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 be real- IT WILL. 

What You’ll Hear:

• How to mentally prep for the discomfort of race day
• Why mindset needs to be trained just like your legs
• What to do when your race isn’t going to plan
• Visualization tools that actually work
• How to reset mid-race when doubt or fear creeps in

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

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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 marathon and choosing trails instead
• How road running fitness translates (and doesn’t) to the trails
• The mental shift required to embrace slower paces and walking climbs
• Nutrition differences between road and trail racing (and why Nerds Clusters made an appearance)
• The unexpected community vibe of trail racing compared to the roads
• Race morning nerves, blue flag fears, and why aid stations weren’t what Michaela expected

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 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 first isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Jess’s fitness journey evolved across three pregnancies
• Lifting, running, and taking back control of your body after being told to “do nothing”
• Managing time and expectations as a mom of three active kids
• Advice for moms navigating mom guilt and losing their sense of self
• Why seasons will change—and how to keep showing up for yourself through each one
• Her best “mic drop” reminder for moms trying to do it all

Connect with Coach Jess on IG @wholelattejess

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 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 cover:

• How Brittany’s journey into running started with the Boston Marathon (and a towed car)
• The evolution from chasing sweat to loving strength
• Running a half marathon during the first trimester: ego vs. intuition
• Navigating body image and weight gain during pregnancy
• How pregnancy has shifted her training, mindset, and routines in the gym
• Advice for new moms and pregnant athletes including flexibility and grace

Connect with Brittany on IG: @runyourlife_

Learn how to work with Britt www.runyourlifecoaching.com

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 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 choir director to running coach
• Her experience running a marathon while 26 weeks pregnant
• The emotional and physical shift from performance-focused to vibe-focused running
• What early postpartum return to running actually looks like (C-section, sleepless nights, and all)
• Advice for navigating motherhood and still staying connected to your sense of self

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

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In this vulnerable and honest conversation, Coach Erin shares her unfiltered journey through pregnancy as an athlete who never saw motherhood in her future. From early surprises and shifting identities to navigating training and redefining success, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in a season of transition, especially athletes learning to embrace the unknown.

💡 What You’ll Hear:

• The honest story behind Coach Erin’s unexpected pregnancy
• Letting go of control and trusting your body in new ways
• Redefining athletic success while growing a tiny human
• How pregnancy impacted her Boston goals—and her mindset
• The physical and emotional realities few talk about in pregnant athlete life
• Why duality (gratitude and discomfort) matters in big life transitions
• Maternity fashion meltdowns, Taco Bell cravings, and keeping it real

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

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The full Strides for Strength coaching crew is back on the mic! In this catch-up episode, we cover everything from summer running and racing wins to Coach Erins pregnancy news, heat training tips, strength training blocks, and what it means to pivot with grace (and a lot of laughter). This one’s for you, the runner navigating life’s seasons, craving connection, and learning how to adjust without giving up!

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Jess’s half marathon PR & return to racing
• The mental edge of sauna sessions + heat adaptation for race day
• Life updates from Germany to pregnancy, and what training looks like now
• The power of strength cycles, back squats, and seasonality in running
• Honest convos about expectations, identity shifts, and letting go of timelines

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

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In this fun and honest episode, we coaches recap this year’s Peachtree Road Race—including Coach Erin running while pregnant, racing in Atlanta heat, and Jonathan’s legendary beer-per-mile strategy. We dive deep into shifting expectations, what it means to race “for fun,” and how our mindsets have changed over time with a decade of running.

What you will hear:

• What it’s really like to run the world’s largest 10K while pregnant
• Why Peachtree is a party… and also hot, humid chaos
• How Jonathan drank 8 beers in 6 miles (yes, really)
• What mature athletes understand about race-day expectations
• Letting go of PR pressure and embracing joy in running
• How social media and Strava shape our self-worth as runners
• The power of running in community and racing just for fun

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

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You’ve got a goal pace… but how do you actually get there? In this episode, Mich and Erin break down the real process behind learning new paces, mentally and physically. From reframing what “hard” should feel like to running smarter workouts (not just faster ones), this convo is equal parts pep talk and game plan for runners who want to stop winging it and start executing.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why you don’t need to hit a pace perfectly to be making progress
• The mental hurdles (and ego checks) that come with learning new speeds
• How to break down intimidating workouts so you can run smarter, not harder
• Why your training runs—not just race day—are your best chance to practice race pace

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

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If the summer heat has you bonking on every run, you’re not alone—and this episode is your hydration lifeline. We’re joined by fan favorite Chelsea Schmidt, nurse practitioner and sports nutrition coach, to break down hydration, sodium, and why so many runners are under-fueled and overcomplicating it. Whether you’re marathon training or hobby jogging in humid weather, this is your crash course in staying strong (and upright) all summer long.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why most runners are under-consuming sodium (and what to do about it)
• How to calculate your hydration and sodium needs (without getting overwhelmed)
• Tips for salty sweaters, GI distress, and recovery
• The truth about salt tabs, drink mixes, and gels

Standout Quotes:

• “You don’t get a trophy for running an hour with no fuel—you just get more tired.”
• “It’s not a fueling problem, it’s usually a sodium problem.”
• “Runners are not normal. You are not the average person the FDA is talking to.”
• “There’s no badge of honor for bonking.”

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

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST