My First Marathon

This mini episode looks back at the first few weeks of working with my coach, Victoria from Train Smart Run Strong, when I showed up unsure, uncomfortable, and trying to figure out if my body could handle another marathon. We walk through how she approached my situation, the way she separates normal training fatigue from true red-flag pain, and why building a pain free foundation matters more than any workout. Along the way, we talk about the mindset shifts she teaches all injured athletes, the role of early confidence wins, and how variety and communication can quietly move you from panic mode to steady progress. Follow along with Victoria at @trainsmartrunstrong on Instagram and TikTok or check out her website at https://www.trainsmartrunstrong.com/ 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

Sheila started running at 53 with nothing but a Couch to 5K app and a feeling that something in her life needed to change. What she didn’t know then was that running would carry her through one of the hardest chapters of her life. After a breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, radiation, and chemo, she rebuilt her strength mile by mile until she found herself standing on the start line of her first marathon at 59. Her story is full of late beginnings, grit, gratitude, and the quiet confidence that grows when you prove to yourself that you can do hard things. In this episode, Sheila walks us through the long path to 26.2, the training moments that nearly broke her, the ones that carried her, and the finish line that shifted everything. We talk about aging as a runner, learning to fuel, becoming mentally tough, and that it's never “too late” to start.  If you need a reminder that running can rewrite your life at any age, this one is for you. 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

A couple weeks ago I shared a post about starting my period the day before my marathon, and the response from female runners was huge. So many of you had questions about how it went, what I researched beforehand, and whether running a marathon on day two of your cycle is actually doable. In this mini episode I walk through what the experience was really like and dig into the research I did leading up to race day. We talk about why this happens more often than people think, the mental resilience it builds, how cycle tracking and knowing your body can help you feel more prepared, and the science-backed physical advantages that might actually work in your favor. If race day ever lines up with your cycle, or if you just want to understand this topic better, this episode offers helpful context and reassurance. Medical disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. I’m not a medical professional, and you should always consult your doctor for personalized guidance. 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

This week I am breaking down my fifth marathon and closing the chapter on what has been one of the most chaotic, emotional, and growth filled years of running I have ever had. Richmond came together after an injury filled spring, a party pace summer, and zero plans to race again in 2025. Then an unexpected opportunity popped up, three weeks of prep began, and suddenly I was lining up for a marathon I never thought I would get to run for myself this year.  This episode walks through the entire story from the frustration of losing a time goal back in April to finding joy again in training, testing out paces on tired legs, running Richmond on day two of my period, and finally crossing the finish line with a five minute PR that felt like the most meaningful win of my year. It is more than a race recap. It is the full circle moment that reminded me why I run, what this sport has taught me, and why episode 100 feels so special.  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

Getting sick a week out from a marathon used to send me into full panic mode. But after five marathons, I’ve learned that training never goes perfectly, and it doesn’t have to. In this episode, I’m sharing how my mindset has shifted over time, why one missed or modified run won’t ruin your race, and the three questions I ask myself anytime things go off plan during training. 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 here! 

When Stephanie Dyer started running 34 years ago, it wasn’t love at first sight. As a former tennis player, running felt like punishment. But surrounded by the energy of Marathon Monday at Boston College, she gave it another chance and found a lifelong passion. In this episode, Stephanie shares how her first marathon grew into decades of lessons about patience, simplicity, and self-trust. From training with nothing but a Timex and a quarter for a payphone to learning to listen to her body (and sometimes craving nothing but rotisserie chicken), her story reminds us that running doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours. Follow Stephanie at @runwithredness on Instagram! Join the waitlist for her e-course that includes everything you need to know to be equipped and empowered to run a great marathon with a focus on nutrition and mindset -> runwithredness.com Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources

In this episode, I’m sharing my side of the 2025 Chicago Marathon story. This was my fourth marathon and the one I ran alongside my mom for her first. After missing out on the lottery, I joined the American Cancer Society charity team and used this race as a way to rebuild my confidence after a tough experience in Eugene. I talk about the highs, the setbacks, and what it was like pacing my mom through one of the biggest marathons in the world. It’s a story about patience, perspective, and finding joy in running again, and how the finish line feels even more meaningful when you help someone else get there too.

In this week’s mini episode, I’m tackling a question that came my way recently: “What’s the point of running a race if you’re not measuring progress by time?” After four marathons, I’ve learned that progress isn’t always about pace or PRs. It can show up in the way you fuel, how you handle the tough miles, or how you keep your mindset strong when things don’t go to plan. If you’re training for your first marathon or just need a reminder that growth comes in many forms, this episode is for you. Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit

Last fall, my mom and I ran a half marathon together in North Carolina, the first time she’d really laced up again in years. Not long after, I sent her a text about the Chicago Marathon lottery and told her to throw her name in just to see what happens. She wasn’t convinced, but she humored me. Months later, she opened her inbox to find an email that started with one word: “Congratulations.” That moment kicked off an entirely new chapter. In this episode, we talk about her first marathon journey, from learning how to train smarter in her 50s to balancing early mornings, long runs, and a full-time job. She shares how getting sick years ago nearly ended her running for good, how she rebuilt her confidence, and what it felt like to finally cross the finish line in Chicago. It’s a story about grit, patience, and what happens when a little lottery luck and a slightly pushy daughter change everything. Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit

This week’s mini episode is all about post-marathon recovery, and I’m speaking from experience. Fresh off the Chicago Marathon, I’m breaking down what I’ve learned across four marathons about how to actually recover well (and what not to do after your first one). From the “marathon flu” to why you should never stop moving right after you cross the finish line, we’re covering it all. Plus, my one hard and fast rule for returning to running that’s helped me build a healthier long-term relationship with the sport. Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit

Our podcast editor, Erin Phifer, is back for her second episode to recap her wild ride at the 2025 Berlin Marathon. What started as a race that just happened to fit her work schedule turned into her hottest, hardest, and most meaningful marathon yet. Erin opens up about juggling a foot injury, getting certified as a run coach mid-training, and learning when to trust herself instead of an app. She shares how she handled the record heat, why her run-walk strategy saved the day, and what it felt like to run through the Brandenburg Gate after wondering if she’d even make it to the start line. It’s an honest, funny, and full-circle conversation about growth, grit, and showing up anyway. Follow along with Erin at @erin.runs.a.marathon on Instagram and follow her Substack at https://substack.com/@notjustaphaserunning?utm_source=global-search Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit

Long runs are about more than just building mileage. In this mini episode, we’re breaking down how to use your long runs as dress rehearsals for race day—from testing your fueling and pre-run meals to figuring out your outfit and mental strategy. We’re also talking about why the hardest, most frustrating runs often end up being the ones that matter most when it comes to marathon day. Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit

This week’s episode dives into a runner who has been logging miles for nearly three decades, from high school cross country to Navy decks to marathon training on a treadmill in the middle of the ocean. Steven shares what hooked him on running early on, how his first marathon came together through a Groupon deal and a deployment timeline, and why the joy of running has always come from the training itself, not the finish line. We talk about finding peace in the process, what it means to stay adaptable through parenthood, work, and military life, and how running becomes a lifelong anchor when you keep it fun. Follow along with Steven on Instagram at @Itsme_phteven! Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit

On this weeks episode, we're breaking down common race strategies for you fall marathoners gearing up for race day! As always, I recommend consulting with a coach or experienced running to develop the perfect strategy for you. Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit

Myka’s road to 26.2 came with plenty of detours. After years of stopping and starting, she found her stride again on the Raleigh greenways and signed up for the Tobacco Road Marathon. Her training leaned heavy on mileage, peaking at 60 miles a week with little recovery or fueling, which left her constantly tired and wondering if that was just part of marathon prep. Race day brought its own challenges. She went out too fast, fought the mental grind of a quiet course, and leaned on the mantra “there’s nothing to it but to do it” to keep moving. Family support along the way, a surprise shot at mile 19, and encouragement from a pacer all helped carry her to the finish. Having her mom there to see it made the moment even more meaningful, especially after losing her unexpectedly soon after. Now Myka is training for Richmond with lessons learned, more balance in her approach, and the drive to keep running for her mom. Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit

This week’s mini episode is all about taper. Fresh off my 20-mile peak run, I share what taper has felt like across my marathons - from the taper crazies to finally learning to enjoy it. We talk about why taper feels so strange, how to keep yourself busy without overdoing it, and why this is the perfect time to rest, reset, and thank your support system before race day. Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit

What does it take to go from postpartum depression and doomscrolling on the couch to crossing the finish line of your first marathon? For Rebecca Simonic, it all started with a TikTok edit of the New York City Marathon that sparked something she couldn’t ignore. She set her sights on 26.2 and never looked back. In this episode, Rebecca opens up about the messy, emotional, and rewarding journey of training for her first marathon in Pittsburgh. From balancing motherhood and running, to rehabbing through injury, to running a snowy solo half marathon just to prove she could, Rebecca’s story is one of resilience and rediscovering identity. Follow along with Rebecca on Instagram and Tiktok at @Rebecca_The_Mediocre_Runner! Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit

In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, I’m sharing my story of how the pressure of sports turned into anxiety, burnout, and depression, and how running eventually helped me find my way forward again. It wasn’t an overnight change, but step by step I started to rebuild my confidence and sense of purpose. If you’re going through something similar, I want you to know you’re not alone, and there is always a path forward, even if it starts with just one small step. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Here are some resources that can help: United States: Dial or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. Text Support: Text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor. NAMI HelpLine: Call 1-800-950-6264 or text “HelpLine” to 62640 for information and support. Global Resources: Visit findahelpline.com or befrienders.org to find international hotlines and local support services. Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit

Asher didn’t grow up playing sports and definitely didn’t picture himself as a marathoner. His running story started in a pretty unusual way: after a poison ivy rash left him restless, he laced up a pair of basketball shoes and went out for a mile. That quick decision snowballed into signing up for the Philadelphia Marathon just 17 weeks later. What followed was a crash course in marathon training filled with shin splints, IT band pain, fueling mistakes, and plenty of doubt along the way. Crossing the Philly finish line was about more than getting through 26.2. For Asher, it was a life-shifting moment where he left behind past struggles and proved he could take on something bigger than he thought possible. In this episode, we talk through the highs, the lows, and the lessons he’s carrying forward as he heads toward the Chicago Marathon with a stronger plan, a clearer mindset, and a cause close to his heart. Follow along with Asher on Instagram at @asherruns Support Asher's fundraiser: https://lupusil.salsalabs.org/lcr2025/p/asherbrummel/index.html?fbclid=PAb21jcAMpalFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp8A3Z0HSIP30Bn7xreVgjmtDrUgERewtKw2UgEma1SyvDoDreeyH95faWXRy_aem_drRyu9M_gXu2JdeEfakXRg Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit

Keira D’Amato’s running journey is a true comeback story. After almost a decade away from the sport, she started again as a new mom who could barely run 90 seconds and started her slow build back. That patient rebuild gave her a new perspective on running and eventually carried her from her first marathon in Missoula to breaking the American record. In this episode, Keira talks about what it meant to start from zero, how motherhood changed the way she approached training, and the lessons she carried into some of her biggest performances. Her new book Don’t Call It a Comeback (out September 9th) tells the full story, but this conversation captures the heart of it: finding joy in the little steps and proving that a fresh start can lead to something bigger than you ever imagined. Pre-order Keira's book: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/dont-call-it-9781250344946/ Follow along with Keira: https://www.instagram.com/keiradamato/?hl=en 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit