Running Redefined | Fireside Chat Guest: Christi Dee
We are all runners regardless of your pace. That is not something I am willing to argue with people. The difference lies in what each of our goals is. Do we want to run a 5K in 35 minutes? How about running a 200 mile ultramarathon? Maybe it is just running for health benefits and not a competitive setting. Every one of these reasons is valid and one is not morally superior than another. That being said, your running success story is going to be determined by your running mindset.
Doing the thing that you once thought impossible is going to require you to show up, consistently. Through that process you will learn how to overcome obstacles and challenge yourself. This Fireside Chat conversation with Chrisi Dee touches on every one of these points and more.
Building Community Through Storytelling
When Christi Dee noticed a gap in children’s books for runners, she didn’t just shrug and move on—she wrote the books herself. Can a Frog Jog? and Maya Runs a Marathon are more than fun rhymes or bedtime reads. They’re her contribution to building a future generation of endurance athletes who see running as fun, accessible, and community-focused from the start. Christi proves that when you lean into your niche, you don’t limit your reach—you deepen your impact.
Her passion for storytelling doesn’t stop at children’s literature. It’s woven through her coaching, her running, and her life. For Christi, writing and running are both acts of endurance, creativity, and growth. She believes in sparking curiosity, even when that means stepping outside the mainstream. Her stories—on the page and on the trails—are about more than finish lines. They’re about who we become along the way.
From Half Marathon Start to Ultra Finish
Like many runners, Christi’s journey started with peer pressure and a half marathon. But unlike her friends, she didn’t stop there. One race led to another, and now she’s crossed the finish line of 43 marathons and 17 ultramarathons. Her “all or nothing” mindset might sound intense, but it’s a window into the deeper transformation that running sparked in her life. Each mile became a step toward confidence, self-discovery, and community.
What stands out is how Christi frames running not just as sport, but as growth. She doesn’t separate the physical from the emotional. Running is a teacher, a mirror, and sometimes a therapist. And in those lessons—through hills and hurdles—she’s found her voice as both an athlete and a coach.
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Coaching with Compassion and Strategy
Leaving corporate life behind, Christi transitioned into coaching not just with passion but with purpose. Armed with an MBA and business experience, she doesn’t wing it—she coaches with intention. Her philosophy is grounded in listening, personalization, and whole-athlete wellness.
For Christi, success isn’t measured by podiums alone. It’s found in consistency, recovery, and alignment with real life. Her coaching is a safe space where goals aren’t just numbers but reflections of individual stories. Whether it’s a first-time 5K or an ultra, she’s there to walk—or run—the journey alongside her athletes.
Mantras, Mindset, and Momentum
Endurance doesn’t just live in your legs—it thrives in your mind. Christi’s toolbox of mental strategies includes powerful mantras, patience, and the wisdom to recognize when to press forward and when to pull back. Whether she’s facing a writing block or a race wall, she turns to these practices to ground herself and keep going.
In one memorable story, she shares why she chose to stop at a backyard ultra race—saving her energy for the Chicago Marathon. It was a masterclass in long-term thinking. She also redefines fear not as something to avoid, but as a signpost pointing toward growth. Her message? Be bold. Bet on yourself. The hardest paths often lead to the most meaningful victories.
Celebrate Every Win—Even the Small Ones
Christi’s approach to racing includes one powerful post-event ritual: reflection. Instead of jumping into the next challenge or signing up for the next trending race, she encourages athletes to pause. What went well? What did you learn? What can you celebrate?
This mindset helps athletes avoid the all-too-common trap of comparison and burnout. Social media might hype the hustle, but Christi champions perspective. Whether you set a new PR or showed up despite doubts, it all matters. Her belief in celebrating all types of success—big, small, time-based or not—is what makes her a true force in the endurance space.
Write Your Story. Run Your Race.
Christi Dee isn’t just logging miles—she’s leading a movement. Through storytelling, coaching, and sheer grit, she’s challenging the norms of success in endurance sports. Her message is clear: find your why, trust your process, and don’t be afraid to do things differently.
Regardless of where you are in your journey, this Fireside Chat is a must-watch. You’ll laugh, reflect, and walk away inspired to embrace the journey—on your terms. Remember that a good mindset surrounding running will be the foundation for your success story.
🎥 Watch the full interview now and share your own mantra in the comments. What gets you through the tough miles?
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