When I ran past a youth baseball game near the Esplanade last Saturday, I watched a coach wrangle a field full of distracted kids with one firm, friendly whistle — and it stopped me in my tracks. It got me thinking about every coach I've ever had, and how much the right one can change the trajectory of an athlete's life.

I spent years assuming coaches were reserved for elite athletes. It wasn't until I set my sights on a sub-three hour marathon that I even considered hiring one — and the results were undeniable. I ran a 2:58 that October. But I also finished the training block completely burned out, dreading every run, and at an all-time low mentally. Faster, yes. Happy? Absolutely not.

That experience taught me what I truly needed from a coach: flexibility, accessibility, and a real human connection. Because here's the thing — you don't have to be elite to deserve great coaching. You just have to find someone who's been in the trenches themselves, and who genuinely believes in where you're trying to go.

In a follow-up to her viral post on running culture, Coach Kelly interviews fellow run coach and Barry's instructor Greg Ux about the rise of "runfluencers" and the damage they're doing to the sport. Greg breaks down why TikTok-friendly running tips prioritize virality over accuracy, how paid product promotions undermine genuine advice, and why long-term success in running comes down to one unsexy truth: consistency and volume. He also shares the books, coaches, and mindset shifts that new runners should turn to instead of their social media feeds.

Strength training and running don't have to be mutually exclusive — in fact, they're a powerful combination. In this collaborative post, fitness trainer Kelly sits down with strength coach and Big Boy Club founder Evan Arbour to tackle the biggest myths and misconceptions runners have about hitting the weight room. From debunking fears about "getting bulky" to explaining how single-leg exercises directly translate to faster, more efficient strides, Evan makes the case that strength work is non-negotiable for runners chasing longevity, speed, and injury prevention. He also shares how to balance lifting volume throughout a training cycle so neither discipline suffers. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just lacing up for the first time, this is your sign to pick up the weights — your running will thank you.

The running community has a problem: influencers. From free bibs at oversubscribed world major marathons to TikTok "experts" pushing bad training advice, the sport is increasingly shaped by social media personalities more interested in content than competition. Coach Kelly, drawing on crowdsourced frustrations from fellow runners, unpacks why speed shaming, curated race expos, and unqualified influencers are eroding what makes running special — and reminds us that pace isn't everything. Running should be fun, inclusive, and rooted in human connection, not follower counts.

The world of distance running is vibrating with the news of Sabastian Sawe’s historic sub-two-hour marathon. While these superhuman speeds bring the sport into the mainstream spotlight, they also create a "Catch 22" for the everyday runner. How do we stay inspired by elite records without letting "comparison culture" and obsession with pace steal our joy? From Nike’s recent marketing missteps to the grit of the middle-of-the-pack runner, Coach Kelly explores why the heart of running isn't found on a stopwatch, but in the courage to show up.

Thirteen years, twelve finishes, and a lifetime of transformation. For Coach Kelly, the Boston Marathon began as a hobby, became a source of healing following the 2013 tragedy, and eventually evolved into a yearly pilgrimage of joy. In this poignant reflection on her final time toeing the line in Hopkinton, Kelly shares why she chose to trade the pressure of the "Personal Record" for the magic of the "vibe." From the trauma of the past to the strength of the present, this is a story about finding purpose in every step and learning that while the marathon doesn't owe you anything, it can still give you everything.

Experience the magic and grit of the Boston Marathon through the eyes of a twelve-time veteran. From the roar of the Wellesley Scream Tunnel to the mental battle of Heartbreak Hill, this mile-by-mile guide offers essential strategy and local lore for every runner.

A raw and deeply personal account of the 2013 Boston Marathon, shifting from the sunny optimism of a first-time runner to the harrowing moments after the finish line. This narrative captures the resilience of a city and the fragile line between personal triumph and public tragedy.

Experience the palpable energy of April in Boston as the city transforms into a sea of blue and gold for the legendary marathon. From elite shakeout runs to local pop-ups, find out how to immerse yourself in the infectious 'Boston Marathon Effect' and reignite your passion for running.

After two decades of marathons and a daily run streak, Coach Kelly admits the unthinkable: running has become boring. This honest reflection explores how to navigate athletic burnout by shifting priorities, embracing strength training, and redefining what it means to be a "runner."

