Embark on an exhilarating exploration of the second in our series of Running the Majors, the Boston Marathon, the world's oldest annual marathon and a beacon of athletic excellence. 

Join Coach Christine and Ashley from Mystical Dream Travel as we journey through its rich history, starting from its inception in 1897 to monumental moments like Roberta Gibb's pioneering run in 1966 and the city's inspiring resilience post the 2013 bombing. 

We'll celebrate Des Linden's triumphant 2018 victory, delve into Boston's unique role in shaping women's distance running, and honor the community spirit that makes this race unlike any other. This episode promises an engaging mix of history, personal anecdotes, and a shared love for the marathon experience.

Get ready to master the Boston Marathon with insider tips and essential strategies that ensure you're fully prepared for race day. We discuss the importance of hill repeats, the necessity of packing for unpredictable weather, and the art of navigating the course's logistics without official pacers. 

Discover the best neighborhoods to immerse yourself in Boston's vibrant culture and culinary scene, and learn how to capture unforgettable marathon moments. 

Whether you're competing for a coveted unicorn medal or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this episode equips you with everything you need to tackle the marathon with confidence. 

Want to keep this "major" conversation going? Join the Women of the World Marathon Majors or the Stride Collective. 

Plus, check out our highlighted Boston 2025 runner, Emily Brennan in the bonus episode. 

Join us as we continue on our journey of Running the Majors Series, next stop. London! 

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Emily Brennan's journey into the world of marathon running is nothing short of inspirational. After college, she took up running to get healthier, finding it was more than just a physical endeavor; it became a balm for stress and a mental clarity booster. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of running, highlighting how it has become an integral part of her life and well-being. From her initial races with Team Alzheimer's to securing a coveted spot in the Boston Marathon, Emily's dedication shines through.

The push to run the Boston Marathon was fueled by a heartfelt mission—raising funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Emily's determination to support cancer research was sparked by the battles faced by her close friend's father and her cousin, making every mile run deeply personal. She shares the challenges of balancing rigorous training with the demands of fundraising, likening it to juggling multiple part-time jobs. Yet, the joy of being unexpectedly offered a charity spot filled her with gratitude and reinforced her commitment to making a difference in the fight against cancer.

If you’d like to support Emily’s mission, you can donate directly through her Dana-Farber Fundraising Page and follow her updates on Instagram and Facebook.

As Emily prepares to tackle the infamous Heartbreak Hill, she reflects on the camaraderie and support of the running community. Training with a team that shares her passion for fighting cancer has been invigorating, bringing her closer to like-minded individuals whose personal stories inspire her further. Throughout her training journey, Emily has embraced positive self-talk, focusing on enjoying the marathon experience rather than chasing personal records. Her story encourages us all to savor the moment and use our passions to contribute to causes that matter deeply.

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Ever wondered how it feels to run through the heart of Tokyo, where bustling city life meets ancient tradition on one of the world's fastest marathon courses? Join us as Coach Christine and Ashley from Mystical Dream Travel guide you through the exhilarating Tokyo Marathon experience. Together, we unravel the storied evolution of the marathon from its 2007 beginnings to its status as a must-run race on the global marathon calendar as it joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors. With 38,000 runners vying for a spot, it's a race that blends fierce competition with the serene beauty of Tokyo.

Embark on a journey as we explore the intricacies of the Tokyo Marathon course, from the imposing skyscrapers of Shinjuku to the historic allure of Sensoji Temple, all set to the rhythmic accompaniment of taiko drummers. Discover strategies for tackling the unpredictable early March weather and learn the secrets to maintaining energy with local on-course staples like Pocari Sweat. We'll also equip you with insights into Tokyo's unique sweep policy and offer essential race day tips to ensure you're primed for success in this challenging yet rewarding environment.

Prepare for your Tokyo runcation with our expert packing guide, where we share essential travel tips and cultural etiquette to help you navigate this vibrant city with ease. Whether it's packing the right gear, securing accommodations in Shinjuku, or understanding the local customs at Tokyo Disneyland, we've got you covered.

Join the conversation with fellow marathon enthusiasts on platforms like the Women of World Marathon Majors and the Stride Collective, and get ready to set your sights on the next marathon in this special WMM series, Boston! 

