Runner's Round Table

To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JftnwKZ7XJY

About Stephanie: Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net
• Retreat experience: https://thecookierunner.net/gsm2024

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EfpzepXlrt8

About Stephanie: Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advancedcertifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Alison Mariella Désir: Alison Mariella Désir is multi-talented: a founder, a doer, an activist, a connector, a visionary and an unapologetically straightforward communicator with a passion for movement, mental health, and racial equity. Alison got her start in the running and outdoor industry unintentionally, after seeing a black friend train and complete a marathon. inspired, alison went on to run her first marathon and discovered that she had found a powerful tool to manage her depression. she’s been working to share the transformational power of running and movement ever since.

• https://www.instagram.com/alisonmdesir
• https://alisonmdesir.com/
• To purchase "Running While Black": https://alisonmdesir.com/book

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KlSCPYm92gk

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Nikki:

Nikki Love is an adventure runner and a motivator of dreaming big, taking action and achieving extraordinary goals.

Nikki turned 50 in 2017 and decided it was time to take her love for travel, marathon running, and cross-countr running to a new level. She is now on a mission to run across, around, or through as many countries that her feet can take her, bringing as many people as she can along for the run.

Her big adventures include running 63 marathons in 63 days through the UK, a craic of a 750 mile run around Ireland, a runcation through Malta and around Gozo, a jolly jaunt across the Netherlands, an extremely muddy and cow-pat laden run from top to bottom of Wales.

Most recently, on July 16, 2023 at the age of 56 Nikki set the women’s record for running across Australia from Perth to Sydney 4,044kms in 76 days, 3 hours and 43 minutes.

Driven by her curiosity to answer the question “I wonder if I can do that…” Nikki shares her adventures – the highs, lows, fun, tears and her experience of overcoming fears, doubts and obstacles as she navigates perimenopause – through her writing, speaking and film-making.

Her goal is to help women know and own their place and space in the world and to keep believing and backing themselves.

• www.instagram.com/nikkiloveruns
• www.nikkilove.co.uk/

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sJ5bbiKUXxs

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Jocelyn:

Meet Jocelyn – a Rundisney enthusiast and multitasking marvel! By day, she weaves her magic as a physical therapy assistant, and by night (and probably mornings too), she’s the superhero mom of an energetic 8-year-old. Together, they sprint through the realms of running and Disney magic, creating a tale of family fitness fun. Nestled in Middle GA with her husband and son, Jocelyn’s running journey unfolds – follow the adventure @MomRunsDis and step into a world where every step is a story!

• www.instagram.com/MomRunsDis
• www.tiktok.com/@momrunsdis

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1CsLcORpfPM

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Kelly:

Kelly Vigil is mom of three young kids, runner, certified V.02 run coach & certified health mindset coach. She has ran 3 50ks, 7 marathons, and close to 30 half marathons through all seasons of life including her three pregnancies and postpartum. Her goal is to make running work with your life, not against it. Using her mindset and training knowledge together, she knows life happens & you can still reach your running goals! To learn more about Kelly and her coaching options, follow her on Instagram @moremilesmorefun.

• www.instagram.com/moremilesmorefun
• https://linktr.ee/moremilesmorefun
• Run coaching: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7cHGHu_QMXc52hG__Ot7eg7CRrVsO3ji9Hthj-MIWTWHgwA/viewform?usp=send_form

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HBH2napFkzA

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Sharon:

Sharon Mexal has a PhD in human medical genetics and has spent the last decade involved clinical diagnostics and clinical trials, helping patients understand their genetic risk to inheriting cancer or if their cancer reoccurred based off results from a blood draw. She is also a 10+ year melanoma survivor and has used her running as a platform to share her personal story and professional expertise to spread awareness for early skin cancer detection and sun safety. Through her running, Sharon has raised thousands of dollars for various melanoma nonprofits that contribute to improved education, research and treatments. While significant progress in advancing melanoma research has been made in the past decade, she is dedicated to continuing running marathons for melanoma until every case is completely curable.

• www.instagram.com/beermoderacer
• https://linktr.ee/marathonsformelanoma

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h6oqbtMhlNc

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Leslie:

Corporate fashion executive casual jogger turned marathoner at 40, inspired by the 2022 TCS NYC Marathon. Durning the hundreds of hours of training and immersing herself in the marathon culture, the Everyday Medal was born. Not medal Monday, medal everyday.

