Check Out Colleen Miracle’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Miracle

Hi Colleen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I moved from Ohio to the Boulder/Denver area in 2019 for a job at CU Boulder and because I was an avid rock climber. During the pandemic, I got into long-distance running and signed up for my first 50km trail race (31.5 miles). I caught the bug and have gone on to complete over 22 ultramarathons since 2021, including five 100 mile races. I started coaching runners in fall 2024 during an ankle injury and joined the Rising Mountains Coaching team as a coach in December.

I’m now training for the Leadville 100 mile trail race this August, as is one of my athletes I coach! I’m motivated to coach athletes new and experienced, with a special interest in coaching women over 30. I’m big on breaking the cycle that women must only be caretakers, and like to encourage women over 30 to pursue a fulfilling life full of passion and adventure.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have learned a lot about ultramarathon training and coaching over the last 4 years, and it hasn’t been smooth. Balancing constant training with other hobbies I have, like playing music and creating art, has been difficult. I believe we go through phases and interests in our lives for a reason, and since this one calls to me now, I have to honor it. Injuries are just something I’ve come to expect from time to time, especially overuse injuries, but that doesn’t mean we don’t try strength training and resting when needed.

My head coach at RMC, Eve, has been helpful in mentoring me as a coach these past few months since joining the team. There can be some difficult conversations with athletes, but having a human-first relationship with the athlete is important. Sometimes there are cues you need to read that go beyond a training plan, perhaps personal life struggles, where the athlete needs support. I am learning how to tailor the plan to the individual athlete and dig deep when needed.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Coaching with RMC gives me a platform to speak to athletes of all skill levels, and social media helps with that. My goal is to build my coaching brand within RMC and share the joy of running on a larger scale. I work full-time in communications at a local university, but I coach on the side and am a freelance journalist for running brands.

I’m most proud of keeping a well-rounded mindset as a runner and coach. I believe there is so much more to each of us than the sport we partake in with our bodies. First and foremost, I am an artist. A writer. A dreamer, encourager, best friend, daughter, dog mom…and running 100 miles at a time is just something I enjoy doing. It’s so easy for us to get caught up in our sport, especially when we have a community tied to it. Our sport is often portrayed as gnarly, tough, unapproachable. The truth is, we’re just goofy little runners in vests traversing slowly through forests, deserts, etc. for long periods of time. It’s really not that serious.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for those starting out as a runner, a coach, or professional, is to take notes of when you’re feeling your best, most authentic self. Who are you with? What are you doing? What is making you feel your best and why? We have a short time here, and there’s simply no time to give energy to people and activities that don’t serve you in the best way possible.

Everything is a balance, of course, and a trade-off. You always have choices. Maybe you take note of what makes you feel best and make a plan to quit your job in 6 months to save up for an apartment next to the trailhead you love. Maybe you make a plan to slowly incorporate more creative friends in your life since creativity brings you the most joy. You always have a choice, and your deepest desires and passions are worth the effort. Why can’t you live your dream life?

Pricing:

• $150/month for personalized run coaching

Contact Info:

• Website: https://risingmountainscoaching.com/
• Instagram: colleen.miracle; _miracle_miles_