Yes, we are keeping the good times rolling with the Saturday Spotlight blog series! I’ve done a little Q&A with some great run coaches and fitness pros. These are multi-talented folks with solid experience, great blogs, and a lot of positive energy online to keep you inspired and informed. So, let’s see who we’ve got this week!

Spotlight: Marcia Kadens

Running Coach & Blogger
Find her at MarciasHealthySlice.com

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Why did you become a run coach? 

I’ve been running marathons coming up on 10 years and writing about running on the blog and in other publications for over 7. I became a running coach when I realized that helping others work toward their dreams and realize their potential brought me more joy than any PR ever could.  What I enjoy most about coaching is helping a client summon the courage to pursue new challenges they never dared take on and turn their “I could nevers” into missions accomplished.

What is your coaching style/ philosophy?

As a coach, I focus on the mental aspects of running just as much as I do the physical workouts. So much of how we perform as runners starts with what’s going on upstairs. You must have a positive mindset and know how to identify and summon your strengths in order to push through the rigors of day-to-day training as well as execute when the going gets tough on race day.

What kind of runner are you best able to help? 

Although I also work with girls and teens and am a Girls on the Run coach, I mostly work with women in the 35+ age category. Because I am a mother and runner “of a certain age” myself, I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to balance the needs of a family with training as well as the impact age and fluctuating hormones have on the body, mind and spirit.

What running coach helps clients summon the courage to pursue new challenges? Find out! #SweatPink Click To Tweet

What is one thing runners do all the time that you wish you could fix/stop/change? 

I am a very happy coach when runners focus inward and listen to their own body first, rather than become distracted and influenced by the various training philosophies of others around them and on social media. For example, just because run streaks are rampant across social media does not make them a good idea for everyone. There is no more or less glory in a shorter vs longer race or a high vs  low-mileage training plan. We all need to be proud of our own accomplishments. The key is to keep your eyes on your own paper and train the way that is best for you.

What piece of advice do you frequently give to runners?

Train the way you race. If your race is hilly you need to train on hills. If you plan to take interval walk breaks, do them in training as well. Practice with the fuel and gear you’re going to use on race day so there’s nothing new to throw you off and no rude surprises. Think of the race as a celebration of all the hard work you’ve done.

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Got a question for Coach Marcia?

Leave it in the comments!