At Your Own Pace

This is it — the final episode of Season 1 of At Your Own Pace.Before we get into today’s conversation, I take some time at the very beginning of the episode to talk about what’s next for the podcast, what Season 2 will look like, and where we’re going from here.For this finale, I’m joined by Christi — a runner whose journey perfectly captures what this show has always been about.Christi shares how running started as something driven by peer pressure, but over time evolved into something much deeper: a source of personal growth, resilience, and connection. Her story is a reminder that running doesn’t have to start with passion — sometimes it finds you when you least expect it.We talk about learning to listen to your body, navigating setbacks, and understanding that the finish line isn’t the end — it’s often just the beginning of something new. Christi also opens up about the role running has played in her life emotionally and spiritually, and how giving back to the community has become one of the most meaningful parts of her journey.This conversation brings together so many of the themes that have defined Season 1:showing up, embracing the process, supporting others, and understanding that every runner’s path is different.Because at the end of the day, this sport isn’t just about miles or medals.It’s about who you become along the way.If you’ve been here for one episode or all fifteen — thank you for being part of this journey.Season 2 is coming.

In this episode of At Your Own Pace, Mike sits down with Chad Zimmermann — a runner whose story challenges the stereotypes often associated with the sport.Chad shares his journey from being significantly overweight to becoming a dedicated runner, proving that running isn’t reserved for a certain body type, pace, or background. What started in 2014 as a commitment to improve his health alongside his wife has grown into a powerful part of his identity and lifestyle.Throughout the conversation, Chad opens up about the physical and mental battles that come with running — from injuries and self-doubt to balancing training with work and family life. He explains how consistency, community support, and belief in himself helped transform not only his fitness, but the way he sees himself as a runner.Mike and Chad also tackle a topic many runners experience but don’t often talk about: gatekeeping in the running community. Chad passionately advocates for a more inclusive environment where everyone belongs — regardless of pace, experience, or body type.

In this episode of At Your Own Pace, Mike sits down with Marie — a runner, mental health advocate, and former figure skater — to talk about the deeper meaning behind the miles.Marie shares how her athletic journey evolved from the ice rink to the roads, and how running became more than just exercise. For her, it became a tool for healing, resilience, and personal growth. The conversation explores the mental health benefits of running, the emotional highs and lows that come with training, and the power of finding a supportive community along the way.Together, they discuss the importance of inclusivity in the running world and why every runner’s story matters — no matter the pace, the distance, or the finish time. Marie opens up about the personal challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned through running, and why believing in yourself can often be the hardest — and most important — part of the journey.If you’ve ever had a run that felt impossible, doubted your abilities, or questioned whether you belong in the sport, this episode is a reminder that running is about more than numbers on a watch.It’s about heart.

In Episode 12 of At Your Own Pace, Mike sits down with Devon — a passionate marathoner who recently completed her Six-Star journey — to talk about what running truly means beyond medals and finish times.Devon shares how her relationship with running has evolved over the years, shifting from performance-driven goals to something deeper: joy, community, and personal growth. Together, they explore the mental resilience required to navigate tough races, the reality of balancing marathon training with a demanding career, and the importance of consistency when life feels overwhelming.This conversation dives into the heart of why we run — not just to chase PRs, but to process stress, build confidence, and connect with others. Devon opens up about the powerful mental-health benefits of running, why it’s okay to walk during a marathon, and how finding joy in the miles often leads to stronger performances anyway.If you’ve ever felt pressure to compare your pace, question your progress, or wonder if you belong in the sport — this episode is your reminder that every runner’s journey is valid. Running isn’t a job. It’s a gift. And it’s meant to be enjoyed.The episode wraps with rapid-fire questions, favorite race moments, and a mantra for pushing through hard days:“Just keep f*cking going.”

