Stop Guessing: How to Pick a Race and a Plan That Fit Your Goals Artwork

Strides for Strength

Michaela and Erin are RRCA certified run coaches and Registered Nurses by degree! The Strides for Strength podcast is where running meets everyday life. We focus on mindset, physical strength and all of life’s in between moments of self doubt and fear both on and off the run. Our mission is to make running SIMPLE and FUN while we pull back the curtains around all things running tips, tricks, motivation and lifestyle with athlete interviews, guest experts combined with our many years of running experience going from non runners to now multiple time marathoners to help you become the athlete you were always meant to be.

All Episodes

Strides for Strength

Stop Guessing: How to Pick a Race and a Plan That Fit Your Goals

May 14, 2025

We’re re-airing this crowd favorite from our 6-part Race Series — because picking your next race shouldn’t be a shot in the dark.

Whether you’re signing up for your first-ever race or chasing a PR, this episode is packed with advice on how to choose a distance, course, and timeline that fits your goals and your life. We also break down what kind of training plan is best for your season and why not all plans (especially the free ones) are created equal. This one’s a must-listen if you're planning your next big goal race!

What We Cover:

How to pick a race that actually aligns with your life & energy
Why “just sign up” might be sabotaging your race day
When to choose a custom plan vs. a template
Our favorite tools for race research
Why cutback weeks matter more than you think
How to avoid burnout by training smarter (not harder)
Common training plan mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Shop our 5K–Half marathon training plans https://www.stridesforstrength.com/templates
→ Use code PODCAST to save $10

Book a free discovery call to chat race goals: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/contact

Our go-to for race research: RunningInTheUSA.com

CONNECT WITH US:
IG: @sfsrunners
Coach Erin: @therunningrosen
Coach Michaela: @michaela_robertson_
WEBSITE: https://www.stridesforstrength.com/

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

People on this episode

Erin Rosen

Co-host

Michaela Robertson

Co-host