I’m Laura Pierce—runner, coach, educator, wife, mom, and proud grandmother—living proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your story and chase bold, joyful goals.

For 35 years, I dedicated my career to education, helping students and teachers discover their potential. In 2014, I realized I needed a new challenge of my own. A friend convinced me to sign up for a local 5K, and that one race completely changed my life. It became the start of my running journey—and the moment I found my WHY.

Fast-forward to today, and running has taken me farther than I ever imagined.
I ran my first marathon—Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN—in 2019, finishing in 4:51:10 and swearing it would be “one and done.” An hour later, still riding the endorphin high, I was already searching for my next race.

As of November 2025, I’ve completed 16 marathons and my first 52.4-mile ultramarathon. In 2023, I ran a breakthrough PR of 3:30:00 at the Chicago Marathon, a performance that earned me an invitation from Abbott World Marathon Majors to apply as an Age Qualifier—a dream I didn’t even know I had when I started.

I ran Chicago Marathon as an Age Qualifier and, in November 2025, completed the New York City Marathon—also as an Age Qualifier. My NYC time qualified me again for the 2026 Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Qualifier division, this time at the Cape Town Marathon in South Africa.
The goal: earn my Abbott Six Stars by the end of 2026.

And in 2025, I took on my biggest challenge yet—completing the Grandma’s Double, an unofficial, unsanctioned ultramarathon from Finish → Start → Finish, a full 52.4 miles. I became the first official Grandma to complete it.

Running has given me strength, purpose, community, lifelong friendships, and a belief that every season of life can be a powerful new starting line.

As a coach, I’m here to help runners of all ages and abilities find that same joy—whether your goal is your first 5K, a Boston Qualifier, your first marathon, or something that still feels impossible. Together, we’ll build confidence, create a smart and sustainable plan, and celebrate every win along the way.

Marathon Finishes

Boston: 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 (Time Qualified)
Chicago: 2023 (Time Qualified)
London: 2024 (Charity after unsuccessful lottery)
Berlin: 2024 (Time Qualified)
NYC: 2024, 2025 (AWMM AQ Time Qualified)
Tokyo: March 2026 (Earn AWMM 6 Star)
Grandma’s Marathon: 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024
Twin Cities Marathon: 2022
Colfax Marathon: 2025
Boulderthon Marathon: 2025

Ultramarathon Finish

Grandma’s Double: 52.4-mile Ultra (2025)

Although I’ve found a deep passion and an incredible endorphin-filled JOY crossing finish lines, nothing compares to the relationships built within the running and fitness community. Whether it’s in-person run groups, friends encouraging each other on long-run days, or virtual runners who finally meet at a destination race—the relationships are PRICELESS.

We’re bound by a shared dream: living our best lives by investing in our health, our goals, and each other.

As your coach, I’m here to support you, celebrate your JOY, and help you run the mile you’re in—with the ultimate goal of finishing your race at your pace.

Let’s chase big goals and build your story—one mile at a time.
Runner Gal Run Coaching – Where Every Runner Has a Starting Line, and Every Goal Has a Path.

Who doesn't like a cute puppy photo? 

My journey to provide individuals with hope, freedom and greater independence began in April 2016 when I began to volunteer for a local organization in New Hope, MN. While watching the news one evening the Executive Director for Can Do Canines was talking about their mission and the need for volunteers. Fast forward almost 10 years where my life as a volunteer puppy raiser has brought over 35 dogs into our home. Those dogs are now living a life of service as SUPERHEROES, or a Highly Trained SERVICE DOG for an individual with a disability or serving as a Facility Dog-tor at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis. 

Can Do Canines is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs.