Molly Schmelzle

“Coaching is an iterative and dynamic process – a process that builds a strong rapport with an athlete and a holistic understanding of their life’s demands and movement pursuits. The art of coaching is largely executed through effective communication, unwavering support, and the scaffolding of mental and physical confidences in training and racing. The pith of the process: coaching and training is centered around balance and consistency, which allows for routine (re)discovery of joy and next-level self-awareness.”

I approach coaching with a fit-for-life and hit the ground running mentality – feeling healthy and strong for quality of life and longevity. Sports and movement have always been a constant in my life – from participating in competitive swimming, volleyball, and field hockey to ultimately playing Division I Soccer at Syracuse University. Playing soccer at an elite level laid the foundation both for my love of running and for my scientific interest in strength and conditioning. Certain performance gains were indeed made in the weight room. Both movement disciplines remain central not only to my health and well-being and performance, but to my coaching philosophy for endurance athletes, ultrarunners, and the aging athlete. Post-college – a couple decades ago – I stepped away from team sports to explore competitive cycling and triathlon and eventually trail running since I worked as a field biologist in very remote parts of California and Arizona. Trail running was an immediate addiction, which eventually evolved into my raison d’etre. I fell in love with expansive terrains, hard climbs, mountains, independence, and notably the ultra-community.

In combination with science-based undergraduate and research-focused graduate degrees, I have dived deep into graduate level exercise science courses, became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and immersed myself in applicable biomechanics and modality specific certifications. Additionally, I am a UESCA running and ultrarunning coach. I am a lifetime student of movement with the passion of helping and coaching others how to realize their endurance and strength aspirations.

I live in Ashland, OR with my Sports Chiropractic partner who specializes in feet and ultra-runners in the heart of the Siskiyou Mountains and near the terminus of the Cascades. Our ultrarunning community is top-notch and our endless trails are at our doorstep.