Get ready to be inspired! 🎉 Amanda Hill, a dedicated 1:1 athlete with Coach Christine, joins us for an insider's look into her journey to conquer her first full marathon at the Shamrock Marathon Weekend! 🏖️

Known for its inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere, this Virginia Beach event offers race distances for all ages and abilities and an expo packed with must-have gear. Amanda dives into her training journey, sharing how she balances the rigorous schedule with everyday life—all while enjoying the unique excitement that makes Shamrock Weekend truly special.

Whether you're ready to take on your first marathon or crush a new personal best, Shamrock Marathon Weekend has something for everyone. From the high-energy, big-city vibes to a close-knit, welcoming community feel, it’s the perfect stage to chase PRs and even aim for a Boston qualifying time! Amanda reveals how a strong support system, including a partner ready to handle life’s logistics, helps keep her motivated and focused as the distances get longer and the goals even more exciting.

Imagine the thrill of crossing epic finish lines alongside friends, family, and a vibrant crowd cheering you on! With top-notch swag like exclusive tech t-shirts and gear collaborations with brands like Lululemon, plus a legendary beachside after-party complete with live bands and ocean views, Shamrock Marathon Weekend rivals the excitement of events like runDisney. And you’re invited to join in on the action! 🌈☘️

Kick off your training with us and join the Shamrock & Stride 16-week program—perfect for those who want to be race-ready for this unforgettable weekend! Check out the details and commit to training here.

Ready to secure your spot at the race? Register for Shamrock Marathon Weekend here and take that first step toward your personal victory!

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Unlock the secrets to optimizing your running performance and long-term health with Coach Christine as we explore the world of supplements specifically tailored for women runners. What if a few simple changes could enhance your recovery, support your bone health, and stabilize your mood? This episode promises to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your supplementation needs, allowing you to maintain an active lifestyle as you age.

Our journey begins with a spotlight on essential nutrients like BCAAs, omega-3s, vitamin D, and calcium—all crucial for muscle recovery, joint health, and bone strength. Christine demystifies common misconceptions about supplements, including creatine, while emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals to tailor your supplementation strategy. Discover how these vital nutrients work together, especially during high-intensity training phases or hormonal changes such as menstruation or menopause.

The discussion doesn't stop there. We also delve into the importance of iron, magnesium, and vitamin B complex in supporting performance and overall wellness. Christine highlights the dynamic balance between whole foods and supplements, ensuring you fill any dietary gaps without complicating your regimen. Whether you're chasing a new personal record or maintaining your strength, this episode is a call to action for women runners to embrace both dietary sources and strategic supplementation for peak performance. Tune in and empower yourself with the insights you need for your athletic journey.

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Kimberly Darling joins us as we explore her inspiring journey through the New York Road Runners 5 Borough Series, balancing life as a military spouse and a full-time working mom. Revel in the unique energy that propels her from the bustling Times Square of the United Airlines NYC Half to the idyllic streets of the Brooklyn Half.

Kimberly opens up about how these races reignited her passion for running, setting new goals for 2024. Each run presents its own challenges and triumphs, from the mental hurdles of the Bronx 10 Miler to the iconic experience of running under the Verrazano Bridge in Staten Island. Her vivid storytelling paints a picture of New York’s vibrant spirit, fueled by enthusiastic spectators and the incredible camaraderie found on the road.

Join the conversation as we uncover the nuances of maintaining fitness routines while on vacation and the surprising difficulty of a few of the courses.

Kimberly shares logistical insights for future NYRR participants, offering tips on navigating its unexpected terrain. We also touch on the importance of flexibility and adaptability in achieving long-term running ambitions, illustrating the balance between structured training and life’s unpredictability.

A lighthearted chat about New York's iconic foods rounds out the episode. Kimberly’s journey through the five boroughs is an inspiring testament to determination, community, and the sheer joy of running.

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In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, we’re joined by ultra-runner Susan Devine as she prepares for an incredible 24-hour race—yes, 24 hours of running! But Susan’s mission goes beyond just endurance. She’s raising funds for the Old Fort Strong Fund, a cause dedicated to helping families in Old Fort, North Carolina, recover from devastating flooding after Hurricane Helene.

Tune in as Susan shares her inspiring journey into ultra-running, the mental and physical challenges of such long-distance events, and her passion for using her platform to support her community. We’ll hear about the power of resilience, the importance of community, and what it truly means to push the limits of what’s possible.

Support Susan’s Fundraiser: Help Susan make an impact by donating to the Old Fort Strong Fund here. Your contribution will help families rebuild and recover. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference!

Key Topics Covered:

• How Susan got started in running and her journey into ultra-marathons
• The strategies she uses to tackle a 24-hour race, both mentally and physically
• Why the Old Fort Strong Fund is close to her heart and how the community has come together
• Fun moments from the trail and the support system behind her success
• Life lessons learned through running that go beyond the sport

Get Involved: Want to make a difference? Support Susan’s fundraising efforts for the Old Fort community by donating here. Your generosity will help families rebuild after the floods, and together, we can support this amazing community effort.

Don't miss this episode of Extraordinary Strides—a story of endurance, heart, and hope!

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In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, Coach Christine dives deep into the final weeks leading up to race day, focusing on tapering, expo prep, and race day strategies that will set you up for success. Whether you’re a first-time marathoner or a seasoned runner, this guide has everything you need to know to arrive at the starting line feeling confident and ready to crush your race. Tune in for practical tips, expert insights, and answers to the most commonly asked questions about preparing for your big day!

In This Episode, We’ll Cover:

• How to effectively taper your mileage while maintaining sharpness
• The do's and don'ts of race expo strategy to avoid common pitfalls
• Race day preparation tips, including pacing, fueling, and hydration
• Post-race recovery and celebration tips

Related Resources:
For more detailed tips and strategies, check out the accompanying blog post: The Ultimate Guide to Taper, Expo, and Race Day Success.

Free Download:
Want a comprehensive guide to help you prepare? Download The Ultimate Guide to Taper, Expo, and Race Day Success right here: Download the Guide. This guide is packed with everything we discussed and more, ensuring you have a stress-free lead-up to race day.

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In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, Coach Christine Hetzel dives into how runners can navigate marathon and half marathon training when natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or power outages disrupt their plans. With Hurricane Helene hitting the southeast and Hurricane Milton on the way, Christine shares her personal experience of preparing and evacuating, offering advice on how to stay safe and adapt your training before, during, and after a storm. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for runners facing natural disruptions and provides tips for rebuilding your training after the storm has passed.

But that’s not all! We’re also wrapping up the final installment of the Top 100 Running Books list. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or practical advice, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Read the full guide on marathon training during natural disasters: Running Through the Storm
• Explore the full Top 100 Running Books list: Top 100 Running Books

Stay safe, stay strong, and as always, keep striding toward extraordinary things!

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In this episode, Coach Christine shares the next part of the Top 100 Running Books list, covering books ranked 50 to 26. Before diving into the book discussion, she addresses the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in Appalachia and the southeastern US, encouraging the running community to come together and help those in need. For those looking to donate or offer support, check out the Hurricane Helene Relief Resources.

Coach Christine also reflects on her recent training for the Marine Corps Marathon 50k, sharing a personal lesson about relying on discipline when motivation fades. As the miles get longer, it’s crucial to put in the work during training to avoid penalties on race day. She offers practical and fun tips to banish long-run dread and gives a special shout-out to her other half for encouraging her through a tough run, even promising a post-run margarita!

The episode includes a recap of the Berlin Marathon 2024, celebrating all the runners who completed the race, and offers encouragement to those preparing for the upcoming Chicago Marathon, the next big race on the horizon.

Finally, we dive into books 50 to 26 from the Top 100 Running Books list. You can find the full list of books from 26-100 here.

Limited Coaching Spots Opening:

Winter training is just around the corner, and if you need 1:1 help to get ready for your spring races, now is the time! Spots are opening up, but they’re limited, so don’t miss out. You can also join The Extraordinary League for group coaching and accountability. Sign up here.

Links and Resources:

For donation information: Hurricane Helene Relief Resources.

For more about the Top 100 Running Books: Full list of books 26-100.

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Ready to become a running detective this October? Discover the spine-chilling Mystery of the Midnight Mile and help solve the enigmatic disappearance of Jack Lantern. Our special Halloween-themed challenge will add a spooky twist to your training, with eerie clues and engaging tasks that promise both fun and fitness. With the final weekend for sign-ups fast approaching, there’s no better time to join this thrilling adventure! Sign up here.

We also continue our exploration of the top 100 running books, diving into entries from 75 to 51. From "The Running Club" by Ben Gross to "Running with the Kenyans" by Adharanand Finn, these books offer fascinating insights and stories that any runner would cherish. Whether you're seeking motivation, training tips, or simply a great read, our highlighted selections promise to enrich your running journey. Make sure to check out the full list on our website for even more inspiration.

Ever wondered if morning or evening runs are better for you? We break down the differences and benefits of each, sharing practical tips on pre-run meals and sleep routines to enhance your performance. Special guest Shelly Rose joins us to share her journey toward her first half marathon, emphasizing the importance of consistency, nutrition, rest, and social accountability. From tackling new distances to finding fresh motivation, this episode is packed with valuable insights to elevate your running experience.

Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!

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