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COACH KRISTENKristen was born in Houston, TX, grew up in Nashville, TN and went to college in Bowling Green, KY. Lived in Tallahassee, FL for a short stint before settling in Orlando, FL in summer 2006 which is now “home”.
Before she was a running coach, she spent 10 years in the events industry in various roles as a catering manager, wedding planner and managing events, meetings and conventions. This is where her detail oriented and organization skills come from. Kristen began her running career in summer 2011 and only ran a few months before getting pregnant with her first child. Her doctor wouldn’t let her run through her pregnancy, so she was bound and determined to come back stronger, and that she did. Aria was born in June 2012 and she ran her 1st half marathon in December 2012, 6 months later. She wanted to share her love of running and started the East Orlando chapter of Moms RUN This Town (a free local running club for moms/women) in April 2013 and it quickly grew to over 1,000 members. She just recently stepped down in June as chapter leader after 3+ years to take on the demands of a growing business, Less than a year after her 1st half, she ran her first full marathon. Turns out she was a month pregnant with baby #2, but didn’t find out out the week after. She successfully ran through the whole pregnancy this time, 20-25 miles per week, even an 8 miler the day before Avery was born. 7 months later, she ran her 2nd full marathon and qualified for Boston! She decided to further her education in running by becoming certified as a running coach through both the RRCA and Jack Daniel's VDOT 02 in addition to being an IRONMAN Certified Coach. She also is certified in sports nutrition, sport yoga, spinning, speed, agility & quickness training and sports injuries. Kristen’s current stats include: 50+ Half Marathons (PR 1:29:40/6:50 pace) 16 Full Marathons (PR 3:21:30/7:41 pace) Boston Qualifying marathon finish times x10 *updated August 2023* Coach Kristen: “Some may call it crazy, but for me, it’s a passion and I want to share my passion with the local running community and beyond by helping others reach their goals, PR’s and enjoy this amazing sport which is about so much more than crossing the finish line. I wake up every morning excited to review my athletes' workouts and questions and to work on training plans. This is a lifetime sport. It changes you and I want to be there to help lead, push, and inspire you!” |
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Coaching PhilosophyKristen's coaching philosophy is based on a "not one size fits all" train of thought and that consistency and accountability will lead to overall better performance. All athletes, no matter the level, can improve through coaching and a structured training plan. While running is the main focus, both strength training and cross training play a huge role in injury prevention as well as sports nutrition. Every athlete has specific strengths and weaknesses, which can be coached and developed individually. A strong athlete must work on both their mental and physical endurance. Your natural ability and talent will only get you so far, then for that extra edge you need to work hard and train hard, all with a love and dedication to your sport.
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March 2017 appearance on Fox 35's Good Day Orlando morning show "Orlando Moms" segment with news anchor, Danielle Knox.
On the cover of The Winter Edition (February 2016) of The Moms Magazine (click picture for article)
