Molly Strauss
Middle Trail Co-Founder, Kayla, has known Molly for over 20 years. They met while playing soccer in Buffalo, NY and became fast friends. Even as young teammates, Kayla always thought Molly was incredibly hard working, determined and kind. She pushed herself and her teammates to be the best players they could be. Encouraging and supportive, Molly was a teammate and friend you could always count on. Many years later, those sentiments are still true, and are why Molly is one of our running superheroes!
Molly, a Buffalo, NY native, has been kicking around a soccer ball since she could walk. Inspired by her older sisters, she started playing soccer at just 4 years old and never looked back. Growing up, she dominated the field on Buffalo’s premier soccer teams (where she met Kayla), quickly earning a reputation as a goal-scoring powerhouse. Her passion and hard work (on and off the field) led her to St. Bonaventure, where she had a stellar 4-year career in Division 1 soccer.
From her freshman year at St. Bonaventure, Molly hit the ground running, playing in all 20 games and becoming 1 of just 2 Bonnies to rack up double-digit points in the season. As a junior, she was a force to be reckoned with, starting in all 19 games, making the Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team, and tying for the team lead with 8 goals - 3 of them game-winners (just ask Canisius, VCU, and La Salle!). She finished the season as one of the top scorers in the Atlantic 10 and also earned Academic All-Conference honors, showing she could crush it both on the field and in the classroom. But the best part of playing soccer for Molly wasn’t all of the success and accolades. It was the community and lifelong friendships she built over her years of playing soccer.
When she hung up her soccer cleats, Molly needed a new way to channel her energy. Running wasn’t necessarily on the top of her list, but when her dad had to drop out of the Mighty Niagara Half Marathon just 3 weeks before race day, Molly stepped up and took his place. Little did she know, that race would spark a new passion: running! Molly had so much fun training for and running the race, that she would go on to run the Mighty Niagara 5 more times (so far)!
From that first half marathon, Molly was hooked, going on to run a half marathon every year for the next 6 years. For Molly, running is more than just a great workout - it's her personal escape. It's time she can devote completely to herself, when she can clear her mind, and remind herself that she can accomplish anything. Running is also how Molly channels her competitive spirit, pushing herself to improve each time she goes out for a run.
Molly's passion for running didn’t stop there. During the pandemic, she found yet another way to channel her love for fitness and community by becoming a coach at Buffalo's Sweat Society gym. Now, she is the leader of the 6 AM "Tred and Shred" class, which offers interval running and strength training. For Molly, coaching at Sweat Society isn’t just about the sweat - it's about the people. Just like when she played soccer, she thrives on the community energy and helping people step out of their comfort zone, try new things and accomplish their goals. Her motto? “The best investment you can make is an investment in yourself.” Molly’s positive energy reminds us all that we are strong and capable of anything.
In other exciting news, Molly is a new mom to an adorable girl, Mallory. During her pregnancy and after, Molly took some time off from running. When asked what advice she has for other women looking to return to running after pregnancy, her message is clear: give yourself grace. She emphasizes the importance of accepting that your post-pregnancy fitness level won’t be the same as before, and that’s okay. Molly suggests taking it slow. Remind yourself why you love running, and take the journey one day at a time.
We are so excited that Molly is part of our Middle Trail run club. Her positive and encouraging energy inspires us each time we run together. Molly’s long term running goal is to run a full marathon, and we cannot wait to watch her completely crush that goal. Molly, we will be running and cheering with you along the way!
Meet Molly
Meet Molly
Q&A
How did you get started running?
I always enjoyed running, even back when I was training for pre-season soccer. I think it naturally was the next step when my soccer career wrapped up when I needed to find a new way to exercise. My dad also started to get into running so it was fun to run races with him and compete against his times!
What is your favorite part about racing? Is it the training? Is it the race day?
I love the training and accountability that comes with it. My favorite part is working towards a goal and feeling a sense of purpose with each training session (besides just enjoying the runs!).
What keeps you motivated for your runs?
Honestly, the end result. I always feel my best after a run. My mind is clearer and I feel this sense of accomplishment.
If you could give one piece of advice to help people who are looking to get into running get started, what would it be?
Just start! Go for a walk and jog a little. I feel like intervals are so underrated but really help build endurance and confidence.
What is your favorite running event that you have done and why?
Mighty Niagara Half Marathon every year I’ve done it. I rave about this race to anyone who wants to run a half. The course is absolutely beautiful, the event is well run and the after party is so much FUN.
If you could run anywhere in the world and leave today, where would you choose to go and why?
Hawaii, I would love to run along the coastline and just take in the breathtaking views.