The "hay is in the barn," but why does the taper feel so difficult? For many marathoners, the final weeks before a race bring the "taper crazies"—a mix of irritability, phantom pains, and the urge to overtrain. Coach Kelly explains why reducing your mileage is essential for repairing muscle damage and rebuilding energy stores, and offers practical tips to help you survive the mental hurdles of the pre-race wind-down.

Don’t let a lottery rejection define your season. While World Major Marathons get all the hype, there are thousands of incredible races with world-class support and even better views. From the palm trees of LA to the "Blue Mile" in DC, Coach Kelly ranks her favorite non-major marathons that every runner should experience.

What happens when you swap -6°C Boston black ice for 80% Miami humidity? You get humbled—and you love every second of it. This past weekend, I returned to the Magic City for the Miami 305 Half. From dodging "revolving hot dogs" at 7/11 pre-race to tackling the grueling rollers of the MacArthur Causeway, this race was less about the PR and more about the palms. Dive into the mile-by-mile breakdown of why this remains one of my favorite half marathons in the world.

As Coach Kelly prepares to turn 40, she takes a look back at a decade defined by miles, milestones, and massive shifts in perspective. From breaking the three-hour marathon barrier at age 30 to launching a thriving coaching business and embracing sobriety, her thirties were a "wild ride" of personal and professional growth. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just lace up for the community, this retrospective celebrates the lessons learned on the pavement and the exciting new trails—literally and figuratively—waiting in the decade ahead.

Navigating 2026’s overwhelming runner wellness trends (think cold plunges, endless supplements, and IVs) can feel daunting—especially with social media influencers pushing overpriced, unproven products. But there’s science-backed relief: we sat down with Aaron Landes, strength coach and owner of Vivolo Wellness Club, to separate fact from fiction. Aaron shares why runners benefit from targeted IV therapy (like Perform IV for intense training), injections (NAD+, B12, Vitamin D), and key supplements (creatine, protein, glutathione)—plus a critical reminder: rest is non-negotiable for muscle repair and gains. He also breaks down two actionable training plans (3-week and 6-week) tailored for runners, emphasizing accessible, personalized wellness that skips the hype and delivers results.

Many runners believe that marathon success is solely about the miles logged on their Garmin. However, pushing your physical limits presents significant risks to nearly every organ system, making proper preparation a matter of safety, not just performance. Beyond the training plan, the most neglected component of distance running is the essential self-care required to support high mileage. From the science of "sleep sanctuaries" to the specific hydration math for athletes, discover the three foundational pillars—sleep, hydration, and fueling—that will keep you from "bonking" and ensure you cross the finish line feeling strong.

We’ve all seen the "no excuses" posts: the runner smiling through a blizzard, claiming they never miss a mile outside. But when the Boston sidewalks are encased in black ice and the temperatures hit negatives, does "toughing it out" make you a better athlete—or just more prone to injury? Coach Kelly dives into why running is never one-size-fits-all and why your training plan needs to account for your life, your safety, and your sanity.

NINETY. TWO. PERCENT. According to a recent survey, that is the staggering number of women who feel concerned for their safety when they go for a run. From the 'minor' discomfort of catcalling to the harrowing stories of runners who never made it home, the risks associated with this sport are aplenty. This week, I’m getting real about the fears we face during winter training and solo miles, sharing a few of my own scary encounters, and discussing how we can stay empowered and vigilant in a world that isn't always safe.

In an era of Strava stats and "highlight reel" training, it’s easy to forget that running is hard work—especially when you’re juggling a 4:00 AM alarm with a career and a family. Whether you are chasing a sub-3-hour marathon or trying to run your first mile without stopping, the secret to staying motivated isn't just one big target; it’s the "multiple goal theory." By setting A, B, and C goals, you ensure that even when the weather turns or the plan "blows up," you still walk away with a win.

In dance and theater, we never take the stage without a full run-through. So why do we leave so much to chance on race day? While you can’t control the weather or the crowds, you can control your preparation. From "heat training" in a sauna to testing every stitch of your clothing, discover how to eliminate guesswork and build the confidence you need to nail your next big performance.