Meet Our Team of Experts

While I competed in cross country and track teams during my middle and high school years, becoming an all-state athlete and state champion on multiple occasions , I only began calling myself an endurance runner after my second child was born in 2013. Between middle school and before baby number two, I had dabbled in sprint triathlons, 5K's, and 10K's, but still never truly considered myself an endurance runner.

As a postpartum mother of two, I was like many, motivated to lose my "baby weight", in the aftermath of my natural birth experiences to explore what other amazing things my body might be capable of. I had seen inspiring posts from many friends as they ventured into the half marathon/full marathon world, and I decided that I wanted to go for it (the half marathon), too. Therefore, I perused the internet and ultimately, developed my own plan to hold me accountable to my goal and keep me motivated, safe. Ultimately, I was transformed by this sport along the way, setting PR's in many distances and even winning a trail championships in addition to other local road and trail races within 10 months to 13 months postpartum.

Along the journey to my first half marathon, I had discovered and fallen in love with the practice of running and the community, but I also had researched and learned that training safely for races requires an ongoing balancing act between scientifically-supported training approaches as well as running socially and/or for enjoyment to avoid burnout.

Years later, I continue to evolve as a runner, having become a 5x Boston Qualifying marathoner and completed 30+ marathon/ultra marathons. In my thirst to learn more about helping others develop their running practice, I became a certified running coach through RRCA, a TRX qualified coach, a certified Institute for Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, a NASM certified personal trainer, and a USATF Level I Track & Field Coach. I continue to grow in my advocacy for healthy runners everywhere, based out of Harrisonburg, VA.

I am passionate about sharing and promoting running as a sustainable, yet in-flux activity that can positively influence health and lifestyle as well as develop a greater sense of belonging in a much larger community. I also want my athletes to feel supported, empowered, and enriched along their pursuits to maximize their potential and achieve their greatest goals!

Together, we can tackle mental and physical challenges in a way that leaves you feeling accomplished, disciplined, and powerful.

Rachel is one of our amazing run coaches. She's had success in distances 50K-100 miles but enjoys the longer 100k and 100 mile distances the most because of the problem solving and strategic thinking that goes into it. Rachel coaching background includes high school and middle school cross country coaching, including a conference championship win for her girls team in 2021, and coach of the year award for Blue Ridge conference.