What does it take to run 75 marathons across 46 states—and keep going after two herniated discs?
In this inspiring episode, Ian Bowen sits down with avid runner Mike Stiles, who is on a mission to complete a marathon in all 50 states. With nearly three decades of running under his belt, Mike shares his journey from doubting he could finish his first marathon to becoming a seasoned endurance athlete with an unwavering commitment to his goal.
Mike opens up about the physical setbacks, the mental battles, and the community that has supported him every step of the way. He introduces his “Triple A” framework—Aware, Accept, Adjust—a powerful mindset tool that has helped him adapt through injury, aging, and changing capabilities. Whether you’re a runner, a goal-setter, or someone facing a long-term challenge, Mike’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, adaptability, and finding joy in the journey.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
1. How Mike went from walking in a 5K to running 75 marathons.
2. Why he decided to join the 50 States Marathon Club—and how close he is to completing it.
3. The mental shift from “Can I finish?” to “How fast can I finish?”—and back again.
4. How he overcame two herniated discs and kept running.
5. The “Triple A” method: Aware, Accept, Adjust—and why acceptance is the hardest part.
6. The role of community, friends, and “support staff” in sustaining a long-term running journey.
7. Mike’s race-day strategy for breaking down 26.2 miles mentally.
8. Why the last mile is often his fastest—and how he pushes through the final 10K.
Key Takeaways:
1. Start Small, Think Big: Mike’s journey began with a local 5K and grew into a 50-state mission.
2. Persistence Over Perfection: Progress isn’t always linear—setbacks are part of the process.
3. Community Is Fuel: Running with others provides accountability, support, and shared joy.
4. Adapt Your Approach: As your body changes, adjust your training—not your goal.
5. Break It Down: Mentally segment big challenges into familiar, manageable pieces.
6. Comfort in Discomfort: Learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable—it’s part of growth.
7. Celebrate Small Wins: Every finish line, no matter the time, is an achievement.
8. Mindset Is Everything: Your thoughts can fuel your persistence—or hold you back.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to the Positive Persistence Podcast
01:00 – Introducing Mike Stiles and his 75 marathons across 46 states
02:00 – From first 5K to first marathon: Mike’s early running days
03:40 – The support of running clubs and finding community
04:45 – Overcoming a herniated disc after only two marathons
05:30 – Small wins and gradual improvement in running
06:10 – Combining passions: Running, travel, and the 50 States Marathon Club
07:00 – The importance of Hal (a friend, not Hal Higdon) in Mike’s journey
08:05 – Mental strategies for bouncing back after injury
09:10 – How being told “you can’t” became motivation
10:15 – Running marathons teaches you: “I can do hard things.”
11:05 – The role of community and training partners
13:00 – Breaking down the marathon mentally: From 20 miles to the finish
15:40 – The “Triple A” framework: Aware, Accept, Adjust
19:00 – Adapting training after injury and with age
21:10 – The importance of core strength and ongoing self-care
22:45 – [Ad break: The Rinse Method]
23:00 – Why acceptance doesn’t mean complacency
24:00 – Public goals create accountability
26:30 – The “running bug” and why we keep coming back
28:00 – Advice for tackling long-term, grueling goals
29:30 – Being “comfortable with being uncomfortable”
30:30 – Mike’s 10-10-10 rule for marathon pacing
31:00 – How he mentally tackles the last 10K
32:50 – Drawing on past successes to fuel present challenges
33:45 – What resilience means to Mike now vs. when he started
34:45 – The power of small wins: “Make your bed.”
35:20 – How to follow Mike’s journey to 50 states
36:50 – Closing thoughts: Stay positive, persistent, and remember—mindset is everything
Connect with Mike Stiles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.stiles.875879/
50 States Marathon Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/74142960795/
