Welcome back to Extraordinary Strides, where we celebrate the ordinary runners who achieve truly extraordinary things! I’m your host, Coach Christine, and today we’re diving into a topic that holds a special place in my heart: the magic of race-day spectating. 💜✨

As Kathrine Switzer once said:
“If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.”
It’s true—whether it’s a local 5K, the World Marathon Majors, or the pixie-dusted magic of runDisney, spectators are the unsung heroes who fuel every runner’s journey. 🏁

Joining me today is Lynn Kinney, an extraordinary cheer captain and veteran spectator who brings her high-energy support to local races and runDisney events. Together, we’ll break down the essential tips for making spectating as thrilling as running, including:

✅ Pre-race prep: Planning your route, packing your essentials, and coordinating with your runner
✅ Race-day energy: Where to stand, how to cheer effectively, and how to motivate EVERY runner you see
✅ Navigating crowds without losing the magic
✅ Post-race celebrations and supporting your runner when it matters most

✨ BONUS: Ready to cheer like a pro? 🎉 Download my free Spectator Kit—featuring a race-day checklist and printable motivational sign templates—here: Download Kit

💡 Episode Highlights:

• The Power of Spectating: Why marathons inspire both runners and spectators alike.
• Lynn Kinney’s Spectator Secrets: Creative signs, cheer strategy, and finding the perfect spectating spot.
• Golden Rules of Spectating: Respecting the course, motivating runners, and adding positive energy.
• Don’t Be THAT Spectator: Avoid common mistakes like blocking the course or offering unsolicited advice.
• Make Memories: Tips for snapping photos, cheering strategically, and staying comfortable during long races.

Whether you’re new to race spectating or a veteran with a cowbell collection, this episode will show you how to add sparkle, magic, and extraordinary energy to any event. 🏃‍♀️✨

🔔 Connect with Me:

• Follow & Subscribe: Don’t miss out on upcoming episodes of Extraordinary Strides!
• Share the Love: Know a friend who’s cheering at an upcoming race? Send them this episode!
• Join the Community: For more tips, motivation, and free downloads, visit ExtraordinaryStrides.com.

🎉 Let’s make every cheer count and fuel every step toward the finish line. Until next time, keep striding and keep shining! 🌟

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In this heartfelt episode of Extraordinary Strides, we sit down with Tia Pettygrue—a coach, pacer, marathoner, and an inspiring force in the running community. Tia’s story is one of resilience, determination, and using her passion for running to make a difference.

Tia shares her ambitious goal of completing the Selma to Montgomery 51-Mile Relay, running the entire historic route alongside her husband, Johnnie. But this journey goes beyond personal achievement—Tia is championing a deeply personal cause: raising funds for her brother Marc and his wife Ellyn, who lost their home in the Eaton Fire.

🔑 In This Episode, We Explore:

• How Tia is preparing for the grueling 51-mile Selma to Montgomery Relay, both mentally and physically
• The powerful connection between running and civil rights history along this symbolic route
• Tia’s fundraising efforts for Marc and Ellyn and the incredible outpouring of support from the running community
• Reflections on Tia’s extraordinary running journey and what she is listening to on her long runs: she has some great recs!
• The advice Tia gives new runners and what motivates her to keep striving

🌟 Whether you’re looking for running inspiration, ways to give back, or insights into balancing ambitious goals with meaningful causes, Tia’s story will leave you feeling empowered.

💡 Support Marc and Ellyn:
Join the running community in helping Tia’s brother and sister-in-law rebuild after the Eaton Fire. Every donation makes a difference. Click here to donate.

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

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Transform your ordinary running routines into extraordinary accomplishments with the secrets of habit mastery. Ever wondered why your New Year's resolutions crumble by February? Discover how shifting from resolution-focused thinking to a process-based approach can revolutionize your training routine. Drawing insights from James Clear's "Atomic Habits" and Dr. BJ Fogg's "Tiny Habits," I reveal the power of starting small and celebrating every victory, no matter how minor.

You won't want to miss our special challenges, like February’s Gloves On, Booty Strong Challenge and March’s Playbill Playoffs, all designed to ramp up your motivation and performance throughout the year.

February’s focus is on building strength in the posterior chain and lateral stabilizers—critical areas for female runners who are often quad-dominant. This strength helps prevent injuries and improves performance. Space is limited, so sign up now to get started on a stronger 2025.

Sign up for February’s Gloves On, Booty Strong Challenge or commit to the next three months:
Register Here


Plus, I share updates on my own running and invite you to join the Women of World Marathon Majors Facebook group to connect with inspiring female runners from across the globe.

We dive deep into building a robust identity as a runner, with a particular focus on the role of strength training for women. Learn why heavy lifting is not only about muscle gain but essential in boosting endurance and warding off injuries—especially by strengthening that all-important posterior chain.

Understand how to adapt your workouts to the seasonal ebb and flow of your mileage and why maintaining a disciplined schedule is crucial in a hectic lifestyle.

Additionally, I tackle the challenges posed by California’s wildfires, offering practical tips for training safely amid smoky skies. This episode is your guide to prioritizing health, staying adaptable, and ensuring open communication with healthcare professionals as you chase those ambitious running goals.

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

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Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.

Welcome to 2025! It’s a brand-new year, and this is your chance to set the tone for the months ahead. In this episode, I’m diving into the Rise to the Challenge: 4 Months to Extraordinary, a one-of-a-kind program designed to help you stop starting over and start building habits that last.

This isn’t your typical New Year’s challenge. Over four months, you’ll join a community of motivated runners and fitness enthusiasts, lean into weekly accountability, and tackle creative themes like "Glow Up," "Knockout February," and "The Fit Games."

