Michelle Foster

“I believe scary goals can become achievable goals through consistency and smart training. You do not have to sacrifice your entire life to be a successful runner.”

I grew up the daughter of a small town track coach running the windy bluffs of western Nebraska. Whether it was boxes in the basement, hurdles in middle school, or playing rugby at the University of Wyoming, I’ve always preferred running with at least a few obstacles in the way. Trail running was a great fit.

After moving to Colorado I started taking advantage of all the mountains in my backyard. After competing in many shorter trail races I started moving up to ultramarathons starting with the Quad Rock 50 mi and have continued to challenge myself with everything from high altitude mountain hundreds to timed flat looped courses. I am an advocate for the increased participation of women and femmes in trail running and for years have hosted a weekly trail women’s speed building group. I started coaching because of a desire to make trail running a bigger tent and to show those who aren’t sure if they belong in the sport that they are capable of big things if they give themselves a fair chance.

Along with running I participate in gravel bike racing, weight training, veterinary diagnostics and stopping in the middle of a path to move insects to safety.