Stephanie Churchill

I was the girl who made up excuses to get out of gym class. I was the girl who barely finished the mile. I was the girl who was never an athlete, just a band geek. But I’m also the girl who always admired runners and wanted to be a runner. I just didn’t know how to start.

My first voluntary experience with running was at a 5k in 2006. A race  that I ran on a total whim. Completely untrained. Three guesses how well that went! I hurt for days in places I didn’t even know I had, but I was so in awe of the friendly, positive, supportive atmosphere at the race that I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of the running community. I ran a few more races and had some successes, but also a lot of failures, along the way. It took me a while to realize that running isn’t half bad – if you keep doing it!

After a two-year hiatus for grad school, I came back to running intent on finally doing it right. I laid out a plan and trained for the 2012 Baltimore Half on my own, making a lot of progress and earning a shiny new PR. With that new-found confidence, I joined the Charm City Run Half training group the following summer – and that was when it all clicked. Not only have I learned just how strong I am through these groups, I realized just how much potential I have as a runner, an athlete, and a person. And I’ve made some amazing friends along the way! Charm City’s coaches and the amazing people that I’ve trained alongside have taught me to love running and all of the joys and challenges that come with it.

I have always loved helping others to see what potential is hiding deep inside them. With over 40 races ranging from 5k to the marathon under my belt, and many years of doing things the right way (and the wrong way!) I can’t wait to pass along my love for running and help you find your way on your running journey! Cheesy? Absolutely. But it’s 100% genuine.