If you’ve ever struggled with sticking to your goals after January, this program is your answer. With structure, support, and plenty of fun along the way, you’ll be set up to make 2025 your strongest year yet.

We kick off on January 6, and registration is open now. Sign up today to lock in your spot and use code COMMIT at checkout to save $20.

🎧 Ready to rise? Visit the website for all the details.

This is your year—let’s make it extraordinary together!

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Race day is finally here, and while it’s your time to shine, it can also be full of unexpected twists and turns. From forgotten shoes to mid-race cramps, I’ve seen it all—and I’ve coached runners through it all. In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, I’m sharing the ultimate race day survival guide packed with practical tips, humorous anecdotes, and heartfelt encouragement.

We’ll dive into how to avoid common mishaps, like showing up late or overdressing, and tackle what to do when things go sideways—because let’s face it, sometimes they will. Whether it’s a blister at mile ten or the dreaded porta-potty dilemma, you’ll leave this episode ready to handle anything the race throws at you. Tune in for wisdom, laughter, and the confidence boost you need to crush your next race.

Your Fairy Runmother has you covered—now, let’s stride toward extraordinary together! 🏅✨

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🎙️ Episode Overview:
Welcome to another inspiring episode of Extraordinary Strides! In this episode, Coach Christine dives into the transformative power of audacious goals and how they shape not just our runs but our lives. From breaking free of comfort zones to celebrating small acts of defiance against ordinary, this episode will inspire you to lace up, dream big, and take action.

We’re also thrilled to welcome back a very special guest: Shelly Rose, a member of The Extraordinary League, who shares her extraordinary journey from starting her first training plan to crossing the finish line of her very first half marathon. Shelly’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, boldness, and community. You’ll walk away feeling motivated and ready to tackle your own wild, audacious dreams.

💡 In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why audacious goals are acts of rebellion against excuses.
• How running mirrors the defiance needed to chase bold dreams.
• The small, daily decisions that build momentum toward extraordinary achievements.
• Shelly Rose’s personal story: Her challenges, triumphs, and the lessons she learned along the way.
• How you can take your running to the next level with The Extraordinary League’s Rise to the Challenge program.

🌟 Ready to Rise?
As 2025 approaches, it’s time to set audacious goals and make them a reality. Join Rise to the Challenge, a four-month journey to build strength, resilience, and confidence in your running. Whether you're training for your first race, chasing a PR, or simply looking for accountability, this program has everything you need to defy ordinary and achieve extraordinary.

💥 Exclusive Offer: Podcast listeners save $25 with code EXTRAPOD2025 when you sign up before December 31.
👉 Sign up now!

🌌 Stay Connected:
Ready to make 2025 your year of transformation? Visit extraordinarystrides.com for training resources, community updates, and inspiration to fuel your extraordinary journey.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow runners! Let’s keep striding toward greatness, one bold goal at a time.

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In this quick and festive episode, I’m taking a moment to thank you for being part of the Extraordinary Strides community and to celebrate the magic of the season. Whether you’re gearing up for a holiday run, juggling last-minute plans, or just enjoying a quiet moment, this message is here to bring a little sparkle to your day.

🎄 What’s Your 2024 Highlight?
Let’s celebrate you! If you’ve had a big achievement this year—whether it’s a PR, tackling a new distance, or simply showing up when it wasn’t easy—I’d love to feature your story in an upcoming episode.

Here’s how to share:

• Click the link below to text me.
• Include your full name, your 2024 win, and how I can reach you if I have follow-up questions (texts don’t include identifying info automatically!).

This season, take a moment for yourself. Celebrate your strides, reflect on your wins, and know that I’m so grateful to have you as part of this extraordinary community.

Happy holidays, my friend!

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Welcome to this episode of Extraordinary Strides, where we celebrate the resilience, grit, and determination of runners who dream big and achieve extraordinary feats—no matter their pace. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of back-of-the-pack running, sharing strategies, tips, and an inspiring conversation with Theresa Puckett.

Theresa is not only a back-of-the-pack runner herself but also the founder of the Six Star Medal Back of the Pack (BOTP) Facebook group, a community for runners chasing big goals while supporting each other every step of the way. She’s a nursing professor, charity fundraiser, and an accomplished runner with a journey that inspires us all.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Practical tips for back-of-the-pack runners, including training strategies, fueling, hydration, and gear.
• Insights on preparing for unique challenges like waiting hours in corrals or running through mealtimes.
• Theresa’s personal journey, from completing marathons and ultramarathons to losing 150 pounds and transforming her life.
• How Theresa’s Facebook group fosters community and support for back-of-the-pack runners pursuing the prestigious Six Star Medal.
• Details about Theresa’s fundraiser, the Running on Hope Virtual 5K, which benefits Team Hope Story, an incredible organization making an impact.

Join the Six Star Medal Back of the Pack Community

Are you a back-of-the-pack runner chasing your Six Star Medal or looking for a supportive community to share your running journey? Join Theresa’s Six Star Medal Back of the Pack Facebook group and connect with like-minded runners who celebrate every stride, no matter the pace.
📲 Join the Group Here

Support Team Hope Story: Running on Hope Virtual 5K

Looking to make an impact while logging your miles? Sign up for Theresa’s Running on Hope Virtual 5K and support Team Hope Story, an organization dedicated to uplifting families and communities.
🏃‍♀️ Sign Up for the Virtual 5K Here

Let’s Connect!

If this episode inspired you, share it with a fellow runner or leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us spread the word. Let’s keep celebrating runners of all paces and creating a community where everyone belongs.

🎙️ Keep striding forward—see you on the next episode of Extraordinary Strides! 🎙️

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

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Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.