Tapering before a big race can feel more mentally exhausting than the peak weeks of training. In this Fall Race Series episode, Michaela and Erin break down why taper is so tough, how to navigate the spirals, and why the weird aches and anxieties are totally normal. Whether you're deep in the taper blues or just curious what’s coming, this is the pep talk you didn’t know you need to not just survive taper but maybe even feel a little better about what is happening physically & mentally leading up to race day.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why taper brings up so much mental noise and doubt
• What’s actually happening to your body during taper
• Phantom pains, sniffles, and the immune dip no one warns you about
• Why under-fueling during taper can backfire on race day
• How to handle the extra time, energy, and emotions that come up
• Journaling prompts and distractions to survive the taper spiral
• A reminder that rest is an essential part of performance

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

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Race day nerves, mid-run meltdowns, and the fear of not finishing—we’ve all faced those moments when things don’t go according to plan. In this episode, Michaela and Erin dive into the mental side of racing: what to do when your goals feel out of reach, how to reframe negative thoughts mid-race, and why training your mindset is just as important as training your body. Whether you’re chasing a PR or simply trying to finish strong, this is about when the doubt or discomfort creeps in bcz let's be real- IT WILL.

What You’ll Hear:

• How to mentally prep for the discomfort of race day
• Why mindset needs to be trained just like your legs
• What to do when your race isn’t going to plan
• Visualization tools that actually work
• How to reset mid-race when doubt or fear creeps in

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

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

In this episode, Michaela shares her experience stepping off the roads and onto the trails for her very first trail half marathon. Alongside Erin, the two unpack the differences between road and trail racing, the ego shift required, and why chasing pace isn’t the goal when dirt, rocks, and mountains are involved. If you’ve ever thought about trying trail running—or wondered what it really feels like—this one’s for you.

What You’ll Hear:

• The decision-making process behind skipping another marathon and choosing trails instead
• How road running fitness translates (and doesn’t) to the trails
• The mental shift required to embrace slower paces and walking climbs
• Nutrition differences between road and trail racing (and why Nerds Clusters made an appearance)
• The unexpected community vibe of trail racing compared to the roads
• Race morning nerves, blue flag fears, and why aid stations weren’t what Michaela expected

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

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST