Fuel Your Sport Pace Partner Program

Gain the fitness and confidence you need so that you can run with your child and make memories together at the Run Hard race!

What is included?

  • 9 week training plan to run a 5K

  • Access to TrainingPeaks, a cutting edge platform for planning/analyzing training

  • Eight, 30-minute group education Zoom meetings (recorded for playback) about various sports nutrition and running topics

  • Community

    • GroupMe chat with other members and Registered Dietitian/Running Coach

    • 3 hosted group runs at Old Mill Pond Loop for those located in the Midlands

What is not included?

  • One-on-one coaching

Who is providing this?

Erin Kesterson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD

with guest appearance from

Mitch Hanks, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS

Who am I?

Hi! I’m Erin Kesterson, a registered dietitian and RRCA certified running coach. I am board certified in sports dietetics and have a master’s degree in exercise science. I have been running for over 30 years and love helping others with this passion of mine!

All five of my children have completed at least one season of Run Hard. I previously coached with the program and currently work in a behind-the-scenes role. Run Hard is near and dear to my heart and I want to share this joy with you!

Training Plans:

Two training plans will be available.

  1. Beginner- This is for people who do not run at all! The goal of this program is to prepare you to run the entire 5k with your child on race day.

  2. Advanced Beginner- This is for people who may run 5-15 miles per week but want to increase their fitness, consistency, and confidence that they can keep up with their child on race day.

Training plans will be created on the TrainingPeaks platform.

If you connect a GPS watch, your data will upload to the program. (Not required).

Education Zoom Calls

Topics:

  1. Running Gear- what you need and what you can live without.

  2. The Runner’s Plate- how to fill your plate as a runner to be your best.

  3. Training Variety- why are different types of runs important for getting the most out of yourself.

  4. Supporting Nutrition- what to eat before and after running and on race morning.

  5. Injury Prevention and Strength Training- Special guest, Mitch Hanks

  6. Goal Setting and Mindset- Overcoming mental barriers and using mindset to your advantage

  7. Feeding Your Family- Meal prep, planning, and feeding your active family

  8. Question and Answer- submit questions ahead of time to be answered during this session.

Who is Mitch Hanks?

Mitch is a sports physical therapist who works with athletes of all ages to support injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance. His approach emphasizes quality of movement, strength, and long-term health.

Mitch offers individualized sessions focused on injury risk reduction, rehabilitative exercise, and improving efficiency in training. In addition to evaluations and assessments, he is available to design personalized strength training programs that complement running goals and support effective progression. He also provides brief screenings and ongoing communication to help athletes stay consistent and confident between visits. Operating as an independent provider within a gym setting, Mitch is committed to helping athletes stay healthy and continue doing the activities they enjoy.

Total Cost for 9 week program: $250 $235 Feb1-2 only!

Option to add session with

Mitch Hanks, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS includes:

  • Movement evaluation to identity strengths, limitations, and injury risk.

  • Feedback tailored to personalized mechanics and training habits

  • A personalized strength program designed to support long-term durability and running

  • Education and guidance on injury prevention, recovery, and progression

Additional $130 ($180 value!)

Mitch is located in Lexington, SC

Important Dates

Registration closes 2/13/26

Training Plan Begins:

-Augusta 2/23/26

-Upstate 3/2/26

-Midlands 3/9/26

Zoom Calls Always at Noon:

2/24 Running Gear

3/4 The Runner’s Plate

3/10 Training Variety

3/18 Supporting Nutrition

3/24 Injury Prevention/Strength Training

3/30 Goal Setting/Mindset

4/15 Feeding Your Family

4/20 Question and Answer

Group Runs at Old Mill Pond Loop at 6PM:

3/18 (tentative)

4/13 (tentative)

5/4 (tentative)

How to register:

1. Click here to fill out the registration form.

2. Make a Venmo payment to @fuelyoursport for $250 with “Pace Partner” in the subject line.

If choosing to add-on a session with Mitch Hanks (sports PT and certified strength coach), payment total is $380.