Meet Colette

I'm a run and strength coach, endurance athlete, and exercise science researcher. My approach to coaching is informed by years of experience working with athletes, my own experience as a runner and triathlete, and my academic work at Teachers College, Columbia University.

I believe good coaching should help athletes pursue performance goals while supporting their long-term health and well-being. The time and energy put into training has to align with work, family life, recovery, and a myriad of other demands and challenges. I work closely with my athletes to build training that is individualized, adaptable, and sustainable.

From athlete to coach

I’ve been an endurance athlete for more than 20 years. I’ve completed countless triathlons, including full and half Ironmans, as well as marathons, including multiple Boston Marathon qualifiers.

Following the birth of my daughter in 2016, I struggled with a host of postpartum injuries. At the time, I found it very difficult to get the guidance I needed to return to training. That experience led me to learn everything I could about women’s health, resistance training, injury prevention, and ultimately to begin coaching.

I founded Cat Hill in January 2021. What began with a focus on strength training and pre- and postnatal recovery has evolved alongside my work with athletes and my academic research. Today, Cat Hill’s primary focus is providing individualized run coaching for busy midlife women.

Coaching + research

I'm currently a doctoral student in the Applied (Exercise) Physiology program at Teachers College, Columbia University. My academic work focuses on exercise physiology and women's health and performance, particularly the physiological changes that occur during midlife and the menopause transition.

My research and academic work inform how I approach coaching, helping me to evaluate and stay current with the latest health and performance science and think critically about my athletes’ training and the challenges they encounter. Just as importantly, I recognize when a question falls outside my scope. I work with a wide range of talented health care providers – including dietitians, physical therapists, sports psychologists, cardiologists – to whom I refer my athletes as needed.

Credentials

Doctoral Student in Applied Physiology
Teachers College, Columbia University

Master's in Applied Physiology (M.A.)
Teachers College, Columbia University

Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT)
American College of Sports Medicine

Certified Running Coach
Road Runners Club of America

Pre- and Postnatal Coach
Girls Gone Strong

Functional Movement Screen
FMS Levels 1 + 2