THE FEMALE ATHLETE

PROJECT

TRAIN WITH CONFIDENCE FOR YOUR NEXT RACE/GOAL/ADVENTURE WITH A COACH WHO GETS IT AND A BADASS LADY GANG CHEERING YOU ON EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

A group training program combining individualized coaching + nutrition, strength, education, + more with a like-minded community of women 

*Applications are currently closed. Please join the interest list to be notified when we launch the next cohort Fall/Winter of 2024.

INTRODUCING THE FEMALE ATHLETE PROJECT.

WHAT IS IT?

A community oriented, 18-week group training + sports nutrition program geared toward mountain and endurance based sports for the female athlete.

Are you completing your first 50k this summer?
Worried that you’re under fueling?
Struggling to find your people to play in the mountains with?
Trying to find your love of sport again?
Wondering why you’re always hungry and craving carbs?
Navigating your big goals as you age?

THIS IS FOR YOU.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

This is designed to be an empowering and community-oriented training program for all the wild women out there, regardless of age or ability level. If you have an endurance-based training goal, find purpose in the process, fulfillment in the outdoors, are comfortable participating in a female-centered space, and want to learn more about your unique nutrition needs, then this program is for you.

THIS PROGRAM ISN’T A GOOD FIT FOR:

Non-inclusive, unsupportive individuals and fad diets.

WHY THIS PROGRAM?

THE PURPOSE IS TWO FOLD:

1

To empower female athletes of all levels & abilities by providing them with the knowledge & skills needed in training & sports nutrition so they can functionally & joyously partake in their sport(s) for life.

2

To create community, so that the wild joy & magic that comes from playing outside can be shared &, therefore, amplified by the power that comes from a group of women joining together.

Meet

Your

Coach

Colleen Shields

COACH, REGISTERED DIETITIAN, & CREATOR OF THE FEMALE ATHLETE PROJECT

Hi, I’m Colleen!

I empathize with starting something new and finding your space and identity in (and out of) mountain sports culture. Of wanting to push your comfort zone. Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of training and nutrition advice out there. And the feeling of both having and not having a community around you. I want to use my role as a coach and dietitian to create a community that empowers female athletes of all levels and abilities with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to you can play, train, fuel, and nourish not only for sport, but for life.

As a lover of long days spent outside, I understand the unique fueling demands of endurance and mountain sports. I want to help you fuel for performance without taking the joy out of eating, building a positive relationship with food at the same time. Similarly, my coaching philosophy aims to balance the edge of curiosity and pushing one’s body (+ mind) toward the unknown of its capabilities with lighthearted fun and enjoyment.

I’m known for positive encouragement, all-caps texts on race day, and prescribing a hefty dose of Wild Crumb on literally any training day.

“Simply put, I genuinely find the intersection of women specific physiology, nutrition, and endurance just super f**king cool.”

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • 18 weeks (three, 6-week training blocks) of individualized coaching with Colleen through Training Peaks 

  • Initial 90 minute Comprehensive Nutrition Assessment, one-on-one with Colleen

  • Up to 3, 45 minute one-on-one nutrition follow ups every 4-6 weeks 

  • An online community forum so we can connect with + support one another, plan adventure dates, share stories, send funny memes, and snacksssss. 

  • Sports Nutrition 101 group education talk (Zoom or in-person, TBD) 

  • Text support for training and nutrition questions and end of training block phone call(s) to check in, as needed.

  • Full access to The Mountain Project for functional strength training (OR) access to their online strength training programs if not based in Bozeman

  • 3 training and/or nutrition related educational newsletters that cover a topic related to the female athlete.

  • The option to continue coaching at the end of the program

The investment is 5 installments of $280 ($1400).*
Alternatively, there's a pay in full bonus of $150 OFF ($1250) the full program.

PROGRAM RUNS FEB. 1 - JUNE 7, 2024

*Applications are currently closed. Please join the interest list to be notified when we launch the next cohort Fall/Winter of 2024.

