is the pep talk you didn’t know you need to not just survive taper but maybe even feel a little better about what is happening physically & mentally le...
Race day nerves, mid-run meltdowns, and the fear of not finishing—we’ve all faced those moments when things don’t go according to plan. In this episode, Michaela and Erin dive into the mental side of racing: what to do when your goals feel out of reach, how to reframe negative thoughts mid-race, and why training your mindset is just as important as training your body. Whether you’re chasing a PR or simply trying to finish strong, this is about when the doubt or discomfort creeps in bcz let's ...
In this episode, Michaela shares her experience stepping off the roads and onto the trails for her very first trail half marathon. Alongside Erin, the two unpack the differences between road and trail racing, the ego shift required, and why chasing pace isn’t the goal when dirt, rocks, and mountains are involved. If you’ve ever thought about trying trail running—or wondered what it really feels like—this one’s for you. What You’ll Hear: The decision-making process behind skipping another mara...
In this episode of the motherhood series, Coach Jess brings the real talk. As a run coach, fitness coach, and mom of three (ages 5, 7, and almost 11), Jess shares what motherhood looks like in this current season of life—far past the toddler stage, but still deep in the chaos of sports, schedules, and trying to find balance in self-care. From early morning workouts to treadmill runs while her kids are home for summer, she offers wisdom on time management, mom guilt, and why putting yourself f...
In this episode of the motherhood series, we sit down with Brittany—run coach, strength coach, nurse, and soon-to-be mom—to talk all things pregnancy, performance, and mindset shifts. From running a half marathon in the first trimester to navigating gym workouts with pelvic floor awareness, Brittany opens up about the physical and emotional rollercoaster of being a pregnant athlete. Whether you’re a runner, a mom, or someone figuring out how to give themselves grace- this episode is for you! ...
In this episode, we chat with Coach Ruth Atkinson—former choir teacher turned full-time run coach and new mama. Ruth opens up about her transition from the classroom to coaching, what it was like running a marathon at 26 weeks pregnant (!!), and her very real, very raw return to running postpartum. We talk about identity shifts, social media comparison traps, setting expectations, and why every mom's journey (and comeback pace) is valid. In this episode, we cover: Ruth’s career pivot from c...