Kayla Jeter’s work begins with movement but it does not stop there. A Chicago based run coach, digital creator, and wellness consultant, Kayla has built a platform rooted in honesty, care, and connection. She encourages people to pursue big goals while holding space for the full human experience alongside them.
From her background as a Division I athlete to the global growth of 100 Miles of Summer, Kayla has helped reframe what fitness can look like when it is grounded in belonging, representation, and self trust. In this conversation, she reflects on redefining strength, building community without a content strategy, why the starting line matters more than the podium, and the rituals and intentions guiding her in this season of life.
If someone’s just discovering you, how would you describe what you do?
I sit at the intersection of so many things. Through my content as a digital creator, I bridge sport, mindfulness, and mental health as a Runna coach and a wellness consultant. I encourage and empower people to live their healthiest lives and pursue big goals - and I hold space for people to be inspired.
Strength is often framed visually or physically. How has your definition of strength evolved over the years, especially as you’ve moved from Division I athletics into community building and advocacy?
My definition of strength has evolved to include and lead with mental strength. My mental strength comes from the resilience and confidence I had to build after athletics. I'm not even talking about transitioning out of sport. It’s just life in general. For example, both my parents have passed away. I was my mom's caregiver until she passed away. I think the mental strength, confidence, and optimism I had to build throughout that process directly impacted the way I show up within my community. It’s knowing that we are better together and everything must be done with grace. For me, mental strength is what leads the way.
You do a lot of work around representation in running. What’s one story from your community that still stays with you, a moment that reminded you this work matters?
It’s the moments when not only a woman, but a woman of color comes up to me, messages me, or leaves a comment saying I inspired them to get out of the house or take care of their mental health. They say that running is a sport that doesn’t often portray women who look like us. They say they didn’t think they could run because they are not built the same as the people portrayed on social media or in big brand campaigns. It’s the stories from these women who have found peace and confidence with their bodies by putting one foot in front of the other. They challenge themselves to sign up for a race and see how capable they are, and believe in themselves. That's what keeps me showing up.
You’ve said the starting line is where inclusion actually begins. From your perspective, why is that moment more revealing than the finish line or podium?
The starting line is the first invitation. It's the opportunity to commit to showing up for yourself in a space with others that you may not feel welcome, represented, or worthy of being. The start line celebrates the fact that you are here, you're taking up space, and you matter. The finish line and podium only reflect who got there the fastest. The greater moment is at the start line, where you show up.
Chicago is such a layered city. What’s your favorite local route or spot to run that still excites you?
The lakefront is one of my favorite routes because it’s so undeniable. At sunrise in the summer, it's truly magical. The part of the lakefront that excites me the most is when I run South from Oak Street Beach. You go over the flyover bridge, come down past the marina, Navy Pier, and the parks. You keep going south past the aquarium towards Southside Chicago, and then you hit the pedestrian bridge. That whole bit with the wildlife corridor is so beautiful.
You were part of lululemon’s FURTHER initiative and helped test and design the Unrestricted Power™ collection. What was one detail or feature that mattered most to you when thinking about how people actually lift and move?
‘Unrestricted’ to me means limitless, boundless, and free. ‘Power’ means explosive, supported, and strong. So the feature that mattered most to me was a fabric that allowed me to move in a variety of ways without any distraction, which usually comes down to seams and the rise of the tight. If I feel too sucked in, constricted, or compressed, that is the complete opposite of unrestricted and is a limit, which caps my power.
The Art of Intentions is all about how we move through the world with purpose. What intention is guiding you most right now?
Every year for the past six years, I pick a word or an intention to live by. My word for this year is Legacy. I think about my legacy as the lasting impact, values, character, and story I leave behind that will help shape those around me. I think about how my influence, relationships, contributions, and how I treat people will continue to make an impact long after I'm gone. I think about the fact that if I am not well, we are not well. I cannot show up for others if I do not take care of myself. It’s a legacy of living well, leading with love, and ensuring I take care of myself so I can take care of others.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone trying to feel better in their body and life, what would it be?
My one piece of advice would be: this is the only life and body you get. Ensure you're doing everything in your power to take care of your body and yourself with the same intention and care as you would for someone you love. Approach life knowing it's short and fast. Our days are numbered. Spend your time well and where you want to. Do not let external pressures or influences define what success and happiness look like for you. This is your life. You only get one to live. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is the impact you left on this world, how you made people feel, the stories that they will share about you, and your sparkle. People don't forget your sparkle.
