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Running Through Recovery: Usha’s Inspiring California International Marathon Journey
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Usha’s story is proof that our bodies — and our spirits — are capable of so much more than we think. In this episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, Steph sits down with Usha, a marathoner, mom, photographer, and all-around powerhouse who turned years of healing, two major surgeries, and motherhood into a powerful CIM marathon PR.
Usha first ran a full marathon back in 2018 at the San Francisco Marathon, finishing in just over six hours with minimal fueling. Then life happened: pregnancy, postpartum recovery, an ectopic pregnancy, emergency surgery, and later a second major surgery. Each time, she had to relearn how to walk before she could even think about running again.
Despite all of that, Usha set her sights on the California International Marathon — not just once, but multiple years in a row. In 2024 she finished just behind the sweepers at CIM and didn’t get an official finish time. In 2025, she came back stronger, ran in a saree that she considers a blessing from a sacred temple in India, joined a CrossFit gym to rebuild her strength, used run-walk intervals with Steph’s 5:50 pace group, and crossed the finish line with a HUGE PR: 5:48:55.
In this conversation, we talk about:
- How Usha went from “gym regular” to marathoner
- Navigating pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, surgery, and long recoveries
- What it was like to run CIM in a saree
- Using run-walk intervals and a Gymboss timer to chase a marathon PR
- Mental tricks for getting through the hard miles (hello, “just get to the next tree”)
- The power of supportive partners and family during marathon training
- Usha’s encouragement for anyone scared to sign up for their first marathon
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really do this?” — this episode is your answer.
Related Links
- Connect with Usha on Instagram: @therun_theworkout_themom
- Follow Steph on Instagram: @runstrongrun
- Learn more about the California International Marathon (CIM)
- Interval Running for Beginners: Starting Smart and Strong (Steph’s course)
- Download a 5:50 Marathon Pace Band
- 🎥 Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XtP6FGdulc8
Support the show
Welcome to the Run Strong Run Podcast! The show where I, Stephanie Dunlap, empower runners of all levels to lace up, chase their dreams, and cross every finish line stronger than ever. To join the discussion live, follow me on Instagram @runstrongrun, TikTok @runstrongrun, or on my website at runstrongrun.com
About Stephanie:
Stephanie is a beginner run coach, marathon pacer, and your number-one cheerleader! Stephanie went from couch potato to marathoner in 2012 and "Run Strong Run" was born. Since running her first marathon, she's run over 60 full marathons! Stephanie believes that ALL runners count from the fast to the back of the pack. In Stephanie's words, "If you run, you are a runner!"
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By Stephanie DunlapSend us a text
Usha’s story is proof that our bodies — and our spirits — are capable of so much more than we think. In this episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, Steph sits down with Usha, a marathoner, mom, photographer, and all-around powerhouse who turned years of healing, two major surgeries, and motherhood into a powerful CIM marathon PR.
Usha first ran a full marathon back in 2018 at the San Francisco Marathon, finishing in just over six hours with minimal fueling. Then life happened: pregnancy, postpartum recovery, an ectopic pregnancy, emergency surgery, and later a second major surgery. Each time, she had to relearn how to walk before she could even think about running again.
Despite all of that, Usha set her sights on the California International Marathon — not just once, but multiple years in a row. In 2024 she finished just behind the sweepers at CIM and didn’t get an official finish time. In 2025, she came back stronger, ran in a saree that she considers a blessing from a sacred temple in India, joined a CrossFit gym to rebuild her strength, used run-walk intervals with Steph’s 5:50 pace group, and crossed the finish line with a HUGE PR: 5:48:55.
In this conversation, we talk about:
- How Usha went from “gym regular” to marathoner
- Navigating pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, surgery, and long recoveries
- What it was like to run CIM in a saree
- Using run-walk intervals and a Gymboss timer to chase a marathon PR
- Mental tricks for getting through the hard miles (hello, “just get to the next tree”)
- The power of supportive partners and family during marathon training
- Usha’s encouragement for anyone scared to sign up for their first marathon
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really do this?” — this episode is your answer.
Related Links
- Connect with Usha on Instagram: @therun_theworkout_themom
- Follow Steph on Instagram: @runstrongrun
- Learn more about the California International Marathon (CIM)
- Interval Running for Beginners: Starting Smart and Strong (Steph’s course)
- Download a 5:50 Marathon Pace Band
- 🎥 Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XtP6FGdulc8
Support the show
Welcome to the Run Strong Run Podcast! The show where I, Stephanie Dunlap, empower runners of all levels to lace up, chase their dreams, and cross every finish line stronger than ever. To join the discussion live, follow me on Instagram @runstrongrun, TikTok @runstrongrun, or on my website at runstrongrun.com
About Stephanie:
Stephanie is a beginner run coach, marathon pacer, and your number-one cheerleader! Stephanie went from couch potato to marathoner in 2012 and "Run Strong Run" was born. Since running her first marathon, she's run over 60 full marathons! Stephanie believes that ALL runners count from the fast to the back of the pack. In Stephanie's words, "If you run, you are a runner!"