Strides for Strength

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 mo...

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 hones...

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 g...

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 worl...

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 y...

If the summer heat has you bonking on every run, you’re not alone—and this episode is your hydration lifeline. We’re joined by fan favorite Chelsea Schmidt, nurse practitioner and sports nutrition coach, to break down hydration, sodium, and why so many runners are under-fueled and overcomplicating it. Whether you’re marathon training or hobby jogging in humid weather, this is your crash course in...

In this episode, Michaela sits down with her bestie and now athlete, Courtney, to unpack a wild ride to Grandma’s Marathon 2025 where Courtney went from a 7 day a week treadmill warrior to sub-4 hour marathon finisher (in 90% humidity, no less). They get real about what it’s like being coached by your best friend, breaking past mental barriers, and fueling for performance after years of associatin...

Coach Michaela is on the mic this week with an honest breakdown of her 2025 Grandma’s Marathon experience—from battling race week spirals to running one of her smartest marathons yet in brutal humidity. Tune in to hear what it took to shave time off her PR (again), how she stayed in control when race conditions got spicy, and the performance-boosting shifts she made in training, strength, and mind...

In this episode, Michaela and Erin dive into the deep parallels between running and life—from resilience to patience to comparison traps. Through personal stories and coaching insight, they explore how lessons from the run carry over into every area of life, especially when it comes to growth, self-belief, and making hard decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or lacing up for your first...

In this episode, Michaela and Erin unpack the three biggest roadblocks they see runners facing across all levels: running too fast on easy days, not fueling properly, and skipping strength training. Sharing personal stories, athlete lessons, and coaching wisdom, they break down why these habits stall your progress—and how to pivot. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just trying to feel better on your...

In this episode, Michaela and Erin are catching up post-Denver retreat and deep in the thick of race season prep. Michaela shares her final peak week reflections before Grandma’s Marathon (including why she skipped an 8-miler with zero regrets), while Erin opens up about training for DekaFit with more fun and less pressure. They also share behind-the-scenes stories from their retreat, how they’re...

It’s back. Our most downloaded episode of 2024. Whether it’s your first time running the Chicago Marathon or your sixth ( hi Coach Michaela! ), this episode is your one-stop listen for everything you need to know before race day. From expo chaos and GPS watch fails to bathroom logistics, what shake out runs to go to, and that sneaky little hill at mile 26—we’ve got you. We recorded this before Chi...

We’re re-airing this crowd favorite from our 6-part Race Series — because picking your next race shouldn’t be a shot in the dark. Whether you’re signing up for your first-ever race or chasing a PR, this episode is packed with advice on how to choose a distance, course, and timeline that fits your goals and your life. We also break down what kind of training plan is best for your season and why not...

Summer running season is here... and let's just say some of us are thrilled and some of us are fighting for our lives 😅. In this episode, Michaela and Erin get real about the mental, physical, and emotional rollercoaster that comes with training through the heat. Whether you’re a sweaty seasoned pro or thinking about breaking up with running until October, we cover strategies to survive (and...

Tokyo Marathon recap, but make it ✨unfiltered✨. In this episode, returning guest and Strides for Strength athlete Michael Gabriel shares the highs, curveballs, and aid station quirks of running the Tokyo Marathon. From sweating it out in unexpected heat to cramping at mile 23, we talk about adjusting on the fly, the importance of mindset, and why a 90-yen rice ball from 7-Eleven might just be th...

In this episode, we’re joined by nutrition coach and trainer Katy Saltsman to talk all things hormones, metabolism, recovery, and performance. We go beyond the macros and dive into why less isn’t more , how rest builds stronger athletes, and what you actually need to know about your cycle, stress, and the supplements your fave influencer swears by. Oh—and yes, this podcast may or may not be sponso...

In this heart-filled and humor-packed episode, Michaela and Erin reflect on their own first marathon experiences and share hard-earned wisdom from coaching countless first-time marathoners. From the mindset shifts and belief-building moments, to fueling strategy fails and wins, they walk listeners through the emotional rollercoaster of training for and completing 26.2 miles. If you’re training for...

In this playful and real-time “yap and chat,” Michaela and Erin reunite post-retreat to catch up on everything from mini mics and mid-hike bathroom emergencies to off-season gains and bold new biz moves. Erin shares updates on training for a DekaFit event (yes, we said DekaFit ), while Michaela dives into her shorter 15-week marathon training cycle for Grandma’s. The two also open up about how the...

In this hilarious and heartwarming episode of the Strides for Strength podcast, all four coaches — Michaela, Erin, Jess, and Sarah — reunite to recap their in-person coaches retreat in AZ. From epic hiking mishaps (including questionable hydration strategies and a surprise bathroom emergency) to deep reflections on friendship, returning to running after injury, and the power of strength training,...

In this episode of Strides for Strength , we welcome back Colin to dive deep into the science of running performance. If you've ever felt stuck in a fitness plateau, wondering why you're logging miles but not getting faster, this episode is for you. We unpack the biggest misconception in running: that simply running more at your goal pace will make you faster. Instead, Colin breaks down...

In this episode of Strides for Strength , Michaela and Erin are coming to you live from Arizona, fresh off their coaching retreat! They reflect on the power of in-person connection, the growth of Strides for Strength, and what’s next—including their upcoming Stronger Strides Challenge and athlete retreat in Colorado . The Stronger Strides Challenge is a 6-week strength-focused program designed to...

In this episode we welcome Dr. Morgan Kamau of Tempo PT and Performance—a physical therapy clinic dedicated to treating runners and endurance athletes. Dr. Kamau shares her personal journey from collegiate running to overcoming tendon injuries and discusses why specialized PT is key for athletes.  Learn how to differentiate normal muscle soreness from an injury, the benefits of dynamic warmups ove...

Are you a runner who’s been focusing too much on the scale? It’s time to shift your mindset and approach! In this episode, we chat with the amazing Chelsea Schmidt, who brings a wealth of knowledge in nutrition and endurance training. Together, we explore why weight loss shouldn’t be the sole focus for runners and how to create nutrition goals that align with your performance goals.  Get ready to...

In this episode, all four Strides for Strength coaches come together so you know its going to be a good time! We start with what we’re currently reading, from fantasy novels to historical fiction, and dive into the importance of strength training for runners. The coaches share tips for building confidence in the gym, overcoming common barriers like time, and why consistent, simple routines are key...

In this episode of Strides for Strength , Michaela and Erin answer a listener's question about transitioning from athlete to coach and dive into the behind-the-scenes work of running a business and building a thriving running community. They share their unique journeys into coaching, the importance of lifelong learning, and how Strides for Strength isn’t just about running—it’s about who you...