Stefanie Smith
Annapolis Half Marathon Training Coach
Originally a Seattle native, Stefanie moved around the country as an Army spouse before finally settling in Maryland. Wanting to make her new state feel like home, she found her way to Charm City Run after a great shoe-fitting experience and a welcoming community event. What started as a customer experience quickly turned into a career helping others discover the joy of running.
Growing up, Stefanie never would have imagined that fitness and running would become such a big part of her life. Sports? Not interested. Running? Absolutely not. In fact, she didn’t run a single consecutive mile until the age of 31, when she signed up for a race as a way to stay connected with her then-deployed husband. That one decision changed everything.
As her passion for running grew, so did her interest in health and fitness. Stefanie earned degrees in Exercise Science and Health & Wellness and holds certifications through ACE and NASM, along with a CrossFit Level 1 certification. Over the years, she has coached a wide range of athletes, from active-duty service members and retirees to individuals preparing for their very first 5K.
Stefanie has completed races of every distance, including multiple marathons such as the Marine Corps Marathon, Berlin Marathon, and Chicago Marathon. As a half- and full-marathon coach, she especially enjoys working with first-time distance runners and athletes who use run/walk intervals. Her coaching emphasizes time-based runs, helping athletes build endurance and confidence without becoming overly focused on mileage or pace. She believes training should be challenging but also adaptable enough to fit into the lives of busy runners.
Some of Stefanie’s favorite races include the Charles Street 12 Miler, a Charm City Run signature race, and the Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon—events that showcase both the community and personal achievement that make running so rewarding.
“I still remember finishing my first 5K and realizing that I had gone from thinking I could never be a runner to understanding that I was a runner. That feeling changed my life. My goal as a coach is to help others experience that same confidence and sense of accomplishment.”
In 2022, Stefanie underwent a cardiac procedure that nearly ended her running journey. Through patience, perseverance, and a gradual return to training, she found her way back to the sport she loves. That experience deepened her appreciation for movement and strengthened her belief that progress looks different for everyone.
Today, Stefanie and her husband stay busy with their four children, two dogs, three cats, and what can only be described as an excessive number of running shoes.
