Life & Work with Nadia Ruiz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadia Ruiz.

Hi Nadia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a Los Angeles native, I am an educator, coach, and community advocate aiming to support positive change in my community by inspiring individuals of all backgrounds to achieve their performance and life goals. My fitness journey began when I completed my first marathon at the age of 14 with my father, age 40 at the time. What my first marathon taught me that day was an overwhelming sense of empowerment that all things can be possible.

Twenty-six years later, I have completed 153 marathons with 78 Boston Qualifications, 126 half marathons, 16 half/full Ironmans, 16 ultra marathons, and several adventure/stage races, frequently in the top of my age group or overall women. I have traveled to 29 countries exploring cultures, challenging events, and connecting with people around the world to reach over 650 lifetime races.

Graduating from UCLA with a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Master’s in Education, I have worked in education, coaching, marketing, and in event production for the past 20 years. I am passionate about writing, education, and sports. With my background, I have been able to leverage my research and writing skills to create insightful and ingenious content for notable brands such as Adidas, Lululemon, On, Nike, Michelob, and Gayner Media. In 2013, I was named the Youngest Female to Run 100 Marathons in the world. Since then, I have expanded my online coaching business and educational resources to support others on their fitness journey at any stage of their lives. My passion continues to support inner-city youth sports programs. My goals are to continue to motivate my community and make an impact, demonstrating we each have it within us to follow our biggest dreams and leave a positive impact in our communities.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been far from a smooth road. In my 20s, I felt I was the queen of my world building, growing, accomplishing, and doing more and more in my life with each year that passed. I hustled, I worked very hard, and I always felt that if I continued to work hard that my trajectory would always be up.

After a decade of this, life through challenge after challenge at me just before my 30th birthday. When I would overcome one setback, another would come, and then another. I didn’t fully comprehend at the time why this was all happening and I tried to do what anyone else believes they should: survive.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known for my storytelling. In my younger years, I did everything right on paper. Graduated at the top of my class, a competitive, undefeated athlete, to continue to dominate at the collegiate level publishing in scientific journals and perfect scores across all my academia. I hardly slept. I wanted to invest in my education and skills as much as possible to create opportunities for myself.

As mentioned before, I taught high school biology for a decade. I have been coaching for almost 20 years. I have worked in data analysis, marketing, event production, and public health for the past 20 years.

However, my strongest skill now is to be able to take moments in my life to be present while hopeful for the future, be grateful for the setbacks and gifts, and be loving to others, whether they are in my circle or not. It has been my failures, setbacks, and deep darkness that have taught me to embrace my story, acknowledge my purpose, and invite others to do the same through storytelling.

How do you think about happiness?
Love makes me eternally happy.

When I look at my dogs, I feel love. I feel happy.

When I look at my parents laugh, and smile, I feel love. I feel happy.

When I look at my partner’s eyes, I feel his love. I feel happy.

When I move my body, I feel happy. These are the things that make me eternally happy, and I hope to embrace them for as long as I can.

Pricing:

• $200/month coaching

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nadiatherunner.blogspot.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irongirlnadia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irongirlnadia
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/IrongirlNadia
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTESxNwMu1ujbM5KhfbLV_Q