Danielle Bryan: Head Coach of Run Like a Girl

We’re thrilled to celebrate Danielle Bryan - known to most as Dani - as our September 2024 Community Coach of the Month! Danielle is not just a coach but a passionate leader and advocate for female runners, dedicated to empowering women through her community-driven approach at Run Like A Girl Australia (RLAGA). Based in Kensington, Melbourne, her club is a hub for camaraderie, support, and personal growth, attracting runners of all levels to discover their love for movement.

For over 20 years, Dani worked in the financial, legal, and health sectors, but it was her passion for fitness that eventually inspired her to create Run Like A Girl Australia in 2017. Arriving to the running scene a bit later than most—at 23 years old—Dani turned to running as a way to overcome physical and mental adversities, an experience she openly shares with her community.

Completing her first marathon in Melbourne ignited a spark that led her to conquer both the New York and London marathons after having her first child. Following the birth of her second child, Dani launched RLAGA, combining her love of running with her desire to create an emotionally safe and friendly space for women to train and connect. This initiative quickly became a success, helping women of all abilities develop their running skills while feeling supported in every aspect of their journey.

A Coaching Approach Rooted in Care

Danielle's coaching style stems from the influence of her own coach, who always made her feel heard, not just as an athlete but as a person.

 "I’ve always loved helping people, but I was inspired by the style of my own coach. He always heard me, my goals, training comments and frequently asked me how I was feeling. I soon realised that anyone could make a generic program, but it has little value without the ability to listen and care for your runners”

Danielle believes in truly understanding her runners—their goals, challenges, and how they’re feeling—because everything that happens in life affects training and performance.

But beyond the usual focus on race day success, Danielle finds joy in the smaller, day-to-day victories. “You might expect a coach to find the most enjoyment from observing their athletes achieve peak performance. However, I find more enjoyment from watching an athlete nail a tempo run, when everything clicks—that’s the icing on the long-distance cake,” she says. It’s moments like these that fuel her passion and commitment to her athletes.

Building a Thriving Community

At the heart of Danielle's philosophy is the belief that running can—and should—be a communal experience. Run Like A Girl Australia is built on six core values that reflect her vision for creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

• Community: For Danielle, nothing is more important than the friendships and bonds that come from being part of a team. RLAGA thrives on its group sessions and digital platforms, where runners connect not only through their shared love of running but also over family, food, and even music. "We’re brought together by so many things beyond just running," she explains.

• Equality and Acceptance: RLAGA is open to anyone who identifies as female. Danielle takes pride in creating a safe, inclusive space where everyone is welcome. Whether someone prefers the dynamic of group training or feels more comfortable with one-on-one sessions, Danielle and her team are there to meet their needs. "We’re here for you, wherever you are in your journey," she says.

• Support: The encouragement that athletes receive at RLAGA is unparalleled. Danielle describes the experience as a constant wave of positivity from both teammates and coaches. The club’s description describes this by asking, “Have you ever had a group of people cheering for you—every time? That’s what we do,”. “We’re always building each other up.”

• Goal-Oriented: Whether someone is a complete beginner or a seasoned recreational runner, RLAGA is all about setting and smashing goals. Danielle emphasizes that their programs are personalized, so everyone, regardless of experience, feels challenged and supported. “We meet each runner where they are and help them achieve what they never thought possible,” she explains.

• Quality: Unlike many running clubs, RLAGA provides comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs. Danielle brings an exceptional level of expertise to the table, ensuring that every runner gets a high-quality experience, with support readily available through their online community.

• Empowerment: While RLAGA offers group training, Danielle believes in empowering runners to take control of their own training. "We can’t be with you every step of the way, but we equip you with the tools and confidence to make running a part of your routine," she says. The club fosters independence, helping athletes adopt habits that keep them active and excited about running.

Run Like A Girl: Seven Years of Success

Since its founding, Run Like A Girl Australia has grown into a thriving community, attracting women from all walks of life. Dani considers the success of RLAGA one of her greatest achievements, with the club continuing to welcome new members every year. Many of these runners have gone on to accomplish distances and personal bests they never thought possible, and some have even transitioned into coaching roles themselves.

Dani’s coaching network, which started with her close friend Renee, has expanded over the years. Together, they’ve nurtured a dedicated group of coaches, many of whom began as runners within the club. "It’s been incredible watching our team and community evolve" says Dani, adding that the adaptability of RLAGA has allowed the club to keep evolving as people’s lives and schedules change.

In addition to her extensive coaching experience, Dani is a certified ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning Coach, ASN Accredited nutritionist, and a Pilates Instructor, specializing in rehabilitation. Her expertise in injury prevention and management, alongside her ability to create specific training programs, has made her a go-to coach for runners dealing with specific needs like gastrointestinal issues, weight management, and endurance training.

Looking to the Future

Danielle is excited about expanding RLAGA further. Her goal is to create a network of like-minded female coaches who share her vision and passion. “The only reason we haven’t grown more is that we haven’t had enough coaches at one time,” she says. Danielle dreams of franchising the club to new locations, offering incentives for coaches who help recruit and retain members.

RLAGA continues to welcome new runners, offering beginner programs every eight weeks and open registration for recreational or amateur runners. Based in Melbourne’s inner west, the club makes use of local scenic routes such as the Maribyrnong River and Capital City Trail. To join the community or learn more, visit Run Like A Girl Australia.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

Danielle Bryan’s dedication to coaching goes far beyond training programs. She has created a welcoming, empowering community where women of all backgrounds can thrive, both on and off the track. As our September 2024 Community Coach of the Month, she exemplifies the qualities that this award celebrates: leadership, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to her athletes. Congratulations, Danielle—your work is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for you and RLAGA!