We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lee Torres a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

The legacy I want to build is rooted in the power of outdoor fitness—running, hiking, and shared movement. These simple yet transformative activities have the ability to connect people, strengthen communities, and create lifelong memories. As someone who didn’t grow up with access to outdoor fitness, I’m intentional about ensuring it is the foundation of my daughter’s childhood. I want her to grow up knowing the freedom of a good trail run, the peace of a quiet hike, and the resilience found in pushing through challenges with others by her side.
My journey into running wasn’t traditional. My sister was the runner in our family, but I didn’t lace up my own running shoes until later in life, during one of my most challenging seasons—a divorce. Running became more than exercise; it became part of my therapy. It gave me space to process my emotions, regain my strength, and discover a version of myself I hadn’t met before. As a woman of color, I noticed the lack of representation in local races and the absence of spaces where mothers like me could bring their children. These gaps provoked a spark in me to create something meaningful.

Today, I am proud to co-lead an all-women’s ruck, hiking, and running club—a space where women of all backgrounds and their children can come together through the joy of outdoor fitness. This group is more than a fitness community; it’s a village. It’s a place where we support one another, celebrate victories, and find solace in the trails. For many of us, it’s a lifeline—a way to reduce stress and anxiety, release endorphins, and sharpen our minds. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that none of us have to walk or run alone.
Becoming a community fitness leader has given me more than I could have ever imagined. It’s given my daughter an extended family and a front-row seat to what it looks like to build something that matters. It’s also given me dreams I never knew I had: to inspire others, to create spaces of belonging, and to leave a legacy that empowers future generations.

When my time on this earth comes to an end, I hope to be remembered for the joy I shared and the community I helped build. I want people to say that my passion for fitness and connection encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones and into a life of movement and possibility. I may not be the fastest runner or the one logging the most miles, but I strive to be the one who will go the extra mile—for you, with you. I will be the runner who cheers the loudest on the sidelines, the one who shows up for others when they need it most.
Above all, I want to be remembered as a mother who paced her daughter in life, teaching her how to find her rhythm, her strength, and her stride. I hope that one day she will take the lead in her own way, inspired by the legacy of resilience, love, and community that we built together.

Lee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As the owner of R&D Running, I provide online run coaching services specializing in developing training plans that fit into the lives of busy individuals. I understand the challenge of prioritizing fitness without sacrificing other important aspects of life. That’s why I specialize in creating personalized training plans that empower clients to achieve their goals without feeling overwhelmed. I would like to note how I started my business. I was accepted into a program called “Game Changers”, led by Vanessa C. Peralta-Mitchell, VCPM Inc. This program “aims to bring in more Women of Color as Certified Run Coaches thus redefining who is seen as the experts and leaders in the run industry.” This is done by sponsoring Women of Color to obtain their run certification through RRCA and equips us with a Mentor and Business Strategist for our first year. My mentor Becky Croft was instrumental in the launch of my business.

What sets me apart is my passion for helping others transform their lives through running. I take a holistic approach, offering action steps and tangible tools that go beyond the miles logged. My belief is that fitness is as much about mental and emotional well-being as it is about physical achievement.

I’m most proud of the act of showing up—for myself and others. There have been times when I’ve felt scared or unsure, but I’ve learned that the act of showing up is a victory in itself. Each step, whether it leads to a win or not, builds resilience and confidence. That’s the mindset I aim to instill in my clients: progress is built one step at a time, and courage comes from the simple act of starting.

My vision doesn’t stop at coaching. Within five years, I plan to open a specialty running shoe store. I want to provide a space where runners of all backgrounds can find not only the right gear but also a community that supports their journey. My ultimate goal is to create a culture where every runner feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I began my running journey, my goal was simple: to train for a 5K. Like many runners, I started to dream bigger, progressing to longer distances. In 2019, I took on the challenge of training for my first marathon—the Disney Marathon. For six months, I dedicated myself to the training, pouring my energy and focus into race day. But when the big day arrived in January 2020, I faced an unexpected obstacle. I had been feeling unwell, unable to hold anything down the day before the race. Assuming it was just nerves, I decided to push through and start the marathon.
By mile 18, however, I could no longer continue. Illness forced me to step off the course, leaving me with a “DNF, Did Not Finish. In the world of running, those three letters can feel like a heavy weight, and at first, they did. The disappointment lingered, mirroring the uncertainty the world faced as the pandemic began just weeks later. Like so many others, I felt paralyzed, unsure of what was next.

Though my chance to redeem myself was postponed, I refused to give up. I kept training, adding cross-training to my routine, and finding new ways to challenge myself. I completed the Marine Corps Marathon virtually and pushed even further, hiking 26.2 miles with a 30-pound backpack in February 2021. Recently I celebrated my 3rd road marathon the “Every Woman’s Marathon,” an event that highlights the strength and perseverance of women.

This journey has taught me that running, much like building a business, is not a straight path. Some plans don’t work out. Some ideas require us to pivot. At times, we have to walk away from what isn’t serving us. But every step, whether it’s a victory or a lesson—brings us closer to something greater.

For me, that “something greater” is my dream of creating a small business that uplifts my community through running. Just as I’ve found strength in pushing through challenges, I hope to inspire others to overcome their own obstacles, embrace their resilience, and pursue their goals with unwavering determination. Whether on the race course or in life, what matters most is showing up, learning from setbacks, and staying the course to achieve something meaningful.

I would like to add that my daughter who is 14, sees all of this and I do incorporate her into my business. I think it is important for her to see those failures and wins. It is also important for her to be able to see herself as a small business owner one day if that is a path she would like.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Transparency has been the basis of building my reputation within my market. By being open about my journey and experiences, I create authentic connections that build trust and community. As a single mother, a perimenopausal athlete, an accountant, and someone deeply committed to personal growth, I desire to leave today better than yesterday.

Whether I’m engaging with someone in person or through social media, I’m unapologetically honest about who I am and what drives me. This authenticity allows me to connect with others in a way that feels genuine and relatable. By sharing my own journey, the struggles, triumphs, and everything in between, I am showing others that their goals are not only valid but attainable. My way of saying “If I can do it, so can you”.

Transparency for me is about creating a space where others feel safe to share their story. By doing this, I strive to educate and empower others to see fitness and community as tools for personal transformation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://runcoach360.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayareababestrailruckers/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-lee-torres-a5a2ba84

Image Credits

VCPM Inc.
Game Changers
Brooks Running