By Christine Hetzel
Welcome to Extraordinary Strides, the podcast that celebrates the spirit of running and the inspiring stories of those who lace up their shoes and hit the pavement.
Here, we dive into
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The podcast currently has 205 episodes available.
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 Corps Marathon 50k, sharing a personal lesson about relying on discipline when motivation fades. As the miles get longer, it’s crucial to put in the work during training to avoid penalties on race day. She offers practical and fun tips to banish long-run dread and gives a special shout-out to her other half for encouraging her through a tough run, even promising a post-run margarita!
The episode includes a recap of the Berlin Marathon 2024, celebrating all the runners who completed the race, and offers encouragement to those preparing for the upcoming Chicago Marathon, the next big race on the horizon.
Finally, we dive into books 50 to 26 from the Top 100 Running Books list. You can find the full list of books from 26-100 here.
Limited Coaching Spots Opening:
Winter training is just around the corner, and if you need 1:1 help to get ready for your spring races, now is the time! Spots are opening up, but they’re limited, so don’t miss out. You can also join The Extraordinary League for group coaching and accountability. Sign up here.
Links and Resources:
For donation information: Hurricane Helene Relief Resources.
For more about the Top 100 Running Books: Full list of books 26-100.
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Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
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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 running books, diving into entries from 75 to 51. From "The Running Club" by Ben Gross to "Running with the Kenyans" by Adharanand Finn, these books offer fascinating insights and stories that any runner would cherish. Whether you're seeking motivation, training tips, or simply a great read, our highlighted selections promise to enrich your running journey. Make sure to check out the full list on our website for even more inspiration.
Ever wondered if morning or evening runs are better for you? We break down the differences and benefits of each, sharing practical tips on pre-run meals and sleep routines to enhance your performance. Special guest Shelly Rose joins us to share her journey toward her first half marathon, emphasizing the importance of consistency, nutrition, rest, and social accountability. From tackling new distances to finding fresh motivation, this episode is packed with valuable insights to elevate your running experience.
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Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
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 you’re looking for inspiration or practical advice, these books offer invaluable insights that can elevate your running game to new heights.
In a heartfelt conversation, Ashley turns the tables and interviews Coach Christine about her own running journey. From starting with a Couch to 5k program to tackling the World Marathon Majors, and shares the ups and downs of the path to becoming a coach. We discuss the power of community, the joy of volunteering, and our future marathon goals, including the exciting possibility of Sydney and Cape Town joining the marathon major circuit. This episode is packed with motivation, practical tips, and heartwarming stories that will inspire runners of all levels.
Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!
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Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
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 features 13 intervals of sprints with equal recovery, a 13-minute warm-up, and a 13-minute cooldown to help you get scary fast.
Don’t miss out—get your exclusive run and be part of the spooky fun! SIGN UP HERE!
Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!
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Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
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 powerful testament to the resilience found through running and creativity. Cindy also offers valuable insights on balancing an athletic and artistic life, making this episode a must-listen for anyone striving to find harmony between work and personal passions.
Cindy shares her journey from Google to founding Pens & Paces, her must-have race day items, and tips for making race day fun. She also discusses the inspiration behind her products and offers advice on overcoming self-doubt.
Make sure to stick around for the second half of the episode, where we’ll dive into the final 15 tips, including some bonus points on what to do if you’re spectating a race.
Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to reach out if you’re interested in joining the October challenge. Let’s keep running, keep shining, and keep making those strides extraordinary!
Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!
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Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
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.
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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 finishing kick to nail every workout with confidence.
Get ready to expand your running vocabulary as we break down essential runner jargon. From understanding the importance of negative splits to the significance of getting properly fitted for your running shoes, this episode covers it all. We also delve into the joys of personal records (PRs) and personal bests (PBs), offering valuable tips on how to execute recovery runs effectively. And for those curious about the euphoria of runner's high, we explain how endocannabinoids play a role in enhancing your mood and well-being.
Lastly, we shine a spotlight on the incredible spirit of the Extraordinary Strides community. Join the Stride Collective Facebook community page and be part of a network that celebrates every step of your journey. We show our heartfelt appreciation for each member's contributions and encourage everyone to stay connected and motivated. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting, this episode promises to inspire and equip you with the knowledge to make every stride extraordinary.
Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!
Support the show
Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!
Support the Show.
Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
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, Carmen shares how a friend's simple invitation to run sparked a lifelong love for the sport, and how a charity walk for Parkinson's in 2015 reignited that flame after years of life's twists and turns.
Transitioning between countries and climates, Carmen initially used running as a stress reliever and found a supportive community that fueled her passion. We reminisce about a time when race invitations came by mail and running was free from the distractions of gadgets and social media. Even through life's hiatuses, including marriage and career changes, Carmen's story emphasizes the importance of perseverance and simplicity. Whether it's overcoming weight gain or navigating the changing landscape of modern running, Carmen's narrative is a powerful reminder of the persistent call to get back on track.
Carmen's journey is not merely about running; it's about the spirit of competition and personal growth. From qualifying for the Senior Olympics through social media discovery to setting records in race walking, her story is filled with mental and physical challenges that shape her resilience. At 65, she finds strength in pursuing bucket list goals, overcoming osteoarthritis, and even revisiting her passion for Hawaiian dancing.
Carmen's story is an inspiring call to never give up on your dreams, no matter the obstacles. Join us for an episode brimming with motivation, where Carmen's extraordinary strides encourage us all to take bold steps toward our ambitions.
Keep up with Carmen and walk toward your own health inspiration here.
Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!
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Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
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 biggest challenge yet a perfect WDW runDisney season. Both share their love for the camaraderie of the runDisney Marathon Weekend and the life-changing impact of community-based running.
What happens when you decide to start a run club with no prior experience? Stephanie faced that very challenge when she moved to the Hamlin area right before COVID. Partnering with a local brewery, she launched the Home State Run Club and watched it grow from just a handful of runners to a bustling community. Maya, initially hesitant to socialize, found her tribe here. Their stories highlight the power of accessible, community-driven fitness initiatives that welcome everyone, regardless of running ability.
Balancing personal goals and community leadership can be tricky, but Stephanie has mastered it. She shares her strategies for making new members feel at home and connects people with common interests, likening her role to hosting a wedding reception every Monday. Maya emphasizes the importance of personal initiative in forming connections. From chalk-written motivational messages to dream scenarios of running with celebrities like Taylor Swift, the episode is filled with insights and lighthearted moments. Dive into the supportive and inclusive spirit that makes the Home State Run Club feel like a family, and discover how you can keep running, shining, and making every stride extraordinary.
Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!
Support the show
Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
The podcast currently has 205 episodes available.
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