Rise Resolute

Connect and Rise with Kirsten Alexis, Adventure Athlete, Content Creator, Drone Pilot, Sky Diver, and High Altitude Mountain Climber as she describes her journey of coming back from a serious back surgery to treat scoliosis at the age of 12. Kirsten powerfully describes coming to terms with her worries that she wasn’t enough and realizing that challenges are often largely mental. She suggests shifting your focus and tells us it’s okay to be afraid, but that you can do it anyway. Each adventure in life and in sports is different. Kirsten decided she was done wasting time. She will help you believe: there truly is nothing you can’t do. 

Connect and Rise with Mandana, former dancer who suffered an injury which prevented her from returning to dance but has not stopped her from living a life focused on positivity and growth. Mandala shares her powerful insight on how valuable it can be to stop for a moment to sit with your emotions before being reactive so that you can make the best decision on how to move forward. She talks about listening to your own voice amidst all of the noise (especially when the going gets tough) and shows us that reinventing yourself after injury can actually result in a more positive you, better equipped to lift others along your journey. When we are able to ultimately rise AND also lift up our fellow women, we have definitely succeeded. 

Connect and Rise with Lisa Herrington, Founder and Co-Owner of Fit House Davis, group fitness instructor, runner, mom, and wife. Lisa tells us about the power of integrating your passion into what you do in life and also shares her powerful insight on grief and her journey through the loss of a child.  She helps us understand the value of owning your grief and then deciding how to move forward. She discusses building our "emotional toolbox" by recognizing the things that bring us joy, in order to use them as tools on our worst days. This is applicable not only to the grief journey but also to any struggle we face in life. Lisa also inspires us all with her decision to live in the light and the positive.  She shares that we all have a choice to take the things that happen to us and do something good with them. Lisa powerfully embodies how one person can draw on the athlete mentality to become not just a "Warrior Athlete" but a "Warrior Human." Prepare to be elevated with her inspi

Connect and Rise with Jess, Fitness Enthusiast, single mom, and former Figure Skater, as she describes her journey of learning to never give up on a dream despite the time it may take to accomplish it.  Jess shares her personal story of hitting rock bottom with her weight and her health and deciding that she was the only one who could change her life.  She was told that she couldn't, which only fueled her desire to get healthy.  Jess tells us that even if you feel alone, you aren't and that bad times don't last forever.  For all of those out there struggling with their own health or even some other difficulty in life, she says, "I was there.  I was in your shoes.  I know that it gets really hard some days, but you've got to keep going." Don't let even the most extravagant tragedy get the best of you.  Whatever you're facing, whatever you need to accomplish, it can be done.

Connect and Rise on our second episode with the amazing Robin Smith, competitive mid-distance runner, mom, and wife.  Robin returns to tell us more about her journey and the conversion of thought needed to break through your own barriers or those that may be placed on you by others.  She describes some of her most difficult challenges in life (including being in an abusive relationship) and how she was able to find her way out.  She is strong, brave, and a leader for all of us, especially if we are facing a struggle that may seem insurmountable.  Robin says, "If I can do it, so can you." Robin also remembers her sister as she faces the first anniversary of her passing and we pause to reflect on how short and precious life is. The time is now, friends. Don't miss this episode.

Connect and Rise with Lisa, runner, banker, wife, and mother as she shares her insight on making the decision to commit to health and wellness. Lisa describes making that commitment in her own life and the progress that followed. She will inspire you with her story of learning to choose happiness along the way. Through life’s challenges (career, motherhood, family, etc.) meeting your goals may not always look the way you envisioned it, but be flexible. It’s never too late. And when the going gets tough, remember that “you can do hard things.” Don’t give up. Stay positive. True success is enjoying the journey.

