I’m so excited to bring you this conversation with Julia Paternain on the I’ll Have Another Podcast today! Julia just placed third at the World Championships marathon in Tokyo, earning a bronze medal in only her second marathon. She represents Uruguay, trains in Flagstaff with McKirdy Trained, and is coached by Jack Polerecky. Julia ran 2:27:23 in that race, coming in as one of the last-ranked athletes in the field and leaving with a medal. We talk about her training, mindset, and the confidence it took to run her own race and finish on the podium.

Top topics discussed

Julia’s emotions and confusion at the finish line in Tokyo

Handling the late hills and hot, humid conditions

Fueling and hydration strategies with Maurten

Race mindset: patience, pack dynamics, and not counting herself out

From being ranked 288th to winning bronze — mental approach and confidence

Processing the sudden media attention and national pride from Uruguay

Her running journey: childhood in England, Penn State/Arkansas NCAA experience, injuries, and transition to Flagstaff

Training now: mileage, long run workouts, and strength work with McKirdy Trained

Goals for faster marathon and half marathon times, and thoughts on majors like London and Boston

Media mentioned

Books: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, The Silent Patient

TV/Film: One Tree Hill, 90210, The Hills, High Five (kids’ show)

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