I’m back with a Wednesday mini episode for the first time in a long time, and I’m catching up with you right after finishing my 20 miler for the Charlotte Marathon. I was supposed to be about eight months pregnant this November, but after a miscarriage in June and a second surgery in the middle of my training block, I spent most of this cycle with one foot in and one foot out, not trusting my body to do what it used to know how to do. In this episode I share how my husband’s “count to five” advice finally got me out of the car, why I’m using one mile run, one minute walk intervals on race day, and what happened when I stopped holding myself back halfway through. I also look back at the lesson each of my marathons has taught me and talk about what running has given me this year: a place to fall apart, rebuild, and feel proud of myself again. Now I’m officially in taper, and I’m so grateful you’ve stuck with me.

Follow along with the show:
👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays
🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod
📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast
🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources
Book a free 1:1 Coaching Call with me! - https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=37408473&appointmentType=85354440
Join the First Marathoner Community! - https://www.skool.com/myfirstmarathon/about

Morgan Berry spent her high school track days saying yes to whatever event her coach needed filled, but the marathon didn’t feel like hers until she watched her husband chase a Boston qualifier and find his running community in Knoxville. After finishing her local half, with three young kids at home and a husband who travels for work, she decided there was no point waiting for a perfect season. She signed up for her hometown marathon and told everyone she knew so she couldn’t back out.

Training meant Friday long runs so her husband could take Saturdays, treadmill miles when he was on the road, and a new running friendship with someone she went to high school with who messaged her on Strava. Not every long run went to plan, but by race day she had a carb load plan she trusted, a family ready to cheer at six spots along a hot, hilly course, and three kids she knew were watching.

Follow along with Morgan Berry: Morgan Berry on Strava
Shop Bound Running Co

Follow along with the show:
👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays
🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod
📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast
🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources
Book a free 1:1 Coaching Call with me! - https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=37408473&appointmentType=85354440
Join the First Marathoner Community! - https://www.skool.com/myfirstmarathon/about

Jess O’Brien became a mom at 18, and for years movement took a back seat to raising her son. Running didn’t stick the first time she tried it, but joining a CrossFit gym had built up her endurance, so when a Revel marathon popped up on her favorite New Hampshire highway, she signed up and figured she’d learn the rest along the way.

And of course as anyone does training for their first marathon, she learned plenty that winter. Fueling, learning how to push through the hard, you name it, she was learning it along the way throughout training. But the bigger surprise was what those miles gave back. Running was the first thing she’d ever done only for herself, and she found she showed up better as a mom, wife, and friend because of it.

Follow along with Jess: @Jessgets_fit33
Donate to Jess' London Fundraiser! https://secure.qgiv.com/event/20tclondonma/account/2403919/

Follow along with the show:
👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays
🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod
📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast
🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources
Book a free 1:1 Coaching Call with me! - https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=37408473&appointmentType=85354440
Join the First Marathoner Community! - https://www.skool.com/myfirstmarathon/about