Women's Running Coaches Collective

Anne talks about her two very influential, and very different coaches - Gordan Pirie and John Davies.  Her second coach John Davies saved her from quitting running and made her the extraordinary athlete she was on the roads and track. She talks about their two different styles as well as specific workouts.

- She talks about her ability to earn a good living on the roads for a decade

- Anne gives advice to coaches today on establishing a relationship with their athletes

- Anne gives us her "secret" workout she believes made her a standout as a road racer.  This has never been shared before!

- Anne talks about the state of track and field today

- Anne shows us her MBE (Member of the British Empire) medal she shares with other illustrious British celebrities such as Elton John and Paula McCarthy!

Anne Audain is considered the "winningest" female road racer of all time. From 1980 through the 1990's Audain won 90% of her races, dominating the road racing scene for over a decade. At the 1981 Cascade Run Off in Portland, Oregon, Anne accepted the $10,000 1st place prize money, and was immediately banned by New Zealand's Sports Association. She went on to be the first woman to legally sign a professional contract with Nike, and to be able to earn a living from her running. For today's athletes, it is important to understand the devastating consequences Anne could have suffered because she needed to earn a living from her hard work, and her wins on the road. She was the pioneer woman runner who demanded equality and openness, and pushed running into the professional world it is today.

Anne Audain is considered the "winningest" female roadracer of all time. From 1980 through the 1990's Audain won 90% of her races, dominating the road racing scene for over a decade. At the 1981 Cascade Run Off in Portland, Oregon, Anne accepted the $10,000 1st place prize money, and was immediately banned by New Zealand's Sports Association. She went on to be the first woman to legally sign a professional contract with Nike, and to be able to earn a living from her running. For today's athletes, it is important to understand the devastating consequences Anne could have suffered because she needed to earn a living from her hard work, and her wins on the road. She was the pioneer woman runner who demanded equality and openness, and pushed running into the professional world it is today.

In the fall of 1976, Patti Catalano Dillon ran her first marathon.She had been running for just 6 months but won the race with a time of 2:53. Training in “knock off” earth shoes, still smoking and knowing nothing about running, she won that day and her illustrious albeit dramatic career began. In her first 10K she placed 2nd behind Olympian Lynn Jennings at the Boston Bonne Belle in 34:50. Breaking WR after WR in the 30K, the 20K, and the ½ marathon, Catalano Dillon had 55 career wins, many at national and international races. She was the first American woman to go under 33 minutes in the 10K, and the first to break 50 minutes in the 15K.  She broke the AR in the marathon twice, first in 1980 at the NYC Marathon, and then again at Boston, running 2:27.52. From the late 70’s through the early 80’s, Patti was America’s best woman distance runner, and 2nd in the world only to the great Grete Waitz of Norway. Unknown to anyone during her peak years, Patti was struggling with Bulimia. After a disappointing 2nd place at the Boston Marathon in 1981, Patti began to be plagued with injuries and personal issues. She felt she was no longer running for herself, but for others. Her incredible story is one of a discovered great talent, of fortitude and courage, and finally of acceptance and peace. It is a tale that helps us understand what it took to be one of the greatest of all times, and how it felt to fall from such a great height, survive and then find an even greater happiness.

Her amazing life will make you “laugh and cry”, and you will understand what it took for her to come through her hard times, whole and healthy.

In the fall of 1976, Patti Catalano Dillon ran her first marathon.She had been running for just 6 months but won the race with a time of 2:53. Training in “knock off” earth shoes, still smoking and knowing nothing about running, she won that day and her illustrious albeit dramatic career began. In her first 10K she placed 2nd behind Olympian Lynn Jennings at the Boston Bonne Belle in 34:50. Breaking WR after WR in the 30K, the 20K, and the ½ marathon, Catalano Dillon had 55 career wins, many at national and international races. She was the first American woman to go under 33 minutes in the 10K, and the first to break 50 minutes in the 15K.  She broke the AR in the marathon twice, first in 1980 at the NYC Marathon, and then again at Boston, running 2:27.52. From the late 70’s through the early 80’s, Patti was America’s best woman distance runner, and 2nd in the world only to the great Grete Waitz of Norway. Unknown to anyone during her peak years, Patti was struggling with Bulimia. After a disappointing 2nd place at the Boston Marathon in 1981, Patti began to be plagued with injuries and personal issues. She felt she was no longer running for herself, but for others. Her incredible story is one of a discovered great talent, of fortitude and courage, and finally of acceptance and peace. It is a tale that helps us understand what it took to be one of the greatest of all times, and how it felt to fall from such a great height, survive and then find an even greater happiness.

