About Strides for Strength

Strides for Strength was founded by passionate runners who believe in the power of personalized coaching to transform lives. Our team of experienced run coaches brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and a genuine love for the sport to every athlete we work with. Each coach is committed to guiding you on your unique running journey, helping you overcome challenges, reach new milestones, and achieve your goals with confidence. Together, we’re here to support and inspire you every stride of the way.

MEET THE FOUNDERS

Michaela

Co-founder & Nurse

I ran track in high school, but always carried the quiet belief that I wasn’t “good enough.” After taking time away from running, I jumped back in during college as a charity runner for my first marathon. With minimal training, I crossed the finish line completely miserable — and immediately wondered, how could I do this again, but better?

That question changed everything. I went on to run more marathons and a mix of other race distances, and I’ve now completed 11 full marathons. Along the way, running became my greatest teacher.

Running is where I’ve learned to expand my capacity, meet my edge, and redefine my relationship with discomfort. It’s taught me resilience, patience, and trust — lessons that show up far beyond race day. I often remind myself and my athletes: it’s about running, and it’s not about running at all.

I love working with athletes of all backgrounds, but first-time marathoners hold a special place in my heart. That first training cycle changes you. Physically, mentally, and emotionally and getting to witness and support that transformation as a coach is something I never take for granted.

Running stats:

Full - 3:21:23
Half - 1:45:43
10k - 48:16
5k - 21:36

Running stats:

Full - 3:20:03
Half - 1:38:09
10k - N/A
5k - 21:50

Erin

Co-founder & Nurse

I am born and raised in GA. I grew up in a small town outside of Atlanta but moved to the city after I graduated college. I have my BBA in marketing and realized that a “normal” desk job just wasn’t for me. I decided to go back to school and get my BSN.

I worked in the emergency room for about 6 years. It was a wild experience to say the least.

I started my own run coaching business in early 2021 but quickly realized I didn’t want to do this alone. I reached out to Michaela in October 2021 and harassed her enough to start a business with me. 2.5 years later this business has grown more than we could have ever imagined. We love seeing our runners not only accomplish goals, but fall in love with the process.

I have been running for roughly 8 years. My very first race was the Peachtree Road Race. My now husband ultimately had to drag me to the start line because I hated running. I walked away wondering what more I could do in the sport. I signed up for my first marathon that following January and the rest is history.

I always had a goal of qualifying for the Boston marathon and I finally walked away with my first qualifying time this past spring at the Carmel Marathon. It was that relentless belief in myself and knowing that it was “when” not “if” I was going to qualify.

MEET THE RUN COACHES

Coach Sarah

I didn’t really start running seriously until I was in my mid 20s. I ran cross country in junior high but once I went to the first summer training practice for high school I quit that first day because it was too intense for me lol. I wasn’t really too competitive and I admit, I didn’t really enjoy working hard.

Fast forward to when I was about 26, I was going through a mid- mid life crisis and I decided to go out on a run at 9pm one random night. And it felt amazing and something just clicked.

I started running some 5ks and eventually ran my first half marathon with very little training. I thought, okay if I can do that with barely any training, I wonder what I could do if I actually WORKED towards it?

Since that day, I’ve been on a journey to prove to myself that I can do hard things. I’ve ran a countless number of 5ks, half marathons and 3 marathons. And this year I’m switching gears and training for my first trail 50k.

I also became a full time personal trainer in 2021 and certified run coach in 2022. It really came first circle. My favorite part about being a coach is helping my athletes and clients unlock their full potential and help them on their journey to do things they never thought would be imaginable.

Coach Jess

I grew up in a small town in East Tennessee and pretended to escape life’s problems as far back as middle school with a walkman and as many miles as I could run. The trend continued through high school and I landed a spot on my college Cross-Country team at a small Christian college. Many runners on my team were mentally ahead of me already running boston and taking running much more seriously.

It truly wasn’t until later in life I really looked at myself as a runner. It has always been the thing that no matter where I was at in life doing it was the thing that made me feel strong. Running remained as an outlet for mental health through many moves across the United States following my husband through the NFL, the highs and lows of IVF, pregnancy and postpartum.

After landing in CA for a few years I decided to see what I was capable of and finally pursue more distance and endurance training. I hired a coach and didn't look back. I actually worked with Coach Erin running my first Marathon and it was hook, line, sinker in love.

Three beautiful babies and years later I’ve raced everything from the 5k to the Marathon. I feel like I’m just getting started in what feels like later in life. The good thing is there is no wrong time to start, it’s only right now. The best is yet to come.

At Strides for Strength...

→ We help athletes who are somewhat experienced runners and have attempted some shorter distances but have plateaued and want to focus on getting faster or increasing distance.

→ We keep a close relationship with all of our athletes because we want them to feel like they can share their goals no matter how big, small or scary they might seem.

→ We give constructive criticism knowing that we want our athletes to succeed.

→ We work with dedicated, driven, hard-working athletes who are willing to put in the work to make their goals happen.

→ We know life gets busy and schedules get full so we always make sure our athletes' training plan compliments their everyday life instead of burning them out.

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