In December 2018, I made a life-changing decision to prioritize my health and fitness. At the time, I was about 80 pounds overweight and determined to transform my life. That journey led me to running, and in September 2019 I signed up for the Chicago Half Marathon. I had never run more than a couple of miles before committing, but that race changed everything for me. It sparked a deep love for the sport that continues to this day.

In 2020, during the pandemic, I launched a virtual fitness community offering free daily workouts to help people stay active. I also started a virtual run club that brought runners from all over together to celebrate wins and stay connected. Through those experiences, I realized how much fulfillment I get from helping others reach their goals. Around that same time, I also ventured into triathlons, completing two half Ironmans while consistently competing in running races.

By January 2023, I took my running to the next level by working with a coach. That partnership gave me accountability, structure, and the tools to reach new personal records across 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and marathons. More importantly, it showed me how powerful it is to have someone in your corner — guiding, encouraging, and pushing you past limits you didn’t think you could break. Experiencing that impact firsthand is what inspired me to step into coaching myself. I know what it feels like to be unsure where to start, to chase big goals, and to need that extra push, and I want to provide that same support to other runners.

All of these experiences, from starting my journey in 2018, to building my virtual fitness community, to training with a coach, have led me to start my own run coaching. Running has transformed my life, and now I’m committed to paying it forward.