Hi, I'm Nicole – Ultrarunner, Kettlebell Enthusiast, Writer
Growing up in an abusive household with an alcoholic step-father, I was called “the fat one” despite never being overweight.
I learned early that my body was something to fight against, not work with.
I started running in 2006, but it was punishment disguised as fitness. Every workout was penance. Every meal was guilt. I couldn’t stay consistent—constant injuries, an eating disorder that cost me my period for over 10 years, and the kind of self-hatred that makes you avoid mirrors. By 2013, my body finally forced me to stop. I quit running completely.
In 2015, at 30, I discovered kettlebells. What started as another attempt to “fix” my body became something completely different. For the first time in my life, I cared about what my body could DO instead of how it looked.
I watched myself progress from struggling with an 8kg bell to confidently snatching 20kg overhead. Six years of training rebuilt me—physically and mentally. I learned to trust my body again.
In 2021, at 36, I came back to running. But this time was different. I had a foundation of strength and a body I’d spent years learning to work with instead of against. Eight months later, I placed 3rd female at a 61K trail ultra.
Since then: multiple podiums (including wins), 17+ ultras finished, including CCC at UTMB.
Zero overuse injuries.
Kettlebells made everything possible.
Education & Certifications
I believe in continuous education. I’ve invested in certifications across ultrarunning (UESCA), kettlebell training (IKFF), general fitness (Academy of Sports, Online Trainer Academy), and nutrition (Precision Nutrition Level I). But certifications are just the starting point—I continue learning through research, books, and staying current with exercise science and endurance training literature.
Writing
I write in two places:
Medium is where I explore the deeper questions—why we choose hard things, how voluntary challenge rewrites trauma, the psychology of endurance. Think philosophy meets ultrarunning.
My weekly newsletter (Miles and Might) is where I share practical training updates, kettlebell workouts, and race prep. It’s the day-to-day work of getting stronger.