About Us

STRIVING for Excellence in Run Coaching.

At Epic Strides Coaching, my mission is to create an inclusive and supportive community where runners of all levels can rediscover their passion for running while reaching their personal bests (PBs). Whether you're just starting or have been running for years, I believe running should be about more than just hitting numbers—it's about enjoying the journey, staying healthy, and feeling strong every step of the way.

I take a holistic approach to coaching, designing personalized training plans that consider your unique goals, lifestyle, and challenges. With a background in evidence-based practices and extensive knowledge in musculoskeletal health, I’m dedicated to helping you become the strongest, most resilient, and happiest runner you can be.

My approach isn’t just about improving your time; it’s about building a sustainable running practice that fits into your life. Together, we’ll focus on your physical strength, injury prevention, mental resilience, and overall well-being to help you achieve your goals—and have fun doing it!

Ready to start your Running Journey? Book your FREE Discovery Call or explore my personalized coaching options here.

The Epic Strides Coaching Story

Epic Strides Coaching was born from a passion to help runners stay injury-free and enjoy their running journey to the fullest. I’m Melissa, the Director and Creator of Epic Strides Coaching, and I’ve spent the last 12 years working as a physiotherapist in North Queensland. During that time, I saw too many preventable injuries and realized something needed to change.

As a runner myself, I understand the frustration of wanting to run consistently, confidently, and injury-free, but not knowing how to make that a reality. My goal was simple: to create a program that would help runners avoid the injuries I was seeing—whether they were beginners or seasoned athletes.

Through both my professional experience and personal journey, I created Epic Strides Coaching to offer the kind of support I always wished I had—personalized guidance, injury prevention, and a holistic approach to running that works for each individual.

Why Epic Strides Coaching?

Townsville is filled with people who love to run—and it’s easy to see why! The stunning scenery and warm climate make it the perfect place for outdoor activity. However, many people start running with great intentions but end up sidelined by injuries, burnout, or simply not knowing where to begin.

Epic Strides Coaching is here to change that! I offer run training programs that are not only flexible, but also progressive, and most importantly—fun. Whether you’re new to running or aiming for a PB, I’m here to provide the motivation, structure, and support to ensure you stay on track and love every step of the way.

My Promise to You

I’m here to support you with education, guidance, and ongoing motivation at every step of your running journey. I want you to feel confident, strong, and resilient in your running, without the stress of injuries or confusion about where to start.

Running shouldn’t feel like a chore; it should be about freedom, joy, and adventure. It’s an opportunity to explore new places, push your limits, and feel strong and agile in your own body.

At Epic Strides Coaching, I believe that running is a lifelong pursuit that should bring happiness and a sense of accomplishment, not pain or frustration. Join our community today and experience the EPIC STRIDES difference—let’s make your running journey one you love!

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Meet The Team

Coach/Director - Melissa

Meet Melissa, Your Dedicated Running Coach

I’m Melissa, a proud North Queensland local with over 12 years of experience as a Physiotherapist. I’m also a certified Level 1 Recreational Run Coach through Athletics Australia. Over the last two years, I’ve poured my passion into Epic Strides Coaching, helping runners of all levels achieve both their small and big goals—whether it’s running their first 5k or crushing a marathon PB.

My Journey as a Runner & Coach

My running journey began while I was at university, taking advantage of the beautiful outdoor lifestyle that Townsville offers. What started as a simple way to stay fit evolved into a deep passion for building a healthy, active lifestyle. Over time, running became more than just a sport—it became a lifelong pursuit that brings me joy, fulfillment, and a sense of freedom.

In my work as a physiotherapist, I saw too many runners struggling with preventable injuries and burnout. This sparked a special interest in working with the running community. I wanted to go beyond treating injuries and be more actively involved in helping runners achieve their best—and that’s what led me to create Epic Strides Coaching.

I believe every runner has epic potential—and my goal is to help you unlock it.

My Coaching Philosophy

As your coach, I focus on a holistic, runner-centered approach to help you achieve your running goals in a sustainable and enjoyable way. My mission is to help you:

Find balance between work, life, and running
Achieve your personal bests (PBs) with structured, individualized training plans
Enjoy every step of your running journey, from the first mile to the marathon
Run consistently throughout your lifespan, with injury prevention and sustainable training
Monitor and adapt your training based on how you feel and your progress
Avoid burnout and manage athlete strain for long-term success
Be part of a community of like-minded runners who are passionate about running for life!

Let’s Achieve Your Goals Together

With Epic Strides Coaching, you’ll receive a supportive, personalized coaching experience designed to help you run stronger, smarter, and with more joy than ever before. If you’re ready to take your running to the next level, book a session with me today—let’s make your goals a reality, and most importantly, let’s have fun doing it!

And Don't forget THE most important part of the team...

YOU!

After all, this is your journey and we are here to help!

Who Can Benefit from Run Coaching at Epic Strides?

At Epic Strides Coaching, our run coaching is for everyone—whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned runner, or an athlete looking to enhance your team sport performance.

We love working with:

Endurance Runners (road and trail) looking to improve stamina, speed, or tackle longer distances
Team Sport Athletes (like football, soccer, or rugby players) who want to enhance their running for better performance on the field

Why Run Coaching Works for You

Did you know that in Premier League football, players can run up to 10,000 meters in a match? Whether you're training for endurance or speed, the right coaching can help you improve. That’s why Epic Strides is perfect for both endurance runners and speed-focused athletes.

No More One-Size-Fits-All Programs

A big risk for runners is training errors—especially when your program doesn’t take your life into account. At Epic Strides Coaching, I combine my expertise as a Physiotherapist and Recreational Running Coach to provide personalized training that adapts to your lifestyle.

Whether you're busy with work, family, or other sports, I’ll adjust your plan to ensure you're always training at the right intensity and avoiding burnout. With a periodized approach, I tailor your program week by week to ensure you’re progressing safely and effectively.

Our Programs

Ready, Set, Go! – Perfect if you're just starting out or want to learn to run with confidence.
Nimble & Epic Programs – Designed for runners aiming to improve endurance for events like 10k, half marathons, marathons, or ultra runs.
In-Person Coaching – Focused on improving speed, agility, and endurance for team sport athletes.

Let’s Talk!

Still unsure? Book a free 10-minute call with me to see if Epic Strides Coaching is the right fit for your goals.

For more details, visit our Bookings or Shop pages, or follow us on Instagram!