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Explore the fun dynamics between runners and their non-running partners through a lighthearted quiz in this episode, uncovering how well they understand each other’s running habits. We delve into quirky preferences, affirmations, and identify the unique roles both play in their shared journey of connection and support.

• Understanding favorite post-run snacks crucial for connection
• Discovering the number of running shoes owned is amusingly revealing
• Favorite types of runs set the tone for shared experiences
• Discussing what habits can annoy non-runners adds humor to intimacy relations
• Exploring the fun in quiz dynamics highlights meaningful takeaways

Want to play along with your non-runner? Download the PDF or PNG version of the quiz here. 

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This episode explores the humorous yet insightful relationship between a runner, Coach Christine, and her partner, who doesn't share their passion for running. Through candid conversations, they discuss the challenges, sacrifices, and unexpected joys that arise when supporting a running partner. 

• Insights from a partner’s perspective on running 
• The impact of running on their day-to-day life 
• Exploring the positives of being involved in the running community 
• Travel opportunities created through runcations 
• The emotional journey of feeling like a "running widow" 
• Highlighting the importance of communication in relationships 
• Valuable advice for non-runners supporting runners 
• Understanding the discipline and commitment involved in training 
• The shared adventures and growth this dynamic brings 
• Acknowledging the beauty of love in support and passion 

This episode encourages listeners to embrace and celebrate the unique relationships forged through understanding and supporting one another, regardless of differing interests.

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Welcome back to Extraordinary Strides, where we celebrate the ordinary runners who achieve truly extraordinary things! I’m your host, Coach Christine, and today we’re diving into a topic that holds a special place in my heart: the magic of race-day spectating. 💜✨

As Kathrine Switzer once said:
“If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.”
It’s true—whether it’s a local 5K, the World Marathon Majors, or the pixie-dusted magic of runDisney, spectators are the unsung heroes who fuel every runner’s journey. 🏁

Joining me today is Lynn Kinney, an extraordinary cheer captain and veteran spectator who brings her high-energy support to local races and runDisney events. Together, we’ll break down the essential tips for making spectating as thrilling as running, including:

✅ Pre-race prep: Planning your route, packing your essentials, and coordinating with your runner
✅ Race-day energy: Where to stand, how to cheer effectively, and how to motivate EVERY runner you see
✅ Navigating crowds without losing the magic
✅ Post-race celebrations and supporting your runner when it matters most

✨ BONUS: Ready to cheer like a pro? 🎉 Download my free Spectator Kit—featuring a race-day checklist and printable motivational sign templates—here: Download Kit

💡 Episode Highlights:

• The Power of Spectating: Why marathons inspire both runners and spectators alike.
• Lynn Kinney’s Spectator Secrets: Creative signs, cheer strategy, and finding the perfect spectating spot.
• Golden Rules of Spectating: Respecting the course, motivating runners, and adding positive energy.
• Don’t Be THAT Spectator: Avoid common mistakes like blocking the course or offering unsolicited advice.
• Make Memories: Tips for snapping photos, cheering strategically, and staying comfortable during long races.

Whether you’re new to race spectating or a veteran with a cowbell collection, this episode will show you how to add sparkle, magic, and extraordinary energy to any event. 🏃‍♀️✨

🔔 Connect with Me:

• Follow & Subscribe: Don’t miss out on upcoming episodes of Extraordinary Strides!
• Share the Love: Know a friend who’s cheering at an upcoming race? Send them this episode!
• Join the Community: For more tips, motivation, and free downloads, visit ExtraordinaryStrides.com.

🎉 Let’s make every cheer count and fuel every step toward the finish line. Until next time, keep striding and keep shining! 🌟

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In this heartfelt episode of Extraordinary Strides, we sit down with Tia Pettygrue—a coach, pacer, marathoner, and an inspiring force in the running community. Tia’s story is one of resilience, determination, and using her passion for running to make a difference.

Tia shares her ambitious goal of completing the Selma to Montgomery 51-Mile Relay, running the entire historic route alongside her husband, Johnnie. But this journey goes beyond personal achievement—Tia is championing a deeply personal cause: raising funds for her brother Marc and his wife Ellyn, who lost their home in the Eaton Fire.