• www.instagram.com/TWENTYSIXDIAMOND
• www.TWENTYSIXDIAMOND.com

• To watch on YouTube: ⁠https://youtu.be/1IrdPPQJceQ⁠

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Ann:

Ann Mazur is founder and owner of both Relay Active and Runners Love Yoga. Relay Active is a running activewear brand built upon the four legs of fashion, art, comfort, and performance, that donates 1% of all sales to animal rescue. At Relay Active, Ann is the lead activewear designer and runs all day-to-day operations. At Runners Love Yoga, Ann’s mission is to help runners through yoga designed specifically for them; there, she is a one-woman yoga filming and editing crew which brings accessible yoga to runners worldwide, with on demand classes available anytime at runnersloveyoga.tv. She is a 2020 Olympic Trials marathoner who loves racing all distances from the mile to 26.2, and whose own training unorthodoxly combines running, swimming, and yoga. While at Notre Dame, she was an English and math double major and ran varsity track and cross country—this is also where she also got her start in leading yoga for runners. She then founded Runners Love Yoga while earning her Ph.D. in English at UVa. Originally from Pittsburgh, she lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with her husband and 3 rescue cats! You can follow Ann on Instagram @runnersloveyoga and explore more at relayactive.com and runnersloveyoga.tv!

• www.instagram.com/runnersloveyoga
• www.instagram.com/relayactive
• relayactive.com
• runnersloveyoga.tv

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UCEpUxDAMfo

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Amanda:

Amanda Brooks is the author of Run To The Finish: The Everyday Runner's Guide to Avoiding Injury, Ignoring the Clock and Loving the Run and her long running website of the same name. As a certified running coach and personal trainer, she's helped thousands of runners over the last 12 years, run over 28000 miles and believes running is more important now than ever before. Her website is considered an authority in the running and fitness space.

• https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish
• https://www.runtothefinish.com/
• Run To The Finish book: https://www.runtothefinish.com/book/
• Tread Lightly Podcast: https://www.runtothefinish.com/tread-lightly-running-podcast/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/runtothefinish

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1iYPpyxaniE

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Ally:

As an early adopter and technology nerd, Ally Brettnacher uses her passion for tech, community and running to connect and help others.

In 2020, her love for running led her to start Athlete Bouquets, unique gifts for "celebrating finish lines and milestones." She’s also a proud. Board Member of Beyond Monumental, the organizer of the CNO Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, and host of the podcast, Finish Lines & Milestones.

At home, she’s a wife to a fellow technology nerd, and mom to 2 humans and 1 goldendoodle.

• https://www.Instagram.com/athletebouquets
• https://www.instagram.com/allytbrett
• https://www.athletebouquets.com

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3LL38FbJ9b4

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• https://www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• https://www.thecookierunner.net

About Kate:

I am a New York City-based endurance athlete surviving the concrete jungle through spandex and running shoes. I have raced professionally in long course triathlon, qualified for two Olympic Trials, and battled across the globe in the most competitive ultramarathons on our planet. I was featured in the Wall Street Journal and on ESPN because I birthed babies, ate plants, and still could run fast. Go me. I love physical suffering and consider it one of our greatest teachers. I have three kids that absolutely do not care that I race and a husband I found at mile 30 of my first 50-mile race almost 20 years ago. I believe the only way to survive this life is through laughter and running.

• https://www.instagram.com/katepallardy
• https://www.youtube.com/@katepallardy

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s2ZgGAC25a4

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• https://www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• https://www.thecookierunner.net

About Carolyn:

Carolyn Su is the creator of the Instagram account @DiverseWeRun where she writes weekly features to amplify Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) runners and advocate for racial representation, equity, and inclusion in the running community. Her activism in running came from her own love of the sport, and from her own personal experience as a daughter of Chinese-immigrant parents. Carolyn grew up outside of Houston, straddling the expectations of two different cultures, while navigating the socio-racial impact of the Model Minority Myth. She now lives in the greater Boston area, where she continues her advocacy through social media, active participation within her church, activism in her children’s school, and collaboration with local running brands, BIPOC-led running groups and individuals. Her ultimate mission is to equip and empower others to show up fully as themselves, in all aspects of life. (Epsiode photo by Sofia Jaramillo @sofia_jaramillo5)

• https://www.instagram.com/irunfortheglory/
• https://www.instagram.com/diversewerun/
• https://www.irunfortheglory.com/
• Making Strides podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3f8wmI5MgKCXkAdwG8XRzK

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8g1SagrU-ls

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Stephanie:

Stephanie Dunlap is a marathon pacer, mom of four, and school administrator. Stephanie’s goal as a marathon pacer is to bring joy, support, and encouragement to the rockstar BOTP “back of the pack” runners who finish in 6+ hours. To learn more about Steph follow her on Instagram and TikTok @runstrongrun.

