Photo: Manny Velasco

Photo: Azuree Halloway

I left 2020 feeling beat up. I didn’t have much, but I had a pair of running shoes. I returned to the habit and went for a run. The bitter air awoke me, leaving me breathless and wanting more, and I quickly established a practice. 

Soon after, GRC Run Club, partnered with Grocery Run Club and Lululemon for Global Running Day. At the time, I was consistently running, training for my first marathon,  and sharing how this discipline had completely changed my life. I got asked to be a run leader and quickly found myself wrapped up in the beauty of Chicago’s running community.

I was still bartending through my first couple of marathons, often completing my 18-mile runs after getting home at 5 am. I began pursuing my RRCA Coaching and NASM Personal Training Certifications. I began structuring my training, along with a few friends. This allowed me to run a 20+ minute marathon personal record.

For years I balanced this multifaceted lifestyle of hospitality & endurance running until August 2022, when I left my 10+ year career in pursuit of a new one, wellness. I began coaching a handful of athletes at this time and began teaching Spin classes at Spynergy.

In November 2022, I launched Marina & the Rest, where I seek to empower individuals to create a deeper self-connection through mindfulness & movement, running & beyond. Through avenues of running and mindfulness, I aim to help people cultivate the confidence to connect with their minds, body, and spirit.

I am a Chicago-based run coach able to work with individuals globally; all fitness levels are welcome. Whether you want to establish a running habit, complete your first race, or push to a new PR; I’d love to talk about how Marina & the Rest could help you get there.