MORE PERKS:

  • FREE Movement Assessment + Injury Prevention Screening from a female physical therapist + the option for continued 1-to-1 sessions with her at discounted rate 

  • Access to two one-hour functional body work sessions with massage therapist Shelby Whitmore at a discounted rate

  • Access to physiologic testing with Calibrated Coaching to receive heart rate zones, lactate threshold, and more (additional costs)

*I want to make this community program as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you would like to join but your finances are the limiting factor, please let me know. Unfortunately, financial assistance will not be available to all participants but I will try my best to meet you in the middle. If you have the ability to pay full price, your contribution will help me to offer this program to more women. They, and I, thank you in advance.

I’M NOT SURE I’M AN ATHLETE.

(Yes. You are.)

In a mountain-town environment where success and athleticism are often defined by those that go the furthest, hardest and fastest, imposter syndrome, self-doubt and identity struggles can run rampant.

We work very hard to dismantle the idea that in order to be considered an athlete you have to go the furthest or fastest or that your only identity is defined by what you do athletically.

This program is for beginners and experienced athletes alike. You just ran your first trail 10k? HOLY SHIT THAT’S INCREDIBLE. You just finished a 100 miler with a new PR? HOLY SHIT THAT’S INCREDIBLE. You rode your mountain bike with a smile on your face longer than you ever have before? HOLY SHIT THAT’S INCREDIBLE. 

All we ask is that you show up for yourself, put in the time and energy, have FUN, and be willing to explore the boundary of your comfort zone to see what your body is capable of doing.

“Colleen walked me through my first box jump. A few years later she coached me across the finish line of the Rut Trifecta. She’s always helped me to show up for myself and that’s had an impact way beyond the gym.”

— K.M.

KIND WORDS FROM PAST ATHLETES

FAQs

  • Not necessarily. However, you should be ready (mentally + physically + logistically) to put in consistent training for your personal goal. While this is a group program, coaching is fully individualized and I will meet you where you are!

  • On average, coaching clients engage in 4-6 days per week of movement.

  • With coaching, you get access to Training Peaks (basically an online training calendar platform) where your coach (me) will put in detail what to do every day as it relates to your goal. General example: (M) rest, (T) strength @ TMP, (W) run, (TH) nordic ski + strength, (F) rest, (Sat and Sun) endurance run + ski tour.

  • First off, if you have a complicated relationship with food, know you are not alone. I hope to be able to work with you to heal your relationship. However, while nutrition counseling is completely one-on-one, there may be some food talk among group members. If you’re concerned, please reach out to me directly at colleen@mountainprojectmt.com so we can make sure that you’re in a good space to comfortably and safely participate.

  • During the initial assessment, we’ll go through a full social, physical, dietary and behavioral history and any relevant clinical data (i.e. blood work, disease state, nutrient deficiences, etc.) We’ll look at your training load and schedule, baseline dietary needs to support your active lifestyle, and pre-, post and during exercise nutrition. This is highly individualized and looks at YOU as a whole person. During our follow-ups I’ll check in on any goals we’re working on, work through barriers, cheer you on, and provide social and emotional support.

  • This will be an online platform for members (and myself) to share pics from weekend romps, fueling ideas and homemade snacks, set up adventure dates, cheer each other on, share in the fun, and ask general questions that the whole group could benefit from. It is meant to be a way for us all to stay connected and provide support! (It should go without saying, but negative comments and judgment are super uncool here).

  • We kindly ask that you think fully about joining and commit for the duration of the program. We will not issue refunds except for extenuating circumstances (i.e. family emergency, severe injury that prevents you from training, etc.) Please respect the time and effort going into this program.

  • I totally get it. If you are unsure about the cost but inspired to join, please reach out to me directly at colleen@mountainprojectmt.com and I will do my best* to meet you where you are.

Have more questions? Want to make sure this is a good fit for you?

LET’S CHAT —>