“Running has always been there for me.” – Jenn Pelligrini

When you sat on your first bicycle, were you a natural? Did you start to pedal and balance yourself with no help?

I think not, but there was a steady hand to hold the bike and after several tries, you were rolling on your own.

Think about a fitness program and starting out, you may not have a plan.

Those expensive shoes you buy are not “smart shoes” and they do not tell you how to start a program.

You may start out doing all the wrong things right.

Put your phone in another room and find a quiet place to get your mindset on a fitness program.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath and then read.

The following will stir your emotions and to cause you to think about yourself and to find a reason you are not doing anything.

It is through the sharing of experiences that we can find our own purpose.

Do you want to change?

I challenge you to read the following and see what sticks. The reading will move you. You may need to read it twice.

This is Jenn Pellegrini’s background story on running and finding Stride Forward

The Why and How Stride Forward Came about in the words of Jenn Pelligrini

Running has always been there for me. Having ADHD, I did not know how therapeutic running can be.

It quiets the “hamster wheel of thoughts” in my head.

It gets me out in nature, and forces me to fuel my body right to endure the miles.

I feel like we solve the world’s problems when running in a group, or I work out my own problems in my head and on the trails.

I do not know where I would be without running.

Running got me through college and allowed me to stretch myself out of my comfort zone in the classroom and on the trails.

A friend from college started running with me and suggested we train for a marathon, not really understanding what 26.2 miles meant.

My inexperience and youth on my side, I crossed my first finish line with the Marines at The People’s Marathon – Marine Corps Marathon.

And a year later, It even led me to my first and most favorite job.

The Marine Corps Marathon honored me by hiring me as their first civilian Public Relations professional.

This experience further cemented just how powerful running can be. The experience was more than just a job—it was a profound lesson in what a dedicated community can achieve.

The Marines’ exceptional organization, their commitment to bringing people together, and the relentless dedication of the volunteers gave me a deep appreciation for teamwork and solidarity.

I saw how everyone, from experienced runners to people running for the first time, was working hard to finish the race.

That spirit of unity and perseverance has stayed with me, reminding me how movement connects and empowers us all.

Over the years, running and the community that comes with it have been there for me through every twist and turn.

From making a cross-country move to becoming a mom, starting new jobs, navigating career changes, and even facing medical challenges—running has always been my way of moving forward, encouraging movement as a catalyst for positive change.

It’s how I’ve kept striding forward in life, no matter what comes my way, with the support of people who have my back.

Running has always provided me with everything I needed—whether it was a sense of purpose, a way to put myself first, or the clarity to make life’s biggest decisions.

It’s been a constant companion, especially during transitions when I’ve needed something to ground me. 

Therefore, my co-coach, and I created the Stride Forward Coaching Experience.

Stride Forward is designed to help you put yourself first, take care of your mind and body, and ultimately strengthen your resilience.

We designed this experience specifically for women in mid-life. Why, this is a pivotal time—marked by transitions and transformations that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

But with change comes opportunity, and that’s where the Stride Forward Coaching Experience comes in.

Stride Forward is an independent coaching program designed specifically for women who are navigating the complexities of midlife.

It’s not just about running—it’s about embracing your full self, taking care of your mind and body today for a stronger, more resilient tomorrow.

My co-coach and I created this coaching experience knowing the power of running.

It’s not about the PRs or the age group awards, it’s the inner being feels and external connections of your fellow running peers. 

Our 12-week program offers personalized coaching that goes beyond physical training.

We focus on mental strategies, self-care, and building a supportive community of women who are all on the same journey of self-discovery and growth.

The idea is simple: Own Your Stride. Whether you’re on the racecourse or navigating life’s many challenges, our program is here to empower you to move forward with confidence, joy, and purpose.

Through this program, you’ll find your stride and your tribe one stride at a time! 

Women are taking on more than ever before and taking care of everyone else before themselves.

As they enter middle age, women face a host of challenges: from changing bodies to empty nests and career changes.

Whether they’re staying home with their kids, working a busy job or both, women are doing more than ever before.

Women are taking care of everyone else before taking care of themselves and they’re taking a back seat in their own lives.

They’ve forgotten about their VIP (themselves!).

Women are struggling through one of the biggest changes in their lives. This leaves women feeling more alone and more isolated than ever before.

They are exhausted.

Their plates are overflowing as they take on too much and take care of others before taking care of themselves.

This is making them feel more disconnected when they should feel more connected and empowered.

They are lonely, overwhelmed, frustrated, exhausted. And more importantly, their confidence and sense of value are suffering.

Can you relate to to any of the following?

• Feeling alone and isolated more than ever before.

• Exhausted from taking on too much

• Taking care of others before taking care of yourself
• Lonely, overwhelmed, frustrated, exhausted
• Your value is suffering, and you feel less confident
• Lost your stride 

The missing link in a coaching program is the ENTIRE experience of the mind, body and spirit, along with accountability with the coach and their “team” through this sisterhood program. idea of going further, stronger together. 

Through this coaching experience, we want our cohorts to leave feeling: 

• Healthier and stronger 
• Wiser and more enlightened 
• Rejuvenated and re-energized 
• They are leaders in purposeful and fulfilling lives
• Courageous and fearless (empowered)
• More confident and self-assured after they cross the finish line – this will be just the beginning of many “finish lines” on and off course

We are looking for Clients ready for a change, open, curious, willing to do the work, have a sense of humor!

How do we approach a client who has had a setback?

We find out what’s blocking them, what different circumstances or unforeseen priorities have come up for them.

Follow up on a self-care routine and ensure that is a priority, encouraging the person to give themself grace and ready to start a new day by taking the smallest step to get back on track.  

It is important for our clients to have goals.

Goals are the drivers – the destination of where the person is starting from and where they want to end up. The plan, the person, is constantly developing.  

We motivate our clients in different ways.

My approach individually and collectively by connecting with people, asking insightful questions, and providing space for clients to discover their own hidden gifts.

I help client set and achieve goals, holding them accountable and celebrating their successes. I am inspired by nature and bring optimism, energy, and creativity to every coaching session.

My “high-functioning” introversion is my superpower, allowing me to support clients in gaining confidence, clarity, and consistency.

Motivation looks different for everyone. I uncover their “why” they want this and even go further after they name what they want. I ask:

Why do you want that?

What will that give you?

Why do you want that?

So you accomplish X, how did you do it? How will your life be different, etc? 

My life has changed since I started in the sport of Running.

Running has been part of my life since I was a kid. I vividly remember Field Day in 5th grade, standing at the start line for the 100-yard dash.

I won, and from that moment on, I’ve been running—though now, much farther than 100 yards!

Running has given me so much: lifelong friends, self-confidence, incredible jobs, and a foundation for both mental and physical health.

Before starting a family, my husband and I moved to Minneapolis, where I found an inspiring group of women athletes. They were six years ahead of me in life—already moms—and they showed me how to be strong, capable, and maintain their identities.

With their encouragement, I dove into triathlon training and pushed myself further as a runner. I dropped 15 minutes off my marathon time, qualified for Boston again, and discovered a new level of confidence.

When I learned I was pregnant, I was training for the 2012 Boston Marathon—the infamous “hot one.” I ran it at 6.5 months pregnant, determined to hold on to my identity as a runner. Crossing that finish line was a defining moment for me. I realized I could be both a runner and a mom. A year later, I ran the NYC Marathon, shaving even more time off my personal best, proving to myself that these roles could coexist.

After that, my daughter and I took on an even bigger challenge: the Idaho Ironman. I biked for hours in the early mornings before she woke up, ran with her in the stroller, and swam at the gym while she played in the nursery. That journey was about showing myself—and her—that I could do hard things, even as a mom.

Now, I’ve channeled that same determination into helping other women. Through “Move Your Body to Create Change,”

I’m empowering women to find their own stride—on the course and in life—and to own it.

It’s hard to believe I’ve manifested this coaching life—and now potentially purchasing a half marathon in Key West—through the coaching program that led me to become a Certified Master Coach.

I knew I wanted to support individuals on their personal growth journeys, but what I found was something much larger than myself.

I discovered a co-coach who complements me in every way (and I her), and together, we’ve shifted from one-on-one coaching to leading transformative group programs for women. My curiosity as a coach expands every day, and I feel like I’m constantly learning and growing alongside the women we support.