In Episode 11 of At Your Own Pace, Mike sits down with Alex Quevedo for a conversation about what happens when running shifts from something you dread into something that becomes part of who you are.Alex shares his journey from hating running to fully embracing it, highlighting the powerful role community, family, and race-day energy played in that transformation. Together, they explore the mental battles that come with long-distance running, the unforgettable emotions tied to finish lines, and why success in running is often measured far beyond pace or placement.The conversation also dives into the fun and creativity that running can offer — from themed races and Disney experiences to finding joy in showing up authentically and making the sport your own. Alex reflects on lessons learned through stubborn perseverance, the balance between motivation and comparison, and how resilience developed through running carries into everyday life.At its core, this episode is a reminder that every runner’s story matters, support makes the journey richer, and sometimes the biggest victory is simply deciding to keep going.

In Episode 10 of At Your Own Pace, Mike sits down with Ana, one of the first Mexican women invited to run the Boston Marathon, who is a passionate runner and coach whose journey through the sport has been one of growth, belief, and transformation.Ana shares how running became a space for self-discovery — from navigating new environments and unpredictable weather to facing the intense mental battles that come with marathon racing. She reflects on her first marathon experience, the emotions that come with pushing past limits, and the lessons that extend far beyond race day.Together, we explore how running is as much about mental strength as physical endurance, why community support is essential, and how trusting yourself can change everything — both on the course and in life.This episode is a reminder that progress matters more than perfection, belief is the first step toward achievement, and sometimes you don’t just show up to run — you show up to fly.

In this episode of At Your Own Pace, Mike sits down with Mike Bauer for an honest conversation about running as a lifestyle — not just a sport.They dive into why consistency matters more than speed, how progress in running is rarely linear, and what it means to build mental resilience through both training and everyday life. Mike Bauer shares his personal journey balancing running with real-world responsibilities, setting realistic goals, and learning to embrace discomfort — on the run and beyond it.This episode explores how running can support mental and emotional health, why community plays such a critical role in staying motivated, and how slowing down can actually lead to long-term success. At its core, this conversation is a reminder that every runner’s journey looks different — and that the process matters just as much as the destination.

In this episode of At Your Own Pace, Mike sits down with Ali Brettnacher for an honest, heartfelt conversation about what running looks like when you strip away pace, performance, and comparison — and focus instead on people, purpose, and connection.Ali shares her journey from once hating running to fully embracing it as a source of community and meaning, shaped by family influence, life’s chaos, and a growing desire to show up for others. Together, Mike and Ali explore how running evolves from something that can feel like punishment into something deeply joyful when rooted in shared experiences, vulnerability, and support.They talk openly about setbacks, injuries, and disappointment — and why being kind to yourself through those moments matters just as much as consistency and discipline. Ali also discusses the inspiration behind creating her Finish Lines and Milestones podcast, driven by a belief that every runner’s story is worth telling, not just the fastest or most visible ones.A powerful part of the conversation centers on running for a cause, particularly Ali’s involvement with Ainsley’s Angels, and the transformative emotional impact of pushing athletes with disabilities. Mike and Ali reflect on how crossing a finish line alongside someone else can completely redefine what success means.At its core, this episode is a reminder that running isn’t about pace or comparison — it’s about the connections you make, the stories you collect, and learning to honor your own journey. You belong in this space exactly as you are.

In the seventh episode of At Your Own Pace, host MikeRunsMarathons sits down with Jason Bahamundi, founder of Run, Try, Bike, to explore how representation, community, and sustainable training can reshape the endurance sports space for the better. Jason shares his journey into running in 2007 and how his experience as a Puerto Rican athlete in a predominantly white sport fueled his mission to create platforms that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and everyday athletes at every pace and background.The conversation challenges the glorification of “grind culture” in endurance sports and unpacks why smarter training, recovery, and mental well-being matter more than perfection. Jason introduces his “Christmas tree” training philosophy — a balance of hard, moderate, and easy days — and reframes the stigma around DNF and DNS as strategic decisions that protect long-term growth. Together, Mike and Jason reflect on the mental hurdles new runners face, the pressure created by social media comparisons, and the power of storytelling and community support in helping athletes feel seen and supported.At its core, this episode is a reminder that there is space at the starting line for everyone, that progress matters more than finish times, and that relentless forward motion is built through patience, self-trust, and connection.

