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Run Strong Run PodcastAuthor: Stephanie Dunlap
Welcome to the Run Strong Run Podcast. In this podcast, I'll speak to runners who inspire and motivate me to show up as my best self. The discussion highlights back of the pack (BOTP) marathoners who run 26.2 miles in 5 or more hours. To join the discussion live, follow me on Instagram @runstrongrun or TikTok @runstrongrun.About Stephanie:Stephanie is a marathon pacer, mom of four, elementary school administrator, 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 34 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!" Language: en Genres: Fitness, Health & Fitness, Running, Sports Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Running Through Recovery: Usha’s Inspiring California International Marathon Journey
Episode 10
Monday, 22 December, 2025
Send us a textUsha’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 marathonerNavigating pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, surgery, and long recoveriesWhat it was like to run CIM in a sareeUsing run-walk intervals and a Gymboss timer to chase a marathon PRMental tricks for getting through the hard miles (hello, “just get to the next tree”)The power of supportive partners and family during marathon trainingUsha’s encouragement for anyone scared to sign up for their first marathonIf you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really do this?” — this episode is your answer.Related LinksConnect with Usha on Instagram: @therun_theworkout_themomFollow Steph on Instagram: @runstrongrunLearn 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/XtP6FGdulc8Support the showWelcome 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!"
