422: Different Seasons, Different Running Goals with Tara Welling

When it comes to running, Tara Welling is more than her impressive race results. Yes, she’s competed at the highest levels, but what makes her story truly powerful is the way she’s navigated the highs, the lows, and everything in between — and how she’s using those lessons to inspire and guide other runners today.

I had the privilege of talking with Tara about her journey — from her first taste of the sport as a kid, to the intense world of professional running, to life as a mother and coach. Our conversation was full of wisdom for anyone who runs, whether you’re chasing a PR, coming back from burnout, or simply trying to enjoy your miles again.

Early Beginnings: From Soccer Fields to Starting Lines

Tara’s running journey started in elementary school, when she joined her friends for cross country — more for the fun than the competition. At the time, running was secondary to soccer and softball, but a high school cross country coach saw her potential and began nurturing it.

The turning point came during her sophomore year, when she decided to step away from soccer and focus solely on running. Her reasoning was simple but smart: this was a sport she could enjoy for a lifetime, and one that could even open the door to a professional career.

Stepping Onto the Professional Stage

College solidified Tara’s love for the sport. With the encouragement of her coach and strong performances in events like the 10k, she began to see professional running as a real possibility.

The leap from college to the pro world was exciting, but also eye-opening. It came with triumphs and tough lessons, as Tara learned what it truly meant to train, compete, and live in the high-pressure world of elite running.

Burnout, Breakthroughs, and the Joy Factor

While running for Nike brought incredible opportunities, it also came with intense pressure. The emphasis on numbers and a lack of team camaraderie began to drain her love for the sport.

Her move to Skechers marked a turning point. With training tailored to her strengths, she not only started running faster — she started enjoying running again. It was a reminder that we all need to hear sometimes: the right training plan, the right people, and the right environment can completely change how you feel about the sport.

Running Through Motherhood

Motherhood brought a whole new chapter to Tara’s story. Pregnancy required a different kind of listening — paying close attention to her body and giving herself permission to slow down or rest when needed.

That flexibility — and the patience it demanded — mirrored the unpredictability of raising kids. It reshaped how she approached training, competition, and even her own definition of “success.”

Coaching With Experience and Heart

Today, Tara pours her years of experience into coaching runners through RunDoyen. Her coaching style is built around a few core principles:

• Personalized training that works with your unique strengths and life schedule.

•  Consistency over perfection — showing up matters more than flawless execution.

• Joy as a priority — because running should fill your cup, not empty it.
  

Whether her athletes are chasing PRs, rebuilding after injury, or simply trying to make running a healthy part of their life, Tara’s focus is on sustainable, enjoyable progress.

Finding Strength in Community

Tara is a big believer in the power of community — whether that’s a local running group, an online team, or a few running friends you check in with regularly. The encouragement, accountability, and shared victories keep the sport fresh and fulfilling, even during tough seasons.

Takeaways for Every Runner

Tara’s story reminds us that our relationship with running will change over time. There will be seasons of pushing, seasons of rebuilding, and seasons where just showing up is the win.

Her message is simple, but it’s worth repeating:

• Stay consistent.

• Find your people.

• Run your race — not someone else’s.
  

If you’d like to work with Tara, you can connect with her through RunDoyen, where she offers personalized coaching for runners at every stage of their journey.

Her path — full of shifts, comebacks, and rediscovered joy — is proof that running is about so much more than the miles. It’s about growth, connection, and the lifelong adventure of finding out what you’re capable of.