Runnah: Running Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Beyond!

Some races are about the finish time. Others are about everything it takes to get to that finish line.

In this episode, Ben sits down with me to talk all about my 2026 Womp Romp experience, and why this is genuinely the proudest I've felt about myself after a race.

We get into how the race unfolded, what I was feeling physically and mentally, the moments that challenged me, and what made this 50K so different from some of my previous race experiences.

I finished 7th woman overall in 5:31, but the result is only a small piece of the story. As someone navigating EDS, ankylosing spondylitis, and the many curveballs that come with running with chronic conditions, being able to show up, stay calm, trust myself, and enjoy the experience meant more than I can really put into a finish time.

We talk about the highs, the challenges, the perspective shifts, and why sometimes the biggest race accomplishment has absolutely nothing to do with the clock.

Because getting to the finish line is one thing. Feeling genuinely proud of how you got there? That's something else entirely.

Thanks to Ben for sitting down with me and letting me relive this one!

Follow along with Runnah:

Instagram: @RunnahPod
Personal Instagram: @jellyanna_runs
Email: [email protected]

Thinking about running the Womp Romp? Let's get into it.

In this episode of Runnah, I'm breaking down my experience at the 2026 Womp Romp and giving you an honest race review, along with the logistics and details you actually want to know before committing to a race.

We're talking course layout, race organization, parking, race-day experience, aid stations, terrain, atmosphere, and all the little details that can make or break a race experience. I'll share what I liked, what could have been better, and what you should consider when deciding whether this race is right for you.

Whether you're a seasoned ultrarunner, looking for your next challenge, or considering adding the Womp Romp to your race calendar for the first time, this episode is designed to give you the inside scoop.

Because choosing a race is about more than just distance. You want to know what you're signing up for!

Check out the race for yourself:
Official race website and registration: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=132578

Follow along:

• Instagram: @RunnahPod

• Personal Instagram: @jellyanna_runs

• Email: [email protected]

Want to run in college? Not sure how to navigate recruiting, connect with coaches, or put yourself in the best position to compete at the next level? This episode of Runnah is for you.

We’re sitting down with Eric Avila, Co-Founder and Head of Coaching at Trackbeast and founder of San Diego Elite, to talk about developing the next generation of runners and helping athletes navigate the path from high school competition to collegiate running.

Eric brings an impressive résumé to the conversation. He was a high school standout in San Diego, earned a college scholarship to Northern Arizona University before transferring to Southern Oregon, and became a four-time NAIA national champion. He went on to spend 10 years as a professional runner for adidas and HOKA, compete for Team USA, reach two U.S. Olympic Trials 1500m finals, and win the 2021 USATF Road Mile title.

Now, Eric uses his experience as an elite athlete and coach to help runners reach their potential through Trackbeast and San Diego Elite. His coaching experience spans athletes at different stages of development, including high school runners who have gone on to compete at Stanford.

In this episode, we discuss:

• College recruiting: Navigating the transition from high school running to collegiate competition

• Athlete development: Building the fitness, consistency, and racing experience needed to progress

• The coaching perspective: What Eric's experience as a professional runner has taught him about developing athletes

• Training smarter: How the Norwegian method, lactate testing, and threshold training influence his coaching philosophy

• Beyond the times: Developing as a runner while learning to train sustainably

• Trackbeast: How the platform and its coaching system support runners pursuing their goals

Whether you're a high school runner hoping to compete in college, a parent helping your athlete navigate the recruiting process, or a coach working with the next generation of talent, this conversation offers insight into the work that goes into taking the next step in running.

Website: https://trackbeast.com/

Instagram: @RunnahPod
Julianna's Instagram: @jellyanna_runs
Email: [email protected]

Follow along for more conversations about running, training, racing, and the people behind the sport.

If you're working toward running in college, share this episode with a teammate who has the same goal!

#Runnah #Trackbeast #CollegeRecruiting #CollegeRunning #HighSchoolTrack #CrossCountry #RunningPodcast

Runnah Riptide November 2026Sunday, November 1

- Falmouth in the Fall Road Race

• Start time: 11:00 AM

• Distance: 7 miles

• Location: Falmouth, MA

• Website: falmouthinthefall.com

• Fun fact: A seven-mile race gives you a little more distance than a traditional 10K, making it a fun challenge for runners who want something different from the usual fall 5K.

- Bourne To Run

• Start time: 10:00 AM

• Distance: 3.5 miles

• Location: Ella F. Hoxie School, 30 Williston Road, Sagamore Beach, MA

• Website: RunSignUp race page

• Fun fact: The loop course combines paved roads, a campground road, and the Cape Cod Canal bike path, with the start and finish at Hoxie School.

- Run for Robin 5K

• Start time: 10:00 AM

• Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)

• Location: Siasconset Casino, 10 New Street, Nantucket, MA

• Website: RunSignUp

• Fun fact: This is the 12th annual race honoring Robin Harvey, a runner who was killed while training for the Boston Marathon. Proceeds support the Harvey Foundation, including scholarships for student athletes.
  

