I want to start this year by saying something I think a lot of runners need to hear:
2026 is not a restart.
You’re not starting over.
You’re building from what you already started—and I love that for you.
We are now more than a week into the new year. You may already be feeling that early-January motivation slipping a little. You’re not alone. You probably started the year excited, hopeful, maybe even fired up about big New Year’s resolutions. And now? That excitement might feel quieter.
Let me reassure you: you’re not broken. You’re human.
Why I Don’t Do New Year’s Resolutions Anymore
This is exactly why I stopped doing traditional New Year’s resolutions.
Instead, I choose one word for the year. It is a word I can return to when motivation dips. I can also rely on it when comparison creeps in or when life feels loud. And let’s be honest… life gets loud.
Work, family, relationships, finances—real life doesn’t pause just because the calendar flips to January.
My word for 2026 is rooted.
Rooted in who I am.
Rooted in who God made me to be.
Rooted in my values—not someone else’s highlight reel.
Because it’s so easy to look around and think:
- I should be doing more
- I should be faster
- I should be further along in my running journey
This year, I’m choosing to stay rooted.
Rooted in positivity—even when things feel chaotic.
Rooted in encouragement.
Rooted in showing up consistently, even when it’s not flashy or perfect.
All Runners Count—And I Truly Mean That
I’m Steph. I’m Run Strong Run. And I strongly believe that all runners count.
I believe in cheering loudly.
I believe in encouraging others through both the highs and the lows.
I believe running isn’t just about miles or pace—it’s about helping people believe in themselves again.
Running has been with me through every season of my life.
I started running in 2011 while still healing after leaving an abusive marriage in my 20s. Running carried me through failed fertility treatments, through grief and loss, and through seasons where life felt anything but steady. It also celebrated with me—through two miracle births in 2018 and 2021.
Running didn’t fix everything.
But it gave me something steady to hold onto when everything else felt uncertain.
And that’s why I love this sport so deeply.
You Belong Here—Exactly As You Are
Whether you are:
- A brand-new runner
- A mom returning to running after kids
- A dad carving out time for yourself
- Someone who’s grieving or healing
- Someone who just wants to finish, not chase a PR
You belong here.
One of my favorite groups of people to coach and encourage are beginner runners and aspiring marathoners, especially those who were told at some point that they “weren’t runners.”
That’s why I created something I’m incredibly proud of this year.
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Running
I created The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Running: Everything You Need to Get Started to support runners who want a realistic, sustainable approach.
Inside the guide, you’ll learn:
- How to start running safely and sustainably
- How to use run-walk intervals without guilt
- How to build consistency without burnout
- How to let go of pace pressure
- How to actually enjoy running
This guide is practical, supportive, and designed for real life—not perfection.
👉 You can grab your copy here.
Want More Structure? Interval Running for Beginners
I also offer my course Interval Running for Beginners: Starting Smart and Strong, which goes even deeper. This course is for runners who want:
- Structure
- Confidence
- A plan that honors their body
It’s helped so many runners start—and stay—running injury-free.
And this is just the beginning.
I’m currently working on another guide specifically for runners who want to incorporate run-walk intervals later in life or due to changing circumstances—without feeling like they’re “doing it wrong.” Stay tuned for that.
Let’s Run Together in 2026
In 2026, I would absolutely love to run with you.
You can find my full race schedule on RunStrongRun.com, and you can follow along with me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, on the Run Strong Run podcast, and here on the blog.
I’m not going anywhere—and I hope you aren’t either.
This year isn’t about starting over.
It’s about building deeper roots.
It’s about honoring how far you’ve already come.
Before You Go…
If this post resonated with you:
- Subscribe to the Run Strong Run podcast
- Share it with a friend who needs encouragement
- Leave a review—it truly helps this message reach more runners
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here and for trusting me with part of your journey.
Here’s to a rooted, strong, and steady 2026.
Run strong, friend 💛
Run Strong Run 