• www.instagram.com/runstrongrun

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y62ykdVtrfU
• Native Lands resource: https://native-land.ca/

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Verna:

She/her/hers, Mom, Wife, Founder of Native Women Running, Hoka Global Ambassador and Suunto Ambassador My name is Verna Volker and I am from the Navajo Nation.

I grew up in the Dzilnaoodilii area of New Mexico, but currently live in Minneapolis, Minnesota with my husband and four children.

In 2009, I started my running journey to lose weight, but it has turned into a quest to find out who I am internally. This journey has taken me from a newbie runner to a marathoner and to an ultra-marathoner. My desire is to use my running to inspire others.

I am also the founder of Native Women Running. An organization I created four years ago to draw visibility to Native Women Runners, Not only are we drawing visibility but It has become a place for our women for inspiration, motivation and community in a virtual and in-person setting.

• www.instagram.com/native_women_running
• www.instagram.com/hozhorunner4/
• www.nativewomenrunning.com

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cqVWrVhF-SY

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Sarah:

Sarah is owner, hbic of Sarah Marie Running Co., which creates fun, quality apparel & goods inspired by the spirit and adventures of the running community. After recongnizing an abundance of purely technical apparel and a shortage of vibrant lifestyle wear that celebrates achievements and race experiences, Sarah Marie Running Co. came into being.

SMRc is more than just a brand; we're a celebration of empowerment and individuality. As a woman-owned company, we infuse joy, creativity, and clever design into every piece of apparel and accessory. Our focus is on running, fitness, and inclusivity—capturing the spirit of every runner and athlete.

Established in 2016 and rooted in the vibrant community of New York, we invite you to explore our range and let our designs inspire your journey, motivate your runs, and celebrate your victories. Join us in embracing the beauty of the run and the empowering stories that accompany each step.

• www.instagram.com/SarahMarieRunningCo
• SarahMarie.Run

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t51ZgWpr-a8

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Sabrina:

Sabrina Ehmke is an RRCA (Road Runner's Club of America) certified running coach, high school and college psychology instructor, Fleet Feet Running Store associate, and founder of the Skokie Swifters Run/Walk Club in Skokie, IL. Sabrina's work in psychology has lead her to further understand how running can affect both the body and the mind, and believes that running has the power to change lives for the better through emotional and mental health, community building, and self-discovery. To learn more about Sabrina and the Skokie Swifters, follow her on Instagram at @run_teacher_sab and the Swifters at @skokieswifters.

• www.instagram.com/run_teacher_sab
• www.instagram.com/skokieswifters
• www.skokieswifters.run

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tnw24yP8OGU

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Bethan:

Bethan Taylor-Swaine is a PhD candidate and feminist sociologist of sport studying the representations and identities of women in ultra-marathon. Bethan has a passion for diversity and inclusion in running and is committed to challenging the way we talk about our sport to encourage as many people as possible to find joy in running. Bethan is an advocate for pace inclusion, spending time outdoors and living well in the world. To find out more about Bethan follow her on Instagram @bethantaylorswaine or check out her website www.bethantaylorswaine.com.

• www.instagram.com/bethantaylorswaine
• www.instagram.com/feministsportssociologist
• www.bethantaylorswaine.com

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pezioz6lyFQ
• To read the recap on the blog: https://thecookierunner.net/run-wild-flow-free/2023-marine-corps-marathon-race-experience

About Stephanie

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• https://www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Jen

Jen, founder of the Misadventure Squad, a certified run coach, girl mom, teacher, and beach lover. Jen fell in love with running when she turned 21 and started working with a running coach when she trained for and ran her third marathon at the Chicago marathon. This experience inspired Jen to become a run coach herself so that she would provide women of ALL levels an expert in running to help them achieve their running goals, whether they're pace, distance, or mindset goals. Jen has run coaching certifications with  Revo2lution Running and RRCA and has coached hundreds of women to achieve their running goals through coaching with Another Mother Runner, her one on one coaching, and various other group coaching programs. 

• https://www.instagram.com/misadventuresofamarathoner/
• https://www.misadventuresofamarathoner.com/

• To listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tD6mATi1KMw

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Jessica:

Jessica Reyes is an RRCA certified running coach, NASM certified personal trainer with additional corrective exercise and pre/postnatal certifications. My primary goal is to assist athletes of all abilities in reaching their running goals and dream, all while providing unwavering support to my team of accomplished female coaches.

• www.instagram.com/sugarruns
• www.instagram.com/teamsugarruns
• www.sugarruns.com

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Tia:

Tia Pettygrue is a RRCA Level 2 certified running coach and National Coach for Black Girls RUN!. Tia virtually coaches individuals and group for first timers and those seeking to run their best, as well as coaching the run/walk method. Tia's goal is to make each of her clients feel they are her only one, even if she's coaching 100 people at a time. Her focus is keeping her athletes injury free and having a solid work/life balance. Tia wants her athletes to have the joy of running long term! Reach Tia at @marathonliftgirl or TIATrainingInAction.com.

• www.instagram.com/marathonliftgirl
• www.TIATrainingInAction.com

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Kate:

Kate Kachman is a triathlete and runner whose favorite distances are the sprint triathlon and half marathon. Kate ran her first 5k and triathlon in 2009 which lead to a love of crossing finish lines. Following a hospitalization for bilateral PE Kate steadily gained weight reaching 300lbs. Finally in 2016 Kate took the steps needed to live an active lifestyle again. Kate lost 150lbs and ran her first marathon and 50k (both on a treadmill due to Covid restrictions). Kate finally got to cross the line of her first in-person marathon as part of the Dopey challenge in 2022. Unfortunately Kate and her family were all diagnosed with Covid following the Dopey challenge which caused her lungs to relapse. Kate has spent the last 18 months rebuilding the strength and endurance she lost after having Covid. Kate finally raced again in May 2023 where she took first place in the Athena division at a Sprint Triathlon. It was amazing to podium for the first time but Kate could only see how "big" she looked in her tri-suit. It started a spiral of body dysmorphia she thought she had already resolved. Today Kate is working on loving the body that carried her across so many finish lines while also instilling in her son the importance of physical activity for health and strength, not vanity.

Outside of racing Kate is the wife of her Ironman (Blake) and mother to Keith Moon. She loves her work as a Regulatory Affairs Specialist for the medical device industry. Born and raised in Pittsburgh she then spent 18 years in Orlando (running for Track Shack) before moving to Northern Illinois where she and Blake are learning to train in the hills and preparing for their first winter!

• https://www.Instagram.com/katekachman

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xi7if-2iexQ

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Erica:

Erica discovered her passion for jewelry design at just 10 years old, using scraps of leather to craft fabulous leather pins, earrings, and hair pieces for her family and friends. (Remember, it was the 80’s!) Two decades later, all grown up and armed with a degree in business and years of fashion experience from Barneys NY and Coach, Erica set out to design a jewelry line for today’s modern, driven, fashion savvy, and influential woman. Erica Sara Designs was born out of a dream to help others commemorate theirs. From our careers to our families, our hobbies to each and every goal, as women we aren’t “just” one thing and Erica Sara Designs jewelry helps celebrate all parts of us.

Since launching, ESD has graced the pages of Runner’s World, Women’s Running, Shape, Women’s Health, Better Homes & Gardens, and US Weekly, just to name a few. Unique, universal and timeless, Erica’s pieces are sought out by everyone from bridal parties to marathoners, new moms to old friends, back-of-the-party runners to Olympians and the elites.   

As of 2022, Erica Sara Designs will be creating the official jewelry of the TCS New York City Marathon.

When she’s not creating jewelry, Erica spends her time running, kayaking, hiking, cooking, and hanging with her husband Robert and their two kids.

