Tatiana Rojas was a former gym teacher and long-time social worker in New York when she decided to tackle her first marathon at nearly 50 years old. What started as a decades-long dream watched on television blossomed into a mission-driven journey across the World Marathon Majors.

Growing up watching the New York City Marathon, Tatiana always vowed that one day she would cross that finish line herself. After immigrating to the United States and waiting 20 years—unaware that entry required a lottery draw—a casual conversation with a coworker finally set her journey in motion. She applied, won a spot, and finished her debut marathon in 7 hours, 37 minutes, and 11 seconds.

That first race was a complete trial by fire. Naive about training, course logistics, and post-race recovery, she spent a full week recovering in bed and declared she would never run another.

The pull of the distance proved too strong to walk away from. Tatiana returned to the marathon with structured coaching and a deeper purpose, dedicating her miles to raising funds for Alzheimer’s and dementia research. From there, she committed to the NYRR 9+1 program, kept her momentum through virtual events during the pandemic, and systematically began checking off world majors.

Throughout her journey, raising funds for causes bigger than herself became a central pillar. She has raised over $10,000 across various campaigns supporting children and families with disabilities, Catholic Charities, heart disease research, and animal welfare organizations.

Just four years after stepping up her structured training, Tatiana completed the Boston Marathon—running alongside her friend Maria Fernanda—to officially earn her Six Star Finisher Medal. Her major marathon achievements include:

• New York City Marathon: Her foundational race, run multiple times including her debut and post-pandemic returns.

• Chicago Marathon: Site of her official marathon personal record of 5:48.

• Berlin & London Marathons: Completed as part of her international major series push.

• Tokyo Marathon: Completed while raising funds for animal rescue organizations.

• Boston Marathon: The final piece to lock in her Six Star Finisher Medal.

• Paris Marathon: Completed during the Olympic year, running the mass participation night marathon.

Now turning 66, Tatiana views every mile as an investment in her health, longevity, and vitality. Rejecting the idea that age should dictate limits, she credits running with keeping her prescription-free and deeply connected to a global running community. Her race-day mental strategy relies on positive self-talk—literally speaking to her legs between miles 18 and 23 to overcome fatigue and finish strong.

With upcoming plans to run the Sydney Marathon and target the new World Marathon Majors expansion stars, Tatiana continues to prove that passion and persistence have no expiration date.

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In this episode, we launch our four-part Marathon Masterclass designed to strip away overcomplicated training noise and get back to core physiological fundamentals. Whether you are tackling your first 26.2, targeting a Boston Qualification, or resetting ahead of a new training block, we lay out the exact blueprint for setting up a successful 16-to-20-week macrocycle. We break down the medical and orthopedic reality of tissue adaptation, explain why muscle strength outpaces tendon durability, and outline the pre-block readiness audit every runner should pass before starting Week 1.

We also dive deep into the science of the aerobic engine and why 80% of your training volume must feel effortless. Discover how Zone 2 running drives capillary expansion, mitochondrial biogenesis, and fat oxidation—and why falling into the "Gray Zone" (Zone 3) traps runners in cumulative fatigue. Plus, we share half-marathon prediction formulas to calculate a realistic race goal, explore the 3:1 build-to-recovery microcycle pattern, and discuss when it makes sense to work with a running coach.

Show Notes & Links Mentioned:

• Full Article & Breakdown: Read the accompanying guide on MarathonJournal.com

• Pacing Tools: Check your training zones using the VDOT Running Calculator

• Get in Touch: Questions or topic requests for Part 2? Email us at [email protected]

  Connect with Us:

  • Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com

  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast

  • YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal

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What happens when a punishment turns into your life’s biggest sanctuary? In this episode of Your Story, Your Why, Letty sits down with Claire Boyce—a stepmom, runner, and Greenville native—to explore how running became her anchor through deep childhood trauma, adoption, and family life.

Claire opens up about finding her biological family, creating a harmonious blended household with her stepchildren and their birth mother, and the exact moment at a local Turkey Trot that transformed her mindset from a 3:30 half marathoner into a 1:47 athlete chasing a Boston Qualifier.

In this episode, we cover:

• Turning an elementary school discipline lesson into a lifelong passion

• Using running to navigate identity and adoption trauma

• Grace, communication, and community in blended families

• Shaving over 90 minutes off a half marathon PR

• Why you should never give up when things get hard

• Connect with Claire & Upward Running: upwardrunning.com

• Have a story to share? Visit marathonjournal.com or reach out to Letty directly!

Ever dreamed of crossing a finish line on the Opera House concourse, pacing into an ocean sunset in Ibiza, or running among wildlife on an African safari? In this episode, we’re breaking down 18 ultimate bucket-list destination marathons across the globe! We cover everything from course highlights and iconic landmarks to low-impact pre-race taper activities to protect your legs, plus post-race adventures and spectator vibes for your support crew.