Coaching these groups allows me to be fully present, giving them my complete focus and energy. My co-coach and I have their backs, just as they have ours—a genuine community of mutual support and growth.

One of the best compliments I’ve ever received came from my coaching professor, who is now a participant in our first Stride Forward program. She told me, “There could be a fire behind Jennifer, and she wouldn’t know it because she’s so focused and present with her client at the moment.”

As someone with ADHD who hasn’t always been the best active listener, that feedback was deeply meaningful. It reminded me I’ve truly found my purpose in this work. Coaching has not only transformed the lives of others, but has also been a profound journey of personal growth for me.

The Secret Sauce of Stride Forward: 

A real sisterhood community designed to support your mind and body. We’ve been through it. 

• Jen and Jenny are going through it now and they find that they’re better together.
• Coaching with a hint of adventure.

• Travel to the Florida Keys for the race and celebrate with their friends.
• A hybrid community. 

• The best of both worlds: In person retreat and virtual coaching.
• An ongoing community they can connect with after they cross the finish line.
• Two is better than one. 

• Be supported and held accountable by two experienced, Certified Master Coaches.
• Tools to take away beyond the finish line- a toolkit to rely on for years to come

CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR FEEDBACK AND TESTIMONIALS

“In the few short weeks that I have been working the Stride Forward coaching program with Jennifer and Jenny, I have been looking at what drives me, which of my values are most important, my character strengths and so much more! The group camaraderie is special and engaging, which encourages us to grow and support each other in that growth.”

 “Most recently, I have been leaning into writing and editing my mission and values statements along with my goals to help me tune into how I can make them actionable. I’m looking forward to the next steps in our coaching group sessions”.

“The Stride Forward coaching program with Jennifer and Jenny is so much fun! I have learned, laughed and have grown while figuring out who I am and what I want.”

“I have been posting off and on about the STRIDE FORWARD program I am taking part in. This year I have been focusing on healthy choices – becoming a non-drinker (317 days and counting – although I stopped counting at 183!), eating more healthily (including a HEALTHY chocolate mousse that my husband discovered for me!) AND increasing my level of activity and exercise.”

“STRIDE FORWARD is an amazing program that Jenny Crow and Jennifer Pellegrini has created and with it they have accomplished something that has for over 20 years been impossible! They have tempted me to RUN.”

“At 12pm EST our group met and today we had a guest speaker – Gayathri Riddhi – Realize To Win, LLC, who was talking to us about hashtag#mindfulness and hashtag#breathwork as ways to enhance our running experience. It was a wonderful session. I have found that having a breathing pattern – three strides in through the nose, three strides out through the mouth (learned after reading Breath by James Nestor) helps me keep going and gives me something to focus on. Gayathri helped us to today to find our perfect rhythm – as everyone’s different.”

“This program is significantly more than a group of people running.”

“Learning new skills, self-care for stronger future self, building community with new people across the country through live, virtual coaching sessions, ongoing conversations, content shares and photos online and in-person race and retreat – is the cherry on top! The reward for hugging new friends in real life is to own your stride by crossing the finish line.” 

*For more inspiring stories like this, visit Off and running With George Banker

*For more about Jenn and her Mission, see below:

Jenn Pellegrini Bio

Jenn Pellegrini is on a mission to better the world through movement and connection.

With over 20 years of experience as a marketer, fundraiser, and public relations practitioner, Jenn has a proven track record of creating impactful stories, memorable experiences, and positive community engagement. 

To continue her mission and reignite her passion for endurance sports, Jenn became a Certified Master Coach in health and wellness. She partners with women in their 40s and 50s, helping them become their true selves in life, work, and community and are ready to stride forward in their next chapter.

Jenn’s unique approach leverages her exceptional skills in connecting with people, asking insightful questions, and providing space for clients to discover their own hidden gifts.

She helps clients set and achieve goals, holding them accountable and celebrating their successes. Nature inspires Jenn and brings optimism, energy, and creativity to every coaching session. Her “high-functioning” introversion is her superpower, allowing her to support clients in gaining confidence, clarity, and consistency. Her own transformative experiences inspired Jenn’s coaching journey with coaching.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and has completed over 20 marathons, including Boston and NYC. She lives in Bethesda, MD, with her husband and 11-year-old daughter, who loves to run with her.