This episode is a truth bomb in the best way. Danielle Kepics—a functional medicine PA, former therapist, and absolute powerhouse joins us for a no-BS conversation about performance, periods, and why “just push through” culture is failing athletes. We unpack what’s actually healthy, how stress impacts performance, and why eating more and doing less might be the exact reset you need.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How endurance athletes confuse discipline with disorder
• The stress bucket & why performance isn't just about training
• Why under-eating is the biggest roadblock for most women
• What a “normal” period actually looks like—and why it matters
• How to train in alignment with your life season
• Coming off birth control & cycle health 101

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

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In this episode with one of our athletes, Brittany who just completed the New York City Marathon, we dive into what it really feels like to train and race while life unravels around you. This training cycle for her was the kind of season where running becomes more than a goal; it becomes a lifeline. Something to help you connect deeper to you. Through her story of navigating grief after losing her mom, navigating the uncertainty of allowing her body to process & heal all while building resilience in the process. Brittany shares how showing up for the miles helped her process emotions, find meaning, and rediscover her strength both on & off the run.

What You’ll Hear:

• The difference between her first and second marathon
• How running helped Brittany navigate grief and change
• The moment everything felt overwhelming — and what pulled her through
• How community and consistency can ground you when life feels uncertain
• How let go of goals and really meet yourself where you are at

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

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In this conversation, Courtney Daniels shares her journey to completing her first Ironman, reflecting on the mental and physical challenges she faced throughout her training and race day. From the importance of nutrition and mental preparation to the sacrifices made along the way, Courtney provides the insights she wish she would have known going in to her first Ironman and tying it back to the everyday endurance athlete's experience. She shares the emotional highs and lows of race day, the significance of support from family and friends, and the lessons learned that she hopes can inspire future athletes. This conversation encapsulates the essence of perseverance, dedication, and the transformative power of endurance sports.

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

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We’re welcoming registered dietitian and board-certified sports nutritionist Stevie Lynn Smith back to the Strides for Strength podcast—this time as a soon-to-be published author! Her new book, Power Up: A Young Woman’s Guide to Winning with Sports Nutrition, is all about helping female athletes fuel with confidence, ditch diet culture myths, and build a strong foundation for both performance and lifelong health.

This conversation explores the importance of nutrition for athletes, particularly young women, and how the book aims to provide accessible, science-based information to help them build healthy relationships with food and performance. Stevie emphasizes the need to debunk common nutrition myths, particularly around carbohydrates, and highlights the significance of support systems in fostering a positive environment for young athletes. Stevie shares practial stools & resources that will aid in long term health AND performance!

Pre-order her book, Power Up: A Young Woman's Guide to Winning with Sports Nutrition now!

Connect with her on IG @stevielynlyn

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

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Nicole joins us on the Strides for Strength podcast to share her journey from a high school state champion swimmer to a triathlete chasing Ironman dreams. From navigating setbacks like injuries and illness to rebuilding her running from the ground up, Nicole’s story is one of discipline, patience, and persistence. Whether you’re curious about triathlon or just need a reminder that growth comes with time, this conversation will inspire you to embrace the long game in your own training.

💡 What You’ll Hear:

• Nicole’s transition from competitive swimming to running and triathlon
• How a New Year’s resolution turned into a lifelong love for endurance sports
• The role patience played in coming back from injury and illness
• Why triathlon culture and community are unlike anything else
• The surprising impact of cadence, strength, and small details on big improvements
• How focusing on feeling strong—rather than chasing numbers—changes the game
• Nicole’s future goals (yes, the full Ironman seed has been planted!)

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

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In this episode of the Strides for Strength podcast, Kristen sits down with Coach Mich to share her journey as a runner, reflecting on her journey from a hesitant participant using primarily the on/off again via Couch to 5k method to a now consistent, strong, motivated athlete.

She discusses the importance of finding personal motivation, the impact of motherhood on her running journey, and the significance of nutrition in helping her performance. Kristen also emphasizes the value of training intentionally and the importance of setting realistic goals that align with her life as a mother and teacher. As she looks ahead to future races, she shares her excitement about continuing to grow in her running journey while balancing family life.

What You’ll Hear:

• Anyone can be a runner, regardless of speed or distance.
• Running can serve as a metaphor for life, teaching resilience and perseverance.
• Motivation for running can evolve over time, especially through different life stages.
• Training should be intentional and responsive to individual needs and circumstances.
• It's important to find a balance between running and family commitments.
• Setting realistic goals can help maintain motivation and enjoyment in running.
• Community support can enhance the running experience and provide accountability.
• Every run is an opportunity to learn and grow as an athlete.

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

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The Strides for Strength coaching crew is back together on the mic! In this roundtable catch-up, we get real about marathon training highs and lows, pivoting race plans, pregnancy running struggles, and how to keep running fun when life feels full. Tune in for hot takes on the pro running world, updates on our own training (or lack thereof), and the reminder every runner needs: races will always be there, but your joy matters most.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why pivoting your race plan can be a smart, strong choice
• Real-life marathon training updates from busy, full lives
• Pregnancy running highs, lows, and laugh-out-loud moments
• Hot takes on the professional running and track world
• How to keep running joyful in different seasons of life

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

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In this bonus episode, Michaela and Erin share their very different experiences with this year’s Boston Marathon registration results. One got in, one missed it by just five seconds. Together, they unpack the emotions, lessons, and logistics behind chasing big goals and how to hold space for both joy and heartbreak in the same moment.

What You’ll Hear:

• The highs and lows of Boston Marathon registration day: acceptance vs. rejection
• How Erin navigated qualifying while pregnant and the decision to defer
• Michaela’s perspective on missing the cutoff by five seconds (and how she’s processing it)
• Tips for handling big disappointments in running without losing your drive
• Why your time doesn’t define your worth as a runner
• The power of celebrating progress, even when the goal isn’t reached yet

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

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST