In this podcast episode, we interview Maria Bendeck, a back-of-the-packer marathon runner, to gain insights into her unique experiences. Here's a concise summary of the questions we ask Maria:

1. **Challenges:** Discuss challenges faced during marathons compared to faster runners and how they were overcome.

2. **Overtaking & Cut-Offs:** Strategies for managing concerns about being overtaken and handling race cut-off times.

3. **Mental Resilience:** Share experiences conquering self-doubt and tips for maintaining mental resilience.

4. **Nutrition & Hydration:** Differences in fueling strategies for longer race durations.

5. **Dealing with Comparisons:** Advice on handling feelings of inadequacy and emphasizing personal accomplishments.

6. **Goal Setting:** Approaches to goal setting for marathons with varied objectives.

7. **Pacing Strategies:** Maintaining a consistent pace and managing fluctuations.

8. **Coping with Fatigue:** Techniques for managing physical fatigue during later stages.

9. **Accomplishments:** Sharing significant achievements as a back-of-the-packer.

10. **Finding Joy:** Embracing the marathon experience and finding joy beyond position.

11. **Key Lessons:** Valuable insights gained from being a back-of-the-packer.

12. **Camaraderie:** Building connections and interactions within the running community.

13. **Balancing Training:** Strategies for balancing training, work, and personal life.

14. **Mental Challenges:** Techniques for overcoming mental hurdles during running.

15. **Unexpected Benefits:** Positive outcomes or surprises experienced during the journey.

16. **Redefining Success:** Measuring success beyond race metrics.

17. **Celebrating Achievements:** Acknowledging and celebrating personal milestones.

18. **Inclusivity:** Suggestions for making marathons more inclusive.

19. **Positive Impact:** How running impacts other aspects of life.

20. **Benefits for Faster Runners:** Encouraging faster runners to learn from back-of-the-pack perspectives.

Throughout the podcast episode, the interviewee's

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Tags: Running, Running, Coaching, Fitness,