Nelle's Coaching Certifications:

RRCA Certified Run Coach

NASM Certified Personal Trainer

TRX Qualifed Coach

IIN Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

USATF Level I Coach

VDOT Certified Run Coach

Amanda's Coaching Certifications:

USATF Level I Coach

VDOT Certified Run Coach

 

While I competed in cross country and track teams during my middle and high school years, becoming an all-state athlete and state champion on multiple occasions , I only began calling myself an endurance runner after my second child was born in 2013.  Between middle school and before baby number two, I had dabbled in sprint triathlons, 5K's, and 10K's, but still never truly considered myself an endurance runner.

 

As a postpartum mother of two, I was like many, motivated to lose my "baby weight", in the aftermath of my natural birth experiences to explore what other amazing things my body might be capable of.  I had seen inspiring posts from many friends as they ventured into the half marathon/full marathon world, and I decided that I wanted to go for it (the half marathon), too. Therefore, I perused the internet and ultimately, developed my own plan to hold me accountable to my goal and keep me motivated, safe. Ultimately, I was transformed by this sport along the way, setting PR's in many distances and even winning a trail championships in addition to other local road and trail races within 10 months to 13 months postpartum.  

 

Along the journey to my first half marathon, I had discovered and fallen in love with the practice of running and the community, but I also had researched and learned that training safely for races requires an ongoing balancing act between scientifically-supported training approaches as well as running socially and/or for enjoyment to avoid burnout.

 

Years later, I continue to evolve as a runner, having become a 5x Boston Qualifying marathoner and completed 30+ marathon/ultra marathons.  In my thirst to learn more about helping others develop their running practice, I became a certified running coach through RRCA, a TRX qualified coach, a certified Institute for Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, a NASM certified personal trainer, and a USATF Level I Track & Field Coach.  I continue to grow in my advocacy for healthy runners everywhere, based out of Harrisonburg, VA.

I am passionate about sharing and promoting running as a sustainable, yet in-flux activity that can positively influence health and lifestyle as well as develop a greater sense of belonging in a much larger community.  I also want my athletes to feel supported, empowered, and enriched along their pursuits to maximize their potential and achieve their greatest goals! 

 

Together, we can tackle mental and physical challenges in a way that leaves you feeling accomplished, disciplined, and powerful.

I have been a runner since my freshman year of high school.  I immediately found love for the sport, and that led, in part, to my success. As a high schooler, I was state champion in the distance events, All-American in college, and placed 8th in the US 5K road championships.  I've run a 2:23 marathon and am now competing in a gambit of races from 5K on the road to 100 mile ultras on the trails.  

 

I have been coached by some of the most experienced coaches in the country.  My mentors trained not only national champions, but also Olympians.  I was very fortunate to learn from the best and utilize that knowledge in combination with my natural talent to achieve a high level of performance.

 

For me, there is joy in passing this knowledge onto other athletes in effort to help them reach their own personal goals.  These goals might include reaching a PR within a desired distance or maybe just crossing the finish line for a new runner.

 

The dynamic of strength, endurance, and overall fitness is a very fun aspect of life.  It opens doors for interacting with our kids, balancing home/work, as well as enhancing our experiences with our friends and family.

I have been running for 7 years. After I had my son, I began doing at-home workouts and lost 60 lbs! Then, I decided I wanted to start running. So I strapped my son in the stroller and we went for our first run, together! It was one loop (1.3 miles) around our local park and took me approximately 13 minutes. I was hooked. 1 Month later, I ran my first 5K... and then I started doing more 5ks and a 10k. The next spring, I signed up for my first half marathon, which led to the Richmond Full in November... and well, you get the picture.

 

I was quickly enamored with the idea of qualifying for Boston, but it would take 1000s of miles, a global pandemic, a divorce, and a grueling 56 mile mountain ultra before I would finally crush my BQ. And then finally, in October 2021, I ran the 125th Boston Marathon, a highlight of my running career. 

 

My goals today as a runner are to continue to pursue excellence, explore the outdoors, and inspire and assist other runners. I feel like my running niche is trail running because I love exploring and being in nature. If someone came to me with questions about gear and shoes, I'm your girl.  I believe my strength is determination. 

Amanda's Personal Bests:

5K: 19:38

Half Marathon: 1:32

Marathon: 3:21 (3 time BQ)

Longest Distance: 77 miles

 

Career Highlights:

21st in 2001 AL 2A XC State Championship

3rd in 2002 4x800 AL 2A Indoor State Championship

1st in 2002 4x400 AL 2A Outdoor State Championship

3rd in 2003 4x200 AL 2A Indoor State Championship

2nd in 2003 4x400 AL 2A Indoor State Championship

1st 2014 AL Xterra Trail Championships

1st 2014 Sizzling Hot Trail Series 5 milers (2x)

1st 2015 Light Your World 5K

1st 2015 Trail Blazer Treks Half Marathon

1st 2015 Valley Vines 5K

3rd in AG Shamrock Marathon -BQ

1st 2020 Wine Lovers 5K

3rd 2021 Terrapin Half

3rd 2021 Conquer the Cove 25K

4th 2021 Bruce Barnes Mile

8th 2020 Hellgate 100K

9th 2018 Holiday Lake 50K

9th 2018 Promise Land 50K

11th Jack and Jill Downhill Marathon -BQ

4th Grindstone 100 Mile Endurance Run

15th Charlottesville 10 Miler

4th 2022 Hellgate 100K

Course Record 2023 Holiday Lake 10K

Nelle's Personal Bests:

800 m: 2:35

1 mile: 5:22

2 mile: 12:30

5K: 19:32

10K: 39:45

10 mile: 1:07:36

Half Marathon: 1:28:30

Marathon: 3:04:05 (BQ)

100K+: 13:48

100+ Miler: 28:12