Hi, My Name Is Nicole
I am a former scientist turned running coach. My biggest passions are ultrarunning, kettlebell training, nutrition science, and writing.
As you might have guessed from the beautiful certification badges: I went through the industry’s best certification programs and received my basic training in both fitness coaching and nutrition through the Academy of Sports. I am also Precision Nutrition certified (Level I), a certified online trainer through the Online Trainer Academy, and a certified ultra-running coach through UESCA.
Do you need help with nutrition? Are you seeking guidance on how to improve your running? Need help with getting started or preparing for your first marathon or ultramarathon? Do you want to add kettlebell training to your fitness regimen but don’t know where to start?
Send me a message, and I will get back to you. I reply within 24h. Together we can discuss your plans and decide if we are a good match.
With these formalities out of the way, maybe you want to know a bit more about me? Read on and find out why I do what I do.
Science And Self Experimentation Guide My Approach
As a former scientist, I am a huge science geek. I keep up with the latest research on exercise and nutrition to give you high-quality coaching that gets you the results you want.
I love self-experimentation and testing out new approaches and ideas myself. My curiosity and my never-ending story of irritable bowel syndrome have led me to try various eating styles. I went vegan in 2006 and followed a whole foods vegan diet that was free of any processed foods. Since that didn’t help much with IBS and I felt constantly tired, I tried other vegan approaches. High carb raw vegan (aka 80/10/10) and lower-carb vegan (both cooked and raw).
In 2012 I started to include meat again and quickly transitioned into ketogenic eating. After the initial adjustment period, I felt terrific. The knee pain that one doctor diagnosed as osteoarthritis went away. I have great energy. My mood is stable and calm.
Even though I eat what some people will consider a “restricted” diet, I keep an open mind. There isn’t “the one diet” that is right for everyone, every time. For me, very low carb works because it’s the only way of eating that keeps my tummy happy.
Through Fitness I Triumphed Over Social Anxiety
Fitness changed my life – and not only on a physical level. The most significant benefit for me has been mental.
I grew up with an intense fear of people, and anxiety ruled my life well into my twenties.
Running longer, entering races, progressing in the weight room, and testing my limits boosted my confidence immensely. The calming effect of exercise and increased focus gives me mental stamina to get stuff done. I feel less anxious. I am more present.
You can read more about my social anxiety experiences and how I triumphed over them here and here.
If you want guidance on starting an exercise program when you feel too damn shy to go to the gym, check out this article.
If you are looking for a trainer who is knowledgeable about anxiety and social anxiety, then look no further. Due to my experiences, I know firsthand how tricky it can be to work out when social anxiety wants to keep you in your house all day.
Other Stuff You Might Want To Know About Me
I am the second oldest of eight siblings.
I am a poetry nerd and read and write poetry in German and English.
Since I moved out from home at the age of 17, I haven’t owned a TV. I also don’t have a Netflix account. I don’t go to the cinema regularly either. If you want to watch a movie with me, chances are we can watch anything you choose (unless it’s horror or thriller) because it’s is 99.638 % likely I haven’t seen it :).