Title:
Running Coach | Nutrition Specialist | Author
Location:
Santa Cruz, California, United States
Education:
Master’s Degree in Communication Studies, RRCA Level II Certified Running Coach, Certified Specialist in Fitness Nutrition, Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor
Expertise:
Youth and Adult Running Coaching, Ultramarathon Training, Sports Nutrition for Runners, Meal Planning for Active Families, Trail Running
Experience:
Michele Pettinger has been coaching runners—from beginners to seasoned athletes—for over 16 years. She began her running journey under the guidance of her father, a high school cross-country and track coach in the Midwest. Her lifelong passion for the sport led her to establish P3Running, a collective of expert coaches specializing in custom run and nutrition coaching.
As an ultramarathoner and certified nutrition expert, Michele is dedicated to helping runners of all ages optimize their performance through smart training and fueling strategies. She is the author of The Young Runner's Guide to Nutrition: How to Fuel Your Body to Train Smarter, Run Faster, and Recover Quicker (VeloPress, March 2025), which provides practical meal planning tips and over 50 nutritious recipes tailored for young athletes.
Michele's coaching philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach—supporting runners not only with structured training plans but also with personalized nutrition guidance to fuel their athletic potential. She currently resides in Santa Cruz, CA, where she enjoys trail running and training for ultramarathons.