• www.instagram.com/ericasara
• www.ericasara.com

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M8yn_HSNxXY
• To order "Beyond My Body": https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-My-Body-Recovering-Reclaiming-ebook/dp/B0CJQ1G3VZ

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Ally Rae Pesta:

At seventeen, Ally Rae Pesta was diagnosed with a complex eating disorder. She has been in recovery for over ten years. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Ally now lives in Denver, Colorado, where she works as a Certified Run Coach, an Eating Disorder Recovery & Intuitive Eating Coach, a 200-HR Certified Yoga Teacher. Ally also is a published author who has recently published her memoir, Beyond My Body: Recovering From a Complex Eating Disorder, Reclaiming Movement and Finding my Worth. Ally empowers others to reclaim freedom and power over their body in a loving, worthy, and healing way. She celebrates what her body can do, teaching others to embrace the freedom to move, enjoy food, and live a large, fulfilling, and meaningful life of purpose beyond their body.

To learn more about Ally, visit her website allyrae.co and follow her on IG: @allyraepesta or on TikTok @allyraeco. You can also buy her book Beyond My Body on Amazon today!

• https://instagram.com/allyraepesta
• https://www.allyrae.co/

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a97GqDrsj_M

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/

www.thecookierunner.net

About Vanessa:

Vanessa C. Peralta-Mitchell is owner of VCPM, Inc. a business dedicated to using the power of the pavement to empower women to live a life without limits. She’s taken her passion for running and turned it into her purpose with her Game Changers program. This program provides resources and funds for Women of Color to become Certified Run Coaches thus redefining who is seen as the experts and leaders in the run industry. As a Run Coach, a Founder and an advocate for women in the running space, she is redefining the run industry and bringing in a wave of much needed change to run leadership.

• https://www.instagram.com/vcpmitchell
• https://vcpm.com/game-changers

• To watch on YouTube: ⁠https://youtu.be/dxZetqkOJvw
• To suppport the Dirtbags Run fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/dirtbags-run-bipoc-ultra-running-team

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Kelsey:

Kelsey Long (she/her) is a Navajo runner from New Mexico, living on the Choctaw Nation Reservation in SE Oklahoma. She is a Rising Hearts athlete advocate, Renew Earth Running team member, and Dirtbags Run co-founder, and associate at the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She’s a cat mom to the cutest polydactyl named Bluey, an aunt, a sister, and a daughter. She uses her running as a form of advocacy where she aims to bring more runners of color to the trails. She is passionate about connecting with intentional movers to create a safe and inclusive community.

• https://www.instagram.com/longcommakelsey

About Rebecca:

Rebecca is the co-founder of Dirtbags Run, with Kelsey Long. DBR is a team of BIPOC trail runners seeking to expand their presence in the sport while honoring Indigenous lands & amplifying diversity at races & beyond. Rebecca is a passionate ultra runner, climber, dancer and cyclist, and the Community Engagement Manager for Footprints Running Camp. Rebecca is a certified dance fitness instructor and yoga teacher. Learn more at groundingclimbs.com.

• https://www.instagram.com/groundingclimbs
• https://www.groundingclimbs.com

About Dirtbags Run:

Dirtbags Run, Nizaadgóó na’dijaa’ (Ni-zad-go na-di-jah, Navajo for “We Run Long”) is a team of Black, Indigenous and People of Color trail runners seeking to expand our presence in the sport while honoring Indigenous lands and amplifying diversity at races and beyond. Dirtbags Run team moves to protect and heal our people, and advocates for safety, inclusivity, and respect in trail running spaces.

• https://www.instagram.com/dirtbagsrun/

• https://www.groundingclimbs.com/dirtbags-run.html

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OZnYmYOyWyM

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Cindy:

While working at a Bay Area tech company, I found myself unfulfilled by my “9-5” and was terrified that I was not living my life to its fullest. I needed to fuel my desire to grow, learn new skills, and achieve ambitious goals. Running was an outlet that allowed me to push my limits physically and mentally and gave me a tangible goal I could achieve. At Pen and Paces, I’m empowering women in running. Our products encourage women runners to achieve their biggest goals without fear.

