Coach Denise, AKA The Marathon Whisperer has been coaching runners of all abilities and ages since 2010. She started coaching part-time after surviving a near fatal car accident. It’s been her way to give back to running for what running has given to her since she first laced up her running shoes in the 4th grade.  Through her coaching business, Run For Change, she provides virtual, group and one on one coaching. In the latter, she literally runs the race and or workout with her client.  In 2016, Denise left her 26-year career in accounting to coach full-time because she is that passionate about sharing running and finish lines with anyone that comes her way.  She has guided runners to their first mile all the way to their first 100-mile event.  She recently published a book to help runners complete their first marathon, “Me, You & 26.2 -Coach Denise’s Guide to Get YOU to YOUR First Marathon”

Denise is also a Co-founder of Girls on the Run-Chicago.  She has personally run over 300 races across 7 Continents. This includes 117 marathons, 2 Ironman triathlons and 2 100-mile ultramarathons.  In 2019 she completed her second round of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, became a member of the 7 Continents Club and also fulfilled her life long dream to go to Everest Base Camp. She ran the Everest Marathon!   Her goal in working with her clients is to help them run their first, fastest and or funnest race. She is a Certified Road Runners Club of America and UASTF Level 1 certified coach.