Her amazing life will make you “laugh and cry”, and you will understand what it took for her to come through her hard times, whole and healthy.

The Joan Benoit Samuelson story parallels that classic Nike Ad “There is no finish line”. Joan is an icon, a legend in women’s long distance running. Through her many decades in the sport, Joan has never stopped challenging herself with competitive goals, running with the same passion that gave her an Olympic Gold Medal in 1984 at the first Women’s Olympic Marathon in LA. Her interview starts in her early running days as she discovers her talent, then winning the 1979 Boston Marathon, running in college, and as a professional with Athletics West. She talks about the drama and uncertainty of the 1984 Olympic Trials, and later her win in the Olympic Games. Her story is both thrilling and inspirational. And now, in her 5th decade as a runner, she continues to train and race in the sport she loves. We learn how she trained over the years. Her need from the beginning to find balance in her life in order to have success. The coaches that helped her along the way and the stories of her training and racing that brought her the greatest of successes.  An Olympic Gold Medal.

Coach Tania Fischer was a successful age group, college, and professional runner. In 1996 she qualified for the Olympic Trials 5000m with a time of 15:33. Tania later went on to co-found The Janes Running Club, as both a runner and a coach. She currently holds the head coaching position for both boys and girls in XC, and Track and Field at Santa Monica HS. Tania talks about her early days in So Cal as a top age group runner, her two years running in Germany under the government system, and her transition to head coach at Santa Monica HS. Her story is fascinating and informative about coaching, being a leader, and her experiences as an elite runner.

Coach Tania Fischer was a successful age group, college, and professional runner. In 1996 she qualified for the Olympic Trials 5000m with a time of 15:33. Tania later went on to co-found The Janes Running Club, as both a runner and a coach. She currently holds the head coaching position for both boys and girls in XC, and Track and Field at Santa Monica HS. Tania talks about her early days in So Cal as a top age group runner, her two years running in Germany under the government system, and her transition to head coach at Santa Monica HS. Her story is fascinating and informative about coaching, being a leader, and her experiences as an elite runner.

Coach Tania Fischer was a successful age group, college, and professional runner. In 1996 she qualified for the Olympic Trials 5000m with a time of 15:33. Tania later went on to co-found The Janes Running Club, as both a runner and a coach. She currently holds the head coaching position for both boys and girls in XC, and Track and Field at Santa Monica HS. Tania talks about her early days in So Cal as a top age group runner, her two years running in Germany under the government system, and her transition to head coach at Santa Monica HS. Her story is fascinating and informative about coaching, being a leader, and her experiences as an elite runner.

How do you create a team that is both inclusive and successful?

Charlotte Lettis Richardson interviews  Coach Robyn McGillis, Head Girls XC Coach and Distance Track Coach at Central Catholic HS in Portland Oregon on how she builds her team culture.    Drawing from her HR background, Coach McGillis  empowers her team to be both successful as individuals and as a group. Learn how to intentionally create a team culture that is a win-win for everyone, athletes and coaches alike!

How do you create a team that is both inclusive and successful?

Charlotte Lettis Richardson interviews  Coach Robyn McGillis, Head Girls XC Coach and Distance Track Coach at Central Catholic HS in Portland Oregon on how she builds her team culture.    Drawing from her HR background, Coach McGillis  empowers her team to be both successful as individuals and as a group. Learn how to intentionally create a team culture that is a win-win for everyone, athletes and coaches alike!

Resolute Track Club founder and hurdle/sprint coach extraordinaire, Christina Whitney gives great advice on coaching track and field, being a female coach, and how to "Ignite the Fire" in your athletes!

Resolute Track Club founder and hurdle/sprint coach extraordinaire, Christina Whitney gives great advice on coaching track and field, being a female coach, and how to "Ignite the Fire" in your athletes!

Three Oregon High School Head Coaches. Each in different phases of their careers. All young.

Kari Strang of Summit HS is the newest of the group, Lincoln High School's Eric Dettman is just a few years into his head coaching career, and Thor Esbensen of Wilson HS is the most seasoned of the three.

The conversation is open and honest. The three coaches talk about the demands and challenges of being a leader of both a team and a staff. They talk about what they feel they do well, and honestly access what they need to do better. How they structure their season. How they create a positive team culture. We learn that success as a high school head coach isn't just about winning. Fascinating conversation with three smart coaches who love what they do, and want to share their passion for coaching with you.

Three Oregon High School Head Coaches. Each in different phases of their careers. All young.

Kari Strang of Summit HS is the newest of the group, Lincoln High School's Eric Dettman is just a few years into his head coaching career, and Thor Esbensen of Wilson HS is the most seasoned of the three.

The conversation is open and honest. The three coaches talk about the demands and challenges of being a leader of both a team and a staff. They talk about what they feel they do well, and honestly access what they need to do better. How they structure their season. How they create a positive team culture. We learn that success as a high school head coach isn't just about winning. Fascinating conversation with three smart coaches who love what they do, and want to share their passion for coaching with you.

"Three Oregon High School Head Coaches. Each in different phases of their careers. All young.

Kari Strang of Summit HS is the newest of the group, Lincoln High School's Eric Dettman is just a few years into his head coaching career, and Thor Esbensen of Wilson HS is the most seasoned of the three.

The conversation is open and honest. The three coaches talk about the demands and challenges of being a leader of both a team and a staff. They talk about what they feel they do well, and honestly access what they need to do better. How they structure their season. How they create a positive team culture. We learn that success as a high school head coach isn't just about winning. Fascinating conversation with three smart coaches who love what they do, and want to share their passion for coaching with you."

Jacqueline Hansen was a child of the 60's and a feminist in the 70's. She began running her senior year in HS. By 24 she won her first marathon in Culver City. In 1973 she won Boston. Over the next two years Jacqueline broke the WR in the marathon 3 times. She was the first woman to break 2:40 over 26.2 miles with a time of 2:38.19. Beyond her extraordinary running career, Jacqueline Hansen was the key agitator for the inclusion of the marathon and the 3K in the Olympics in 1984. Later she helped orchestrate the addition of the 10K in 1988, and the 5k in 1996. The incredible story of a woman who fought so others could run distances in the Olympics is fascinating and bittersweet. A pioneer runner and a great feminist who believed that women could and should run longer distances was motivated by her sense of justice. A. story full of drama and urgency,  we get a glimpse back in time when women were just beginning their journey in distance running.

Jacqueline Hansen was a child of the 60's and a feminist in the 70's. She began running her senior year in HS. By 24 she won her first marathon in Culver City. In 1973 she won Boston. Over the next two years Jacqueline broke the WR in the marathon 3 times. She was the first woman to break 2:40 over 26.2 miles with a time of 2:38.19. Beyond her extraordinary running career, Jacqueline Hansen was the key agitator for the inclusion of the marathon and the 3K in the Olympics in 1984. Later she helped orchestrate the addition of the 10K in 1988, and the 5k in 1996. The incredible story of a woman who fought so others could run distances in the Olympics is fascinating and bittersweet. A pioneer runner and a great feminist who believed that women could and should run longer distances was motivated by her sense of justice. A. story full of drama and urgency,  we get a glimpse back in time when women were just beginning their journey in distance running.

Jacqueline Hansen was a child of the 60's and a feminist in the 70's. She began running her senior year in HS. By 24 she won her first marathon in Culver City. In 1973 she won Boston. Over the next two years Jacqueline broke the WR in the marathon 3 times. She was the first woman to break 2:40 over 26.2 miles with a time of 2:38.19. Beyond her extraordinary running career, Jacqueline Hansen was the key agitator for the inclusion of the marathon and the 3K in the Olympics in 1984. Later she helped orchestrate the addition of the 10K in 1988, and the 5k in 1996. The incredible story of a woman who fought so others could run distances in the Olympics is fascinating and bittersweet. A pioneer runner and a great feminist who believed that women could and should run longer distances was motivated by her sense of justice. A. story full of drama and urgency,  we get a glimpse back in time when women were just beginning their journey in distance running.