Connect and Rise with Aasha Marler, Elite Long/Triple Jumper and Olympic hopeful as she shares her journey and how the philosophy of expecting something great instead of wishing for something good has shaped her. Every good story isn’t about only the struggle, but how you overcome it. Ask yourself: what does the pursuit of the 1% mean for you and how can you get there without being too hard on yourself?Aasha shares her perspective and how she has continued to persevere through struggle and loss, with her eyes set on the 2020 Olympic Games. Aasha will remind you to keep going. You’ve got this.

Connect and Rise with Kerri Gallagher, Head Cross Country Coach at Manhattan College and former competitive runner. Kerri shares her journey, including how her competitive running career changed course due to an unexpected medical issue. Kerri talks about holding dreams a bit loosely so that you can be at peace when things don’t go as planned and believe that something better, more beautiful, and more impactful  is in store. Kerri will inspire you to let go and trust in your own life. Don’t miss this episode! 

Connect and Rise with Holly Speers, Team Canada Softball Player who has qualified for the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo. Holly will inspire you with her insight on navigating depression and anxiety. She sends a powerful message to us all: we are not alone. She also discusses the importance of believing in yourself and making happiness a priority. Holly encourages everyone to remember that no matter what you are going through, “you will be okay and you are okay.” Find out how to reach out to Holly if you find yourself in a similar struggle. Don’t miss this episode! 

Connect and Rise with Chantal Rose-Denman, ultrarunner, mother of four, wife, and cancer survivor.  In this amazing first episode of our second season, Chantal shares her very personal story of being diagnosed with a high-grade surface osteosarcoma.  Shockingly, her osteosarcoma was found in her leg when it began to impact her running.  Doctors at Duke University acted quickly to save Chantal's leg and her life, though she did end up having most of her femur and knee joint replaced with a prostheses. Chantal will inspire you with her insight on learning how to dig deep and keep going even when you want to quit.  She gives powerful advice and hope to anyone going through a life-threatening diagnosis.  Those of us who have not been tested in such can also apply her wisdom to our everyday lives.  Chantal's perspective will shine a light into your life and could quite possibly be the source of inspiration you need to keep fighting whatever battle lies before you, be it big or small.  She will remind eac

Connect and Rise with the phenomenal Dotsie Bausch, Vegan Olympian and founder of the nonprofit Switch4Good whose professional cycling career included a medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games, eight US national championships, two Pan American gold medals and a world record. Dotsie shares her amazing journey through struggle, eventually making her way to the Olympic podium at almost 40-years-old. Be inspired as Dotsie shares that her whole life has been a story of not quitting. She encourages each one of us to keep fighting even though “you are going to lose way more than you’re ever going to win.” She tells us that resiliency is a powerful tool that can be learned and practiced. Each hardship is shaping you, friends. Find motivation in knowing that you can apply the (often difficult) lessons you are learning now in the pursuit of your own “ah-ha” moment when the world shifts and your life’s work aligns with your passion. 

Connect and Rise with Rebeka Stowe, athlete & coach, 8 time USA Track and Field championship qualifier, certified level 2 coach for the USATF, and CSCS. She is currently one of the first female coaches in the athletic department at the 400-year-old Collegiate School, an all-boys private school on the Upper West side of Manhattan and also works with Nike running in NYC in addition to working with Run with the Lab (online coaching using VdotO2). Rebeka is not only a total bad ass in her field, but also a humble and amazingly inspirational person. This interview is FULL of incredible insight including the value of pursuing both your career (be it athletics or not) and your LIFE with rigor, valuing the people who are meaningful in different seasons of you life, realizing that in vulnerability is power and to constantly develop your mental skills toolbox, and remembering that you “can.” You can handle anything. In moments of struggle, pull on all of your positive training and remember: “I’m a warrior. I can do

This episode we are changing it up a bit to bring you encouragement and love during this busy (and sometimes overwhelming) time of year. Connect and Rise with Sara Kornokovich, Cindi Havert, Autumn Schubmehl, Lisa Kovacevic, and Kristen Lang. Each brings a different perspective, but the same message this holiday season: you’ve got this! You will be inspired to embrace the joy of the season by holding close those who really matter, letting go of perfection, and caring for yourself and others. Our wish for you is peace amidst the crazy and a moment of pause to be present in your day; it will only come once. Happy Holidays with love. 