• www.instagram.com/penandpaces
• www.penandpaces.com

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Julie:

Julie Weiss, of Santa Monica, CA., ran 52 marathons in 52 weeks in 2013. In the process, she ran 1,362.4 miles, and to date has raised over One Million Dollars in the fight against pancreatic cancer through her website Marathongoddess.com. Julie generated considerable pancreatic cancer awareness through high profile media attention as a TEDX speaker, CNN, The TODAY Show, the Los Angeles Times. O Magazine and many other outlets. She is also one of seven featured runners in the inspiring documentary Spirit of the Marathon II. Following the death of her father, her biggest fan, from Pancreatic Cancer, she was feeling determined to make a difference. Running gave her the answer. Julie decided to turn her passion into a purpose and embarked on this incredible endeavor to raise hope, money and awareness for Pancreatic Cancer, the 3rd leading cause of cancer death in the United States, also the lowest funded for research. Julie chose the name Marathon Goddess but is quick to point out its true meaning that it is not about her, it’s a name that allows Julie to encourage others to embrace their passion and let it shine. In 2019 she released her Award-winning memoir, “52 Weeks, 52 Marathons: The Miles and Trials of a Marathon Goddess”, available now on Amazon. Julie also has a TEDX talk titled, “How To Revolutionize Your Health. The 2024 Los Angeles Marathon which will be Julie’s 117th lifetime marathon.

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/marathongoddess/
• Website: www.marathongoddess.com
• Book: https://www.amazon.com/Miles-Trials-Marathon-Goddess-Marathons/dp/B07QC4HV9Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1I4HN4YIVBBFO&keywords=miles+and+trials&qid=1679698313&sprefix=miles+and+trial%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1
• Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/julie_weiss_how_to_revolutionize_your_health

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gtkglL7O8pw

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• https://www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• https://www.thecookierunner.net

About Loren:

Badass ultrarunner from South Florida, mother, and creatrix who explores the complicated balance between human nature and animal nature through art.

• https://www.instagram.com/lorensantiesteban/
• https://www.lorensantiesteban.com/

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2qkf9F-3jiU

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Sharon:

Sharon Boon brings a wide range of practice to the field of running - Exercise Science degrees, RRCA & USATriathlon certified coach, certified strength & conditioning specialist, Pilates & Viniyoga instructor, craniosacral therapist and licensed massage therapist. Having been through 10 years of chronic pain, she understands the need for daily commitment to self to be your best. Her goal is to bring movement to as many people as she can, make that movement as effortless & efficient as possible, and keep the joy in going forward.

• www.instagram.com/ambermoonstudiotexas
• www.ambermoonstudio.com

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kNFOnc25f68
• Season 2 of "Conversations with Coaches" episode with Nicole can be found here.

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Nicole:

Nicole Castillo is a RRCA certified running coach and has been run coaching since 2018, and a 200 hour certified yoga teacher, who is currently in the 300 hour YTT. She also recently became attuned in reiki level 1 for various types of healing. Nicole’s goal as a coach and yoga instructor is to guide athletes and students through a journey of growth and experiences. She values communication, and creates a safe space for her clients. To learn more about Nicole follow her on Instagram @theyogini_runner

• www.instagram.com/theyogini_runner
• http://risingmountainscoaching.com/

• To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-n61VZG0jx8
• Season 2 "Conversations with Coaches" episode with Victoria can be heard here.

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Victoria:

Victoria Buker is a National Board Certified Health and Coach (NBC-HWC), Lifestyle Medicine Coach, Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach, RRCA certified run coach, spin instructor and holds various group fitness certifications. Victoria's goal as a coach is to help those who may be in the Party Pack (back of a race) to feel confident going into their training and races plus doing a whole lot of celebrating along the way. She couples behavior change science with the science of running to help her athletes reach their goals! She is releasing an 4-week (go at your own pace) Lifestyle Medicine Coaching e-course soon for those diagnosed with a chronic lifestyle disease who want to start to make lifestyle changes without the quick fix cycle.

• https://www.instagram.com/integrativehealthwithvictoria
• www.victoriabuker.com

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/HM3aRCpC_0U

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Cristina:

Cristina Ramirez is the regional community lead for lululemon in Miami. She is a driving force for building relationships, amplifying others and bringing innovative ideas to life. She has been working with lululemon for 13 years and is constantly inspired by opportunities to learn, connect and create. To learn more about Cristina's journey and all the facets of her life, follow along on Instagram @cristinaisabelramirez.

• www.instagram.com/cristinaisabelramirez

About Jamie: Lululemon Legacy ambassador

Ultra runner

Business owner, sports performance coaching

National champion gymnast

• www.instagram.com/Mad4marathons

To watch on YouTube: youtu.be/S_vDV1QnZps

About Stephanie: Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Nicole:

Nicole DeSena experienced marathoner, RRCA Running Coach , NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Gait Analysis Expert, and Mental Fitness coach based in New York City/Jersey City area.

