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 mindset this season.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why a shorter training cycle actually worked better
• How she prepped for race-day heat while training in dry Denver
• The inside scoop on pacing decisions, fuel strategy & electrolytes
• What went down in those final painful miles (and why she gave the finish line a thumbs down 😂)
• Navigating post-race feelings when the A-goal almost happened

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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 mile, this one will remind you why running is so much more than just putting one foot in front of the other.

This episode covers:

• The identity shifts that happen through running
• How running builds resilience and emotional intelligence
• Letting go of instant gratification and learning patience
• Navigating comparison (to others and yourself)
• How becoming coaches changed their perspective on running and self-worth

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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 runs, this episode will help you train smarter, not harder.

This episode covers:

• Why running faster doesn’t always mean training smarter
• The myth of “more miles = better runner”
• How to properly fuel (before, during, and after runs)
• Why strength training is non-negotiable for performance and longevity
• Tips for shifting habits without overwhelm

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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 balancing performance goals with real life, and why not every season needs to be your PR season.

🎧 What we talk about in this episode:

• The joy (and chaos) of planning a retreat with field day games, Wicked watch parties, and no race-day stress
• Why Michaela skipped an 8-mile run guilt-free during peak week
• Deciding what’s actually worth stressing about in a training cycle
• Why your mindset about missed runs matters more than the miles
• How Erin is training for DekaFit with flexibility, Pilates, and friendship
• Performance goals vs. joy goals and how to tell the difference

Get on the 2026 Retreat Interest List → https://calm-lab-435.myflodesk.com/ewk2esxy6n

Sign up for the Stronger Strides Challenge → https://stridesforstrength.thrivecart.com/stronger-strides-off-season-challenge/

Want a coach who meets you where you’re at? Book a discovery call with us → https://www.stridesforstrength.com/contact

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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 Chicago Marathon 2024 and decided it was too good not to re-air as you are getting ready to kick off your training for Chicago Marathon 2025. We will not be at the race this year (cue tears), but the guide and advice still hits

Plus — don’t forget to snag our Chicago Marathon Guide (30+ pages of insider tips, a packing list, course breakdowns, food recs, and more) here: https://stridesforstrength.thrivecart.com/chicago-marathon-guide-2025/

What We Cover:

• Why you need to go to the expo Friday (not Saturday)
• What the deal is with Nike gear and where to actually find it
• Tips to not overdo walking before race day
• How to approach Shake Out runs, weather prep, and pacing strategies
• What to do when your GPS loses its mind in the city streets
• How to avoid last-minute bathroom panic (toilet paper. bring it.)
• Navigating corrals, hydration, aid stations, and the 27th mile

Get your Chicago Marathon Guide here: https://stridesforstrength.thrivecart.com/chicago-marathon-guide-2025/

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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 all plans (especially the free ones) are created equal. This one’s a must-listen if you're planning your next big goal race!

What We Cover:

• How to pick a race that actually aligns with your life & energy
• Why “just sign up” might be sabotaging your race day
• When to choose a custom plan vs. a template
• Our favorite tools for race research
• Why cutback weeks matter more than you think
• How to avoid burnout by training smarter (not harder)
• Common training plan mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Shop our 5K–Half marathon training plans https://www.stridesforstrength.com/templates
→ Use code PODCAST to save $10

Book a free discovery call to chat race goals: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/contact

Our go-to for race research: RunningInTheUSA.com

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

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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 maybe even thrive) during summer miles. From sauna training experiments to chatting abour hydration, sweat loss, and sunscreen that won't burn your eyeballs—this is your summer survival guide.

Episode Highlights

• Why summer running feels so dang hard—and why it’s not just you
• Practical heat adaptation strategies (beyond "just hydrate")
• Sauna training 101: how Michaela is experimenting with sauna sessions for better heat tolerance
• Adjusting your runs with effort-based training, not just pace goals
• Gear tips: favorite water bottles, bras with pockets, hydration vests, and sunscreen picks
• Safety reminders for early morning and evening runs
• Why summer suffering = major fall PR potential

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

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 the secret to marathon success. Oh—and yes, Tokyo really did serve doll-shaped pancakes mid-race.

🔥 Episode Highlights

• The power of flexible training: How Michael trained through the Dopey Challenge and still showed up strong in Tokyo
• What it’s really like to run a World Marathon Major in Japan (cutoffs, crowds, and culture)
• Navigating unexpected heat and learning how to pivot mid-race
• Tokyo’s legendary aid stations: the snacks, the signage, and the Pocari Sweat
• Mindset shifts when a race doesn’t go to plan—and how to still win the day

:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2068538/episodes/12356025

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST