My First Marathon

Getting sick a week out from a marathon used to send me into full panic mode. But after five marathons, I've learned that training never goes perfectly, and it doesn't have to. In this episode, I'm sharing how my mindset has shifted over time, why one missed or modified run won't ruin your race, and the three questions I ask myself anytime things go off plan during training. Follow along with the show:

When Stephanie Dyer started running 34 years ago, it wasn't love at first sight. As a former tennis player, running felt like punishment. But surrounded by the energy of Marathon Monday at Boston College, she gave it another chance and found a lifelong passion. In this episode, Stephanie shares how her first marathon grew into decades of lessons about patience, simplicity, and self-trust. From training with nothing but a Timex and a quarter for a payphone to learning to listen to her body (and sometimes craving nothing but rotisserie chicken), her story reminds us that running doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be yours. Follow Stephanie at @runwithredness on Instagram! Join the waitlist for her e-course that includes everything you need to know to be equipped and empowered to run a great marathon with a focus on nutrition and mindset -> runwithredness.com Follow along with the show:

In this episode, I'm sharing my side of the 2025 Chicago Marathon story. This was my fourth marathon and the one I ran alongside my mom for her first. After missing out on the lottery, I joined the American Cancer Society charity team and used this race as a way to rebuild my confidence after a tough experience in Eugene. I talk about the highs, the setbacks, and what it was like pacing my mom through one of the biggest marathons in the world. It's a story about patience, perspective, and finding joy in running again, and how the finish line feels even more meaningful when you help someone else get there too.

In this week's mini episode, I'm tackling a question that came my way recently: “What's the point of running a race if you're not measuring progress by time?” After four marathons, I've learned that progress isn't always about pace or PRs. It can show up in the way you fuel, how you handle the tough miles, or how you keep your mindset strong when things don't go to plan. If you're training for your first marathon or just need a reminder that growth comes in many forms, this episode is for you. Follow along with the show:

Last fall, my mom and I ran a half marathon together in North Carolina, the first time she'd really laced up again in years. Not long after, I sent her a text about the Chicago Marathon lottery and told her to throw her name in just to see what happens. She wasn't convinced, but she humored me. Months later, she opened her inbox to find an email that started with one word: “Congratulations.” That moment kicked off an entirely new chapter. In this episode, we talk about her first marathon journey, from learning how to train smarter in her 50s to balancing early mornings, long runs, and a full-time job. She shares how getting sick years ago nearly ended her running for good, how she rebuilt her confidence, and what it felt like to finally cross the finish line in Chicago. It's a story about grit, patience, and what happens when a little lottery luck and a slightly pushy daughter change everything. Follow along with the show:

This week's mini episode is all about post-marathon recovery, and I'm speaking from experience. Fresh off the Chicago Marathon, I'm breaking down what I've learned across four marathons about how to actually recover well (and what not to do after your first one). From the “marathon flu” to why you should never stop moving right after you cross the finish line, we're covering it all. Plus, my one hard and fast rule for returning to running that's helped me build a healthier long-term relationship with the sport. Follow along with the show:

Our podcast editor, Erin Phifer, is back for her second episode to recap her wild ride at the 2025 Berlin Marathon. What started as a race that just happened to fit her work schedule turned into her hottest, hardest, and most meaningful marathon yet. Erin opens up about juggling a foot injury, getting certified as a run coach mid-training, and learning when to trust herself instead of an app. She shares how she handled the record heat, why her run-walk strategy saved the day, and what it felt like to run through the Brandenburg Gate after wondering if she'd even make it to the start line. It's an honest, funny, and full-circle conversation about growth, grit, and showing up anyway. Follow along with Erin at @erin.runs.a.marathon on Instagram and follow her Substack at https://substack.com/@notjustaphaserunning?utm_source=global-search Follow along with the show:

Long runs are about more than just building mileage. In this mini episode, we're breaking down how to use your long runs as dress rehearsals for race day—from testing your fueling and pre-run meals to figuring out your outfit and mental strategy. We're also talking about why the hardest, most frustrating runs often end up being the ones that matter most when it comes to marathon day. Follow along with the show:

This week's episode dives into a runner who has been logging miles for nearly three decades, from high school cross country to Navy decks to marathon training on a treadmill in the middle of the ocean. Steven shares what hooked him on running early on, how his first marathon came together through a Groupon deal and a deployment timeline, and why the joy of running has always come from the training itself, not the finish line. We talk about finding peace in the process, what it means to stay adaptable through parenthood, work, and military life, and how running becomes a lifelong anchor when you keep it fun. Follow along with Steven on Instagram at @Itsme_phteven! Follow along with the show:

On this weeks episode, we're breaking down common race strategies for you fall marathoners gearing up for race day! As always, I recommend consulting with a coach or experienced running to develop the perfect strategy for you. Follow along with the show:

Myka's road to 26.2 came with plenty of detours. After years of stopping and starting, she found her stride again on the Raleigh greenways and signed up for the Tobacco Road Marathon. Her training leaned heavy on mileage, peaking at 60 miles a week with little recovery or fueling, which left her constantly tired and wondering if that was just part of marathon prep. Race day brought its own challenges. She went out too fast, fought the mental grind of a quiet course, and leaned on the mantra “there's nothing to it but to do it” to keep moving. Family support along the way, a surprise shot at mile 19, and encouragement from a pacer all helped carry her to the finish. Having her mom there to see it made the moment even more meaningful, especially after losing her unexpectedly soon after. Now Myka is training for Richmond with lessons learned, more balance in her approach, and the drive to keep running for her mom. Follow along with the show:

This week's mini episode is all about taper. Fresh off my 20-mile peak run, I share what taper has felt like across my marathons - from the taper crazies to finally learning to enjoy it. We talk about why taper feels so strange, how to keep yourself busy without overdoing it, and why this is the perfect time to rest, reset, and thank your support system before race day. Follow along with the show:

What does it take to go from postpartum depression and doomscrolling on the couch to crossing the finish line of your first marathon? For Rebecca Smith, it all started with a TikTok edit of the New York City Marathon that sparked something she couldn't ignore. She set her sights on 26.2 and never looked back. In this episode, Rebecca opens up about the messy, emotional, and rewarding journey of training for her first marathon in Pittsburgh. From balancing motherhood and running, to rehabbing through injury, to running a snowy solo half marathon just to prove she could, Rebecca's story is one of resilience and rediscovering identity. Follow along with Rebecca on Instagram and Tiktok at @Rebecca_The_Mediocre_Runner! Follow along with the show:

In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, I'm sharing my story of how the pressure of sports turned into anxiety, burnout, and depression, and how running eventually helped me find my way forward again. It wasn't an overnight change, but step by step I started to rebuild my confidence and sense of purpose. If you're going through something similar, I want you to know you're not alone, and there is always a path forward, even if it starts with just one small step. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Here are some resources that can help: United States: Dial or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. Text Support: Text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor. NAMI HelpLine: Call 1-800-950-6264 or text “HelpLine” to 62640 for information and support. Global Resources: Visit findahelpline.com or befrienders.org to find international hotlines and local support services. Follow along with the show:

Asher didn't grow up playing sports and definitely didn't picture himself as a marathoner. His running story started in a pretty unusual way: after a poison ivy rash left him restless, he laced up a pair of basketball shoes and went out for a mile. That quick decision snowballed into signing up for the Philadelphia Marathon just 17 weeks later. What followed was a crash course in marathon training filled with shin splints, IT band pain, fueling mistakes, and plenty of doubt along the way. Crossing the Philly finish line was about more than getting through 26.2. For Asher, it was a life-shifting moment where he left behind past struggles and proved he could take on something bigger than he thought possible. In this episode, we talk through the highs, the lows, and the lessons he's carrying forward as he heads toward the Chicago Marathon with a stronger plan, a clearer mindset, and a cause close to his heart. Follow along with Asher on Instagram at @asherruns Support Asher's fundraiser: https://lupusil.salsalabs.org/lcr2025/p/asherbrummel/index.html?fbclid=PAb21jcAMpalFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp8A3Z0HSIP30Bn7xreVgjmtDrUgERewtKw2UgEma1SyvDoDreeyH95faWXRy_aem_drRyu9M_gXu2JdeEfakXRg Follow along with the show:

Keira D'Amato's running journey is a true comeback story. After almost a decade away from the sport, she started again as a new mom who could barely run 90 seconds and started her slow build back. That patient rebuild gave her a new perspective on running and eventually carried her from her first marathon in Missoula to breaking the American record. In this episode, Keira talks about what it meant to start from zero, how motherhood changed the way she approached training, and the lessons she carried into some of her biggest performances. Her new book Don't Call It a Comeback (out September 9th) tells the full story, but this conversation captures the heart of it: finding joy in the little steps and proving that a fresh start can lead to something bigger than you ever imagined. Pre-order Keira's book: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/dont-call-it-9781250344946/ Follow along with Keira: https://www.instagram.com/keiradamato/?hl=en

This week's mini episode is all about the five biggest lessons I've picked up after interviewing nearly 100 runners about their first marathons! From starting slow and taking the pressure off your debut race, to finding the right community, building strength, knowing your why, and ultimately just signing up and doing it, these themes came up again and again across countless conversations. If you're gearing up for your first 26.2, this one is packed with advice that'll help you train smarter, enjoy the journey, and step up to the start line with confidence. Follow along with the show: 

What do you do when mile 21 of your first marathon throws more at you than fatigue? For Molly, it wasn't just the wall, it was four full-sized turkeys blocking the course. Her first 26.2 in Milwaukee was already a journey years in the making, starting with recovery from a near-death illness, a 17-mile charity walk with her dad, and a surprising half marathon finish she never planned to run. From spin classes to walking loops around her apartment, she slowly built the strength and belief that led her to the start line. In this episode, Molly shares how she fell in love with the half marathon distance, learned to ditch the pressure of pace, and found her community along the way. We talk about Wisconsin winter training, fueling with fruit snacks and Nerds gummy clusters, and how her family made race weekend unforgettable. And of course, we break down the unforgettable mile 21 turkey showdown, a story that proves the marathon is never just about the miles. Follow along with Molly on Instagram at @marathonmolly_ Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit Follow along with the show: 

In this mini episode I share a training update as I prepare for the Chicago Marathon. After battling injuries and barely finishing Eugene, I took May off, started working with a coach, and focused on getting back to running pain-free. Since then I've built mileage safely, added strength work, and slowly regained confidence. With 50 days to go, I'm feeling healthy, grateful, and more excited about running than I've been in a long time. Follow along with the show: 

Rachel O'Brien never thought she would call herself a runner. After quitting lacrosse in college following a thyroid diagnosis, she hated exercise and avoided running for years. That changed in 2023 when she saw the Broad Street Run on TV and decided to train for it. What started with a shaky half mile turned into 5Ks, a half marathon, and eventually the Philadelphia Marathon. Her first 26.2 was far from smooth. She dealt with plantar fasciitis, made the mistake of wearing new shoes at the expo, and started race morning unsure if she would finish. What got her through was Philly's running community, her run club, her best friend by her side, and a bag of Sour Patch Kids for mile-by-mile motivation. Crossing the line in tears, she called it the proudest moment of her life. This episode goes beyond race day. Rachel shares how marathon training helped push her forward in eating disorder recovery, gave her confidence to show up authentically in the sport, and showed her the power of surrounding yourself with support.  Follow along with Rachel on Instagram at @rachobiee!  Follow along with the show: 

This week's mini episode is all about running mantras. Whether you're struggling through a long run, hitting the wall during a race, or just need a little mental boost, these six phrases can help you push through and keep moving forward. Follow along with the show:

Katelyn Fox never thought she'd call herself a runner. A swimmer for 19 years, she once saw running as punishment until a family step challenge led her to buy a treadmill, prove her mom wrong, and slowly discover a love for the sport. Walking turned into jogging, jogging into running, and eventually training for her dream Disney race. That journey took her to the Walt Disney World Marathon, where she followed Jeff Galloway's run-walk-run plan, pushed through the infamous ESPN Wide World of Sports stretch, and crossed the finish line dressed as a Fastpass. Along the way she found joy in costumes, castle miles, and the Disney magic that kept her moving forward. Her first marathon story is equal parts Disney sparkle and grit, with lessons every runner can take away — especially her mantra: forward is a pace. Follow along with Katelyn on Instagram at @Katelynrunsdisney ! My coaching waitlist -> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXSdkfbrw_dpynle7LESSFIQmjAdS1_AKerNEEE9v5KA4n5A/viewform Follow along with the show:

Choosing your first marathon can feel like picking a college or buying a house — exciting, overwhelming, and full of “what ifs.” In this mini episode, I break down the pros and cons of local races, mid-sized events, and big-ticket world majors so you can pick the race that actually fits your personality, training style, and budget. From crowd support and race logistics to time cutoffs and travel costs, I share my own experiences running Wilmington, City of Oaks, and Eugene, plus what I've learned from guests who've run the majors. Whether you want a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list race or a hometown event with fewer moving parts, this episode will help you make the call. Win free coaching! Apply at -> https://forms.gle/3HhTRgQSGVcqe1qw8 Follow along with the show:

Brandon Hicks didn't start running marathons the “traditional” way. He skipped the gradual 5K-to-half-marathon pipeline and went straight for the big goal. Along the way, he learned that the real value of a goal isn't in the finish time, but in who you become while chasing it. In this episode, we talk about running for community, hitting the wall (and bouncing back), and how Brandon turned a small-town virtual marathon into a multi-year journey that included breaking four hours and running a 12-hour treadmill fundraiser for stroke awareness. If you've ever put pressure on yourself to “hit the number,” this one is a reminder that progress counts for more than perfection. Follow along with Brandon on Instagram at @realbhicks. Win free coaching! Apply at -> https://forms.gle/3HhTRgQSGVcqe1qw8 Follow along with the show:

In this week's mini episode, I'm sharing three pieces of running advice that actually made a difference for me. Not the obvious stuff, but the kind of tips that stuck with me through injuries, setbacks, and training blocks that didn't go as planned. We're talking about learning to run slower (yes, really), a random hill trick I picked up from a stranger during a race, and a mindset shift around goals that completely changed how I train. If you've been feeling stuck or need a little motivation, I think you'll get something out of this one. Save this for future reference:  Follow along with the show:

This week, I'm joined by Paige Foote, who ran her first marathon on a half-mile loop at an Air Force base after the 2020 NYC Marathon was canceled. We talk about what it was like training solo during lockdown, fueling with sour candy and Rice Krispie treats, and turning her make-it-work marathon into the idea that would later become Noogs. She shares how her second marathon—the real NYC race in 2021—gave her the full finish line magic she missed the first time. From accidentally meeting a long-run buddy at mile 20 to bonding with other first-time marathoners in the start village, Paige's story is a great example of how much running can change when you do it alongside other people. We also get into how a viral TikTok helped Noogs take off and what it's been like growing a brand while still running for fun. Follow along with Noogs at @noogsofficial! Save 15% on Noogs at Noogon.com with code myfirstmarathon! Save this for future reference:  Follow along with the show:

This week's mini episode is a fun one! We're welcoming my mom, Monique, to the show who is currently training for her first marathon (Chicago 2025!) We talk about how things are going so far, what's changed since she last ran eight years ago, and why she now sets a 4 a.m. alarm and carries candy in her running belt. She's made it very clear that it's all my fault getting her into this, but she's learning a lot, doing things differently this time, and slowly becoming a morning runner (against her will).  Follow along with my mom's journey at @monique.sayles on Instagram, or follow my page (@tay.says) where I'll be posting her training updates here and there as well.  Follow along with the show:

Paige Spangler's first marathon had all the ingredients for a disaster: a solo start, limited aid stations, an unexpectedly hilly course, and an 80-degree forecast she definitely didn't plan for. But somehow, through tears, cramping, and complete dehydration, she made it across the finish line. In this episode, Paige shares how a petty goal to beat her dad's marathon count turned into a full-on running career, why her first race nearly broke her, and what convinced her to try again. We talk about the reality of training through tough life seasons, learning how to fuel on a sensitive stomach, and the mental shift that happens when you finally start to call yourself a runner. Follow along with Paige on Instagram and Tiktok at @pacingpaige! Follow along with the show:

In this solo mini episode, I'm breaking down five injury-related mistakes I made during my third marathon training block—so you don't have to. From rushing recovery to trusting the wrong training plan, I'm sharing what went wrong, what I'd do differently, and how I'm approaching things smarter this time around. Whether you're training through an injury or trying to avoid one, this episode's for you. Stay tuned for the guide to go along with this episode at myfirstmarathon.co/resources Follow along with the show:

Emily Bailey never saw herself as athletic. She played sports growing up but didn't feel like she was naturally good at any of them. Over the years, she stayed active and even ran 5Ks for fun, but it wasn't until 2022 that she started to take running more seriously. What started as a challenge with a cash prize turned into something much bigger. In this episode, Emily shares how she trained for her first half marathon, navigated recurring injuries, and eventually signed up for her first full with a mindset of no regrets. We talk about what it looked like to go from feeling like an outsider in the running world to crossing the finish line at the Every Woman's Marathon — and finally claiming the title of athlete. Follow along with Emily on Instagram and TikTok at @rockytoprunner! Follow along with the show:

In this mini episode, I'm answering the most common questions I get from first-time marathoners. Whether you're deep into training, thinking about signing up, or just trying to figure out where to begin, this is for you. I'm covering how long to train, what to eat on the run, how to pace yourself, and what actually matters on race day. These are real questions from real runners, with simple answers you can actually use. Follow along with the show:

John Calabrese turned to running during one of the hardest seasons of his life. After a difficult divorce and a period of personal reflection, he signed up for a marathon as a way to process pain and find purpose. What started with solo training runs quickly evolved into a love for ultras, trails, and the weird, welcoming community that came with them. In this episode, John opens up about how running helped him through grief, injury, and burnout, why returning to the sport was harder than starting, and what it means to reconnect with your "why" after life knocks you off track. Follow John on Instagram at @breezytrailhead Follow along with the show:

Theresa Dornburg didn't follow a strict plan, hire a coach, or even hit a traditional long run before her first marathon. But she still made it to the Charlotte finish line—with a beer and tofu waiting for her at mile 22. In this episode, Theresa shares how a restaurant job with unpredictable hours, a group of coworkers turned training partners, and some creative mileage made her marathon possible. We talk about managing injuries, running through the North Carolina heat, and what it's like to chase a marathon while balancing 50-hour work weeks. If you've ever felt behind on your training or unsure if you're “doing it right,” this one's for you. Follow along with Theresa on Instagram at @theresa.dornburg Follow along with the show:

Sarah had been running for 15 years, but it wasn't until she hit a rough patch that she finally started running on her own terms. What began as a way to manage body image in high school eventually became a tool for structure, clarity, and self-trust. In this episode, we talk about what it's like to feel like a beginner after years of running, the spreadsheet saga behind her marathon training plan, and the mental spiral that hit her at mile 15. Sarah shares how navigating injury, PCOS, and self-doubt helped her rebuild confidence—on and off the course. We also get into what it took to actually enjoy marathon training, the pressure of first-time pacing, and how this race became more than just 26.2 miles. Follow along with Sarah on Instagram at @runningwithyank  Follow along with the show:

In this episode, I chat with Erin Azar (@immrsspacecadet) about what it took to go from quitting everything she started to training for—and finishing—her first marathon. Erin opens up about running postpartum, the mental battles that came with starting from zero, and how documenting her journey online helped her stay consistent when things got hard. We talk about what it felt like to run in a body that didn't feel like hers, how working with a coach changed her approach, and what it was like to train for a marathon during the early days of COVID. Erin also shares what finally helped her break the cycle of giving up, what fueling strategies worked (and didn't), and how the Galloway method led to a breakthrough PR. If you've ever struggled with consistency, self-doubt, or starting over, this conversation is a reminder that slow progress is still progress—and it can take you farther than you think. Follow along with Erin: IG/ TikTok: @immrsspacecadet / @im.mrs.space.cadet Podcast: https://www.nonmembersonlypod.com/   Follow along with the show:

Colin Fegeley joins the show to break down his first marathon experience—starting with a wake-up call at a routine doctor's appointment and ending with a finish line under the Arc de Triomf in Barcelona. In just ten months, Colin went from casual 5Ks to completing a full marathon, but what makes his story stand out is the role community played every step of the way. From his high school cross country team to his long run training partners and family support, Colin shares how leaning on others helped him stay consistent, accountable, and motivated. We talk about what it's like to train as a busy athletic director, how running brought structure back into his life, and why he's already planning his next race.  Follow along with Colin at @cfegeley on Instagram!  Follow along with the show:

