Have you ever walked into a space and felt like you didn’t belong? Maybe you looked around and didn’t see anyone who looked like you, shared your experiences, or understood the unique challenges you face. That feeling isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be a real barrier to growth, confidence, and success.
Representation matters. Not just in media, politics, or leadership, but in the world of running, coaching, and strength training. When you see someone who looks like you thriving, it sends a powerful message: You belong here too.
The Power of Seeing Yourself Reflected
If you’ve ever struggled to find a coach who understands your experience as an Indigenous athlete, Masters athlete, a menopausal runner, or someone navigating the sport in a body that doesn’t fit the traditional mold, you know how isolating it can be. Mainstream running culture often centers on younger, elite athletes, leaving many people feeling like an afterthought. But running is for everyone, and training spaces should reflect that.
Seeing someone with a shared lived experience—whether it's age, cultural background, or physiological shifts—can change everything. It shifts the narrative from "Is this space even for me?" to "I can do this, and I deserve to be here."
Breaking Stereotypes and Building Inclusive Spaces
Representation isn’t just about visibility. It’s about breaking down the idea that there’s only one way to be an athlete, one way to train, or one way to succeed. When we see diverse stories in running and strength training, we redefine what performance looks like. We normalize different paces, different bodies, different seasons of life.
This is especially important for Indigenous Peoples, menopausal athletes, and those navigating strength training for the first time. Too often, we’re told that decline is inevitable, that performance has an expiration date, or that we should shrink ourselves rather than build strength. That’s not true. But without representation, those limiting beliefs go unchallenged.
Why This Matters in Coaching
As a coach, I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all training. I believe in meeting athletes where they are, with training that acknowledges their physiology, their goals, and their lived experiences. I work with runners who are done feeling overlooked and are ready to train with purpose, whether that means chasing a PR or simply feeling strong and capable in their sport.
Representation matters because when you see someone who understands your journey, you don’t have to explain yourself. You can focus on the work, the progress, and the joy of movement.
If you’ve been looking for a coach who sees you, I’d love to work with you. Whether you’re tackling a new distance, rebuilding after a setback, or navigating changes in your body, I’m here to help. Let’s train in a way that honors where you are now and where you want to go.
Ready to get started? Reach out and let’s talk about how we can work together. You belong in this space. Let’s make sure you feel it.