Extraordinary Strides

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 opportunities, gear recommendatio...

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 decline annually after 30) and...

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 world.

From its humble beginn...

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 efficient sweating patterns.

F...

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, an expert in runcation planning an...

🎙 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 iconic cities. In this episode we’ll b...

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 found the encouragement she needed i...

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 series.

Joining us as we’ll explore:
...

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 John Disley to its impressive legacy o...

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 city's inspiring resilience po...

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. From her initial races with Team ...

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-run race on the global marathon cale...

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 the number of running...

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 life 
• Exploring t...

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 local 5K, the World Marathon Majors...

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 husband, Johnnie. But this journey goes ...

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 "Tiny Habits," I reveal the ...

Race day is finally here, and while it’s your time to shine, it can also be full of unexpected twists and turns. From forgotten shoes to mid-race cramps, I’ve seen it all—and I’ve coached runners through it all. In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, I’m sharing the ultimate race day survival guide packed with practical tips, humorous anecdotes, and heartfelt encouragement.

We’ll dive into how to avoid common mishaps, like showin...

Welcome to 2025! It’s a brand-new year, and this is your chance to set the tone for the months ahead. In this episode, I’m diving into the Rise to the Challenge: 4 Months to Extraordinary, a one-of-a-kind program designed to help you stop starting over and start building habits that last.

This isn’t your typical New Year’s challenge. Over four months, you’ll join a community of motivated runners and fitness enthusiasts, lean into we...