🔗 Read the full detailed travel guide and course breakdowns on Marathon Journal: marathonjournal.com/18-bucket-list-marathons

https://marathonjournal.com/2026-tcs-sydney-marathon-guide/

Heading down under for the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon? Whether you’re chasing an Abbott World Marathon Majors qualification, running your first 42.2K in Australia, or cheering on a runner, executing a seamless racecation requires getting the details right long before you line up!

In this episode, we break down our ultimate event blueprint alongside insights from 9 expert contributors—including Race Director Wayne Lardin, Head Coach Ben Lucas, Lead Convoy Controller Michael Young, Olympian Luis Orta, and localSydney tourism experts.

We cover major 2026 schedule changes, mandatory gear bagdrop rules at the new Olympic Park Expo, early course quad-savers, biosecurity travel hacks, and Jude O'Shea’s comprehensive Sydney carbo-loading &celebration dining guide!

👉 Read the Ultimate 2026 TCS SydneyMarathon Guide: [https://marathonjournal.mag/sydney-marathon-guide-2026] (Insert your website link)

00:00- Intro: Sydney Marathon 2026 Overview

2:09– What is Different

2:59– Race Director Wayne Larden Welcomes the Runners

12:19– Sydney Travel Playbook (Visas, What to Declare, etc)

17:04– Reminders (Converter Plugs, E-Sims, Bank Stuff, Packing Lists)

19:51– How to Deal With Jet Lag

21:54– Where to Stay

22:56– Expo

24:31– Tips from FB Admin Ben Rocke of “TCS Sydney Marathon Support Group 2026”

33:55– Tips from TCS Sydney Marathon Head Coach Benjamin Lucas

41:42– Course Preview and Walk Through with TCS Sydney Marathon Head Coach BenjaminLucas

48:18– Chat with Official Pacer Damon Lynch

59:06– Behind the Scenes with Michael Young, TCS Sydney Marathon Lead ConvoyController

1:03:09– Weather Speculations

1:06:44– Chat with ASICS Australia Nathan Pope on Mission, Gear, and Activations

1:14:38– Chat with TCS Sydney Marathon Operations Director Simon Bryan on MotionFestival

1:22:47– Tourism Chat with Tourism Expert Jude O’Shea on Must-Sees, Should-Sees, andExtras

1:41:34– Foodie Information

1:49:44– Taper Chat with Olympian and iFIT Trainer Luis Orta

Top-TierCarbo-Loading (Book 30–45 Days Out):

·      Ragazzi Wine &Pasta (CBD)

·      Grappa at The Rocks(The Rocks)

·      Neptune's Grotto(CBD)

·      Grana(Circular Quay)

·      Flaminia(CBD) & Paloo(Freshwater)

·      Pellegrino 2000(Surry Hills)

·      Totti’s(CBD / Bondi / Rozelle)

CasualItalian & Pizza:

·      Zia Pina Pizzeria(The Rocks)

·      Il Baretto(Paddington)

·      Arthur's Pizza(Surry Hills)

·      Bill & Toni’s(Darlinghurst)

High-EndPost-Race Celebrations & Harbour Views:

·      Cafe Sydney(Customs House)

·      Canvas at MCA(The Rocks Rooftop)

·      Opera Bar& Bennelong(Sydney Opera House)

·      Icebergs Dining Room(Bondi Beach)

·      Midden by Mark Olive(Opera House)

·      Aster Bar(InterContinental 32nd Floor)

·      Crown Sydney Barangaroofeaturing Epicurean($110 AUD seafood buffet), Nobu,a'Mare,and Woodcut

Post-MarathonPubs & Breweries:

·      The Squire's Landing(James Squire) (Overseas PassengerTerminal)

·      Fortune of War(Sydney’s Oldest Pub)

·      The Glenmore Hotel(Rooftop Harbour Views)

·      The Orient Hotel(Historic Pub with Live Music)

·      The Doss House(Irish Pub with Live Sunday Tunes)

·      Website: marathonjournal.com

·      Podcast: Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

·      Instagram: @MarathonJournal_

If youfound this guide helpful, don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE,and hit the NOTIFICATION BELLto stay updated on all things distance running!

📖 READ THE FULLARTICLE & INTERACTIVE MAPS:⏱️ TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS🍝 THE SYDNEY RUNNER'SDINING GUIDE (FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE)🌐 CONNECT WITHMARATHON JOURNAL

What does it take to miss an Olympic Trials Qualifying mark by just six seconds—and come back hungrier than ever? In this episode of Your Story, Your Why, we sit down with Utah-based marathoner, content creator, and mechanical engineer Michael Ottesen. Known across the running community for his viral race-finish clips and relentless pursuit of a sub-2:16 marathon, Michael opens up about the childhood roots of his high pain tolerance, his grueling four-year journey as an unrecruited walk-on at BYU, and the harsh reality of balancing 100+ mile training weeks with a full-time engineering career and fatherhood.

Whether you are chasing a personal best or trying to navigate your own setbacks, Michael’s raw perspective on "outsuffering" the field and embracing long-term belief will leave you inspired to step back onto the line.

Resources and Links

• Connect with Michael Ottesen: Instagram

• Coaching Platform: Let's Tango Running

• Follow Marathon Journal: Website

In this episode, I sit down with Olympian, Scottish international, and McMillan Running coach Andrew Lemoncello to explore the mental and physical strategies that keep runners progressing season after season.

From competing in the steeplechase at Florida State University and running the Olympic marathon to coaching runners of all levels today, Andrew shares with me why consistency, mental reframing, and effort-based training far outweigh strict GPS metrics. Whether you are gearing up for a fall marathon or building your base, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways to help you train smarter and race stronger.

• Learning from Mistakes: How making training errors as an elite athlete shaped Andrew’s coaching philosophy today.

• Effort vs. Metrics: Why relying too heavily on GPS watches and wearable scores can sabotage your progress—and how to run by feel instead.

• Summer & Heat Adaptation: Managing expectations during warm-weather training blocks and trusting your hidden fitness.

• Gradual Long Run Progression: The half-mile-a-week rule for building volume safely without overstressing your body.

• The Charlie Spedding Mindset: How finding one positive takeaway after every workout transforms race-day confidence.

• Beating "The Wall": A concrete pen-and-paper mental exercise to prepare your mind for late-race glycogen depletion.

• The Universal Running Experience: Why every runner—from Olympic record-holders to first-time marathoners—shares the exact same mental battles.

"I think the biggest thing was making a lot of mistakes as an athlete. Having made pretty much all the mistakes allows me to spot pathways or ways of thinking in athletes very quickly before they set them back." — Andrew Lemoncello

"If your device says you're not recovered but you feel amazing, that's just a metric. You've got to listen to your body." — Andrew Lemoncello

"We all go through the same experiences. It doesn't matter if you're setting world records or running your first marathon. The pace is just different." — Andrew Lemoncello

• Connect with Andrew Lemoncello: McMillanRunning.com

• Read the full article on Marathon Journal: MarathonJournal.mag

• Follow Marathon Journal on Instagram: @MarathonJournal

If you found this conversation helpful, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Don't forget to share this episode with a friend who is currently in a marathon training block.

Your Story, Your Why: Reclaiming the Finish Line with Camila Canavese

For this week's episode of Your Story,Your Why, I sat down with an incredible member of our running community,Camila Canavese. Camila was just three blocks away from the finishline when the bombs went off in 2013, causing severe trauma that kept her awayfor a decade. It took her father holding her hand in 2023 to bring herback—sparking a promise that she would return to distance training.

Tragically,just weeks after that beautiful moment, her father passed away from a suddenheart attack.

Camila’sstory isn't just about surviving trauma or navigating a devastating loss; it’sa masterclass in how the simple act of putting one foot in front of the othercan give us a space to carry our heaviest grief. She dropped a line during our chat that I haven'tbeen able to stop thinking about: "If I wait to heal from this pain until I go back torunning, that will never happen."

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Are you stuck in a cycle of running injuries, overtraining, and rigid marathon training plans that leave zero room for real life? It's time to change the way you chase your next running PR.

This week, we sit down with sports scientist and 2:28 marathoner Josh Sambrook, creator of the adaptive running app Kaizen. Josh drops a major truth bomb on standard running coaching dogma, explaining why traditional 16-week schedules fail amateur athletes and how shifting to a dynamic training load model eliminates the guilt of missed miles. We deep dive into the exact marathon racing math that allows his algorithm to predict finish times with a staggering 93% accuracy. Plus, he shares a controversial, data-backed hot take on why busy runners should stop wasting precious time on gym work and strides, and focus purely on aerobic base building through high-volume slow running to unlock their absolute fastest potential.

If you want to master marathon pacing, prevent running injuries, and execute a flawless marathon strategy on race day, this episode is your blueprint.

Find Josh & Kaizen:

• Download Kaizen on iOS or Android

  
  

  Connect with Us:

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Your Story, Your Why: How Running Forged Matt B’s Lifelong DisciplineWhat happens when you go to a race finish line to ask your future wife out on acoffee date, only to watch her clock a jaw-dropping 3-hour marathon? Forpopular running vlogger and content creator Matt B, it was the exact catalystthat shifted his life from chaotic triathlons to completing over 60 enduranceevents. In this incredibly candid conversation, Matt strips away the typicalshoe reviews and race recaps to reveal the deep personal "why" behindhis 20-year running journey. From surviving severe stress fractures bydiscovering his unique "orthopedic threshold" to learning how tocompletely shut out the online comparison trap, Matt shares how the brutalmental stamina forged during early morning long runs gave him the focus neededto transform his adulthood and earn his Master's degree. Read the full featureto learn how Matt navigates the "dark miles" of racing, balancesdaily content creation, and why he believes checking your ego at the door willcompletely change how you view your own running.

🔗 Connect with Us 

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