Meet coach rachel

Rachel discovered her passion for competitive running at the young age of 10. With a natural talent for running from childhood, she was encouraged by her mother to join the school’s cross-country team, marking the beginning of her journey. Running became an integral part of her identity, leading her to compete throughout high school. Unfortunately, a minor injury prevented her from participating in her final senior year cross country season.

During her college years, running remained a cherished hobby and a way to destress while pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, which she successfully obtained in 2015.

While residing in the city, Rachel aspired to complete a half marathon in Atlanta. Without a coach, she relied on a basic training plan to achieve her goal. Despite successfully crossing the finish line, she sustained an injury with her final step, leading to a seven-year break.

The absence of strength training and prolonged sitting at a work desk each day resulted in injuries, leading her to swear off running forever. Despite her attempts, every run was always painful.

Fast forward to three babies later. Daily strolls turned into a must with a double-stroller in tow. Multiple times a day sunlit walks became the secret weapon against toddler meltdowns and boycotted naps. After battling hyperemesis gravidarum for the third time. too many months were spent suffering in bed. Rachel was wishing to be healthy and active again. Once baby #3 was born, she was determined to make up for lost time.

After taking a break from running for years, Rachel returned with a bold mindset: go big or go home. She started with a daily mile and quickly progressed to running a marathon just eight months postpartum.

With limited knowledge of proper fuel and hydration, Rachel faced a major challenge around mile 18 – some refer to this as hitting the wall. With the help of her new friend Ted (the angel she met during her race), she crossed the finish line of her first marathon, overwhelmed with happiness as her baby girl awaited her.

As she completed the race, Rachel realized her passion for delving deeper into the science of running. She discovered that what had worked for her as a 10-year-old cross country runner didn’t necessarily apply to her as a 30-year-old woman.

Her love for learning continued as Rachel dived into learning about everything running. She worked hard on educating herself and fell in love with the running community while doing so.

Rachel is an UESCA certified running coach and former tennis pro in the Atlanta area. She is a natural leader and motivator and is driven to helping others spend more time outside as the world convinces us to be inside. She’s all about keeping it real and simple!

10 Quirky Facts About Rach:

1. Candy was the biggest motivation to PR at xc meets in middle school

2. Ate her first hamburger at 27 years old

3. Most likely to rewatch every episode of Friends (including the bloopers)

4. Had a frog obsession as a child

5. All of her babies were unplanned csections

6. At one point Rachel had 13 piercings

7. Ice Ice Baby is her go-to karaoke song

8. Tennis is the hobby she’ll never give up

9. Her great grandfather came to America from Palermo, Italy

10. Finds herself thinking about playing Rollercoaster Tycoon more often than she should..