About Karly

I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, where I still live today.

I spent my childhood and high school years as a cheerleader just running for fun with no watch or app to track how far I was going. During my early 20’s, I loved working out at the gym and learning as much as I could about fitness and nutrition. As the years passed, I started running regularly, ran my first 5K race in 2016, and never looked back! I dove head first into the sport of running while working on my degree in Health Science. I completed my first marathon in 2018, (Chicago of course!) and fell in love with the marathon distance. After following cookie cutter training plans and dealing with some nagging injuries, I decided to seek out the help of a running coach. I began working with Coach Katherine of Sugar Runs in 2019 and shaved 18 minutes from my first marathon, taking it from 4:07 to 3:49 that Fall! We continued to work together navigating cancelled races through 2020, completing a virtual marathon in 3:32 and a virtual half marathon in 1:40. Finally, races were back and I had a big goal of a Boston Qualifier at the 2021 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. Crossing the finish line with a BQ time of 3:22 was a life changing moment and Coach Katherine was my first text! I knew right away that I wanted to help others reach their goals and share that same finish line feeling.

I became an RRCA Certified Running Coach in January of 2022 eager to share my knowledge and experience with runners of all abilities. After years of strength training experience, in 2023 I gained a personal strength training certification through NASM. Being a part of the Team Sugar Runs community as an athlete has been an incredible experience and I am beyond excited to offer coaching services for this amazing team! Using individualized training plans and open communication we can work together to reach your full potential as a runner!

- Karly