
Join the Mission-Chronic Illness Running Coach
I am not just a running coach; I am your ally. I am here to help you push through the tough days, relish the good ones, and cross those finish lines you've been dreaming about.
With a comprehensive set of services including goal setting, motivation, mindset coaching, and customizable running logs, I empower you to overcome every obstacle. Sickness, flare-ups, or life's unpredictable turns — I'll adapt your training to keep you moving forward.
If you are interested to learn more or would like to join our community of relentless runners, you can contact us through the button below
We didn't choose to have a chronic illness, but we do have the choice to let it take over our lives or NOT!
Coaching background:
High School Coach:
2017 North Rockland High School
Collegiate Coach:
2017-2018 Saint Thomas Aquinas College DII.
2019-2020 Boston University DI
2020-2023 Tufts University DIII
Foundation Coach:
2024–2026 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Disney Marathon Team Coach.
Coaching Services

Driven coaching designed for all athletes (chronic illness or not) who want to run with purpose and precision.
Performance Coaching
- Individualized training plans for all levels.
- Focus on injury prevention and long-term sustainability.
- Dedicated to listening to the whole person, not just the runner.
- A gradual, realistic build so training doesn't become another thing your body has to survive.
Elite Performance
- High-intensity training for competitive athletes.
- Advanced pacing strategies and race simulation.
- Strategic planning for major marathons and events.
Coaching Philosophy
- Focus on the athlete's unique journey and goals.
- Building resilience and mental toughness.
- With ongoing email access for advice and guidance, and regular monthly video check-ins (optional, but great for communication), we keep you on track and your spirits high.
Athlete Testimonials
Meg
Running has never been my strong suit. As a hockey player, I am used to quick sprints and exercises that use different muscles than running. Lucky for me, Katie is a very close person in my life and was able to help me switch from my hockey training to training for running. I plan to have a career in law enforcement that involves many physical tests with a major emphasis on running.
Not only was I a relatively inexperienced runner, but I also have a blood disorder called Thalassemia. This condition Thalassemia causes fatigue and weakness which I experienced a lot, especially while running. That was not my only problem with running. I struggled with the mental aspect of running. Katie was able to design a running program that worked with my schedule and allowed me to reach the personal goals I had set. She also kept me accountable and on track with my schedule so I was guaranteed to succeed!
After a hospital stay with an exacerbation, hitting rock bottom with my health I was determined to get back into running for my health. That’s when I found Kate on Instagram. After a chat, she set up a training plan that was realistic. Within weeks I felt so much stronger physically and mentally. It improved my airway clearance by being able to cough up mucus easily. As a result, my lungs felt less congested, improving my daily quality of life. I had check-ins regularly and I could ask for any advice anytime. I highly recommend going to Kate if you’re a runner with a chronic health condition, she will guide you and always have your back!
Katie
Joe

When I was diagnosed with Graves' Disease during my junior year of college, my world as a competitive runner collapsed. I felt isolated and broken, struggling with a body that often refused to move. It wasn't until I started working with Katie O'Grady that everything changed. Having faced her own battles with Cystic Fibrosis, Katie didn't just understand my physical limitations—she understood the mental toll. While other coaches offered criticism, Katie provided compassion, strategy, and most importantly, hope. She mentored me through the darkest days of my diagnosis, sharing her own journey to reassure me that a comeback was possible. Thanks to her expert guidance and unwavering support, I went from feeling like a shell of myself to hitting a massive PR at our conference championship. Katie is more than a coach; she is the ultimate ally for any athlete navigating a chronic illness or looking to reach their full potential.

