Running career

I started running when I was 14 years old. I've learned that with enough persistence and discipline I can achieve anything. In 2002 I became a Polish National Champion in 3000m steeplechase. A year later I was offered an athletic scholarship at the University of Southern California and in 2004 I finished my first year as an All-American track and field athlete, and as a new school record holder.

Coaching

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In 2013, I was offered a position as an assistant coach for men's & women's track & field and cross country at California State University Los Angeles. I have since enjoyed the opportunity to combine my passion for sports nutrition with my own experience as a professional athlete. During my 3 years of coaching, I had a NCAA qualifier every single year.
http://www.csulaathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=79
In 2011 I worked as a volunteer assistant coach in Pepperdine University sharing my knowledge and experience with the best Pepperdine athletes.

"Lodge finished fifth at the West Coast Conference Cross Country Championships in the fall to earn All-WCC honors. To help Lodge in her quest to reach the NCAA regionals, Radnoti hired former USC Track and Field All-American Julia Budniak as an assistant coach to mentor Lodge. Budniak was the former national 3000m steeplechase champion in 2002 for the Polish National Team.

"We are really excited about Julia joining our staff," Radnoti stated. "She will be a tremendous asset in the growth of Lo Lo (Lauren Lodge) as a steeplechase runner. We want to make Pepperdine the choice for future steeplechase athletes."

http://www.pepperdinesports.com/sports/c-track/mtt/budniak_julia00.html

My sports

I've learned the hard way what a lack of balance can do to my body. After the 2nd year of my professional running career at the Santa Monica Track Club I got injured. Sciatica kept me out of running for almost 2 years. For somebody who ran 365 days a year for 15 years it was very difficult. During that time I discovered different sports: kiteboarding, snowboarding, skiing, surfing and yoga kept me sane. I always encourage people to find 'their sport'. In 2013 I started running again, in 2016 I placed 3rd overall female in Los Angeles Marathon with OTQ time of 2:44,44. On October 21, 2018 I ran my personal best of 2:39,10 and I'm going back there in 2019 to see, how much faster can I get!