Run Strong Run Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Amazon Prime Day is the perfect time to save on running gear you'll actually use—but not every deal is worth your money. ( My Amazon Storefront ) In this episode, I'm sharing the products I personally use as a marathon pacer, beginner running coach, and mom of two. From the Gymboss Interval Timer that powers my run-walk intervals to my COROS Pace 3 running watch, Brooks...

Send us Fan Mail What if you started running at 44 and ended up completing 100 miles? In this inspiring episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, I sit down with Michelle Schroff, better known on Instagram as Waddell Running Lady . Michelle shares her incredible journey from reluctant beginner runner to ultra marathon finisher, proving that it's never too late to start and that running can trans...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to sweep one of the most challenging marathons in the world? In this episode, I’m sharing my experience as a 6-hour sweeper at the Big Sur International Marathon , including the strategy, strength, and mindset it takes to stay ahead of a strict cutoff on California’s iconic Highway 1 course. After racing Big Sur in 5:27 in 2023 using my own 5:30 pace band...

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever wondered, “Could I really run a marathon?” — this episode is for you. In this episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, I sit down with Greg Zarco , who went from barely running to completing his very first marathon at the Los Angeles Marathon. And not just finishing… absolutely crushing it. We talk about:  What inspired Greg to sign up for his first marathon   How he...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, I sit down with Sharon and Cia Galatas — a mother-daughter duo who flew from New England to California to run the full marathon at the Napa Valley Marathon. What started as signing up for the half turned into a bold decision: “If we’re flying across the country… we might as well run the full.” From snowy winter training runs in Vermon...

Send us Fan Mail 2026 is not a restart—you’re not starting over. You’re building from what you already started. In the first episode of 2026 on the Run Strong Run Podcast , Steph shares a powerful mindset shift for runners who may already feel their New Year motivation fading. Instead of resolutions, she focuses on choosing a word for the year— rooted —and explains how staying grounded in who you...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast , I sit down with new marathoner and mom of two, Vicky Hurd , a.k.a. @marathonmamav , who went from zero running routine to 26.2 miles at the Every Woman’s Marathon in just over a year. Vicky shares how she went from running eighth-grade cross country “just to make the soccer team” to becoming a runner again after kids, inspired by eve...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m counting down 7 unforgettable CIM moments from my seven years at the California International Marathon. From my first CIM in 2016, to becoming a three-time ambassador, to officially joining the pace team in 2021, to running with legends like Benny and Bruce — these stories shaped me as a runner, a pacer, and a believer that all runners count . Whether you’re r...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast , Steph sits down with two-time marathon finisher Miriam Perales , who went from hating the mile in PE to crossing the finish line at both the Oakland Marathon and the Every Woman’s Marathon by age 30. Miriam shares how running became her unexpected path to confidence, healing, and community—from early-morning m...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast , Stephanie sits down with marathoner and mom of four, Dawn Klasen , whose story proves it’s never too late to start running. Dawn began running in her early 40s after surgical menopause—what started as a way to manage her health quickly turned into a passion that’s carried her across marathon finish lines. Stephanie and Dawn first met...

Send us Fan Mail What if your next personal record wasn’t about speed—but about joy? 🌟 In this uplifting episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast , host Stephanie Dunlap chats with runner Carrie Gilbert , who shares how the California International Marathon helped her redefine what a PR truly means. From her first marathon in Chicago to carrying a notepad of “roses, thorns, and mantras” through CIM...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Alicia Rodriguez—a dedicated marathoner, real estate agent, single mom, and proud grandma. Alicia shares her incredible journey of balancing motherhood, a thriving career, and her passion for running. We dive into our experiences running together at the Run Rocklin Half Marathon, Run the Parkway 20-Miler and the California International M...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to transform your walk intervals into a powerful part of your run/walk strategy? In this episode, we share expert tips on how to increase your walk interval pace, improve your efficiency, and maintain momentum during your training. Learn how proper form, cadence, and intentional drills can help you walk faster without compromising recovery or performance. Whether you’re trai...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Bryon Solberg, a paraplegic athlete who has redefined what it means to push limits. From the start line of his 23rd Carlsbad Marathon to his ongoing journey of resilience and determination, Bryon shares how he found his "why" and uses it to overcome challenges, inspire others, and keep moving forward.  Whether you're a...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Season 2 of Run Strong Run ! In this kickoff episode, we’re tackling the all-or-nothing mindset that holds so many runners back—especially when setting New Year’s goals. Whether you’re aiming for your first 5K, marathon, or simply looking to stay consistent, this episode will help you reframe your approach to running and goal-setting. Learn actionable strategies to embr...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the podcast, I’m sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between from my unforgettable journey of completing 14 marathons in 2024 . From the lessons I learned about pacing and recovery to overcoming mental and physical challenges, this episode is packed with insights to inspire runners at every level. I’ll also dive into the strategies that helped me stay inj...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1 of the Run Strong Run Podcast is "Stories from the Back of the Pack", and each episode features a conversation with an inspiring runner who often finishes marathons in the back of the pack. In this episode, Stephanie talks to Jenica about how she went from non-runner to marathoner in a short period of time and ran her first marathon at the Napa Valley Marathon i...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1 of the Run Strong Run Podcast is "Stories from the Back of the Pack", and each episode features a conversation with an inspiring runner who often finishes marathons in the back of the pack. In this episode, Stephanie talks to Sarah about how she went from non-runner to marathoner in a short period of time and ran her first marathon at the Surf City Marathon in 2...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1 of the Run Strong Run Podcast is "Stories from the Back of the Pack", and each episode features a conversation with an inspiring runner who often finishes marathons in the back of the pack. In this episode, Stephanie talks to Chad about how he went from 340 pound couch potato to marathoner when he ran his first marathon at the California International Marathon i...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1 of the Run Strong Run Podcast is "Stories from the Back of the Pack", and each episode features a conversation with an inspiring runner who often finishes marathons in the back of the pack. In this episode, Stephanie talks to JoAnn about how she went from non-runner to 5k runner ini 2017 then ran her first marathon at the Detroit Free Press Marathon marathon in...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1 of the Run Strong Run Podcast is "Stories from the Back of the Pack", and each episode features a conversation with an inspiring runner who often finishes marathons in the back of the pack. In this episode, Stephanie talks to Husun Davis about how he went from non-runner to marathoner in less than one year!  But even more inspiring than that is that he ran his f...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the Run Strong Run Podcast!  Season 1 is "Stories from the Back of the Pack", and each episode features a conversation with an inspiring runner who often finishes marathons in the back of the pack.  In this episode, Stephanie talks to Sandra Mikulic about how she went from non-runner to now 5k-a-day-streaker and 6x marathoner training for her first 100k!  Whil...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the Run Strong Run Podcast!  Season 1 is "Stories from the Back of the Pack", and each episode features a conversation with an inspiring runner who often finishes marathons in the back of the pack.  In this episode, Stephanie talks to Joseph Magnelli about how he went from non-runner to marathoner in 2023 while grieving the loss of his father!  In Joseph'...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the Run Strong Run Podcast!  Season 1 is "Stories from the Back of the Pack", and each episode features a conversation with an inspiring runner who often finishes marathons in the back of the pack.  In this episode, Stephanie talks to Veronika Kolesnikov about how she went from non-runner in 2019 to now six time marathoner and two time ultramarathoner!  In Ver...