Maria Michta-Coffey

Why do you run?
Because it is joyous and carefree. It’s unstructured and unrestricted compared to the form and regulations of race walking and mentally freeing because I utilize it as a form of cross training where there is no pressure on pace or performance. The role of running in my life has come full circle now as a Mom to a very energetic 4 year old. For the same fields and playgrounds I used to dash across in childhood I now traverse chasing and being chased by my daughter. Sharing in the freedom of flight afforded by running with her is priceless!

What’s your first memory of race walking and why do you think it has stuck with you?
My first introduction to race walking was at a local 5k the summer before 9th grade. Naturally like any 14 y/o I went out too fast and spent the second mile getting passed by people. One “runner” who passed me struck me as having really odd technique. After the race I was telling my Mom about it, commenting, “if only someone worked on his biomechanics I bet he’d be really fast!” Fast forward to the awards ceremony and I hear them announce the race walk division and low and behold the winner was the guy with really funny technique! Little did I know then but in 5 more months I would be formally introduced to race walking during my first week of HS Track and be selected on the squad to continue with the event after displaying promising natural ability. I understand people’s knee jerk reaction to seeing RW for the first time, because I too naively thought it was just a runner with a really odd stride!

When did you realize you liked running?
Honestly I have no idea! There was no defining moment or event. In childhood the sport of running was always masquerading as play, whether at recess on the playground, running across the soccer field or sprinting to bases at softball. Running was a fast and freeing mode of transportation that would later become a structured sport of its own across the trails of XC and then eventually be what introduced me race walking!

What is your favorite quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training/racing/life?
"Life is a journey not a destination."

What was your favorite sport in middle school?
Soccer, fell in love with the game at 5 years old, and what 10 year old didn't aspire to be like Mia Hamm, "anything you can do I can do better!"

What is your absolutely favorite piece of #flystyle and why?
Ahh it's like picking your favorite child when you are the mother of 5! If I'm picking something that's Oiselle unique I'd say the cut and feel of the Aero tights.
Check out Maria's go-to flystyle here.

If you could give one piece of advice to a 12 year old girl, what would it be?
The secret is to believe in yourself, in your abilities, in your plan, in your dreams. Confidence isn't something we are necessarily born with, even the best of the best must constantly silence all the doubt that swirls around in our ears and our thoughts. Focus on the positive, do not waiver in your belief and remember that confidence doesn't come from an effortless battle, it is born and raised on the unsteady turbulent battlefield where we rise above the challenge slowly.

Can you share your first sports bra experience?
Don't really remember it but my first bra was more like a sports bra. I was so excited to finally have a bra like all the other girls in class, even if I was flat as a pancake.

Tell us about your favorite place you have ever traveled to:
Japan is by far my favorite country. The hospitality there is unparalleled, the sushi unbelievable, and the natural beauty just breathtaking. I've traveled there for science, training, and racing and have never been disappointed!

What alternative career do you fantasize about?
Anything that involves science! Science research, science communication, science writing, and of course science education.  

What is your superpower?  
Mental toughness. It has taken me places long beyond the physical limit my body should have reached.

Passions/jobs/joys outside of running:
Job: full time medicine PA at South Shore University Hospital on Long Island

Mommy to 4 y/o daughter Liliana

Married to my HS sweetheart Joe Coffey

Passionate about race walking, always have, always will be huge Olympic Affecendato …however later in my career I dispise the politics and corporate greed and the money made from, but not shared with the athletes themselves.

My nerdy side loves science, viruses, bacteria, vaccines and astronomy! I feel passionately about science education and communication. I don’t often read fiction, but do love reading books about major science breakthroughs, the people, the events that have and will continue to shape history!

I also care very much about climate change, sustainability and the environmental impact on health, both globally and at the individual patient level.

What song is most often stuck in your head?
Currently Disney Moana or Frozen Soundtracks