Extraordinary Strides

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 to miss our special challenges, like February’s Gloves On, Booty Strong Challenge and March’s Playbill Playoffs, all designed to ramp up your motivation and performance throughout the year. 

February’s focus is on building strength in the posterior chain and lateral stabilizers—critical areas for female runners who are often quad-dominant. This strength helps prevent injuries and improves performance. Space is limited, so sign up now to get started on a stronger 2025.

Sign up for February’s Gloves On, Booty Strong Challenge or commit to the next three months:
Register Here


Plus, I share updates on my own running and invite you to join the Women of World Marathon Majors Facebook group to connect with inspiring female runners from across the globe.

We dive deep into building a robust identity as a runner, with a particular focus on the role of strength training for women. Learn why heavy lifting is not only about muscle gain but essential in boosting endurance and warding off injuries—especially by strengthening that all-important posterior chain. 

Understand how to adapt your workouts to the seasonal ebb and flow of your mileage and why maintaining a disciplined schedule is crucial in a hectic lifestyle. 

Additionally, I tackle the challenges posed by California’s wildfires, offering practical tips for training safely amid smoky skies. This episode is your guide to prioritizing health, staying adaptable, and ensuring open communication with healthcare professionals as you chase those ambitious running goals.

Have questions or want to chat? Send a voicemail!

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Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. 

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," "Knockout February," and "The Fit Games."

If you’ve ever struggled with sticking to your goals after January, this program is your answer. With structure, support, and plenty of fun along the way, you’ll be set up to make 2025 your strongest year yet.

We kick off on January 6, and registration is open now. Sign up today to lock in your spot and use code COMMIT at checkout to save $20.

🎧 Ready to rise? Visit the website for all the details.

This is your year—let’s make it extraordinary together!

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Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. 

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 go sideways—because let’s face it, sometimes they will. Whether it’s a blister at mile ten or the dreaded porta-potty dilemma, you’ll leave this episode ready to handle anything the race throws at you. Tune in for wisdom, laughter, and the confidence boost you need to crush your next race.

Your Fairy Runmother has you covered—now, let’s stride toward extraordinary together! 🏅✨

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🎙️ 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 shares her extraordinary journey from starting her first training plan to crossing the finish line of her very first half marathon. Shelly’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, boldness, and community. You’ll walk away feeling motivated and ready to tackle your own wild, audacious dreams.

💡 In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why audacious goals are acts of rebellion against excuses.
• How running mirrors the defiance needed to chase bold dreams.
• The small, daily decisions that build momentum toward extraordinary achievements.
• Shelly Rose’s personal story: Her challenges, triumphs, and the lessons she learned along the way.
• How you can take your running to the next level with The Extraordinary League’s Rise to the Challenge program.

🌟 Ready to Rise?
As 2025 approaches, it’s time to set audacious goals and make them a reality. Join Rise to the Challenge, a four-month journey to build strength, resilience, and confidence in your running. Whether you're training for your first race, chasing a PR, or simply looking for accountability, this program has everything you need to defy ordinary and achieve extraordinary.

💥 Exclusive Offer: Podcast listeners save $25 with code EXTRAPOD2025 when you sign up before December 31.
👉 Sign up now!

🌌 Stay Connected:
Ready to make 2025 your year of transformation? Visit extraordinarystrides.com for training resources, community updates, and inspiration to fuel your extraordinary journey.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow runners! Let’s keep striding toward greatness, one bold goal at a time.

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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 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 wasn’t easy—I’d love to feature your story in an upcoming episode.

Here’s how to share:

• Click the link below to text me.
• Include your full name, your 2024 win, and how I can reach you if I have follow-up questions (texts don’t include identifying info automatically!).

This season, take a moment for yourself. Celebrate your strides, reflect on your wins, and know that I’m so grateful to have you as part of this extraordinary community.

Happy holidays, my friend!

Have questions or want to chat? Send a voicemail!

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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 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 chasing big goals while supporting each other every step of the way. She’s a nursing professor, charity fundraiser, and an accomplished runner with a journey that inspires us all.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Practical tips for back-of-the-pack runners, including training strategies, fueling, hydration, and gear.
• Insights on preparing for unique challenges like waiting hours in corrals or running through mealtimes.
• Theresa’s personal journey, from completing marathons and ultramarathons to losing 150 pounds and transforming her life.
• How Theresa’s Facebook group fosters community and support for back-of-the-pack runners pursuing the prestigious Six Star Medal.
• Details about Theresa’s fundraiser, the Running on Hope Virtual 5K, which benefits Team Hope Story, an incredible organization making an impact.

Join the Six Star Medal Back of the Pack Community

Are you a back-of-the-pack runner chasing your Six Star Medal or looking for a supportive community to share your running journey? Join Theresa’s Six Star Medal Back of the Pack Facebook group and connect with like-minded runners who celebrate every stride, no matter the pace.
📲 Join the Group Here

Support Team Hope Story: Running on Hope Virtual 5K

Looking to make an impact while logging your miles? Sign up for Theresa’s Running on Hope Virtual 5K and support Team Hope Story, an organization dedicated to uplifting families and communities.
🏃‍♀️ Sign Up for the Virtual 5K Here

Let’s Connect!

If this episode inspired you, share it with a fellow runner or leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us spread the word. Let’s keep celebrating runners of all paces and creating a community where everyone belongs.

🎙️ Keep striding forward—see you on the next episode of Extraordinary Strides! 🎙️

Have questions or want to chat? Send a voicemail!

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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. 

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 opportunity to make memories and give back.

We’ll dive into the unique tradition of the Dead Last Start—a way of embracing the race day experience with humor and heart, all while raising awareness and funds for an incredible cause: the American Cancer Society. Both Ian and Pearl are gearing up to bring this signature move to the Chicago Marathon, and they need your help to hit their fundraising goals!

About Our Guests:
🦹 Ian Hirth
A seasoned marathoner, ultra-runner, and Boston qualifier, Ian has completed the prestigious World Marathon Majors while making runDisney events his playground. As part of Team runDisney Villains, Ian combines his love for running and charity, turning every race into a chance to create change.

🎀 Pearl Devins
Known for her dazzling running skirts and infectious energy, Pearl is a passionate advocate for making running fun and accessible. From her love of all things runDisney to her dedication to meaningful causes, Pearl lights up the back of the pack with her Dead Last Start adventures.

Wondering where to get your hands on a super cute running skirt? Pearl is all about the Bolder Skirt life and is sharing a 15% discount code with you here! https://bolderathleticwear.com/discount/PEARL15.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✨ Practical tips to beat holiday running slumps (and stay motivated during the busiest time of year!)
✨ What Dead Last Start is all about and why it’s such a meaningful tradition
✨ Behind-the-scenes insights into runDisney races and the World Marathon Majors
✨ How Ian and Pearl are turning their Chicago Marathon journeys into fundraising powerhouses for the American Cancer Society

Support Ian & Pearl’s Fundraising Efforts:
💜 Ian’s Team runDisney Villains Fundraising Page: Support Ian
💖 Pearl’s Personal Fundraising Page: Support Pearl

Every dollar helps make a difference in the fight against cancer—let’s rally behind these incredible runners!

What's Next?:
Feeling inspired? Head to our Facebook page and let us know how YOU tackle holiday running slumps. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who could use a little extra motivation this season.

If you loved this conversation, leave a review, and be sure to follow the podcast for more extraordinary stories, tips, and inspiration. Together, let’s keep shining, keep striding, and keep daring to be extraordinary!

Have questions or want to chat? Send a voicemail!

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. 

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 Nachbur:

• Brittney’s first marathon journey and how a supportive community fueled her determination.
• Jennifer’s farewell to the marathon distance, the lessons learned from years of running, and the spirit of women's empowerment. 

🌟 Mandy Sharp-Sarber & Michele Prunsansky:

• How these runners turned marathoning into a tool for personal growth.
• The sisterhood they built on the course, from strangers to sole sisters, they built a connection to work toward the marathon finish line together. 

🌟 Lynn Kinney & Ashley Lucas:

• Ashley’s perseverance through unexpected challenges mid-race.
• Lynn's expertise on how to tackle post-race blues. 
• How both runners relied on preparation and community to overcome setbacks.

🌟 The Spirit of The Extraordinary League: 

• The unique power of marathon communities to foster connection, resilience, and lifelong friendships.
• How events like the marathon weekend celebrate the extraordinary in every woman.

Why Listen?

If you’re curious about how running can be a catalyst for personal transformation, this episode is for you. With relatable stories, practical insights, and plenty of inspiration, you’ll discover what makes Team Milk's Every Woman’s Marathon an unforgettable weekend! 

Join The Extraordinary League

Feeling inspired to take your training to the next level? Work 1:1 with Coach Christine Hetzel and join a community of runners striving to achieve their goals with personalized plans and unwavering support.

👉 Fill out the application here to start your extraordinary journey today!

Tune in now to hear these incredible stories, and let their triumphs inspire your next running adventure!

Have questions or want to chat? Send a voicemail!

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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. 

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 your go-to for cruise and runDisney insights, Coach Christine will lend some insight into the world-renowned World Marathon Majors.

Ashley shares her passion for destination races, like the Erie Half Marathon, and her personal dream of running the Honolulu Marathon. Together, we dive into strategies for blending fitness with fun, from staying active on vacation to adapting to new climates and savoring local cuisine without compromising hydration or training. We’ll share practical tips for race prep while traveling, time zone adjustments, and how to find the best post-race celebrations—whether it’s an Alaskan cruise or a staycation adventure.

Don’t miss our personal anecdotes and actionable advice, plus some bonus tools to help make your next runcation a breeze! Coach Christine has created a runcation packing checklist, and Ashley has put together a comprehensive cruise track distance chart—both available for free download HERE. 

Tune in for all the tips and inspiration you need to make your next runcation extraordinary, and be sure to follow Ashley on Instagram at @ashley_mysticaldreamtravel for even more travel magic and Black Friday Holiday sales! 

Have questions or want to chat? Send a voicemail!

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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. 

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 enjoying the unique excitement that makes Shamrock Weekend truly special.

Whether you're ready to take on your first marathon or crush a new personal best, Shamrock Marathon Weekend has something for everyone. From the high-energy, big-city vibes to a close-knit, welcoming community feel, it’s the perfect stage to chase PRs and even aim for a Boston qualifying time! Amanda reveals how a strong support system, including a partner ready to handle life’s logistics, helps keep her motivated and focused as the distances get longer and the goals even more exciting.

Imagine the thrill of crossing epic finish lines alongside friends, family, and a vibrant crowd cheering you on! With top-notch swag like exclusive tech t-shirts and gear collaborations with brands like Lululemon, plus a legendary beachside after-party complete with live bands and ocean views, Shamrock Marathon Weekend rivals the excitement of events like runDisney. And you’re invited to join in on the action! 🌈☘️

Kick off your training with us and join the Shamrock & Stride 16-week program—perfect for those who want to be race-ready for this unforgettable weekend! Check out the details and commit to training here.

Ready to secure your spot at the race? Register for Shamrock Marathon Weekend here and take that first step toward your personal victory!

Have questions or want to chat? Send a voicemail!

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.