What belongs on every runner's bucket list? From triumphant finish line moments to the not-so-glamorous reality of forgotten anti-chafe, Coach Christine counts down 100 running experiences worth having at least once.

This episode celebrates the full spectrum of running life – the magical, the messy, and everything in between. Whether you're searching for racing adventures, travel opportunities, gear recommendations, or mental milestones, this comprehensive list covers it all. You'll find suggestions for racing in costume, volunteering at a race, running in different countries, and discovering your perfect fueling strategy.

Coach Christine highlights those powerful firsts that shift a runner's journey: the first "I'm a real runner" moment, your first proper running shoes, or that first time completing a distance you never thought possible. She doesn't shy away from the less Instagram-worthy moments either – the blisters, bonks, and bathroom emergencies that every seasoned runner knows all too well.

The most meaningful items focus on the connections, personal growth, and mental breakthroughs running creates: making lifelong friends, pacing others to their goals, silencing your inner critic, and finally tackling that hill you once had to walk. There are lighthearted challenges too, like naming your running shoes, pretending you're in a music video mid-run, or perfecting your mid-run selfie game.

Whether you're just lacing up for the first time or have dozens of medals hanging on your wall, this bucket list will inspire you to make running more adventurous, meaningful, and uniquely yours. How many items have you already checked off? Which ones speak to you the most? The true magic of running happens when you show up and make the journey your own.

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There's a powerful truth about running that rarely gets discussed: getting older doesn't mean getting slower – it means leveling up differently. As our bodies change, we unlock new capabilities that can make running even more rewarding in our 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond.

Coach Christine, your "fairy run mother," breaks down exactly what changes with age (like that 1% VO2 max decline annually after 30) and what actually improves (hello, mental grit and endurance capacity!). She presents ten game-changing practices for older runners, from prioritizing strength training to hydrating smarter as our thirst response dulls. For female athletes navigating perimenopause and menopause, she offers specific strategies to work with hormonal fluctuations rather than fighting against them.

The episode features Dennise, a remarkable two-time cancer survivor returning to the Chicago Marathon twenty years after her first attempt. Her goal? Completing all six World Marathon Majors – a challenge she embraced after beating cancer twice.

"Why can't I have the six stars?" she asks, perfectly capturing the "why not" attitude that makes running in our later years so powerful. Dennise shares how her 83-year-old father still runs daily and how he inspired her journey, and she shares her creative fundraising effort of making marathon-themed gnomes for charity. Get yours here!

Whether you're already in your "wisdom runner" years or approaching them, this episode reframes aging as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. As Coach Christine reminds us, "You're not slowing down, you're evolving," and extraordinary has no expiration date. Ready to discover running's secret power that only comes with age? Your next breakthrough awaits.

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The TCS New York City Marathon stands as the crown jewel of marathon experiences, combining breathtaking urban scenery with unparalleled cultural immersion across all five boroughs. Coach Christine and travel expert Ashley of Mystical Dream Travel break down this iconic event from every angle - revealing why it's simultaneously the most coveted and logistically challenging marathon in the world.

From its humble beginnings in 1970 as a Central Park loop to today's massive five-borough celebration drawing over 2.5 million spectators, we explore what makes this race truly special. You'll discover the dramatic Verrazano Bridge start, the electric energy of Brooklyn that can make or break your race, and the notorious silence of the Queensborough Bridge that tests even the strongest mental game.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from strategic spectator locations to post-race recovery tips, including the "hidden ultra marathon" of getting around NYC on race day. We share insider secrets about securing your entry through various methods - from the challenging lottery system to charity fundraising, qualifying times, and even the virtual marathon option that guarantees next year's entry.

Whether you're dreaming of your first NYC Marathon or returning to conquer the five boroughs again, this episode delivers practical advice alongside inspiring stories from the race's rich history. Learn about iconic moments like Grete Waitz's nine victories and Shalane Flanagan's breakthrough American win that inspired a generation.

Ready to take on New York? Join our Stride Collective or Women of World Marathon Majors communities where we support each other's extraordinary journeys toward marathon success. Share your NYC Marathon dreams, questions, and experiences - we're here to cheer you every step of the way!

Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!

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Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

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