How long have you been a runner? What got you into running?

I have always loved running. When I was a child I would put down my bike to run in circles around goalposts.

What is your background?

I am originally from Canada. I used to kick box when I was younger. I now lift weights multiple times per week and have been a streak runner off and on since 2014. My current streak started 11/11/2023. I have been an avid trail runner since 2009 and an ultramarathon runner since 2014. I attended the University of Alberta and Grant Macewan University in Edmonton Alberta Canada. I am a NASM certified personal trainer and Virtual Coach. I have a Behavioral Change Specialist Certification and the UESCA Trail and Ultrarunning Coaching Certification. I am a single parent of 9 (8 at home) I am a former foster parent and a current adoptive mother. I have 6 cats and 2 large dogs which I adore.

Why do you want to coach?

I love running. It represents freedom for me. I want everyone to love it. I want everyone to remember when they were little and they ran for fun. I love helping people reach their goals and find their belief in themselves.

Share some quick tips.

EVERYTHING comes down to our daily habits. Small changes in habits compound into huge sucesses over time if you are patient with yourself and trust the process.

What is your passion for the running community? What would you love to see in the running community?

I want everyone to feel welcome in the running community. I would like to see more diversity in our community whether that means more minorities, more people with special needs, more people who have physical impairments, more youth, more aged 65+, or those of different gender presentations and sexual orientations. I think there is room for everyone

Share some influences you have had in your running community.

I have had several people tell me they were able to accomplish a goal because they saw me do it first that is an incredible compliment. I have helped people who thought running was out of reach for them discover that it in fact is not. I helped coach youth runners for many years. I have brought people into the forest and helped them find delight there when once it was a source of fear and anxiety. I created a group in my community where runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome. As a race director for over 10 years I was able to bring people into the joy of trail running with a very beginner friendly race and SNACKS! I host two aid stations One at Hennepin 100 and the other at Kettle 100 I really enjoy helping people reach their goals and potential.

Share about your busy schedule.

I am a morning person. I get up most days at 4am and try to get most of my workouts in before 8 am which usually means running and strength training. If I don't finish something I might bring the kids with me to the gym in the evening or even for a run in the evening. When they were smaller and I actually ran faster than them they used to ride their bikes beside me when I ran. I made a choice to live near everything I needed so my gym is within 1 mile of my home and so are most of my kids activities. I don’t watch much TV and often I have to run multiple times per day to get my mileage goals. If they are at music or swimming instead of watching them from the sidelines I often go for a run or a walk.

Tell us about your weight loss journey.

I have had an up and down journey with weight loss. I was very fit into my early thirties and then got depressed and put on weight. I made the necessary changes and lost it. With one of my sons I was on bedrest my entire pregnancy so I gained weight. After he was born I again had to put in work to get rid of it. Then I was in a car accident which severely damaged my back followed by Covid and depression again I found myself much heavier then I would like and it definitly affected my running. I kept thinking I was one decision away from a completely different life. I made one good decision then another I was able to make changes to my entire life which in turn alleviated my depression which enabled me to again prioritize my health and fitness. I will always be a work in progress but I am pretty happy with the progress I have made so far!

Anything else you want to share about yourself?

My coaching philosophy: I truly believe everyone has a place in the running community especially in the trail and ultrarunning space. I think the problem is most people are too hard on themselves and do not know how to create and execute a plan to reach their goals. I am of the opinion that working on our daily habits in the beginning is the first step to success in pursuit of our goals. I think humans can do almost anything if they want it bad enough and are willing to work hard for it.

Favorite Quotes.

1. The wind from one door closing opens another. 2. Maybe the reason you have not been successful thus far is you are too comfortable disappointing yourself.

Who is your ideal athlete?

My ideal athlete is someone who knows where they want to go and just maybe has some trouble with structure or needs more accountability. I love helping people discover what they are capable of. I have a lot of experience with non-traditional runners and the challenges they face. I understand the back of the pack quite well! I like working with both people new to running and people who have maybe been around the block but their progress is stagnant. Ideally, someone who is open to new ideas and strategies. Most importantly though someone needs to have the ability to commit.

How does a custom training plan help an athlete meet their goal?

A goal without a plan is simply a wish. I believe a custom training plan helps an athlete meet their desired result by setting up a structure or roadmap to follow. It can accommodate schedule changes and injuries so they do not get off track. It gives you a time and a place to practice strategies and skills that can improve outcomes.

A good training plan should have a timeline that gives space to gain the knowledge one needs to learn about themselves and their specific goal. The objective is to participate in activities along the way that prepare you for the final event.

That being said a training plan does not have to be event specific. It can also be used to improve ones fitness or overall performance in a sport.

What is your favorite race and why?
I do not have a favorite race. I really do love all the OMR races because of the atmosphere. but its the people in the trail and ultra community that are truly my favorite thing.

What is your proudest running accomplishment?

My proudest running accomplishment is POT 100 this year but not for the reason one might think. I faced a lot of challenges to get to the race and during the race itself. I had to fight through 7 years of injuries to get to that start line. I was not 100% in the shape I wanted to be in. I did not come even close to my time goal. My lights went out every night loop. My brand new Kogalla did not work. The temperature dropped significantly at night. Not once did I panic. Not once did I consider quitting. I accepted everything and simply put one foot in front of the other until I reached the finish. My training went extremely well and I did not suffer after the race. Truth be told I did not really suffer during the race either. I had No injuries, no blisters, no chafing, no trench foot, no gastro distress problems. I recovered from that race quickly as well. My only issues were swollen feet and ankles which is TOTALLY normal. Now that I know what to expect from myself I can only get better.

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Welcome Our Newest Coach-Coach Natalie Brunson