Strides for Strength

Any former soccer player/athletes turned marathoners around here?! So is Nicole!

Get ready for an episode filled with motivation and inspiration as we chat with the incredible Nicole, a run coach through Atlanta Run Club, elite marathoner & former soccer player. Nicole takes us on a journey through her 10 years of running, starting from her soccer days to finding her passion in the running community. She shares how running became a natural transition from soccer and the joy she found in training for races and being a part of a supportive running community.

We also dive into Nicole's recent race in Miami, where she placed fifth overall in the elite division. She opens up about the challenges she faced due to the scorching heat and humidity, and how she adjusted her mindset and goals to prioritize her well-being and having an overall strong race. Nicole's story is a reminder that with the right mindset, determination and a supportive community, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve incredible things on the run and beyond. 

00:25: Introducing Nicole, a running coach and member of Atlanta Run Club.
06:30: Nicole's first race was a marathon, a bold move for a beginner.
10:23: Overcoming the fear of running in groups and the benefits of community.
18:12: Nicole placed fifth overall in the elite division of the Miami Marathon.
23:09: The joy of watching race camp athletes achieve their goals.

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

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Get pumped to hit the trails with Sid, the ultra runner who's changing the game for 'normal' people like us! In this dynamic episode, we are thrilled to bring you the story of a man who went from hating running to being a ultra trail runner and race director, creating an ultra he'd want to be apart of- close parking, later start time-- ya know the good stuff. Sid's passion for trail running shines through as he shares how he found his calling on the rugged coast of Mendocino and how he's helping others do the same. If you've ever felt like ultra running was beyond your reach, Sid's here to tell you it's not—and he's got the book to prove it.

Sid's philosophy is all about embracing the natural world and our innate abilities as humans. He dives into the mental and physical shifts that come with trail running, the importance of stress management, and how to approach training in a way that's fulfilling and sustainable. His upcoming book, "Ultra Running for Normal People," is set to inspire and guide anyone looking to embark on the adventure of a lifetime on the trails and beyond!

00:04:17 - Transitioning from road running to trail running and the mindset shift required
00:06:21 - Understanding what an ultra trail run is and the different distances involved
00:09:14 - Overcoming the fear of trying an ultra trail run and the importance of embracing discomfort
00:15:30 - Encouragement to step out of one's comfort zone and pursue trail running
00:19:59 - The guest's experiment of training for an ultra trail run with minimal preparation
00:23:48 - The tangibles of ultra training and the importance of versatility and adaptability
00:29:40 - The impact of breathwork, including Wim Hof method, on overall stress management and performance
00:33:09 - The benefits of running on trails and the importance of being present and aware

CONNECT WITH SID:
sidgarzahillman.com
YouTube.com/sidgarzahillman
smallstepintensive.com

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

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Get ready to be inspired and motivated by the amazing Kristen Doornbos in this episode of the podcast. Kristen is not only a talented runner, but she is also a licensed massage therapist who specializes in working with athletes. Her passion for helping others and her own personal journey as an adaptive athlete make her story inspiring.

During our conversation, Kristen shares her experience as a massage therapist and the different types of massages that are beneficial for runners and CrossFitters. She emphasizes the importance of taking care of our bodies and finding that balance between training and recovery. Kristen also opens up about her own health journey and how she has adapted to her circumstances as an adaptive athlete with a feeding tube.

If you're in need of some motivation to push through your own challenges and take better care of your body, this episode is a must-listen. Kristen's story will remind you that anything is possible with the right mindset and a little bit of adaptability. So get ready to be inspired and join us on this incredible journey with Kristen Doornbos

00:05:45 - Discussion on different types of massages for runners and athletes.
00:09:20 - Frequency and benefits of getting massages for athletes.
00:12:10 - The journey to becoming a massage therapist and her running career.
00:16:30 - Kristen's first race experience and her thoughts on trail running.
00:19:15 - Her experience with marathons and her thoughts on the unpredictability of each race.
00:23:00 - Her diagnosis and how she adapted her running journey with a feeding tube.00:27:30 - Discussion on the challenges and adaptations of being an adaptive athlete.
00:31:45 - Guest's day-to-day schedule as a massage therapist and her training routine.
00:34:50 - Guest's plans for future races, including a possible triathlon.