In this episode, I chat with Courteney Lowe, co-founder of Fuel Goods, about her journey from professional cycling to her first marathon—and all the hard lessons learned along the way. Courteney opens up about what it was like to hit the wall at mile 18, how poor fueling nearly took her out of the race, and why that experience ended up inspiring the launch of Fuel Goods. We cover everything from the mindset shift required to move from cycling to running, to the physical challenges of pacing and gut issues, to how her relationship with running changed when she started working with a coach. Courteney also shares what fuels her now, what shoes she trusts, and how she's balancing performance goals with the long game of staying injury-free and enjoying the process. If you've ever struggled with pacing, nutrition, or motivation, this conversation is full of the real talk runners need. Follow along with Courteney and the Fuel Goods team: @fuel_goods & @courteneylowe.  Follow along with the show:

Colin spent a year training for his first marathon—navigating weight loss, injury recovery, and every mental hurdle that comes with starting from scratch. In this episode, he shares the full story of how he went from going through all the emotions watching the Chicago Marathon livestream to crossing the finish line at Hayward Field in Eugene. His transformation is equal parts inspiring, relatable, and deeply personal. Even more special, I got to run the Eugene Marathon alongside him. We talk about what it's really like to share a race with someone for 26.2 miles, the highs and lows of the course, and the moment everything almost fell apart at mile 25.9. Whether you've run one marathon or none, this story will remind you why we keep showing up to the start line. Follow along with Colin on TikTok at @ccbloodworth !  Follow along with the show:

After battling postpartum depression and feeling at her lowest, Symone turned to the one thing that had always helped her cope—running. What started as a few shaky miles quickly became a goal to run a half marathon... which then escalated into training for the New York City Marathon. In just eight months, she went from zero movement to 26.2 miles, all while juggling mom life, shin splints, and mid-run FaceTimes. In this episode, Symone shares the highs, the lows, and the very real, very relatable journey of becoming a marathoner on her own terms. Follow along with Symone at @symoneskinner on Instagram!  Follow along with the show:

Cameron Schuler, founder of RNWY Nutrition, joins the show to share how a college bet led to his first (very undertrained) marathon—and eventually sparked the idea for a holistic fueling brand built for endurance athletes. We dive into his running journey from sprinter to sub-3 marathoner, what he learned from 10+ marathons, and how years working at Nike and Vital Proteins shaped his approach to performance and longevity. We also talk about the gaps Cameron saw in sports nutrition, the origin of RNWY, and how he's fueling for Boston with their soon-to-launch product.

With my solo episode out this week where I dove into my recent injury, for my running nerds out there enjoy today's BONUS episode on injury prevention with Sean Roach, physical therapist, biomechanics expert, and founder of Aletheia Run—a company creating cutting-edge tech to help runners better understand and prevent injuries. Sean shares his deeply personal and professional journey, from battling chronic running injuries to working with elite Nike athletes, and now developing wearable tools that offer real-time insights into running mechanics. We dig into why so many runners get injured, how traditional injury prevention methods fall short, and why strength training (done right) is non-negotiable for long-term performance.  Sean also explains how biomechanics, neurology, and even fascia all connect—and why your foot pain might actually be coming from your hips or even your neck. Whether you're a marathoner or just trying to stay healthy and injury-free, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and actionable takeaways. Links & Resources: • Learn more about Aletheia Runs: https://www.aletheia.run/ or @aletheiarun on Instagram • Follow Taylor on Instagram: @tay.says • Follow the podcast: @myfirstmarathonpod

In today's solo episode, I'm breaking down every twist, turn, and tear of my third marathon—Eugene. This wasn't the PR-chasing, hometown comeback I imagined. Instead, it became a crash course in running through injury, navigating self-doubt, and redefining what success looks like when everything doesn't go according to plan.  From failing training runs and working with PTs, to crossing the finish line in a wheelchair, this race tested me more than any before—but it also gave me the clearest picture yet of who I am as a runner. Whether you're injured, training, or toeing the line soon, I hope this story reminds you that marathons don't owe us anything... and yet, they somehow still give us so much. Follow along with my personal journey at @tay.says! 

After finding himself lost for an identity outside of his job, this runner had a realization that he needed to re-prioritize some of the areas in his own life, including taking care of his mental and physical health. This drive led him to running, which eventually led him to run his first and second half marathon and then eventually a full marathon. We talk a lot about mental health in this episode as this runner was diagnosed with OCD, anxiety, and depression and really found running as a tool to help work through some of these complex emotions.  Follow along with Noah on Instagram and TikTok at @outrunaverage ! 

Today's runner is a physical therapist, run coach, and running content creator with over 20 years of experience. While her early love for running was more casual—fitting in between high-level tennis competitions—her journey eventually led her to chase the marathon distance. Her first attempt? The 2020 New York City Marathon… and we all know how that turned out. After completing an entire training block, she had to make the tough call to defer. When she finally got to the start line in 2022, she was ready for her dream NYC moment—but instead, faced one of the hardest race days of her life. Still, that race gave her a mindset shift that she carries into every training cycle and coaching session today. I was smiling the entire time we recorded this. Runners love to talk running—and this conversation was no exception.  Follow along with Victoria at @trainsmartrunstrong on Instagram! 

Today's runner's journey started in the hospital on Mother's Day where reality hit with his doctor telling him he needed to make an immediate change in his health. Since then he's lost 160 plus pounds, ran multiple Spartan races, an ultra marathon and eventually ran his first marathon and has no intentions of stopping there.  We get into how much we're in our own ways and how proving to yourself over and over again that you can do hard things is what really pulls you out of that negative thought loop of thinking that you can't. There's so much good in this episode - check out the extended version on myfirstmarathonpodcast.com! And follow along with Jared at @jaredbercera on Instagram!

On this weeks episode, I get the mic turned on me on the Super Awesome You Podcast to tell my story! We talk about my journey to running, exploring the power of your words, community, and finding yourself through running.  I hope you all enjoy getting to know me a bit more, and make sure you following along with Sam's show at @superawesomeyou on Instagram and Threads, and check out the show on Spotify using the link below!  https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RCPEonAazK3lQlECpBwWQ?si=wUrIT4pfT0KhutvWHri3Zw

Today's runner went from watching the New York City Marathon on social media to running her own marathon at the Every Women's Marathon in a year.... so you could say she got the marathon bug! Her journey was no easy feat though. She had to overcome the challenges of being a slower runner, a mom of two and struggling with having confidence in her body.  Throughout the process, she was able to shift that mindset entirely, learning to embrace where her pace was at and celebrate her body in ways that she hadn't before. Follow along with Mary Beth on instagram at @marybethdalton !

Today's runner ran her first marathon in 2024 at the Philly Marathon in honor of her dad's life. Movement started for her as a softball player through high school and college where quite frankly, she was not a fan of running. After finding some joy in walking, she decided to take the jump to running and after running her first half marathon, she was completely hooked. The passing of her father further fueled her journey as she went through the grieving process while training. This is really great story episode from someone who's been through a lot of trials and tribulations through her marathon journey. And at the end of the day, she made it out the other side with a new love for running. Follow along with Ashley on Instagram at @run.with.ash !

Today's runner comes from the classic cross country runner to marathoner pipeline and walks us through her 10 year running journey leading up to the New York City Marathon in 2023. We talk about her experience with the 9 plus 1 program, her experience working with a coach for her first marathon, as well as the electricity of running the New York City Marathon in her home city. For newer runners, she provides a great perspective on taking things slow in the beginning and how 26.2 miles is the same distance no matter how fast you finish it, but if you want to see what you're capable of and go for time, that's okay too.  Follow along with Athina on Instagram @athina_sonitis and on TikTok @athina.sonitis!

On today's episode, we're celebrating the one year anniversary of the My First Marathon Podcast by throwing it back to the very first episode of the show talking about MY first marathon.  We've got a brand spankin' new website out now as well - check out myfirstmarathonpodcast.com for free resources, extended/bonus content, and more!  We'll be back with regular episodes next week, make sure you're following along with the show at @myfirstmarathonpod on Instagram and TikTok. 

We're launching a website! March 9th myfirstmarathonpodcast.com will be live equipped with paywall bonus Q&A's + solo chats breaking down our guest episodes, extended episodes, free first marathon resources, and more. Make sure you're following @myfirstmarathonpod on Instagram and TikTok for updates!  Today's runner is a fellow podcaster who recently ran his first marathon at the 2024 New York City Marathon. We dig into how his relationship with running started with an amazing high school cross country coach who helped him realize that running can truly be a space for peace in life.  After 10 years of running off and on, he spectated a friend at the New York City Marathon and knew from that moment that he was gonna run it too. His training was derailed by an injury causing him to miss peak training weeks, so we get into how he was able to bounce back from a setback in training as well.  Follow along with Sam on Instagram at @superawesomerunner!