Route 66 Marathon Podcast

First-time marathoner Amanda Vavra joins the show to share her inspiring journey from 5K starter to Route 66 Marathon finisher in the making. A Tulsa native with deep family roots in the community, Vavra opens up about reclaiming her body and her voice after years focused on motherhood and career. She talks about training with her husband (who tracks the splits), raising a young runner and finding her stride — mentally and physically.From balancing work and family life to setting sights on international races and the Abbott World Marathon Majors, Vavra's story is about chasing bold goals with grace, grit and a whole lot of vibes. Her mantra? “This is hard, but I’m harder.” Tune in to hear why that mindset might just carry her all the way to the finish line on race day.

In this episode of the Route 66 Marathon Podcast, we sit down with Travis McCullar, a guy who stared down the scale at 380 pounds and ran his way into a completely different life. Through shutdowns, setbacks and shoeless marathons, Travis never quit. He kept showing up, and that consistency paid off with more than 200 pounds lost, 40+ mile training weeks and a heart for pacing others to the finish line.Travis talks about what sparked the journey, how running became his lifeline and why helping others now fuels his fire. If you’re looking for motivation, grit or just a reminder that it is not too late to change — this episode is it.Plus, you’ll hear about his favorite races, what keeps him grounded and the story behind his Instagram name: @whatkeepsmerunning.Use his code TRAVIS66 to get $10 off your Route 66 Marathon registration.

After her boyfriend John's diabetes diagnosis turned their world upside down, Katy Cook made a life-changing decision: they were going to get healthy together. In this episode, Route 66 Marathon Ambassador Katy shares how swapping soda for sweat led to more than just weight loss, it sparked a transformation that reshaped her mental health, physical strength and relationship.From 300+ lbs and multiple knee surgeries to tackling her first half marathon at Route 66, Katy’s story is one of raw honesty, relentless grit and the power of a supportive running community. We talk about food, fitness, music that gets her moving and what it really means to become a runner — even if you don’t think you look like one.Tune in to hear how Katy lost over 100 lbs, found purpose on the pavement and learned that every finish line starts with just one step.

In this episode of the Route 66 Marathon Podcast, host Kevin Green chats with Sonnie Simons — ambassador for Route 66 Marathon and Tulsa run — about her journey from hesitant runner to sub-4 marathoner, all while balancing college life and a future in law school.Sonnie opens up about the injury that sidelined her in early 2024, what it taught her about rest and resilience and how running became her outlet during emotionally heavy seasons, like saying goodbye to undergrad and preparing for what’s next. She also shares her love for Tulsa’s running scene, her involvement in building a collegiate run club at OSU and why she believes anyone can fall in love with running if they give it a chance.Follow Sonnie on Instagram at @sonnielolo, and use her ambassador codes sonnie10 (Tulsa Run) and sonnie66 (Route 66) to save $10 on both races.

This week on the Route 66 Marathon Podcast, we’re joined by first-time marathoner and Route 66 Ambassador Summer Jowers, whose transformation — both in running and lifestyle — is as inspiring as they come.Summer shares how she shifted from a high-calorie, fast-food lifestyle to a 90% plant-based diet, drastically improving her health, recovery and performance. She opens up about training with Jeff Galloway’s method, the importance of strength work and the role her running community, Girls Who Run DFW, has played in keeping her motivated. Plus, hear about her supportive husband, her big goals and why Route 66 is the perfect place to run her first marathon.Don’t forget: Follow Summer on Instagram @s_jowers21 and use her code SUMMER66 to save $10 on your Route 66 Marathon, Half Marathon, Double Challenge or Relay registration at route66marathon.com!

To kick off Season 2 and celebrate the 20th running of the Route 66 Marathon we’re joined by none other than Dean Karnazes — ultramarathon icon and global ambassador of endurance. Dean ran in the very first Route 66 Marathon back in 2006, and in this episode, he shares his memories from that inaugural event, how the Tulsa course compares to some of the world’s most extreme races and what keeps him going after decades of pushing physical and mental limits.Plus, host Kevin Green shares a quick update about the podcast's evolving focus and how it is growing beyond ambassadors to highlight the entire Route 66 running community.Register for the 2025 Route 66 Marathon (Nov. 21–23) at route66marathon.com and use code GREEN66 for $10 off select races.

This week on the Route 66 Marathon Ambassadors Podcast, Kevin Green sits down with Stephanie McCrary, a PE teacher, runner and dedicated Route 66 Marathon ambassador. Recorded after the 5K race during Route 66 Marathon weekend, Stephanie shares her strategy for balancing fun and training, her goals for the half marathon and the St. Jude Marathon and how she inspires the next generation through her school’s Run Club. We discuss her running journey, including her postpartum challenges, the importance of giving oneself grace and her favorite moments on Tulsa’s marathon course. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just starting out, Stephanie’s story is packed with motivation and insights for all runners.

Join us in this episode of the Route 66 Marathon Ambassadors Podcast as Kevin Green sits down with Lindsey Leppert, an experienced runner who has found joy, community and personal growth through running. Lindsey opens up about her journey from initially running as a way to stay fit to completing longer races, all while juggling the challenges of training and life. We discuss her favorite moments from the Route 66 Marathon, the friendships she’s formed along the way and how she prepares for race day. Whether you’re preparing for your first 5K or your next marathon, Lindsey’s insights will inspire and motivate you to keep going.

In this episode of the Route 66 Marathon Ambassadors Podcast, Kevin Green sits down with Misty Cooper, a dedicated Route 66 Marathon ambassador who has completed the race 10 times and is preparing for her next big goal: a PR under 4:40. Misty shares insights from her running journey, including the benefits of training on hills, the importance of balancing hard work with enjoyment and how podcasts and community support have enriched her approach to training. She also talks about her inspiration from local runners and the impact of training with a local ultra-runner. Whether you're looking to improve your own training or simply enjoy a great running story, Misty’s experience offers motivation and practical advice. And don't forget, you can use her code MISTY66 to save on your Route 66 Marathon registration!

In this episode of the Route 66 Marathon Ambassadors Podcast, Kevin Green sits down with Eric Brumbalow, an experienced ultramarathoner and proud Route 66 ambassador. Eric takes us through his remarkable running journey, which began in 2012 as preparation for basic training in the Air National Guard and has since grown to include 12 100-mile races. He shares memorable stories from the Route 66 Marathon, from navigating construction sites to enjoying drinks on the course, and discusses his passion for community support through his role with the South Carolina Ultra Marathoners. With insights on balancing training with military commitments and his goals for this year's race, Eric's conversation is a testament to perseverance and the power of the running community. Don't miss this inspiring discussion!

In this episode of the Route 66 Marathon Ambassadors Podcast, Kevin Green sits down with Chris Lee, known in the running community as "Asian on the Run."  Chris shares his inspiring running journey, starting from Disney races with his brother to conquering three of the six World Marathon Majors, all while navigating the challenges of hip surgery and recovery. He talks about the power of community, his passion for charity running and his experiences as an ambassador for various brands, including the Route 66 Marathon.  Whether you're a seasoned runner or just getting started, Chris' story is full of motivation and valuable advice on how to balance running, injury recovery and life.  Plus, don't miss out on how you can support charity causes through running and use his code, CHRIS66, for a discount on your Route 66 Marathon registration!

In this episode, Kevin Green sits down with Karen Carlton, a Route 66 Marathon ambassador who has completed an impressive 58 half marathons and 11 full marathons.  Karen shares how her running journey began in 2004, the importance of the run-walk method and how she balances her passion for running with family life. She talks about her favorite race experiences, her goals for the upcoming Route 66 Marathon and offers great advice for new runners.  Tune in to hear Karen’s inspiring story and don’t forget to use her discount code, KAREN66, when registering for the Route 66 Marathon!

In this episode, Kevin Green sits down with Craig Halverson, a Route 66 Marathon ambassador and accomplished runner, to discuss his journey from starting running in his mid-30s to qualifying for the Boston Marathon.  Craig shares stories from his racing experiences, including how a missed turn in his first race led him to run a half marathon, his love for the Route 66 Marathon event and the role his family plays in his running life. He also offers valuable training tips for marathon participants, advice on staying motivated and his plans for future races.  Don't forget to use Craig's discount code, CRAIG66, to save $10 on your Route 66 Marathon registration!

In this episode, Kevin Green sits down with Pete Coser, a Route 66 Marathon ambassador and tribal nonprofit director, to discuss his inspiring journey from high school football to becoming a 10-time marathoner. Pete shares how running transformed his life, helping him lose over 60 pounds and improve his mental health. We dive into his experience training for the New York City and Route 66 Marathons, his passion for coaching high school lacrosse and his efforts to raise awareness for tribal communities through running. Tune in to hear Pete's reflections on balancing family, fitness and his mission to inspire others. Don't forget to register for the Route 66 Marathon using Pete's code PETE66 to save $10!

In this episode, Kevin Green sits down with Heather Puckett, a dedicated runner, coach and mental health advocate.  Heather shares her incredible journey from casually running 5Ks to tackling ultra-marathons, including the life-changing moment that inspired her to sign up for her first half marathon at the Route 66 Marathon. We dive into her passion for helping others achieve their running goals, her experiences as an RRCA certified coach and how she integrates running with her work as a therapist to support mental health.  Heather also talks about her love for Disney races, the importance of community in running and her future goals, including completing a half marathon in all 50 states.  Tune in to hear Heather's inspiring story and get motivated for your own running journey!

In this episode of the Route 66 Marathon Ambassadors Podcast, Kevin Green sits down with April Gray, a passionate runner and dedicated coach whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Starting her running career in 2018, April faced numerous challenges, including injuries and the trials of balancing running with her family and work life. Despite these setbacks, she has not only become a Route 66 Marathon ambassador but also an influential coach at Red Coyote, where she helps runners of all levels achieve their goals. April opens up about her early struggles, the support she received from her running community, and how she overcame injuries like plantar fasciitis and stress fractures. We dive into her approach to marathon training, her excitement for the upcoming Route 66 Marathon, and her role in leading others to success with the run-walk method. April also shares how running has positively impacted her mental and physical well-being, giving her the confidence to set and achieve new goals. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting your running journey, April’s story will resonate with you. Plus, don’t miss the special discount code APRIL66 to save $10 on your Route 66 Marathon registration! Tune in for more inspiration and practical advice from a true running enthusiast.

In this episode of the Route 66 Marathon Ambassadors Podcast, Kevin Green sits down with Natalie Passmore, a seasoned runner whose journey spans nearly two decades. Starting with her very first 5K in Oklahoma City, Passmore has since progressed to running half marathons and marathons and is now gearing up for the Route 66 Marathon. Passmore shares her inspiring story, from the challenges of improving her half marathon time to overcoming a four-year hiatus from running. She also opens up about how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted her training and how a new running partner helped her prepare for her first full marathon. We dive into her involvement with the Cherokee Nation Wings program, which offers free race entries to its members, and how she’s incorporating the intense 75 Hard Challenge into her marathon training. Passmore also gives us a glimpse into her current healthy habits, including a plant-based diet and cutting out unhealthy snacks, all while maintaining a rigorous training schedule. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, Passmore's story is filled with tips, motivation and encouragement for runners of all levels. Plus, listen until the end for a special discount code on your Route 66 Marathon registration! Follow Passmore's journey on Strava and Facebook, and don’t miss the next episode where we'll be chatting with Stephanie McCrary!

Welcome to the first episode of the Route 66 Marathon Ambassadors Podcast! In this episode, we turn the spotlight on our host, Kevin Green.  Kevin, a dedicated runner with nearly 4.5 years of experience and an impressive list of race PRs, shares his running journey, personal stories and what it means to be a Route 66 Marathon ambassador.  But instead of going it alone, Kevin invites his good friend Seth Olson—an experienced runner and part of the Route 66 Marathon community—to take on the role of guest interviewer. Together, they dive into Kevin’s background, his passion for running and what keeps him motivated to hit the pavement day after day. Tune in to hear the origins of the podcast, get to know Kevin and enjoy a candid conversation between two runners who’ve shared the Route 66 Half Marathon course multiple times. Plus, listen until the end for a special discount code to save on your Route 66 Marathon registration! Connect with Kevin on Strava, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @KevinGreenMedia, and don’t miss next week’s episode featuring fellow Route 66 Marathon ambassador Natalie Passmore!