CONNECT WITH KRISTEN:
https://www.instagram.com/runlikeakbos/
prmassagetherapy.com 

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

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Need a little reminder that you can do hard things on the run and beyond?! 

BUCKLE UP because this episode is a rollercoaster of emotions that will have you ready to conquer your next big race🎢🏅 Coach Michaela and Erin both ran massive PRs at the Chevron Houston Marathon and this episode we are pulling back the curtains for YOU. Coach Mich still being on cloud nine after this weekend's marathon, where she not only set a new personal record but learned the true meaning of racing SMART and with STRATEGY. We're talking negative splits, race day nutrition, and the mental game that makes all the difference when it comes to race day performance. If you're looking for the reminder that you CAN DO HARD THINGS, this episode is for you.

Join us as we dissect the race mile by mile, revealing the strategies and mindset shifts that led to a 'LETS RAGE' kinda finish. We unpack training, carb loading, race day visualization,  race morning, crossing the finish line with a smile and everything in between. This episode is a love letter to the sport of running and to every athlete who dares to dream big and then get out there and MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Be the first to know when our 1:1 athlete spots open up later this spring:  https://calm-lab-435.myflodesk.com/bdgn17ny6t

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

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Are you ready to UNLOCK the secret to becoming a faster runner? In this episode, Coach Mich and Coach Erin share their personal journeys and insights on how to get faster without solely focusing on running faster. They dive deep into the mindset behind the desire for speed and the importance of embracing your OWN journey as an everyday athlete.

From sleep to strength training to nutrition -- we talk about the 1% of running that has NOTHING to do with running to improve your running times and efficiency. It's about running and it's also NOT about running. If you're looking to make progress as a runner and overcome plateaus, this episode is a game-changer.

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

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In this episode, Chelsea shares her experience of overcoming a torn rotator cuff and defying the odds to train for a half marathon post-surgery. Her determination and resilience will leave you feeling inspire and motivate to conquer whatever challenge that comes your way.

Chelsea's story is a testament to the power of setting goals and pushing yourself beyond your limits. From starting her running journey to running her first half marathon, she proves that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible. We also discuss the importance of nutrition in fueling your body for optimal performance, and Chelsea shares her tips for intuitive eating and finding balance in your nutrition journey.

Tune in to this episode to be inspired by Chelsea's incredible journey and learn how you can apply her strategies to your own life. 

00:06:20 - Chelsea discusses her rotator cuff surgery and her decision to run a half marathon post-surgery.
00:12:28 - The pivotal moment of the mild time trial and the confidence it gave Chelsea.
00:17:20 - Chelsea's background in nutrition and her approach to fueling for the half marathon.
00:21:51 - Chelsea's decision to go into a calorie deficit after the half marathon.
00:23:26 - Chelsea's unexpected decision to run the Chicago Marathon and her reasons behind it.

Connect with Chelsea
chelseaschmidtnutrition.com
IG: @chelseaschmidt.nutrition 

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

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This was one of our most downloaded episodes in 2023 so we figure it was a good time to bring it back! Get ready to be inspired and motivated as we dive into this episode with our incredible guest, Lauren, a licensed sports psychotherapist and coach. We're delving into the world of sports psychology and uncovering the secrets to unlocking your full potential as an athlete.

Lauren shares her expertise on the power of mindset and how it can make or break your performance on the run. We discuss the importance of embracing your identity as an athlete and redefining failure to fuel your growth. She provides practical strategies for managing pre-race anxiety and coping with the post-race blues.

Listen in as we explore the mind-body connection, the art of visualization, and the need for self-care in your athletic journey. It's time to shatter the glass ceilings, break free from self-doubt, build belief in yourself, and become the unstoppable athlete you were always meant to be both on AND off the run!

00:00:00 - The importance of mindset in pushing limits and achieving goals.
00:05:25 - Shifting beliefs and embracing the identity of an athlete.
00:09:16 - Managing stress in high-stress environments like the medical field.
00:17:51 - Tips for combating pre-race anxiety and reframing it as excitement.
00:21:15 - Redefining failure and celebrating regardless of the outcome.

