Meet Natalie Baerwaldt | Run Coach & College Professor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Baerwaldt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
Essentialism by Greg McKeown. This book changed my life in 2019. I received a copy of the book from Lululemon as an ambassador gift at the end of 2018. I read the book in the first quarter of 2019 and by June I had quit my job and started my own business as a running coach. This topic of this book is about doing the thing that is ESSENTIAL for you as a person. In relation to work/career/business, Greg discusses that when you are doing what is essential in your life, then you are giving the world what you were put on earth to do. He talks about setting your own agenda and the power of saying “no.” He states that if you do not protect your agenda, then someone else will have you working toward their goals. The book is a practical guide with lessons and scripts to help you navigate discussions with coworkers, managers and the like, to share your value in a way that highlights your skills and your essential gifts. When I read this book I was three years into a job that I liked, but did not love. I was performing in this role because of my years of experience, but I was not passionate about the role. I had dreamed of working for myself so I could be present for my elementary aged daughters. I also wanted to grow my coaching business to reach more children and teach them how to run. In June of 2019 (approximately 8 weeks after finishing the book for a second time), I left my “safe and predictable” position and put effort into my own business. For the remainder of 2019 and the first quarter of 2020 my business grew and flourished as I began coaching adults and offered a virtual fitness challenge for families. When COVID-19 hit I backed off my business to focus on my children who are learning at home virtually. Now that I am writing this to share with you, I think it is time that I read Essentialism a third time. This book is inspiring and will help me grow again in 2021.What should our readers know about your business?
My brand is MomOnATangent and can be followed at @momonatangent on all the socials (fb, insta, yt, twitter). I started MomOnATangent in 2017 after running the Chicago marathon. The word “tangent” describes me as a passionate speaker (sometimes I go off on tangents), and also an efficient runner – the “tangent-line” on a road race course is the most direct, efficient line on the course route (when I run races I follow the tangent lines to finish in my best time). Establishing my brand has been somewhat of a challenge because it requires me to think outside of the box, and I very much like the boundaries of the box. I spent time and effort learning best practices on social media and had to learn how to make that part of the “job” and not just a social connection for personal reasons. One lesson that has helped me tremendously is to network and talk with other business owners to cultivate ideas and inspiration. I tend to be a private person and sharing with others can be difficult. I have learned that when I open up and connect, inspiration and action quickly follows and my business grows. One thing I would like the world to know is that I am less of a coach, and more of a teacher. My brand of “run coaching” is a little different than the usual coach. I focus on TEACHING people how to move their body to run, and to run efficiently so that running is fun and enjoyable, rather than tiring and painful. This element of teaching is important because I break down information, form and technique to help people think about how their body moves when they run. I would love to help you if you are interested in learning how to run and enjoy the sport.Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A whole week! Sunday morning we would start with a bike ride around White Rock Lake noting the city views and connecting to nature. Sunday afternoon we would visit the Dallas Arboretum and children’s garden. Monday we would ride the Dart Rail to Fair Park and visit any exhibits happening in the area for the day and drop by Klyde Warren Park. Tuesday we would shop at the Dallas Galleria Mall and make sure to hit up Lululemon – where I was previously an ambassador. Wednesday we would spend the afternoon at Lockwood Distilling Company in Richardson for half price wine day and live music. Wednesday evening we would go to the social run at RunOn! Richardson. Thursday we would volunteer at The Network of Community Ministries in Richardson to give back to my neighborhood. Friday we would take a walk on the trails in Richardson near Huffhines Park and Recreation center and visit Fire Station #4 to drop off treats for first responders. Saturday we would run a local 5k race with RunOn! Active Joe or Frisco Running Company. Saturday afternoon and evening we would build a fire in my backyard firepit constructed by Lightscape Design Group and sit with neighbors sharing the adventures of our week.Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The book Essentialism by Greg McKeown

Website: www.momonatangent.com

Instagram: momonatangent

Linkedin: Natalie Baerwaldt

Twitter: momonatangent

Facebook: momonatangent

Youtube: momonatangent