In this episode of Food for Thought by Greenfork, host Stephen Zabala sits down with Jessica Hauprich, who is organizing the Saratoga half-marathon, to explore how running, endurance sports, and community can drive personal growth, resilience, and purpose. From marathon training to founding a welcoming run culture in Saratoga, Jessica shares how movement has shaped her mindset, motherhood, and leadership.

Register for the Saratoga half-marathon here and follow the race on social media at @irunsaratogahalfmarathon: https://zippy-reg.com/online_reg/confirmed_entrants.php?event=2372

Find Jessica and her run club on social media at @irunsocial_runclub or on their website irunlocal.com.

0:00 Welcome to Food for Thought & Jessica Hauprich introduction

2:30 Growing up in a sports-centered family

5:00 Becoming an “accidental runner” as a new mom

7:30 Running as mental clarity and personal time

10:00 First races, 5Ks, and finding consistency

12:30 Mental toughness, self-talk, and self-compassion

15:00 Marathons, Boston qualification, and raising the bar

17:30 Choosing the Ironman challenge

20:00 Learning open-water swimming and facing fear

22:30 Community support and endurance mindset

25:00 How the I Run Social Club started

27:30 Creating an inclusive and welcoming run culture

30:00 Running as a “healthy happy hour”

32:30 Training through seasons and winter running

35:00 Treadmills vs outdoor running

37:30 Shoes, injury prevention, and smart training

40:00 Cross-training, strength, and mobility

42:30 Bringing back the Saratoga Half Marathon

45:00 Planning the race and community involvement

47:30 Final thoughts on purpose, resilience, and growth