Strides for Strength

By Michaela Robertson & Erin RosenHealth & Fitness

Strides for Strength episodes

September 17, 2025[RACE SERIES] Taper Tantrums: When Doing Less Feels Like Too Much
Tapering before a big race can feel more mentally exhausting than the peak weeks of training. In this Fall Race Series episode, Michaela and Erin break down why taper is so tough, how to navigate the spirals, and why the weird aches and anxieties are totally normal. Whether you're deep in the taper blues or just curious what’s coming, this is the pep talk you didn’t know you need to not just survive taper but maybe even feel a little better about what is happening physically & mentally leading up to race day.
What You’ll Hear:
Why taper brings up so much mental noise and doubt
What’s actually happening to your body during taper
Phantom pains, sniffles, and the immune dip no one warns you about
Why under-fueling during taper can backfire on race day
How to handle the extra time, energy, and emotions that come up
Journaling prompts and distractions to survive the taper spiral
A reminder that rest is an essential part of performance
CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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32 min
September 10, 2025[RACE SERIES] Train the Brain Like You Train the Body
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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42 min
September 03, 2025Coach Mich Takes on Trail Running (?!?) First Trail Half Marathon Recap
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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38 min
August 27, 2025Seasons Change, So Do You: Motherhood, Time Management & Real Life as a Mom of 3 with Coach Jess
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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38 min
August 20, 2025Running While Pregnant: Strength, Mindset & Letting Go of Control with Brittany
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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33 min
August 13, 2025Your Postpartum Comeback Doesn’t Have to Be Fast to Be Powerful w/ Ruth Atkinson
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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29 min
August 06, 2025Cheesy Gordita Crunches & Boston Dreams: Coach Erin's Pregnancy Journey as an Athlete
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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34 min
July 30, 2025[FOUR COACHES, ONE POD] Sauna Sessions, Strength Gains & Summer Training
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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28 min
July 23, 2025Beer Miles & Belly Bands: A Very Peachtree Roadrace Recap
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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32 min
July 16, 2025Let’s Talk About the Ego (and Strategy) Behind Hitting New Paces w/ Coach Mich & Erin
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/

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
27 min

About Strides for Strength

From the publisher's feed

Michaela and Erin are RRCA certified run coaches and Registered Nurses by degree! The Strides for Strength podcast is where running meets everyday life. We focus on mindset, physical strength and all…