Join us on this heartfelt episode of Strides for Strength  as we welcome Coach Erin’s newest adventure: motherhood! Freshly postpartum, Erin shares her unfiltered birth story, from a 36-hour labor to navigating the first sleepless week with baby T. She reflects on how her endurance athlete mindset prepared her for labor, the realities of postpartum recovery, and the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a new mom. From mastering the basics of feeding and sleep to finding her new normal while balancing running goals, Erin offers an honest inside look of this season of life and encouragement for anyone on the motherhood journey.

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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 been feeling off, overwhelmed, or like you’re not doing enough, this one is your reminder that you’re not alone.

💡 What You’ll Hear:

• The real talk behind expectations, performance pressure, and low-motivation seasons
• How pelvic floor issues shaped training and the conversation around women’s running
• Why you don’t have to keep up with runfluencers or anyone else online
• The behind-the-scenes of the Philly race weekend and what made it feel magical

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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 your body in transition. If you’re in a season that feels messy, uncertain, or different than expected, this one will hit home.

💡 What You’ll Hear

• How pregnancy is reshaping Erin’s relationship with movement, rest, and expectations
• The mindset shift required when your training feels off, heavy, or uninspired
• Why slowing down doesn’t mean you’re losing progress—it’s often where growth happens
• Michaela’s reflections on navigating a new season of running and identity
• Bonus: Erin using her belly as a portable food tray (an all-time iconic moment)

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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 the run (and off).

In this episode, we cover:

• Why GI issues, fatigue, and injuries aren’t always “just part of running”
• What RED-S is, and why it’s often missed—even in healthy-looking runners
• Tangible signs you’re underfueling (even if you think you’re eating enough)
• Where to start when unlearning toxic nutrition advice
• How to support a friend struggling with disordered eating or underfueling

Connect with Brooke:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentfulnutrition/

Website: www.intentfulnutrition.com
Freebie: https://intentful-nutrition.kit.com/pre-and-post-workout
(pre and post workout fuel guide)

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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 disorder
• The stress bucket & why performance isn't just about training
• Why under-eating is the biggest roadblock for most women
• What a “normal” period actually looks like—and why it matters
• How to train in alignment with your life season
• Coming off birth control & cycle health 101

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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 resilience in the process. Brittany shares how showing up for the miles helped her process emotions, find meaning, and rediscover her strength both on & off the run. 

What You’ll Hear:

• The  difference between her first and second marathon
• How running helped Brittany navigate grief and change
• The moment everything felt overwhelming — and what pulled her through
• How community and consistency can ground you when life feels uncertain
• How let go of goals and really meet yourself where you are at 

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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, the significance of support from family and friends, and the lessons learned that she hopes can inspire future athletes. This conversation encapsulates the essence of perseverance, dedication, and the transformative power of endurance sports.

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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, particularly young women, and how the book aims to provide accessible, science-based information to help them build healthy relationships with food and performance. Stevie emphasizes the need to debunk common nutrition myths, particularly around carbohydrates, and highlights the significance of support systems in fostering a positive environment for young athletes. Stevie shares practial stools & resources that will aid in long term health AND performance! 

Pre-order her book, Power Up: A Young Woman's Guide to Winning with Sports Nutrition now!

Connect with her on IG @stevielynlyn

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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 You’ll Hear:

• Nicole’s transition from competitive swimming to running and triathlon
• How a New Year’s resolution turned into a lifelong love for endurance sports
• The role patience played in coming back from injury and illness
• Why triathlon culture and community are unlike anything else
• The surprising impact of cadence, strength, and small details on big improvements
• How focusing on feeling strong—rather than chasing numbers—changes the game
• Nicole’s future goals (yes, the full Ironman seed has been planted!)

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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 training intentionally and the importance of setting realistic goals that align with her life as a mother and teacher. As she looks ahead to future races, she shares her excitement about continuing to grow in her running journey while balancing family life.

 What You’ll Hear:

• Anyone can be a runner, regardless of speed or distance.
• Running can serve as a metaphor for life, teaching resilience and perseverance.
• Motivation for running can evolve over time, especially through different life stages.
• Training should be intentional and responsive to individual needs and circumstances.
• It's important to find a balance between running and family commitments.
• Setting realistic goals can help maintain motivation and enjoyment in running.
• Community support can enhance the running experience and provide accountability.
• Every run is an opportunity to learn and grow as an athlete.

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST