Extraordinary Strides

Summer running presents unique challenges, but with Coach Christine's comprehensive survival guide, you can transform these obstacles into opportunities for growth and resilience. • Protecting yourself from bugs with appropriate repellents and permethrin-treated clothing • Conducting thorough tick checks post-run to prevent complications like Lyme disease • Avoiding poisonous plants by stayin...

Ready to take the plunge with a race day proposal? This special bonus episode offers everything you need to create an unforgettable finish line moment without the potential pitfalls that could turn your romantic gesture into a viral disaster. Coach Christine delivers eight essential tips for crafting the perfect race proposal, starting with perhaps the most crucial advice: timing is everything. Be...

A true Disney fairytale unfolded at this year's Run Disney Springtime Surprise weekend, as Cole orchestrated a finish line proposal to Ashley that will leave you believing in happily-ever-afters. Their story perfectly captures why Run Disney events are so much more than just races – they're moments where memories are made, milestones are celebrated, and sometimes, lifelong commitments be...

Step aboard our adventure-filled podcast as we navigate the fascinating world of Disney's Jungle Cruise—from its humble beginnings as one of Disneyland's opening day attractions to its global status as a beloved cultural icon. You'll discover how Walt Disney's original vision for a realistic wildlife experience transformed when Imagineers like Harper Goff and Bill Evans created...

Grab your running shoes and pirate hat as we embark on a swashbuckling adventure with our Pirates of the Caribbean-themed, totally unofficial companion podcast to the runDisney Virtual 5K Summer Series! This treasure-filled episode takes you deep into the history of one of Disney's most beloved attractions, the last one Walt Disney personally supervised before his passing. Our first mate, Lyn...

Ever wonder what it takes to run 300+ marathons in full costume? Meet Charlotte, the runner who's redefining what's possible in both endurance and race day fashion. Charlotte brings a refreshing perspective to ultra running that blends serious mileage with joyful celebration. Unlike many elite runners, she didn't start until her mid-30s after making lifestyle changes for better heal...

We celebrate National Classic Movie Day with a runner's twist, exploring must-watch running films that capture what makes our sport so transformative and inspiring. • Inspirational narrative features including classics like Chariots of Fire and personal favorites like Brittany Runs a Marathon • Running documentaries that showcase real stories from Spirit of the Marathon to the cult favorite B...

Ever wondered what the Met Gala would look like if it were designed for runners instead of celebrities? Picture the World Marathon Majors as fashion houses, each with their signature aesthetic—Boston's traditional navy and gold, New York's urban grit, London's royal elegance. This playful reimagining opens the door to something deeper: how what we wear impacts how we run and feel. W...

What belongs on every runner's bucket list? From triumphant finish line moments to the not-so-glamorous reality of forgotten anti-chafe, Coach Christine counts down 100 running experiences worth having at least once. This episode celebrates the full spectrum of running life – the magical, the messy, and everything in between. Whether you're searching for racing adventures, travel opportu...

There's a powerful truth about running that rarely gets discussed: getting older doesn't mean getting slower – it means leveling up differently. As our bodies change, we unlock new capabilities that can make running even more rewarding in our 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. Coach Christine, your "fairy run mother," breaks down exactly what changes with age (like that 1% VO2 max decl...

The TCS New York City Marathon stands as the crown jewel of marathon experiences, combining breathtaking urban scenery with unparalleled cultural immersion across all five boroughs. Coach Christine and travel expert Ashley of Mystical Dream Travel break down this iconic event from every angle - revealing why it's simultaneously the most coveted and logistically challenging marathon in the wor...

Transitioning from winter's cozy layers to spring's sunny miles demands more than just switching your wardrobe—it requires understanding how your body adapts to rising temperatures. This comprehensive guide unpacks the science of heat acclimation, revealing how your body undergoes physiological changes that take 7-14 days to complete, from increasing plasma volume to developing more effi...

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the fastest, most iconic races in the world, and today, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know! Whether you’re racing this year, working on your six-star journey, or just love a good marathon breakdown, this episode is packed with insights, logistics, and fun Chicago history. Joining Coach Christine is Ashley Lucas of Mystical Dream Travel...

🎙 Willkommen to another edition of the Extraordinary Strides podcast! I'm your host, Coach Christine, along with Ashley of Mystical Dream Travel here to guide you through one of the most legendary races in the world: The Berlin Marathon. Berlin is where records are shattered and PR dreams come true. But this race is more than just speed—it’s a historic journey through one of Europe’s most ico...

Join us in this inspiring episode as we explore the beautiful journey of Shelley and Jeff, a couple whose love story intertwines with the world of running. Shelley's path back to running is not just about crossing finish lines; it's a tale of resilience, support, and the kind of partnership that fosters personal growth. After stepping back from running due to health challenges, Shelley f...

Welcome back to Extraordinary Strides ! I’m your host, Coach Christine along with Ashley of Mystical Dream Travel , here to bring you all the insights, history, and must-know details about the world's most exciting marathons. Today, we're taking a deep dive into the Sydney Marathon , which has just joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors ranks as the seventh member of this prestigious se...

Unlock the secrets of the TCS London Marathon's vibrant history and the electrifying spirit that captivates both runners and spectators alike. Join me, Coach Christine, along with Ashley from Mystical Dream Travel , as we journey through the iconic streets of London, sharing insider tips and fascinating stories about this legendary race. From its inception by visionaries Chris Brashear and Jo...

Embark on an exhilarating exploration of the second in our series of Running the Majors, the Boston Marathon, the world's oldest annual marathon and a beacon of athletic excellence.  Join Coach Christine and Ashley from Mystical Dream Travel as we journey through its rich history, starting from its inception in 1897 to monumental moments like Roberta Gibb's pioneering run in 1966 and the...

Emily Brennan's journey into the world of marathon running is nothing short of inspirational. After college, she took up running to get healthier, finding it was more than just a physical endeavor; it became a balm for stress and a mental clarity booster. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of running, highlighting how it has become an integral part of her life and well-being...

Ever wondered how it feels to run through the heart of Tokyo, where bustling city life meets ancient tradition on one of the world's fastest marathon courses? Join us as Coach Christine and Ashley from Mystical Dream Travel guide you through the exhilarating Tokyo Marathon experience. Together, we unravel the storied evolution of the marathon from its 2007 beginnings to its status as a must-r...

Explore the fun dynamics between runners and their non-running partners through a lighthearted quiz in this episode, uncovering how well they understand each other’s running habits. We delve into quirky preferences, affirmations, and identify the unique roles both play in their shared journey of connection and support. • Understanding favorite post-run snacks crucial for connection • Discovering t...

This episode explores the humorous yet insightful relationship between a runner, Coach Christine, and her partner, who doesn't share their passion for running. Through candid conversations, they discuss the challenges, sacrifices, and unexpected joys that arise when supporting a running partner.  • Insights from a partner’s perspective on running  • The impact of running on their day-to-day l...

Welcome back to Extraordinary Strides , where we celebrate the ordinary runners who achieve truly extraordinary things! I’m your host, Coach Christine, and today we’re diving into a topic that holds a special place in my heart: the magic of race-day spectating . 💜✨ As Kathrine Switzer once said: “If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.” It’s true—whether it’s a loca...

In this heartfelt episode of Extraordinary Strides , we sit down with Tia Pettygrue—a coach, pacer, marathoner, and an inspiring force in the running community. Tia’s story is one of resilience, determination, and using her passion for running to make a difference. Tia shares her ambitious goal of completing the Selma to Montgomery 51-Mile Relay, running the entire historic route alongside her hus...

Transform your ordinary running routines into extraordinary accomplishments with the secrets of habit mastery. Ever wondered why your New Year's resolutions crumble by February? Discover how shifting from resolution-focused thinking to a process-based approach can revolutionize your training routine. Drawing insights from James Clear's "Atomic Habits" and Dr. BJ Fogg's &qu...