Run Club - Join Us!
EXMI Run Club — Annual Membership
Free to Join • All runners welcome • No pace requirements
Why Join?
Join a supportive, goal-driven community with experienced coaches. Whether you are building toward your first 5K or chasing a marathon PR, we are here for every stride. The EXMI Run Club Annual Membership is free and open to all experience levels.
Free Team Training (Included)
- Weekly Group Interval Session: Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. (rotating locations: Valparaiso HS Track, YMCA Cumberland Loop, or Fairgrounds Park)
- Weekly Group Long Run: Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. (various local routes)
Registration
Your registration covers the Annual EXMI Run Club Membership—and it’s free. You’ll get access to all group training sessions, team resources, and community events throughout the year.
EXMI Individualized Coaching
3 months • Personal plans • Ongoing support
What You Get — $125
Includes all EXMI Run Club perks (group intervals, long runs, team community/resources) plus a customized coaching plan and direct coach communication tailored to your goals and schedule.
- Choose your coach from the Extra Mile Fitness Company team
- Customized training plan aligned to your goals and race calendar
- Regular check-ins and support throughout your training cycle
- Includes official EXMI Run Club Team Gear
Program Length
3 months (12 weeks) with the option to extend for multiple cycles to match your race season or long-term goals.
How It Works
- Select Individualized Coaching during registration.
- Pick your coach preference (or we will recommend one).
- Complete the intake so we can tailor your plan.
- Start your 12-week program with ongoing support.
Upcoming Goal Events
Winter Training
Beat the winter blues—train with us!
Let’s keep the momentum through the holidays, kick off the new year strong, and do it together. Our Winter Destination Training (Mesa Marathon) offers programs for 10K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon—plus a beginner-friendly track to get you to the Valentine’s 5K in Valparaiso.
What you’ll get:
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Structured group runs + accountability
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Coaching guidance for every level
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Winter-smart tips (gear, safety, fueling)
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Supportive community to keep it fun
Pick your path: 10K • Half • Full • Valentine’s 5K (beginner)
We’ll help you reach the finish line—one cozy, bundled-up mile at a time.
Spring Training
Coming
Soon
Fall Training
Coming
Soon
Meet Our Coaching Team
Coach Sarah
I started running in 2012 and quickly fell in love with the challenge and joy it brought to my life. I ran my first (and second!) marathons in 2014 and haven’t looked back—since then I’ve completed 13 marathons, plus countless 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and even a few 20-milers. Running gives me something to look forward to every day, and it’s introduced me to some of my closest friends—especially here in the Region.
I’ve called Valparaiso home since I came here for college in 1999. I’m a mom to two college students and one high schooler, and when I’m not out logging miles, I’m coaching runners across the country—especially women—as they chase their goals, from finishing a first 5K to crushing a half marathon. Coaching brings me complete joy. There’s nothing better than seeing someone believe in themselves, improve, and give it their all.
I’m thrilled to be part of this community and can’t wait to support you on your running journey!
Coach DJ
Bio Coming Soon
Coach Natalie
I grew up in North West Indiana, and graduated from Chesterton High School. I live in Valparaiso with my husband and 3 kids. I have been running since I was 12 years old, and ran competitively in High School, College, and began marathoning at 22!
I have completed 65 marathons and have gained so much experience and knowledge from each of these races. This is my 3rd year as head coach for the Extra Mile program and I look forward to running with everyone!
Coach Lindy
Hi! I’m from Portage, a mom to two young adults, and owner of two very cute Beagles. I came to running later in life to get healthier—working as a nurse, I see every day how an inactive lifestyle impacts people, and I knew I needed to move more. Seven years later, I’ve finished 31 half marathons (my favorite distance!) and one marathon.
I follow the run/walk method—a fantastic way to start running or return after injury—and this is my fourth year coaching with Extra Mile. I’m an RRCA-certified running coach who loves hiking, traveling, and coffee with friends after a good run. I’m excited for another season of fun, community, and crushing goals together
Coach Molly
Hi! . Ive been running since 2008. Ive completed numerous half and full marathons, and I love running! I love meeting up with others and the social aspects of group running. I like the accountability I feel to show up and get it done. I love meeting new people to share the joy of running with.
Being a coach gives me opportunities to share that joy and love with more people. I few years ago I chose to bring my peer coaching up a level by becoming a certified run coach in the RRCA program.
Coach Shelby
Hi! This is my 5th year coaching with Extra Mile! I coached 5k runners for 3 years, and am on my second year coaching all distances for run club.
I've run 3 marathons and will be running my 4th this fall. I cannot wait to run along side all of you and help you reach your running goals. Im looking forward to another fun training season.
Coach Phil
I got back into running around 30 and completed my first marathon in 2016. Since then, I’ve finished 13 full marathons and 24 half marathons. I’ve had the joy of coaching kids for over 10 years, and I’m now in my third season with Extra Mile, helping adults reach their running goals.
For me, running is more than miles and medals—it’s a sense of accomplishment and a community. It’s brought some of the greatest people into my life, and I feel lucky to share so many great experiences with them.
Coach Becky
I’ve been coaching with Extra Mile since the store opened and our training groups launched in 2013.
I started running in 2009 after leaving a bad marriage and moving home at age 35. Running became my therapy—I could step out the front door, head down a country road, cry, scream, and come back feeling lighter.
I love running in every season for its own reason: winter snow-globe runs, the fresh calm after a spring rain, sunrise and sunset miles in summer, and those crisp fall runs just before harvest with a slight breeze. Most of all, I love the diversity and inclusivity of this sport. Running has introduced me to incredible people who’ve become more like family than friends
Coach Heather
Running has always been my reset—a simple, grounding practice that calms my soul and brings me fully into the present. In many ways, I believe running saved my life. It gave me balance when I needed it most and continues to be how I keep life in check.
Since opening Extra Mile Fitness Company in 2012, I’ve had the privilege of coaching runners of all levels. Watching people discover joy, confidence, and progress—one mile at a time—has been one of my greatest rewards. For five years, I also coached alongside Coach Arredondo with the Valparaiso High School Girls Cross Country team, where I was continually inspired by the grit and growth of young athletes.
My coaching philosophy is simple: just move, and honor where you are with each stride. Some days that means chasing a PR; other days it’s about feeling stronger, lighter, or simply more at peace in your body. Wherever you are on your journey, I’m here to support you—one step at a time