WRCC interviews legendary coach Diane Wholey on her career and advice for new and seasoned coaches

WRCC interviews legendary coach Diane Wholey on her career and advice for new and seasoned coaches

WRCC interviews legendary coach Diane Wholey on her career and advice for new and seasoned coaches

WRCC interviews legendary coach Diane Wholey on her career and advice for new and seasoned coaches

Tom Rothenberger has coached XC and T & F for close to 40 years. Rothenberger, who is one of the most successful HS coaches in the United States, began his life as number 8 of 9 children, without the means and support to go to college. From a coach’s discovery in his sophomore year at Lakeridge HS, to a standout 1500 runner in his junior year, Tom’s running gained him the opportunity to go to Boise State University. At BSU, one word written on a chalkboard in an Education class, changed his way of thinking about coaching. Along with state and regional success as a coach, Tom was voted National Girls XC Coach of the Year in 2006. Coach “Roth” shares his inspirations, his coaching philosophy, and his secrets to success in this 2 part interview. What was that word written on the chalkboard? Listen to this fascinating interview with Tom Rothenberger and find out. And be inspired by this extraordinary master coach!

Tom Rothenberger has coached XC and T & F for close to 40 years. Rothenberger, who is one of the most successful HS coaches in the United States, began his life as number 8 of 9 children, without the means and support to go to college. From a coach’s discovery in his sophomore year at Lakeridge HS, to a standout 1500 runner in his junior year, Tom’s running gained him the opportunity to go to Boise State University. At BSU, one word written on a chalkboard in an Education class, changed his way of thinking about coaching. Along with state and regional success as a coach, Tom was voted National Girls XC Coach of the Year in 2006. Coach “Roth” shares his inspirations, his coaching philosophy, and his secrets to success in this 2 part interview. What was that word written on the chalkboard? Listen to this fascinating interview with Tom Rothenberger and find out. And be inspired by this extraordinary master coach!

Tom Rothenberger has coached XC and T & F for close to 40 years. Rothenberger, who is one of the most successful HS coaches in the United States, began his life as number 8 of 9 children, without the means and support to go to college. From a coach’s discovery in his sophomore year at Lakeridge HS, to a standout 1500 runner in his junior year, Tom’s running gained him the opportunity to go to Boise State University. At BSU, one word written on a chalkboard in an Education class, changed his way of thinking about coaching. Along with state and regional success as a coach, Tom was voted National Girls XC Coach of the Year in 2006. Coach “Roth” shares his inspirations, his coaching philosophy, and his secrets to success in this 2 part interview. What was that word written on the chalkboard? Listen to this fascinating interview with Tom Rothenberger and find out. And be inspired by this extraordinary master coach!

Charlotte Richardson interviews two sports executives on leadership, Part 2

From a childhood of humble beginnings in Columbus, Ohio to a State Championship in HS and a D1 NCAA Heptathlon Championship while at the University of Akron, Christi Smith Ryan is now the inspirational Head Coach at Central Catholic HS in Portland, Oregon. She talks about growing up in Columbus, her extraordinary athletic career at the U of Akron, and how she leads her team through love and inspiration at Central Catholic HS. She talks about being a woman, and a coach of color, how to cultivate athleticism in XC and T & F, and the importance of diversity and openness in our world.  Coach Smith Ryan is the whole package - from extraordinary athlete to extraordinary coach."

Charlotte Richardson interviews two sports executives on leadership, Part 1

Charlotte Richardson interviews two sports executives on leadership

Title IX paved the way for female athletes, but had the opposite effect for women in coaching. Hear our ideas on  changing the landscape for female coaches.

Title IX gave women an much needed opportunity, how have coaching opportunities changed since it was enacted and what can we do to change the current landscape ?