Hey, I’m Mary
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One Run At A Time
I’ve always been an underdog. I started sports “late” (in high school) and I loved everything about them. The team camaraderie…the practices…even the games (where, let’s be honest…I was usually benched). I loved everything about playing a sport and moving my body.
I wasn’t great at soccer, hockey, or lacrosse; but I damn well tried my best and exuded more heart than talent. And I had one redeeming athletic quality: I could run at the front of the pack when we did laps around the school. So what I critically lacked in hand-eye coordination, I made up for in fitness.
So when I joined the indoor track team as a senior (to get in shape for lacrosse) – it wasn’t a shock that I got fit quickly…and I was hooked. I also was introduced to the first coach who ever believed in me, which was massively impactful to my confidence.
I went on to row D1 crew in college for four years and pushed running to the back-burner. I had dreams about continuing rowing at the sub-elite level after college, but those dreams never came to fruition, as I was rejected from all programs I applied to. Though I was devastated at the time, there’s a lot of growth that comes from rejection…and my biggest learning was to always keep fighting for what you believe in, even when you’re shot down.
After college, I immersed myself as a young professional in New York City, first as a receptionist, and later in fashion marketing. But I felt lost as a NARP in The Big City - floating between long hours at work and partying - missing the days of athletics and the structure and routine that came from them.
So, naturally - I signed up for a marathon in 2010. I hadn’t even formally raced a 5k, but knew I wanted to run long distances (and needed an aggressive goal that extended beyond the four walls of my cubicle).
After pressing the intimidating “purchase” button on my marathon registration page, I immediately started itsamarython, the blog, because I wanted to document my training for family and friends, who were donating towards the charity I was raising money for.
After running Philly in 2010 (3:44) and 2011 (3:36), I realized I could someday qualify for the Boston Marathon, so I hired a coach. After building strength and speed for 6 months, I qualified at the NJ Marathon in 2013 (3:22) and ran my first Boston in 2014 (3:08).
I had officially caught the distance bug. I continued to chip away at my goals, and whittled down my marathon to 3:06 at Boston and my half marathon to 1:25 at Hartford over the course of 5 years.
In between the training and races, I also changed my career path. After getting laid off from a fashion marketing job in 2015 (what a blessing!)I was determined to enter the world of fitness and coaching, which was my true passion. I began working at Ranfone Training Systems in Hamden, CT (first as an intern…later as a full-time coach), and eventually fulfilled a longtime dream of becoming a running coach in early 2016.
I started my own LLC - Lift.Run.Perform - in 2017…and it’s grown beyond my wildest dreams. What started as a means for virtually sharing strength training among runners quickly turned into a community of 15 coaches who train athletes all over the world.
From the very beginning: LRP’s mission has always been to prioritize the athlete and their journey towards success. Our philosophy stresses the importance of balance, health, and long-term development…with a deep-rooted commitment to inspire and support athletes every step of the way.
On a professional level, I hold both USATF and VDOT02 coaching certifications and I am a Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist (FRCms). I have also gone through the Kinstretch Level I certification program.
Through running coaching, I’ve had the pleasure of coaching people to incredible time goals that range from 5 to sub-3-hour finishes. I’ve helped people (via the internet!) learn how to squat, bench, and deadlift. But most importantly, I’ve had the honor of cheering on and supporting so many incredible people, and I feel lucky to have earned the trust of so many athletes.
While LRP was growing and thriving, my own running was not - as I spent the better half of 6 years navigating chronic pain with my hip and back that ultimately led to FAI/labral tear repair surgery in the summer of 2022.
While the journey to get surgery was excruciating - constantly getting ignored and gaslit by doctors - it was an incredible learning experience, as I navigated a complicated healthcare system and realized what it was like to have self advocacy and persistence. The surgery itself was absolutely life changing, and while the rehab was long…there isn’t a day that goes by where I’ve second guessed my decision, and feel extremely privileged to have the resources and support to go through such a big orthopedic procedure.
The years of struggling with my hip also included two of the biggest gifts of my life - my babies - born in 2019 and 2021. Becoming a mother has made me realize the importance of accepting each season of life, and being okay with the journey – however that might look. Achieving presentness between family and sport is so hard, but something I strive for. Running isn’t just a passion for so many of us; it’s a way of life, and it’s something that we need to juggle in our lives among the crazy. And, trust me, I’m right there with you trying to figure it all out.
If you asked me on the starting line of the 1500 in high school (with my navy bun huggers and pink Nike Air Max shoes) if I’d eventually become a small business owner, private running coach, and mama…I would’ve given you a hard stare and laughed out loud. But through hours of research, education, and experience, I’ve turned what I love into something that is my career, and I could not be more grateful.
1:1 coaching
Get Ready to Run stronger and more confidently than you’ve ever imagined.
With 10+ years of coaching experience, I want to help you become the strongest and most resilient version of yourself - all while emphasizing joy in the process and long-term resiliency.