- Chatham in the Fall 10K

• Start time: 9:00 AM

• Distance: 10K (6.2 miles), with a 2-person team relay option

• Location: Monomoy Regional Middle School, 425 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA

• Website: Cape Cod Athletic Club

• Fun fact: The race benefits Sharing Kindness and Cape Cod Foster Closet. Runners can also enter a two-person relay, with teams limited to 40.

- Chatham Turkey Trot

• Start time: 8:00 AM

• Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)

• Location: Oyster Pond Parking Lot, 80 Stage Harbor Road, Chatham, MA

• Website: chathamturkeytrot.com

• Fun fact: This community race supports the Lower Cape Outreach Council, which operates emergency food pantries and provides assistance to local residents. The route includes views near Chatham Lighthouse. 

- Thanksgiving Sandwich 5K

• Start time: 8:00 AM

• Distance: 5K (3.1 miles); Lil’ Gobbler Run for children ages 5 and under begins at 7:45 AM

• Location: Stop & Shop Plaza, 65 Route 6A, Merchants Road, Sandwich, MA

• Website: South Shore Race

• Fun fact: The event has a special Lil’ Gobbler Run for little runners, making it a family-friendly way to kick off Thanksgiving. 

- Oak Bluffs Turkey Trot

• Start time: 8:30 AM

• Distance: 5K

• Location: MV Chowder Company, 9 Oak Bluffs Avenue, Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, MA

• Website: Race information and registration

• Fun fact: The route winds through Oak Bluffs, passing Circuit Avenue and heading toward the harbor before returning to the finish.

- Provincetown 5K Pilgrim Trot

• Start time: 9:00 AM

• Distance: 5K

• Location: Sandcastle Resort and Club, 929 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA

• Website: RunSignUp

• Fun fact: This is the 15th annual event, and costumes are encouraged. Pets and strollers are welcome, and 100% of proceeds benefit Helping Our Women (HOW).
  

- Andrea Holden Thanksgiving 5K Road Race

• Start time: 10:00 AM

• Distance: 5K (3.1 miles), run or walk

• Location: Dennis Inn, Scarsdale Road, Dennis, MA. Parking is at the Dennis Playhouse.

• Website: RaceRoster registration | Andrea Holden Foundation

• Fun fact: The race is celebrating its 25th year in 2026. It honors Andrea Holden and supports children's health and wellness in the Mid-Cape community. 

Training Tip: Adapt to the weather, its time to break out allllll the gear 

Mantra: Seasons change and I can change too

Connect with Runnah

Email: [email protected]

IG: @runnahpod @jellyanna_runs

Saturday, November 7Sunday, November 22Thursday, November 26: Thanksgiving DaySaturday, November 28

Living with a chronic illness can be exhausting. Having to fight to be heard, explain your symptoms over and over, or convince someone that your own body is telling you something is wrong? That's a whole other job you never applied for.

In this solo episode of Runnah, I’m sharing my biggest tips for advocating for yourself in the healthcare system and in everyday life, based on what I’ve learned through my own experiences navigating chronic illness.

We're talking about:

• Know when to move on. Not every healthcare professional is the right fit for you, and you’re allowed to find someone who listens and takes your concerns seriously.
• Don't accept gaslighting as the price of getting care. You can be open to different perspectives without dismissing your own experiences.
• Be kind or neutral when you can. You don't have to turn every difficult interaction into a battle. Protect your energy, stay focused on what you need, and remember that being respectful doesn't mean being a pushover.
• Document everything. Keep track of symptoms, appointments, questions, test results, and conversations. Having a record can help you recognize patterns and communicate more effectively.
• Keep going, even when you hit a wall. One frustrating appointment doesn't have to be the end of the road.

My biggest takeaway? You can advocate for yourself without being aggressive, you can be kind without accepting poor treatment, and you can move on from a provider who isn't the right fit without feeling guilty.

This conversation is for anyone navigating chronic illness, trying to get answers, supporting someone with a chronic condition, or learning how to speak up for themselves in any part of life.

You deserve to be heard. You deserve to ask questions. And you don't have to prove yourself to everyone.

CONNECT WITH RUNNAH

Instagram: @RunnahPod
Email: [email protected]

CONNECT WITH ME

Instagram: @jellyanna_runs

If this episode resonates with you, leave a comment and share something you've learned about advocating for yourself. Your experience might help someone else feel less alone.

Subscribe to Runnah for honest conversations about running, chronic illness, life, and everything in between.

#Runnah #ChronicIllness #SelfAdvocacy #MedicalGaslighting #ChronicIllnessAwareness

FlipMitts review time! And spoiler alert: I LOVE THEM.

In this episode of Runnah, I’m sharing my honest review of FlipMitts and why they’ve become a piece of running gear I’m genuinely excited about. As a runner who spends a LOT of time logging miles, I appreciate gear that makes the running experience better. FlipMitts have officially earned some love from me!

Whether you’re training for your next race, tackling long runs, or always on the hunt for your next favorite running accessory, this review is for you.

Have you tried FlipMitts? Let me know in the comments! And if there’s another running product you want me to put to the test, tell me what I should review next.

CONNECT WITH RUNNAH

Instagram: @RunnahPod
Email: [email protected]

Subscribe to Runnah for honest running gear reviews, ultrarunning adventures, runner stories, and conversations about everything that makes this sport so wonderfully weird.

#Runnah #FlipMitts #RunningGear #RunningReview #RunnerLife #Ultrarunning

That's a wrap on Cape Cod Marathon Weekend 2026! From the starting line nerves to the finish-line celebrations, this weekend was a reminder of what makes the running community so special.

In this episode, I'm recapping an unforgettable weekend at the Cape Cod Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 5K, Chowdah Challenge, Lobstah Challenge, and Kids Run. As the race announcer and social media manager, I got to experience the energy, the incredible volunteers, the inspiring runners, the big finishes, and all the little moments that make race weekend so much more than a finish time.

We're talking race-weekend highlights, community spirit, the people who make it all happen, and why getting to be part of this event means so much to me. Whether you raced, volunteered, cheered from the sidelines, or followed along online, thank you for being part of the magic.

Lace up, settle in, and relive the weekend with me!

Follow Runnah:
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Have a Cape Cod Marathon Weekend memory you want to share? Tag me or send it my way. I love celebrating this running community, and I can't wait to do it all again!

#RunnahPodcast #CapeCodMarathon #CapeCodMarathonWeekend #RunningCommunity #MarathonWeekend

Cape Cod Marathon 2026 Pep Talk: You’ve Got This

Race weekend is HERE, Cape Cod! In this special Runnah episode, Julianna brings you a little pre-race pep talk before the 2026 Cape Cod Marathon and Half Marathon.

Whether you’re chasing a PR, running your first marathon, tackling the half, coming back from an injury, running for someone you love, or simply wondering why you voluntarily signed up to run 26.2 miles… this one is for you.

We’re talking nerves, excitement, race-day expectations, pacing yourself, soaking in the Cape Cod vibes, and remembering that the finish line is only part of the story. You’ve put in the miles. You’ve had the questionable training runs. You’ve probably questioned your life choices at least once. Now it’s time to trust the work you’ve done and go enjoy the race.

So take a deep breath, pin on that bib, fuel up, and let’s do this.

Cape Cod Marathon weekend, your time has come. See you out there!

What do you do when your body gives you reasons to slow down, but you’re not ready to let life pass you by?

In this episode of Runnah, I sit down with Justin Deflumeri, a runner, endurance athlete, former boxer, and someone who has built a habit of chasing the next big challenge. We talk about his journey into running, living with spinal issues, pushing through physical limitations, and why he refuses to let his body dictate how much life he gets to experience.

Justin has gone from marathons, including Boston, to ultramarathons and triathlons, continually upping the ante. At the time of the challenge we discuss, his next goal was one of his biggest yet: attempting to run approximately 220 miles across New Hampshire, from the Canadian border in Pittsburg to the Massachusetts border in Nashua, in just five days.

The run was planned to raise money for the Heather Abbott Foundation, which provides custom prosthetics to people who have experienced traumatic limb loss.

We also get into the reality behind an adventure like this: sleep deprivation, nutrition, terrain, the importance of a support crew, knowing when your brain is no longer making great decisions, and the mental battle that comes when a challenge stops being fun and starts being really, really hard.

And then there’s Justin’s daughter, Aria, who may have delivered the most important piece of race-day advice of all:

“Dad, you’re going to be fine. You do this all the time.”

This conversation is about running, but it’s really about not waiting for the perfect circumstances to start living your life.

Justin's IG: https://www.instagram.com/justindeflumeri33/

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @runnahpod

#Runnah #JustinDeflumeri #Ultrarunning #UltraMarathon #RunningPodcast #EnduranceRunning #AdaptiveRunning #SpinalIssues #ChronicPain #KeepRunning #NeverGiveUp #LiveLife #RunningCommunity #HeatherAbbottFoundation #NewHampshireRunning #220Miles #UltraRunner

I’m putting a bunch of shoes up for sale on Poshmark, so whether you’re looking for your next daily trainer, a new pair to try on the trails, or just want to score some running shoes without paying full retail, there might be something for you.

Shop my running shoe closet here:
https://poshmark.com/closet/jcoughlin1955

Come help me clear some space for future shoe reviews and give these shoes a new home. Because one runner’s closet clean-out is another runner’s next favorite pair!

Connect with Runnah!
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📸 Instagram: @runnahpod

#Runnah #RunningShoes #RunningShoeCollection #ShoeClosetCleanout #Poshmark #RunningCommunity #RunnerLife #RunningGear #SustainableRunning