Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Shaffer

Hi Lauren, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

When I moved into a new school in the 9th grade, I was backwardly shy. I sat in the corner at lunch and read book. I had NO friends. My dad kind of gave me an ultimatum – get a job or join a sports team. So I joined the cross country and track team in a move that would change my life. I got a scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh and was hooked as a runner. Over the last few years I realized that I wanted to give back to the sport so I obtained a coaching license through RRCA (Level 1 and 2) and UESCA (Run Coach).

Two Thanksgivings ago I ran with a friend and Victory Multisport hired me as an endurance run coach. I now coach 13 athletes with them.

Almost 2.5 years ago, my dog had an incident and I hired a trainer. But the trainer gave me a lot of rules and it felt like my dog wasn’t going to be a ‘dog.’ So in a chance conversation with a colleague of mine (at my Full time job as an IT Project Manager) he mentioned his wife was a dog trainer. A lightbulb went off in my mind where I realized that I could do this. So pursuit of my second passion started that moment. I have completed an Applied Animal Behavior certificate from the University of Washington, a Freed by Training Mentorship and L.E.G.S. certificate by Kim Brophey. I currently volunteer at Animal Friends and have fostered several dogs through Cross Your Paws Rescue.

Along the way I also worked to obtain my 200YTT (yoga teacher training) and am now pursuing my 300 YTT.

Both of these are in addition to working full time as a project manager at a cybersecurity start up, Seiso LLC.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

It hasn’t been a smooth road, I had to overhaul my personal life by completely giving up alcohol and creating new social ties. It’s been a long process but I can finally say I’m really happy with a lot of the things I do.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

As mentioned, I specialize in endurance running coaching (marathoners, ultra/trail and half marathoners). I am so proud of the fact that I become a large part of the journey my athletes find themselves on while they work to achieve their goals.

For dog training, I am so proud of the fact that I have been able to give dogs a fresh start through foster in hopes that they go on to lead the best life possible with a new family.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

Running Rewired (book) by Jay Dicharry
On Coaching – Magness and Marcus (podcast)

Fenzi Food for Thought ( podcast)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.choosewiselytraining.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choose_wisely_training/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChooseWiselyTraining
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIK6j-iBvTHEw8wuFJwNBQ