Hello, I'm MJ
Tired Mom Runs Endurance Coaching
With Marjaana Rakai, MSc | Sports Scientist | Coach | Still Crushing PRs at 47
Real coaching for real women who juggle life, training, and the occasional meltdown.
Not here to tell you to "just push harder." I'm here to help you train smarter.
My Story: The Long Way So You Can Take the Shortcut
Youth Athlete with Olympic Dreams
Nordic Skier. Fast. Focused. All-in. Until injury hit and everything I’d built around my identity collapsed.
Sports Science Obsession
If I couldn’t chase gold on the ski trails, I’d chase why things work. I studied biomechanics and physiology like my life depended on it—because it kind of did.
World Tour + Motherhood
From labs and libraries to a life on the move with three small kids. Four continents, 6 countries later, somewhere along the way, I gave everything to everyone else… and forgot who I was.
Hit Rock Bottom
Stopped exercising. Stopped caring. Suicidal. A shell of who I used to be.
And then—I re-discovered myself in running. Not far. Not fast. But it was mine. It was the start of clawing my way back.
Found Triathlon, Found Fire
Signed up on a whim. Got hooked. Loved the pain, the structure, the chaos.
Doubted myself every step—and proved myself wrong every damn time.
Ironman & Burnout
Went big. Overtrained. Cortisol tanked. Nervous system fried.
Learned the hard way that more & harder isn’t better.
Recovery is a skill—and I had to re-learn everything I thought I knew.
From Mess to Method
I’ve made the mistakes, studied the science, coached the comeback.
Now? I help women skip the crash-and-burn phase and train with brains and boldness.
Let’s Get Real
I’m not for everyone.
But if you’re tired of generic training and ready to actually train like you deserve in your real life, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get to work. Your potential is still on the table.
About Me.
My background in sports science allows me to look beyond trends and focus on what actually works—for you. I don’t coach based on hormones or hype. I coach people as individuals, not protocols.
While I’ve studied physiology, biomechanics, neuromuscular biology, and performance science in depth, what matters most is how I apply that knowledge: with context, nuance, and a respect for your lived experience. Yes, sex differences exist—but they don’t define how you should train. You do.
My approach isn’t based on one-size-fits-all answers, and certainly not on assumptions. It’s built on collaboration, curiosity, and a deep commitment to helping you train in a way that fits your life, your goals, and your body—today.
Education
2007-09
Master's Degree
Norwegian School of Sports Sciences
Exchange at University of Calgary
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Specialized in: Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Sport Medicine, and Human Movement Science
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Advanced coursework included:
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Neuromuscular Biology
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Functional Anatomy
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Muscle Mechanics & Skeletal Muscle Physiology
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Advanced Biomechanics
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Human Movement Analysis I & II
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Sport Medicine & Rehabilitation Sciences
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Statistics & Research Methods
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Thesis: The Kinetic Characteristics in Competitive Slalom Skiing Thesis Link
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Podium Presentation, American Society of Biomechanics Conference (2009, Penn State)
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Publication: “Single-Subject Analysis Methods for Alpine Skiing Technique Evaluation,” Science and Skiing V(2012)
2004-07
Bachelor's Degree
Norwegian School of Sports Sciences
Exchange at University of Alberta
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Solid foundation in Human Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Coaching Science
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Focus on Performance Analysis, Motor Learning, and Applied Training Science
Certifications & CEUs
Norwegian School of Sports Sciences: The Female Athlete - Performance and Health (2025)
Her Strength Coach Certification (2025)
HIIT Science:
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Science and Application of High-Intensity Interval Training (2023)
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Science and Application of Anaerobic Speed & Power Reserve (2024)
GGS Women's Coaching Specialist (2021)
Triathlon Canada Community Trained Coach (2017)
NASM Certified Personal Trainer (2016)
1-2-3 Let's Go
What You’ll Get
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Strength & Endurance Training That Works. No fluff, no Instagram glute band circuits. Just evidence-based programming for busy bodies (and busy brains).
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Coaching That Gets You: I'm a mom. I run. I bike. I swim. I ski. I lift. I work. I know perimenopause isn’t a vibe—it’s a biological reality. Let’s train with your physiology, not against it. Without the instagram BS that's only confusing and based on "but this hasn't been done in women" controversy.
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Support Without the CoddlingTough love. Smart adjustments. High standards. I believe in your potential—and I’ll call you out when you’re self-sabotaging.
My Signature Programs:
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MenoStrong – Strength & endurance for women navigating midlife madness. A comprehensive program to turn on all the light switches. No hype.
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Strength Lab – 4-month progressive lifting program for endurance girls who want to support all those massive goals with a body that is robust, strong and durable.
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Thrive Coaching – 1:1 coaching for women who want results and a coach who gets the nuance. At-Your-Service, to take those shortcuts without overwhelm, burnout and overtraining.
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Running Analysis & Testing – Move better. Train smarter. No guesswork.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Start with MenoStrong. It’s where most women begin—and where many discover they’re capable of far more than they believed.
If you're into endurance and went the I'm just going to try to figure these things out on my own - done it all and ready to elevate to the next level, I would love you to explore Thrive with me.
Still not sure? Book a discovery call with me.
XO,
MJ
Contact
I only take on a handful of athletes to ensure I am able to provide quality coaching. Let's connect and see if we are a good match.