Coach Misty Walker
About Coach Misty
A run coach for beginners, returning runners, and everyday athletes who want to feel stronger one mile at a time.
Her Coaching Style
Start where you are. Keep going with purpose.
Misty believes running should be approachable, encouraging, and built around the person doing the work. Her coaching blends practical training structure with the kind of accountability that helps people keep showing up.
Why Miles With Misty
Because the first mile can change the next one.
Whether someone is returning after years away, walking their way into a first race, or chasing a faster finish, Misty keeps the focus on doable progress. The goal is not perfection. The goal is becoming a little more confident, consistent, and strong.
- Beginner-friendly guidance without intimidation.
- Community for runners and walkers in Valparaiso and beyond.
- Training that respects real schedules, real nerves, and real goals.
Credentials & Coaching Philosophy
Science-grounded coaching that keeps learning.
With over 25 years of experience, Misty helps runners and athletes train smarter, build strength, and find confidence with structure, support, and strategy rooted in real life.
Coach Misty Walker
Structure, support, and strategy rooted in real life.
Misty brings together certified run coaching, strength training credentials, high-level endurance experience, and a long coaching history that spans beginners, local group programs, studio coaching, mentorship, and online run coaching.
Credentials & Certifications
Certified across running, performance, and strength.
Run Coaching
Certified UESCA Run Coach
Structured endurance coaching for athletes who want smarter, more sustainable progress.
Run Coaching
Certified RRCA Run Coach
Road Runners Club of America coaching education for runners from beginner to endurance goals.
Track & Field
USATF Track & Field Certified Coach
A track-and-field foundation for mechanics, effort, and athlete development.
Performance
Jack Daniels VDOT Certified Coach
Pace, effort, and workout design informed by VDOT training principles.
Strength
NASM & AFAA Certified Personal Trainer
Strength and fitness coaching that supports healthy movement and stronger running.
Run Form
FFS Certified Run Coach
Run coaching education rooted in practical form, consistency, and athlete support.
Athletic Accomplishments
Experience from the road, the track, and the trail.
Marathons
Boston Marathon finisher
50-mile ultramarathons
Leadville 100-mile race participant
Woodstock 100-mile finisher
Big Sur Trail Race finisher
Ambassador Team
Current Education
Grounded in science and engaged in learning.
Education
B.S. Health and Wellness pathway.
Expected to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Wellness in 2027.
Coach Training
Working toward ICF PCC credentialing.
Currently working toward the ICF Professional Certified Coach credential while deepening professional and life coaching skills.
Wellness Coaching
Preparing for national board certification.
Enrolled in Coach Training EDU and preparing to sit for the NBHWC National Board Certification exam in March.
Coaching Journey
Built through decades of coaching, racing, and community.
The Foundation
- Began running and racing.
- Developed a love for coaching.
National Leadership
- Created Fleet Feet Sports training programs.
- Co-led the Fleet Feet National Coaching Certification.
- Created beginner running programs across Northwest Indiana for the YMCA and Calumet Region Striders.
- Started an online run coaching business that would become Miles with Misty.
Miles with Misty opens in Crown Point
- Founded a coaching and fitness brand.
- Delivered custom programs, VO2 testing, and strength classes.
- Designed and coached group training programs for distances from 5K to marathon.
Studio Coaching & Mentorship
- Coached at Orangetheory and STRIDE Fitness.
- Mentored coaches, led programs, and built community.
- Continued Miles with Misty online under Coach Misty.
The Runner's Corner LLC is born
- Launched The Runner's Corner community and rebranded.
Miles with Misty returns
- Relaunched Miles with Misty Coaching.
- Focused on run coaching, strength training, and life alignment.
- Coaching motto: 1% Stronger Every Day.
Training science
Plans are built around progressive load, recovery, pacing, strength, and what your body is telling you.
Behavior change
The work is designed to help you build consistency, confidence, and a rhythm that can survive real life.
Lifelong learning
Misty keeps studying, training, and asking better questions so her athletes get better support.
Encouragement
Positive, practical support.
Misty helps athletes understand what to do next and why it matters.
Accountability
Consistency over all-or-nothing.
Small steps add up when there is someone helping you protect the habit.
Community
People to move with.
Group programs make training feel less lonely and more possible.
Runner Stories
Confidence grows when the work feels doable.
Miles with Misty has truly changed the way I approach movement. Misty brings the perfect mix of encouragement, accountability, and real-life positivity that keeps me showing up. Every walk or run with her feels doable, uplifting, and a little more fun. I am grateful for the confidence she has helped me build one mile at a time.
Melissa D.
As a postpartum mom of two, I have made a commitment to focus on my fitness, and I am grateful to have found a supportive community with Miles with Misty. With Misty's expert guidance, as a beginner, I have gained a deeper understanding of running techniques, including the importance of proper footwear, breathing, and recovery. Misty's support and encouragement helped me stay motivated, and I am now excited to take on my first 5K in years. I cannot say enough good things about Misty!
Monica B.
Your Next Mile
Ready to start where you are?
Choose a local run program or ask about online coaching. Either way, Misty will help you move forward with a plan.