#291 - From Vision To Victory: Part 2 Featuring Shana Edelmann
Welcome To Another Week Of The Show:
“What happens when someone joins a walking group just to support their child… and ends up discovering strength, confidence, and a victory they never saw coming?”
Press Play Below To Dive In.
“What happens when someone joins a walking group just to support their child… and ends up discovering strength, confidence, and a victory they never saw coming?”
This week, we have the privilege of talking to one such person: Shana Edlemann
Before we speak to our special guest let me tell you who I am:
“I am Coach Tadris of RunToTheBestYou.com, and since 2013 I have had the privilege of helping everyday people transform their lives through walking, running, mindset, accountability, and community.
This podcast has never just been about running. It has always been about helping people become the best version of themselves mentally, physically, and emotionally.
And today… I am excited to announce that this mission has officially grown into a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping even more people discover hope, healing, confidence, and wellness through movement and support.
So whether you are trying to walk your first mile, run your first 5k, reclaim your health, or find your way back to YOU… know this — you do not have to do it alone. I got you.
And if something from today’s episode resonates with you, head to the show notes, click the Start Your Journey link, and I will personally reach out to you.”
Coach Tadris Core Message & Show Notes:
This episode is about the power of community, courage, and discovering that victory looks different for everyone. Sometimes the first step is not about becoming a runner. Sometimes it is simply about showing up for someone you love. But when people are encouraged, supported, and believed in, amazing things can happen.
Shana’s story reminds listeners that fitness is not about perfection or speed. It is about growth, connection, and realizing you are capable of more than you thought possible. Shana ran her first 5k @ Mikes Seafood Run/Walk For Autism on February 14th, 2026!
Talking points:
#1. Showing Up Changes Everything
Shana originally joined to support and encourage her daughter, but through consistency and community, she found motivation herself.
Coach - “What made you finally decide to come out that first day?”
Shana - I really came for Emma to be able to walk with Grace. I enjoyed it so much that even after Emma became injured I stuck with it.
Coach - “Did you ever imagine yourself running races?”
Shana - Absolutely NOT! I had no desire. I am not competitive but didn’t see that as where this walk/run was headed.
Coach - “What kept you coming back week after week?”
Shana - Honestly the group and the coach are what sealed it for me. The energy is relaxed and fun. You challenge us and we like it. You let us listen to our bodies too and if we aren’t feeling it then we don’t have to push it. Without the walk/run method, I would not be coming back weekly.
Inspirational Quote:
“So many people think they need confidence before they start. But sometimes confidence comes AFTER you start.”
#2. From Walking to the Broad Street 10-Miler
Progress happens one step at a time.
Coach - “Do you remember your first 5K?”
Shana - Remember it? I will never forget the energy that happened that day. The way it felt seeing my team out there. The ability to keep going even though I didn’t think I had it in me.
Coach - “What did crossing the finish line feel like?”
Shana - I remember you meeting me with about a 100 yards or so to go and telling me where the finish was and how close I was. It took me to the end with the umph I needed!
Coach - “At what moment did you realize, ‘Wow… I am really doing this’?”
Shana - When I started that race I was petrified of being trampled when I switched to the walk. So I didn’t and took the first 5 minutes to just do the run portion and the fact that I kept going for that amount let me know that I was ready and really “doing it”!
Inspirational Quote:
“Victories are not always overnight. They are built through small choices repeated consistently.”
#3. The Mission: Helping Families Like Hers
The nonprofit is about more than running. It is about creating opportunities, inclusion, encouragement, and healthier lives for families and individuals of all abilities.
Coach - “What has this community meant for your daughter?”
Shana - Emma is happy to come and see everyone. She is also pretty proud of me.
Coach - “Why do programs like this matter for families?”
Shana - We are often limited in the availability of activities for our young adults with special needs. Having a place to go and fit in while enjoying an activity together is sometimes all they crave!
Coach - “What would you like people to understand about individuals with autism and fitness?”
Shana - It can be tricky to find the exact activity for your person. We must have a variety of fitness choices to find the best one. We have tried other activities and this is the one that she is enjoying most at this stage.
Inspirational Quote:
“When we create spaces where everyone belongs, we do not just change fitness journeys… we change lives.”
Coach - Thank you Shana for joining the show and sharing your brief experience with us. Lastly, Shana “What would you tell someone listening who thinks they cannot do it?”
Shana - You can’t do it… unless you get out and start putting your feet in front of each other. Try the first challenge and then it will speak for itself. Hopefully, you will find your “thing”. You never know until you try!
CTA:
“If today’s episode inspired you, we invite you to become part of the mission. Whether you walk, run, volunteer, donate, or simply encourage someone else, you can help us continue reaching families and individuals who need support, community, and hope.
Because every victory starts with one step… and together, we can help more people go from vision to victory.”
Upcoming Race Events:
The Inaugural Ribbon Run & Finish Line Festival @ AtlantiCare Cancer Institute Thursday, June 4th
Atlantic City Bungalow Beach 5-Miler on Saturday, June 6th, 2026.
Atlantic City Marathon Weekend October 17th and 18th , 2026
Did You Know......
I’m the official coach of the Atlantic City Race Series!
Maybe this can be your starting point on the road to running to the best you.
Guess what—listeners of this podcast can get a discount on any of our three Atlantic City Marathon Race Events.
Head to the show notes and click the “Start Your Journey With Coach Tadris” link.
We will get a discount code to you. You can train on your own, or see how we can work together to get you trained for these events.
If You Would Like To Support Our Nonprofit:
There is a Contribution Link in the show notes.
Every gift directly supports real people taking steps toward a healthier life.
Shout-Outs Of The Week - All Shana E.
Shana’s first 5k with her dear friend Katie LeNoir
Shana’s second 5k in which she walked away with a 2nd place finish in her age group. You Go Girl!
Shana doubled down and said: 5k? “Hold my drink I’m doing a 10-miler!” Philadelphia Broad Street Run ✅
Additional Shout-Out:
Thanks to Atlantic CIL, we open up our run group to walkers living with disabilities!
Atlantic Center of Independent Living
We love being able to inspire them, and they inspire us in return.
Group walks are on Tuesday’s at Stockton University in Galloway @ 5:30 pm &
Thursday’s at South Jersey Field of Dreams in Absecon @ 5:30 pm
Click The Link To Register or Questions About The Next Walk
Clarity Contractors
Being the first to donate to our 501c nonprofit organization. Thank you very much.
If You Enjoyed This Episode,
Please Do Me A Favor:
• Share it with a loved one.
• Post it on social media and tag Tadris Parker.
• Rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts
This Week’s Core message:
This episode is about the power of community, courage, and discovering that victory looks different for everyone. Sometimes the first step is not about becoming a runner. Sometimes it is simply about showing up for someone you love. But when people are encouraged, supported, and believed in, amazing things can happen.
Shana’s story reminds listeners that fitness is not about perfection or speed.
CTA:
“If today’s episode inspired you, we invite you to become part of the mission. Whether you walk, run, volunteer, donate, or simply encourage someone else, you can help us continue reaching families and individuals who need support, community, and hope.
Because every victory starts with one step… and together, we can help more people go from vision to victory.”
How We Can Work Together —fill out the Start Your Journey With Coach Tadris form and I will take it from there!
Thanks For Listening
Remember: Keep Calm And Run To The Best You.........
I’ll talk to you next week.
