Run with Purpose. Grow Your Roots. Explore New Roads.

Roots give us strength and grounding. Roads lead us to discovery and new adventures.

At Roots and Roads, we coach with both in mind, helping you build confidence and resilience while guiding you toward your next challenge. Whether you’re just starting out or chasing a new milestone, this is a place to grow.

Start Your Journey

Coaching that meets you where you are.

Running isn’t just about the miles - it’s about building strong foundations, fueling smarter, and finding joy along the way. At Roots and Roads, you’ll discover a coaching approach designed to support your journey, no matter where you’re starting.

A woman with short, curly brown hair smiling outdoors near a building with large glass windows and a blurred person in the background.

Hi, I’m Stephanie — a running coach who believes running should feel supportive, not overwhelming.

I’ve been running for more than 20 years, but the most meaningful lessons came from learning how to slow down, fuel well, and pay attention to how my body was responding. Over time, running became less about pushing harder and more about building consistency, confidence, and enjoyment.

Today, I coach runners who are just getting started or beginning to explore longer distances. My approach blends simple, structured training with practical guidance around fueling, strength, and recovery, so you always know what to focus on next.

Whether you’re lacing up for your first run or curious about what endurance running could look like for you, I’m here to help you build a strong foundation and move forward with confidence.

Meet Stephanie
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Why “Roots and Roads”.

The name reflects the two sides of running… and life.

  • Roots: Building strong foundations, honoring where you’ve come from, and staying grounded in the strength of nature and community.

  • Roads: Exploring new challenges, paving fresh paths, and embracing the adventures that lie ahead.

At Roots and Roads, coaching isn’t just about mileage or PRs. It’s about finding balance, joy, and growth - while still chasing big goals.

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Two people trail running on a dirt forest trail with rocks and trees.
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My Coaching Philosophy.

Every runner is unique, and every training plan should be too. My approach is built around clear guidance and thoughtful structure, so you can focus on the work in front of you and how your body is responding.

I blend:

  • Performance-driven training for runners pursuing PRs, new distances, or consistent progress

  • Practical nutrition guidance and fueling strategies that support training, recovery, and everyday life

  • Holistic coaching that emphasizes balance, confidence, and long-term health

Whether you’re preparing for your first 5K or training for a marathon, my goal is to remove the noise, provide a plan you can trust, and help you grow strong roots and discover new roads with confidence.

Beyond Running.

Before launching Roots and Roads, I spent more than two decades in enterprise software implementation, consulting leadership, and operational transformation. My career bridges hands-on technical work and executive strategy, helping organizations unlock the full potential of their data and processes.

That experience shapes my coaching in powerful ways:

  • Data-driven insight for smarter training decisions

  • Individualized strategy to meet runners where they are

  • Leadership and mentoring skills that build confidence and community

Guided by my CliftonStrengths themes (Maximizer, Individualization, Achiever, Strategic, and Arranger) I thrive on helping people discover their unique strengths, chart a clear path forward, and achieve lasting success.

Community.

Roots and Roads is built on the belief that running is better when it is shared. While my coaching work is currently one-on-one, the vision extends beyond individual training.

Beginning in 2026, Roots and Roads will expand to include small workshops and thoughtfully planned adventure runs in Maryland. These gatherings will be welcoming to all paces and grounded in connection, exploration, and mutual support. None of us gets here on our own, and together, we go farther.

Schedule a time with me

Ready to hit the ground running? Book a personal appointment to take the first step in your new journey.

Join the fun

A group of eight people, including a woman in the foreground wearing a red sports top and a white cap with red pizza slices, are taking a selfie outdoors near a lake surrounded by trees.
Group of eight hikers standing on a trail beside a body of water in a forested area, with a mountain in the background and cloudy sky.
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Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!