In this episode of At Your Own Pace, host MikeRunsMarathons welcomes Herm, a passionate advocate for inclusivity and representation in the running community, to share a journey rooted in growth, healing, and finding belonging. Herm reflects on how running became more than just movement — evolving into a space for self-discovery, mental clarity, and personal transformation.The conversation explores the importance of authentic storytelling, the responsibility that comes with having influence, and why representation truly matters in helping runners feel seen and supported. Herm opens up about overcoming mental barriers, the meditative nature of running, and the joy that comes from setting goals centered on fulfillment rather than competition. At its core, this episode highlights the power of community, the courage it takes to show up as yourself, and the reminder that every runner’s story deserves space — especially in a sport that grows stronger when everyone feels they belong.

In this episode of At Your Own Pace, host MikeRunsMarathons welcomes Hillary Burgess, a lifelong runner and passionate advocate for the running community, to share a journey shaped by growth, honesty, and resilience. From childhood runs to recent marathon experiences, Hillary reflects on how running has evolved alongside her life—and how mental health, mindset, and support systems have played a major role in staying in the sport.The conversation explores the mental battles runners face, the impact of self-doubt, and why setting realistic, incremental goals can lead to meaningful breakthroughs. Hillary also speaks to the importance of authenticity on social media, the unique challenges faced by female runners, and the power of community in helping runners feel seen and supported. At its core, this episode is a reminder that running is about more than pace or placement—it’s about learning from the journey, finding joy in the process, and embracing your own path, wherever it may lead.

In the fourth episode of At Your Own Pace, host MikeRunsMarathons sits down with runner and teacher Jess Lindeman (@runner_jessss) to explore a journey built on patience, authenticity, and belief. Jess shares how she went from being a novice runner to qualifying for the Boston Marathon, and how time, consistency, and mindset played a bigger role than any single breakthrough workout.The conversation dives into the mental battles runners face, the power of positive self-talk, and the importance of not comparing your path to anyone else’s. Jess reflects on balancing teaching with training, creating authentic content in a noisy social media space, and why motivating others matters more than influencing them. At its core, this episode is a reminder that running should be joyful, that community support is essential, and that every experience—good or bad—offers something worth learning from as long as you keep moving forward.

In the third episode of At Your Own Pace, host MikeRunsMarathons sits down with Krissy Murphy (@krissymmurphy) to explore a running journey that began with a simple 5K app and grew into 45 marathons, including multiple Boston qualifiers. Krissy shares how running evolved from something she did into something that helped shape who she is—mentally, emotionally, and within her community.The conversation dives into the mental battles runners face, the importance of consistency over motivation, and why running should be a source of joy rather than pressure. Krissy reflects on the role family and community have played in her journey, the freedom in redefining what it means to be a runner, and the value of taking breaks while still moving forward. This episode is a reminder that every runner’s story matters—and that the real magic of running often lives in the connections made along the way, no matter the pace.

In the second episode of At Your Own Pace, host MikeRunsMarathons sits down with running coach and marathoner Maddie Kunz (@marathon_mads94) to talk about the realities of marathon training—both the physical work and the mental battles that come with it. Maddie shares her journey as a runner and coach, emphasizing the power of consistency, accountability, and finding joy in the process rather than chasing a single outcome.The conversation explores navigating tough training cycles, managing race-day nerves, prioritizing recovery, and the influence social media can have on runners’ expectations and self-belief. At its core, this episode highlights the importance of community and reminds listeners that every runner’s path looks different—and that progress isn’t just measured at the finish line.

In the inaugural episode of 'At Your Own Pace', host MikeRunsMarathons welcomes Alex Baker, a marathoner and founder of the Catch Up to Cancer movement. The conversation delves into Alex's journey of turning grief into purpose through running, the impact of fatherhood on his training and fundraising efforts, and the emotional significance of crossing marathon finish lines. They discuss the importance of community, the challenges of burnout, and the deeper connections formed through social media. Alex shares his mantra, 'Forward is a pace', encouraging listeners to take the first step in their own journeys, no matter how daunting it may seem.