I got my certification as a running coach in 2019. My goal is to encourage others to develop a love for running by incorporating tips and exercises to further improve their running form, nutrition, strength, passion, and mental toughness to guarantee success on race day. Day to day I coach at Orangetheory Fitness where I have the opportunity of teaching others to push them to their limits safely.

I always dreamt of chasing my dreams in the city that never sleeps. Which is why I decided to move here from Florida in 2019. This is when I developed a desire to help individuals realize their max potential through running. I never enjoyed running as a kid. In college I wanted to try a new sport. My dad had 11 marathons under his belt, and I always dreamt of completing a marathon before I was thirty. My dad signed me up for a Chicago Marathon in 2013. What I thought would be a bonding experience with my father, soon became much more. I grew a love for the long runs, the stories shared by other runners, the sense of community, and overall achievement of finishing a marathon.

People choose to run for several different reasons. Running provides me with a sense of empowerment, happiness and challenges me to test my limits. I want to give back to running what running has given to me, a vibrant life, with each mile creating a memory.

Running is not only a test of physical endurance, but a test of mental endurance. You truly can do anything you set your mind to. Let’s face it, life is not easy, there are constant ups and downs, days where you just want to give up, and days where you are at a complete high. Running is a complete parallel to this. Having the mental strength to push through the last couple miles, really shows you just how strong you are, mind and body.

• www.instagram.com/nicoled_ontherun
• www.ontherunnd.com

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Alyssa:

Dr. Alyssa Ford is a physical therapist, strength coach, and RRCA certified running coach. As both a clinician and a coach, Alyssa has rich experience working with athletes along the injury to performance spectrum. She is passionate about helping runners overcome injuries and tackle goals with confidence, so they can enjoy healthy, strong, consistent training. She is an advocate of strength training for runners as a tool for both decreasing injury risk and optimizing performance. She believes in a science-based approach and loves helping runners cut through the noise and learn about running and strength training in a way that is sustainable and supportive of their goals. To learn more, visit Alyssa on instagram at @alyssaford.dpt.

• www.instagram.com/alyssaford.dpt
• www.resilientrunningpt.com/

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Dr. Kat:

Dr. Katherine Campbell is a physical therapist that specializes in working with runners. She is also a RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) certified running coach, and Certified NASM personal trainer. Kat strives to make a difference in runners’ lives by making sure they get to do what they love for as long and as healthy as possible. Kat believes in utilizing an individualized and holistic approach when working with runners. She is passionate about sharing her love for running to inspire others to feel confident to take on new challenges. Follow her so you can learn tips to stay injury-free when running @runwithkat_dpt on Instagram.

• www.instagram.com/runwithkat_dpt
• www.runwithkat.net/
• Run With Kat podcast

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/f2mYHf2kUgY

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

• To watch on YouTube: youtu.be/Ro0n5lw6sT0
• Season 2 "Conversations with Coaches" with Becky can be found here.

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Becky:

I'm a runner and certified RRCA run coach in Oklahoma. After enduring several surgeries, 2 rounds of menopause, and eventually a full hysterectomy caused by Endometriosis, I searched for younger menopausal endurance athletes like me. Unable to find anyone in a similar situation, I had to make my own way back to faster paces and longer distances in a new body without hormones. Running has been my therapy and led me to provide support for women in a similar situation.

• www.instagram.com/coach.croft
• hustle-eat-thrive.myshopify.com

• www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/
• www.thecookierunner.net

About Melissa:

Melissa is an RRCA certified running coach and NASM certified personal trainer who provides quality custom training plans for mother runners that take the guesswork out of their training so they can cross the finish line with confidence, allowing more time to spend with their family and friends.

Melissa is wife, mom of two and a Navy veteran of 20 years. She has a passion to help moms make movement happen.

You can join her free StrongMom RunClub Facebook group www.melissaszurovy.com/smrc

• www.instagram.com/strongmom_strongfamily
• www.melissaszurovy.com/smrc

To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qhIrgghgUOM

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advanced certifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers).

www.instagram.com/thecookierunner/

www.thecookierunner.net

About Jodi:

Jodi Fisher is the Founder and CEO of Go Guarded, an innovative brand of self-defense products developed for runners and other on-the-go individuals.

www.instagram.com/Go_guarded

goguarded.com