My First Marathon

After finding himself lost for an identity outside of his job, this runner had a realization that he needed to re-prioritize some of the areas in his own life, including taking care of his mental and physical health. This drive led him to running, which eventually led him to run his first and second half marathon and then eventually a full marathon.

We talk a lot about mental health in this episode as this runner was diagnosed with OCD, anxiety, and depression and really found running as a tool to help work through some of these complex emotions. 

Follow along with Noah on Instagram and TikTok at @outrunaverage ! 

Today’s runner is a physical therapist, run coach, and running content creator with over 20 years of experience. While her early love for running was more casual—fitting in between high-level tennis competitions—her journey eventually led her to chase the marathon distance.

Her first attempt? The 2020 New York City Marathon… and we all know how that turned out. After completing an entire training block, she had to make the tough call to defer. When she finally got to the start line in 2022, she was ready for her dream NYC moment—but instead, faced one of the hardest race days of her life. Still, that race gave her a mindset shift that she carries into every training cycle and coaching session today.

I was smiling the entire time we recorded this. Runners love to talk running—and this conversation was no exception. 

Follow along with Victoria at @trainsmartrunstrong on Instagram! 

Today's runner's journey started in the hospital on Mother's Day where reality hit with his doctor telling him he needed to make an immediate change in his health. Since then he's lost 160 plus pounds, ran multiple Spartan races, an ultra marathon and eventually ran his first marathon and has no intentions of stopping there. 

We get into how much we're in our own ways and how proving to yourself over and over again that you can do hard things is what really pulls you out of that negative thought loop of thinking that you can't. There's so much good in this episode - check out the extended version on myfirstmarathonpodcast.com!

And follow along with Jared at @jaredbercera on Instagram!

On this weeks episode, I get the mic turned on me on the Super Awesome You Podcast to tell my story! We talk about my journey to running, exploring the power of your words, community, and finding yourself through running. 

I hope you all enjoy getting to know me a bit more, and make sure you following along with Sam's show at @superawesomeyou on Instagram and Threads, and check out the show on Spotify using the link below! 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RCPEonAazK3lQlECpBwWQ?si=wUrIT4pfT0KhutvWHri3Zw

Today's runner went from watching the New York City Marathon on social media to running her own marathon at the Every Women's Marathon in a year.... so you could say she got the marathon bug! Her journey was no easy feat though. She had to overcome the challenges of being a slower runner, a mom of two and struggling with having confidence in her body. 

Throughout the process, she was able to shift that mindset entirely, learning to embrace where her pace was at and celebrate her body in ways that she hadn't before.

Follow along with Mary Beth on instagram at @marybethdalton !

I mentioned Wrightsock in this episode - use my link to save on your next pair! https://www.wrightsock.com?sca_ref=8149618.guxVazgeDjwazlc 

Today's runner ran her first marathon in 2024 at the Philly Marathon in honor of her dad's life. Movement started for her as a softball player through high school and college where quite frankly, she was not a fan of running. After finding some joy in walking, she decided to take the jump to running and after running her first half marathon, she was completely hooked.

The passing of her father further fueled her journey as she went through the grieving process while training. This is really great story episode from someone who's been through a lot of trials and tribulations through her marathon journey. And at the end of the day, she made it out the other side with a new love for running.

Follow along with Ashley on Instagram at @run.with.ash !

Today's runner comes from the classic cross country runner to marathoner pipeline and walks us through her 10 year running journey leading up to the New York City Marathon in 2023. We talk about her experience with the 9 plus 1 program, her experience working with a coach for her first marathon, as well as the electricity of running the New York City Marathon in her home city.

For newer runners, she provides a great perspective on taking things slow in the beginning and how 26.2 miles is the same distance no matter how fast you finish it, but if you want to see what you're capable of and go for time, that's okay too. 

Follow along with Athina on Instagram @athina_sonitis and on TikTok @athina.sonitis!

On today's episode, we're celebrating the one year anniversary of the My First Marathon Podcast by throwing it back to the very first episode of the show talking about MY first marathon. 

We've got a brand spankin' new website out now as well - check out myfirstmarathonpodcast.com for free resources, extended/bonus content, and more! 

We'll be back with regular episodes next week, make sure you're following along with the show at @myfirstmarathonpod on Instagram and TikTok. 

We're launching a website! March 9th myfirstmarathonpodcast.com will be live equipped with paywall bonus Q&A's + solo chats breaking down our guest episodes, extended episodes, free first marathon resources, and more. Make sure you're following @myfirstmarathonpod on Instagram and TikTok for updates! 

Today's runner is a fellow podcaster who recently ran his first marathon at the 2024 New York City Marathon. We dig into how his relationship with running started with an amazing high school cross country coach who helped him realize that running can truly be a space for peace in life. 

After 10 years of running off and on, he spectated a friend at the New York City Marathon and knew from that moment that he was gonna run it too. His training was derailed by an injury causing him to miss peak training weeks, so we get into how he was able to bounce back from a setback in training as well. 

Follow along with Sam on Instagram at @superawesomerunner! 

Today's runner has four marathons and five years of running under her belt, each with a different lesson learned. The biggest lessons she's learned over time is to continually be reevaluating your "why" when it comes to distance running because at the end of the day, the marathon distance owes you nothing and it's important to know why you're showing up for you. 

Lots of stories on this one from someone who's battled stomach issues, an IT band injury, and more, so if you're looking for an episode with plenty of marathon experiences with curveballs along the way, this is the one for you. 

Follow along with Anna at @running.withanna on Instagram!