
Meet the Coaches
Jessica Schnier
My name is Jessica Schnier, and I am a trail runner who enjoys a sprinkle of road races now and again. I'm a lifelong runner and began trail running in 2017. I live in San Diego, California, but am originally from the flatlands of Iowa.
My background is in scientific research and education. While at Iowa State, I was a Women's Captain of the Iowa State University Running Club for 2 years, where my main jobs were to co-create training plans and lead training runs while also creating an inclusive environment for women on the team.
My goal behind creating Smiles and Miles Coaching is to look at athletic performance through a lens that I think gets ignored too often in sports: happiness. If an athlete is happy, they will perform their best. By providing a compassionate coaching experience, athletes are empowered to reach new heights of performance, all while fostering a supportive environment where self-kindness is celebrated. When we are showing kindness to ourselves and pairing that with science-driven training theory applied to long term growth, we give the space for our best athletic potential to shine through.
Education & Certifications
-
B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science
-
Master's in Science Education
-
UESCA certified ultrarunning coach
-
80/20 Endurance certified endurance coach
-
SafeSport Certified
-
First recipient of the Coaches of Color Initiative (COCI) apprenticeship grant
-
The Coaches Collective - OG Cohort + All Collective
-
UESCA Sports Psychology Specialization

Coaching Accomplishments
-
PRs in distances ranging from 800m-100M
-
Coached Boston Marathon Qualifiers & PRs at Boston
-
Coached backyard ultramarathons
-
Coached athletes to 1st ultramarathons
-
High reports of athlete happiness and enjoyment of training
Running Accomplishments
-
2023 Old West 50k - 1st F, 2nd OA, Course Record (4:27:54)
-
2023 The Ranch Half Marathon - 1st OA
-
1st place female and podium finishes in local San Diego & Iowa trail races ranging from 15k-50M
-
Lake Sonoma 50M, PCT 50M, Canyons 100k, Oriflamme 50k, Noble Canyon 50k
-
Boston Marathon 2019
Sofie Blicher
My name is Sofie Blicher and I am a trail runner, challenge seeker, and mother to my baby boy, Emmett. I was born and raised in Denmark and have lived in San Diego since my late 20’s. I have coached group exercise for almost two decades ranging from indoor cycling, dance fitness, strength training, and yoga, and my passion for movement led me to pursue a Dual MS in Exercise Physiology and Nutritional Science at San Diego State University.
When COVID hit in 2020 and there was no access to gyms, I started running more and more, which eventually resulted in my first 50k trail race in 2021. I was hooked! The combination of the adventures in the outdoors and nerding out on the training and the mentality it takes to complete these big efforts fit me perfectly and this is why I am now coaching athletes to do what makes them feel alive!
As a busy professional and a mother, I understand that sometimes training does not look exactly how we want it to. We run because we enjoy it and we want to foster that joy, because that is what keeps us showing up, even when we did not think it was possible. When life gets difficult and we go through the journey with ups and downs, that is when we build the resiliency it takes to do awesome things!
Education & Certifications
-
Dual MS in Exercise Physiology & Nutritional Science
-
UESCA Certified Ultra Running Coach
-
500hr Yoga Teacher Training & Pre/Postnatal Yoga Certified
-
Bachelor's in Relaxation and Psychomotor Therapy


Running Accomplishments
-
1st female at Lake Hodges 50k 2021 (4:45)
-
1st female at Mount Laguna Marathon 2021 (4:31) and 2022 (4:21)
-
1st female at PCT 50 miler 2022 (9:49)
-
2nd at Avalon 50 miler 2023 (7:35)
-
Gorge Waterfalls 100k 2023
-
Several local podium finishes at distances ½ marathon to 50k