🔑 In This Episode, We Explore:

• How Tia is preparing for the grueling 51-mile Selma to Montgomery Relay, both mentally and physically
• The powerful connection between running and civil rights history along this symbolic route
• Tia’s fundraising efforts for Marc and Ellyn and the incredible outpouring of support from the running community
• Reflections on Tia’s extraordinary running journey and what she is listening to on her long runs: she has some great recs! 
• The advice Tia gives new runners and what motivates her to keep striving

🌟 Whether you’re looking for running inspiration, ways to give back, or insights into balancing ambitious goals with meaningful causes, Tia’s story will leave you feeling empowered.

💡 Support Marc and Ellyn:
Join the running community in helping Tia’s brother and sister-in-law rebuild after the Eaton Fire. Every donation makes a difference. Click here to donate.

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Transform your ordinary running routines into extraordinary accomplishments with the secrets of habit mastery. Ever wondered why your New Year's resolutions crumble by February? Discover how shifting from resolution-focused thinking to a process-based approach can revolutionize your training routine. Drawing insights from James Clear's "Atomic Habits" and Dr. BJ Fogg's "Tiny Habits," I reveal the power of starting small and celebrating every victory, no matter how minor. 

You won't want to miss our special challenges, like February’s Gloves On, Booty Strong Challenge and March’s Playbill Playoffs, all designed to ramp up your motivation and performance throughout the year. 

February’s focus is on building strength in the posterior chain and lateral stabilizers—critical areas for female runners who are often quad-dominant. This strength helps prevent injuries and improves performance. Space is limited, so sign up now to get started on a stronger 2025.

Sign up for February’s Gloves On, Booty Strong Challenge or commit to the next three months:
Register Here


Plus, I share updates on my own running and invite you to join the Women of World Marathon Majors Facebook group to connect with inspiring female runners from across the globe.

We dive deep into building a robust identity as a runner, with a particular focus on the role of strength training for women. Learn why heavy lifting is not only about muscle gain but essential in boosting endurance and warding off injuries—especially by strengthening that all-important posterior chain. 

Understand how to adapt your workouts to the seasonal ebb and flow of your mileage and why maintaining a disciplined schedule is crucial in a hectic lifestyle. 

Additionally, I tackle the challenges posed by California’s wildfires, offering practical tips for training safely amid smoky skies. This episode is your guide to prioritizing health, staying adaptable, and ensuring open communication with healthcare professionals as you chase those ambitious running goals.

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Welcome to 2025! It’s a brand-new year, and this is your chance to set the tone for the months ahead. In this episode, I’m diving into the Rise to the Challenge: 4 Months to Extraordinary, a one-of-a-kind program designed to help you stop starting over and start building habits that last.

This isn’t your typical New Year’s challenge. Over four months, you’ll join a community of motivated runners and fitness enthusiasts, lean into weekly accountability, and tackle creative themes like "Glow Up," "Knockout February," and "The Fit Games."

If you’ve ever struggled with sticking to your goals after January, this program is your answer. With structure, support, and plenty of fun along the way, you’ll be set up to make 2025 your strongest year yet.

We kick off on January 6, and registration is open now. Sign up today to lock in your spot and use code COMMIT at checkout to save $20.

🎧 Ready to rise? Visit the website for all the details.

This is your year—let’s make it extraordinary together!

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Race day is finally here, and while it’s your time to shine, it can also be full of unexpected twists and turns. From forgotten shoes to mid-race cramps, I’ve seen it all—and I’ve coached runners through it all. In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, I’m sharing the ultimate race day survival guide packed with practical tips, humorous anecdotes, and heartfelt encouragement.

We’ll dive into how to avoid common mishaps, like showing up late or overdressing, and tackle what to do when things go sideways—because let’s face it, sometimes they will. Whether it’s a blister at mile ten or the dreaded porta-potty dilemma, you’ll leave this episode ready to handle anything the race throws at you. Tune in for wisdom, laughter, and the confidence boost you need to crush your next race.

Your Fairy Runmother has you covered—now, let’s stride toward extraordinary together! 🏅✨

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