Connect with Lauren:
IG: @laurencmcgauley
TikTok: @lauren.c.mcgauley
Website: www.laurencmcgauley.com

Connect with us:
IG: @stridesforstrength
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: https://calm-lab-435.myflodesk.com/2556b8a8-c520-49b2-9f47-b90eeba26b2c
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

It's ~almost~ time to kick off the 2024 season with a bang. In this episode of the Strides for Strength podcast, we're bringing you all the energy, enthusiasm, and inspiration you need to conquer your running goals. Join us as we chat about our race plans, including a marathon comeback for coach Erin + Mich. We'll also be sharing the exciting details of our Nurses on the Run program, designed to support and empower nurses on their running journey. And if that's not enough, we'll be spilling the beans on our upcoming athlete retreat, complete with a special surprise for our attendees. So get ready to lace up your shoes, embrace the joy of running, and make 2024 your year of triumph. Who else is PUMPED for 2024?!

 (00:07:45) "Teaming up with Carmel Marathon" - We share the exciting news of partnering with the Carmel Marathon and offer a discount code for interested participants.
(00:14:20)"Reflecting on Strong Training Cycles" - We discuss the importance of recognizing and celebrating the progress made during training, regardless of race day outcomes.
(00:19:30)"Nurses on the Run: A Supportive Community for Nurses" - We introduce our new program designed to provide support and resources for nurses looking to incorporate running into their busy schedules.
(00:26:50) "Athlete Retreat 2024: Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend" - We share details about our upcoming athlete retreat, including the location, activities, and the opportunity to support an athlete running their first marathon.

Save 10% on your UCAN order 

CONNECT WITH US:

IG: @stridesforstrength

Coach Erin: @therunningrosen

Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: https://calm-lab-435.myflodesk.com/2556b8a8-c520-49b2-9f47-b90eeba26b2c

WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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

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Get ready for an extra special episode featuring the one and only Coach Erin. She just crushed her Thanksgiving half marathon with a PR of 1:43:00, and in this episode, we're diving deep into her race day experience and the journey that led her to this incredible achievement.

Coach Erin shares her growth and evolution as an athlete, from her early days of running to now running in the sevens. She emphasizes the importance of patience and not comparing yourself to others, reminding us that progress takes time. She also discusses the power of focusing on smaller goals and breaking down the different aspects of training, such as speed, strength, and nutrition, to achieve overall improvement.

If you're in need of some motivation and inspiration, this episode is for you. Coach Erin's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, patience and believing in yourself. Tune in to hear her story and get ready to be inspired to chase your own running goals!

00:08:32 - Erin discusses the importance of focusing on smaller goals and being patient in the running journey.
00:14:48 - Erin talks about her shift in mindset and decision to let go of time goals for the race.
00:16:23 - Erin shares her strategy of running with a pace group and the positive impact it had on her race.
00:25:30 - Erin reveals her future running goals, including the Houston half marathon and a spring marathon.

CONNECT WITH US:

IG: @stridesforstrength
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

A raw, honest & vulnerable conversation Ally Rae Pesta, is a force to be reckoned with. She is an eating disorder recovery and body image coach, a yoga teacher, run coach, and a published author. Ally's book, "Beyond My Body," takes us on her personal journey of recovering from an eating disorder and showcases the non-linear nature of healing and the challenges we face as human beings.

During our conversation, Ally opens up about her experiences as a young athlete and the pressure she felt to be exceptional and fit into societal standards. She also delves into the topics of orthorexia, compulsive exercise, and the importance of unlearning harmful beliefs around food and body image. Ally's message is one of empowerment and self-love, reminding us that we are all deserving of support and freedom when it comes to our relationship with food, movement, and our bodies. Get ready to be inspired and motivated to rewrite your own narrative and embrace your unique journey.

00:00:10 - The pressure of comparison and self-acceptance in female athletes.
00:02:01 - Allie's book, "Beyond My Body," is about her journey recovering from an eating disorder.
00:07:26 - Allie's younger self was obsessed with being exceptional and winning approval from coaches.
00:10:09 - Allie's relationship with running shifted when she got a coach and became more competitive.
00:14:54 - The importance of embracing the human experience and accepting the whole journey.
00:18:28 - The pressure to fit into a certain mold and the need to unlearn societal expectations.
00:25:06 - Understanding the difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder.
00:30:00 - The importance of language and intentionality in our relationship with food and movement.

Connect with Ally:
IG: @allyraepesta
website: https://www.allyrae.co/
tiktok : allyrae_co
resource: https://www.theprojectheal.org/ 

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

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST