On Episode 5 of The V.O2 Podcast, athlete and coach Michelle Baxter shares the key adjustments that unlocked her fastest miles, the importance of running community, and how she builds thriving coaching programs on V.O2.

For many runners, hitting a plateau in their 30s or 40s feels inevitable. But for Minnesota-based coach and marathoner Michelle Baxter, her 40s have delivered some of her fastest racing to date, including sub-3:00 marathons and an 18:13 5K PR (55.5 VDOT).

On the latest episode of The V.O2 Podcast, Michelle sat down with host Brian Rosetti to discuss the practical, physiological, and mental shifts that have allowed her to sustain high-level performance while raising two kids and scaling her coaching business.

The Fueling Shift That Stopped Chronic Injuries

For years, Michelle found herself caught in a frustrating cycle: strong training blocks followed by nagging injuries like Achilles tendinitis, hamstring tendinopathy, or torn labrums. The turning point arrived in 2019 when she made one simple change: never running empty.

“I started eating a little snack before my morning runs… graham crackers, a banana, or a fig bar. Once I started doing that, my body stopped breaking down muscle tissue. Since 2019, I’ve stacked consistent training upon consistent training to set new PRs in my late 30s and early 40s.”

Combined with consuming 50–60+ grams of carbohydrates per hour during marathons and immediate post-run fueling, proper nutrition became the cornerstone of her longevity.

Mindset and the Need for Community

Athletic progression isn’t purely physical. Michelle opened up about the mental hurdles she faced after moving from Anchorage, Alaska, where she had a deep, in-person running community to a small town in Minnesota. Training entirely solo introduced new mental challenges during tough race miles.

Working alongside a sports psychologist helped her recognize how deeply human connection impacts performance and resilience. Whether it’s finding training partners, connecting online, or having a coach who truly believes in your potential, surrounding yourself with a supportive “corner” is vital for long-term joy in the sport.

Streamlining Coaching with V.O2

As one of the most popular plan creators on the V.O2 Marketplace, Michelle leverages the platform to manage both 1-on-1 athletes and group programs.

By utilizing V.O2’s built-in VDOT pace calculations across workout targets, she saves significant administrative time, shifting her energy toward where athletes need it most: individual feedback, accountability, and encouragement.

This fall, Michelle is using V.O2’s group features and chat tools to launch her Bring On The BRRR! training challenge, keeping runners motivated, connected, and accountable through the Midwest winter months.