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About Roots and Roads

Hi, I’m Stephanie - Running Coach, Endurance Enthusiast, and Trail Curious Explorer

Roots and Roads was founded on a simple belief: running should be joyful, empowering, and accessible to everyone.

For me, it all began with a spontaneous half marathon that sparked a love of endurance, community, and the simple joy of showing up. Over the years, that spark has grown into a passion for helping runners fuel smarter, run stronger, and find confidence in every mile.

Today, as an RRCA Level 1 Certified Coach, 2x Marathoner, and 5x Half Marathon finisher, I specialize in guiding new runners, road racers leveling up, and trail-curious athletes who are ready to chase new goals.

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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.
People exercising outdoors on a paved area with trees in the background, participating in a fitness class or event.

My Coaching Philosophy.

Every runner is unique, and every training plan should be too. That’s why I blend:

  • Performance training for those chasing PRs and distance milestones

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

Whether you’re starting your first 5K or training for a marathon, my goal is to help you grow strong roots and discover new roads.

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.

While I coach runners one-on-one, Roots and Roads is bigger than just me. It’s a community.

Our meetups in Maryland are inclusive and welcoming to all paces. None of us gets here on our own, and together, we go farther.

Let’s Connect

Whether you’re looking for a personalized training plan, motivation to chase your next big goal, or simply a supportive group to share the miles with - you belong here.