Coach Nicki
Hi I’m Nicki! Wife, mom/step-mom, goal-getter, juggler of career, family and life. Lover of all things running. Believer in big goals, chasing dreams, making memories and trying new things. As your coach I will help you push yourself in a way that shows support, belief and compassion. My combined experience as a runner, business leader and passion for personal growth create a unique opportunity for us to work together and start the process to set, pursue and achieve your goals. Ready? Let’s GO!
In 2016 I was in my mid-40’s, tired, stressed and overwhelmed, managing a demanding career and life in our blended family of 6. Having been a recreational runner for 20+ years and looking for an outlet, I started working with a running coach with a goal to run my first marathon. That year I experienced the joy and challenge of pushing myself and expanding my belief in what I was capable of, and so began my love for running.
Since then I have run 4 marathons, been a 3x Boston Qualifier, and in 2021 set PR’s in the 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon distances. As in life, it’s not all glory! I battled major injuries in 2018-19 including hip labral tear surgery, and understand the physical and emotional challenge of walking (and running!) that road to recovery, and know it’s possible to come back even stronger than before.
As a wife and working mom of 4, I have navigated the challenges and seen the rewards of prioritizing health and fitness within a busy family life and demanding career. I have enjoyed a 20+ year career as a senior finance leader in a large public company. As a running coach, I specialize in empowering women to build confidence and gain balance through running. One way we do this is by identifying and breaking down the barriers to achieving your goals.
Hands down, I believe the best way to improve as an athlete is to take the guess work out of it and put your trust in a coach. I believe that every athlete deserves a plan customized to their goals, schedule and lifestyle, and flexibility for what life brings. Whether you are new to running, looking to run your first race, chase that PR, or want to take your training and fitness to the next level, I would love to work with you to find your joy in running.
Qualifications
Running Experience: 20+ years
RRCA Certified Coach
VDOT O2 Certified Distance Running Coach
Current PR’s (all set at age 49)
- 1 mile – 6:18 (2020)
- 5k – 21:53 (2021)
- 10k – 45:27 (2021)
- Half Marathon – 1:40:13 (2021)
- Marathon: 3:42:08 (2021)
3x Boston Qualifier
Marathon x 4 | Half Marathon x 10 | 10k’s and 5k’s A-Plenty!
Online / Virtual Coaching
My virtual one-on-one coaching includes:
An initial evaluation (1 hr meeting – call/Zoom/Facetime) to review athlete history, gauge current fitness.
Goal setting to determine training goals and approach. Whether it is making running part of your lifestyle, training for that first race or taking your running to the next level, your goals will set the direction for your training.
A personalized, custom training plan designed around your experience, training goals, personal commitments and lifestyle. Training plan will be delivered in 1-2 week increments virtually via VDOT training platform, sync’d to your Garmin or other GPS watch. Workouts will include detailed instructions including distance, goal pacing, duration, and type of workout whether it’s an easy run or a speed or paced workout. We’ll quickly adjust your training plan in the event of injury, scheduling conflicts, or other life events.
Weekly Check-in’s over phone/Zoom/Facetime: here we will evaluate training progress, review the training log, provide mutual feedback and determine any necessary adjustments or fine tuning needed for the upcoming week(s) of training. Preparation for race day. We’ll agree a race day strategy including nutrition, fueling, pacing, goals and mindset.
Access to extensive resources for nutrition, strength training, recovery and injury prevention.
$125/month. 3 month commitment required, month to month thereafter
Schedule a free consult call via phone or video for me to learn more about you, see if we’re a good fit, and answer any questions you may have.
What Clients Are Saying:
“Training for my half marathon with Nicki was an amazing experience. Nicki was great at explaining the process, helping me get the right nutrition, and answering any questions I had. We met weekly to discuss how my training felt so she was able to adapt the coming weeks appropriately. The mileage was sometimes challenging but the goals Nick set were attainable. I actually love the speed training runs because they went by fast and I could see the difference they made. Nicki was always responsive and moved around training days to accommodate my crazy schedule. In the end, my half marathon time was a PR by 07:41 on a tough course with humid weather. I really appreciated the genuine excitement she had for my accomplishments. I would absolutely train with Nicki again, and plan to do so for my next race.” ~ Erica H.
Nicki is absolutely fantastic! She helped me get back into the swing of running after a 2 year hiatus. Nicki is great at building out a plan and is always in communication. Highly recommend! ~ Rachel S.
“Stepping outside the comfort zone is the price I pay to find out how good I can be.”
Des Linden, 2-time Olympian, 2018 Boston Marathon champion
Follow this link to complete your Athlete Questionnaire and let’s get started! I look forward to helping YOU pursue your goals!
About Us
Run Rise Shine is about helping people do more than they ever thought they were capable of, through the experience of running. Together we make your health and fitness goals a priority. We build belief, confidence, grit and determination. Are you ready to chase that big goal?
Location
Naperville, IL
Run | Rise | Shine 