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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 are can help you build consistency, confidence, and joy in your running.

This episode is a reminder that all runners count, that progress doesn’t disappear when motivation dips, and that your running journey—at any pace or stage—is valid and worth celebrating.

Resources Mentioned:

• Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Running: Everything You Need to Get Started
• Interval Running for Beginners: Starting Smart and Strong
• Full race schedule + blog: runstrongrun.com

Connect With Steph:

• Instagram: @RunStrongRun
• TikTok: @RunStrongRun
• Facebook: Run Strong Run
• Blog: RunStrongRun.com

Let’s Stay Connected

If this episode encouraged you, please:

• Subscribe to the podcast
• Share this episode with a friend who needs a little encouragement
• Leave a review—your support helps this message reach more runners

Thank you for being here and for letting me be part of your running journey.
Here’s to a rooted, strong, and steady 2026.

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, Facebook @runstephstrongrun 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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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!"

Send us a text

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 everyday runners she saw online. We talk about her decision to run one race every month, the brutal first half marathon that almost broke her, and how she turned that experience into a full-hour PR at her next half simply by trusting her plan.

We also dive into what it’s really like training for a first marathon as a full-time working mom with a 3-year-old and 18-month-old, why she did most of her early miles on the treadmill out of fear and embarrassment, and how community—online and in person—carried her through the hardest miles of race day in Scottsdale.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really do this?” when it comes to a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon, Vicky’s story will feel like a permission slip to start scared and show up anyway.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Vicky went from “not a runner” to racing every month for a year
• The couch-to-5K journey that turned into multiple half marathons and a full
• The disaster first half marathon that taught her to stick to her plan
• Why she spent four months running only on the treadmill before braving the park
• Training for a marathon as a working mom of two small kids (4 a.m. alarms and all)
• The emotional highs and lows of the Every Woman’s Marathon
• Vicky’s go-to gear and fuel: Goo Tane, Bonk Breaker chews, and Brooks Glycerin
• Her advice to anyone afraid to take the first step: “Do it scared.”

🎧 Listen in if you need a reminder that you belong at the start line—no matter your pace, your age, or how long you’ve been away from running.

✨ Helpful Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Download your free 5:50 marathon pace band.
• Watch the full episode on YouTube.
• Join the Interval Running for Beginners course (Starting Smart & Strong).

Connect with Vicky on Instagram: @marathonmamav

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!"

Send us a text

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 running CIM this year or dreaming about it someday, this episode is packed with inspiration, behind-the-scenes pacing memories, and the start-line magic that makes CIM one of the best marathons in the world.

If you’re running CIM this year, I’ll be pacing the 5:50 group again. Come say hi at the expo or at the start line!

✨ Free 5:50 Pace Band
✨ Interval Running for Beginners Course
✨ From the blog: The First California International Marathon (CIM) Six hour Pacer

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!"

Send us a text

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 miles in the Central Valley heat to joining thousands of women on the streets of Scottsdale. She opens up about running her first unofficial half marathon during COVID, pushing through the toughest miles of her full marathons, and discovering that there is no one “runner body.”

Together, Steph and Miriam talk about:

• How Miriam went from casual jogger to marathoner
• The power of run/walk intervals
• The emotional energy of the Every Woman’s Marathon
• Finding courage in the back of the pack
• Why anyone—yes, anyone—can become a runner

If you need a reminder that all runners count and that you can do hard things, this episode will speak straight to your heart. Expect encouragement, laughter, a few tears, and a whole lot of inspiration.

✨ Helpful Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Download your free 5:50 marathon pace band.
• Watch the full episode on YouTube.
• Join the Interval Running for Beginners course (Starting Smart & Strong).

Connect with Miriam on Instagram: @mperales_066

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!"

Send us a text

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 at the USA Women’s Marathon in Palm Desert, where Dawn completed her first 26.2, and they’re now gearing up to reunite at the Every Woman’s Marathon in Scottsdale, Arizona. Together they talk about:

• Starting from zero and building confidence as a new runner
• Running through motherhood, mental health, and real-life chaos
• Pushing through an IT band flare at mile 20
• Finding strength and joy in the back of the pack
• Why “all runners count,” no matter pace or distance

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can run your first race—or if you’re craving some motivation to keep going—Dawn’s story will light you up.

🎧 Listen now and get inspired before the Every Woman’s Marathon!

👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OoGvuVfZ7IA

✨ Join Run Strong Run Weekly for expert tips, motivation, and training secrets delivered straight to your inbox: JOIN HERE

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!"

Send us a text

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 2024, Carrie’s story is all about running with gratitude, connection, and purpose.

🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ProFAE4WgMM

Tune in to be inspired by the beauty of slowing down, finding community, and celebrating every step of the journey—because at CIM, all runners count. 💛

🔗 Download a copy of Carrie's Roses, Thorns, and Mantras from CIM 2024.

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!"

Send us a text

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 Marathon (CIM), and Alicia opens up about how running has shaped her resilience and determination in both life and business. Whether you're training for your next race or looking for motivation to chase your dreams, Alicia’s story is sure to inspire you!

Hit play and get ready to be inspired!
⚫ Follow Alicia on Instagram at / aliciarodriguezrealestategroup

🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TTLa7BjCsZg

• Download your FREE Speed Walking Workout Guide: Download Here
• Subscribe to the Run Strong Run Newsletter: Subscribe Now
• Enroll in my Online Running Course for Beginners: Sign Up Today

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your running friends. Let’s run strong together!

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!"