Connect and Rise with Katie Vanarendonk, Doctor of Physical Therapy, triathlete, Health and Wellness Coach, wife, and mother as she shares her journey of making it through unknown obstacles without a course map to prepare. You will be inspired to choose courage whenever possible and to stay focused on what you want more over what you might want in any given moment. Katie will make you laugh as she describes she her early years and knowing “just enough not to be terrified.” Katie also discusses the importance of community and connectedness. Serving others is so important on this wild journey of life.  Just keep showing up for yourself and for those in your life, friends. When you commit to continually being present, at unexpected moments, you’ll find the courage you may not have known you had. 

Connect and Rise with Sarah Canney, Founder and Host of @riserunretreat, Top 10 World Snow Shoe Running Champ, wife, and mother as she shares her powerful journey of perseverance. Sarah shares the power of asking yourself who you are and who you want to be when faced with seemingly insurmountable struggles. Her journey through anorexia and bulimia will uplift and inspire you. Sarah is an advocate for self belief and hope. Her message will propel you to lift your own sail and relentlessly seek the destiny that awaits. 

Connect and Rise with Morgan Putbrese, Crossroads Adaptive Coach, Crossfit Level 1 Trainer, athlete, and student as she shares her journey through Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome. Be inspired by Morgan's powerful insight into the value of self acceptance and restarting when needed. Morgan discusses how athletics has changed her life and the beauty of rebuilding after each set back (which often comes in the form of another surgery for her condition).  She encourages listeners both to stay grateful, humble, and hungry, while also asking yourself what you can give the world.  Don't miss this powerful episode.

Connect and Rise with Elizabeth Tretter, Patent Prosecutor, runner, Group Fitness Instructor with Equinox Gyms in NYC, and mom of three as she describes her journey, including moving from Ukraine to the United States when she was 17-years-old, conquering her fears and barriers while pursuing her dreams, and pushing herself through marathon training. Elizabeth describes how it may often be difficult to see the opportunities that lie within life's difficult times and the layers of strength we build as we press on through challenges.  There are so many awesome take-aways in this interview, including the value of struggles which require you to step up your game, remembering to be gentle with yourself, and most poignantly, setting an example of strength for your children.  Don't miss this episode!

Connect and Rise with Crystal Antila, Canadian lawyer, runner, fitness enthusiast, and mother as she opens up about her battle with depression.  Crystal will inspire you with her story of digging deep to both get the help she needed and to access the strength within.  She discusses the importance of accessing your support system, shifting your outlook and approach, and choosing to see the positive.  Crystal also touches on the gifts running has given her and how exercise can also boost your mental state.  We all have the same number of hours in our day- after listening to this interview, you'll be inspired to make yours count! 

Connect and Rise with Gia Trevisan, Professional Track Athlete for Italy as she shares her journey through injuries. Gia discusses the value of setting micro-goals, trusting the process, and refusing to settle. Gia shares that realizing that good times are coming in the midst of struggle can help us get throughout. No matter how hopeless you may feel, it’s never over, and you always have a choice to continue watering the seeds you planted, knowing that eventually the fruit will come. 

Connect and Rise with Sam Moulding, Barrel racer, horse woman, rancher, and survivor.  Sam shares her story of survival after trauma.  Her insight is so very powerful.  Sam shares that the strength we need is already in all of us.  She talks about the life-changing effects of gratitude.  She encourages listeners to stop comparing themselves to others and to be brave enough to be themselves.  Sam reminds us that we all have a choice, that between stimulus and response there is a space where we can choose how we respond.  When we realize this, Sam describes that we can come to a place of power to decide how we choose to live our lives. "If you're humble enough to keep learning, the sky is the limit."