Extraordinary Strides
by Christine Hetzel
Massachusetts to New Jersey: Running, Reading, and Racing in the USA
About this podcast
Welcome to Extraordinary Strides, the podcast that celebrates the spirit of running and the inspiring stories of those who lace up their shoes and hit the pavement.
Here, we dive into the heart of what makes running an extraordinary adventure.
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting out, Extraordinary Strides is your go-to source for expert tips, motivational stories, and the camaraderie of the running community.
Our episodes feature seasoned runners, coaches, and everyday athletes sharing their triumphs, challenges, and the joy they find in every run.
Join us for casual, uplifting conversations that will leave you excited to put on your running shoes and hit the road. We believe that every run, no matter the distance, is a step towards something greater.
So, subscribe now and join our community of runners who are making every stride extraordinary.
At Extraordinary Strides, we're here to inspire, motivate, and celebrate with you every step of the way!
Episodes
The newest 20 of 264 episodes
- Massachusetts to New Jersey: Running, Reading, and Racing in the USA · 57 min · Season 5 Episode 12What do the Boston Marathon, a haunted New England classic, Detroit riverfront miles, Grandma’s Marathon, a Harley-themed half, Yellowstone racecation dreams, Las Vegas chaos…
- Hawaii To Maryland Runcation Picks For Runners Who Read | Running, Reading, and Racing in the USA · 59 min · Season 5 Episode 11What do Hawaiʻi hula traditions, an Idaho race called Jackass Half Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Kentucky bourbon-country relays, New Orleans vampires, coastal Maine miles, and…
- Alabama to Georgia: Iconic Books, Bucket-List Races & Running Adventures | Running, Reading, and Racing in the USA · 58 min · Season 5 Episode 10What can a great book, a bucket-list race, and a memorable local running route tell us about a state? Welcome to Episode 1 of Running, Reading, and Racing in the USA, an…
- Viral Running Trends We Love, Hate & Tried: The Running Alphabet Challenge · 51 min · Season 5 Episode 9Running trends are everywhere right now, from Garmin badge chasing and runDisney friendship bracelets to Strava titles, race-day tattoos, emotional support water bottles…
- Should You Run Disney Wine & Dine? First-Timer Tips, Training & After-Party Survival · 60 min · Season 5 Episode 8Is Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend the best runDisney race weekend for first-timers? In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, Christine kicks off a four-part guide to…
- How Runners Build Fitness Without More Miles · 54 min · Season 5 Episode 7Running can be the most consistent thing in your life, right up until your body forces a plot twist. Shelly Rose is back, and the “first half marathon” version of her has evolved…
- How to Escape the Summer Running & Fitness Trap · 45 min · Season 5 Episode 6Summer can feel like it should make fitness easier, but the reality is the opposite: aggressive heat, heavy humidity, pop-up storms, travel weekends, later dinners, and the kind…
- Mayday Miles: Day 5 Finish Line Field Day · 1 min · Season 5 Episode 5You made it to Day 5 of Mayday Miles: Finish Line Field Day! ✨ Today we are celebrating every small win, because you did not have to do this week perfectly for it to count. Your…
- Mayday Miles: Day 4 Trail Buddy Thursday · 1 min · Season 5 Episode 4Welcome to Day 4 of Mayday Miles: Trail Buddy Thursday. ✨ Today is all about movement plus connection, because support makes consistency so much easier. Your mission: add…
- Breathe Smarter On Every Run · 52 min · Season 4 Episode 3Your breathing is not just background noise. It is a lever you can pull to change your heart rate, calm your nervous system, and stay in control when a run starts to feel…
- Mayday Miles: Day 3 Wind-Down Wednesday · 1 min · Season 5 Episode 3It’s Day 3 of Mayday Miles: Wind-Down Wednesday. ✨ Today is your permission slip to let your body and mind exhale. Your mission: add gentle movement, mobility, or recovery. Try a…
- Mayday Miles: Day 2 Fuel & Flow · 1 min · Season 5 Episode 2Welcome to Day 2 of Mayday Miles! ✨ Today’s theme is Fuel & Flow, because we are not powering through Maycember on stress, vibes, and leftover coffee alone. Today’s mission: add…
- Mayday Miles: Day 1 Mayday Mission · 2 min · Season 5 Episode 1Day 1 of Mayday Miles is here! ✨ Today’s theme is Mayday Mission, and we are starting exactly where we are. Your mission: add 10 to 30 minutes of intentional movement. Walk, run…
- Mayday Miles: A Free Five Day Reset For Maycember · 5 minMaycember hits hard, so we build a free five day reset that protects your rhythm with small movement and small add-ins that actually fit real life. We trade perfection and…
- Hollarhype: A 30-Second Message Can Help You Keep Going · 34 min · Season 4 Episode 2Your toughest mile rarely needs a lecture. It needs a voice that cuts through the noise at the exact right time. Coach Christine sits down with Emily, co-founder of the…
- The Comeback: You Do Not Need The Perfect Day to Begin Again · 15 min · Season 4 Episode 1Coming back to running after a break can mess with your head in a way nobody warns you about. You’re not just rebuilding fitness, you’re facing the memory of what running used to…
- Passport to Finish Lines: Destiny2Sport Helps You Chase Stars with Less Stress · 57 min · Season 3 Episode 60What if collecting your stars didn’t require juggling hotel hunts, expo lines, and start-time puzzles? We sit down with Destiny2Sport founder Victor Ortiz to unpack a smarter way…
- An Epic & Extraordinary Celebration · 29 min · Season 3 Episode 59Ready to start 2026 on your terms—with movement, magic, and a community that actually feels like you belong? We’re hosting a curated Central Florida retreat built around three…
- From "Maybe Tomorrow" to "Already Did It Today" · 4 min · Season 3 Episode 58The Ghoul-Friend Gauntlet: The Coven Clash Challenge is a 31-day movement challenge designed for runners and walkers who start strong but struggle to maintain their momentum…
- Sydney Marathon Recap: Hills, Jet Lag, and Opera House Glory · 17 min · Season 3 Episode 58Sydney Marathon beckoned as the newest World Marathon Major, and I couldn't resist answering the call after earning my six-star medal in Tokyo. This Australian adventure would…







