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
This week’s mini episode is all about the five biggest lessons I’ve picked up after interviewing nearly 100 runners about their first marathons! From starting slow and taking the pressure off your debut race, to finding the right community, building strength, knowing your why, and ultimately just signing up and doing it, these themes came up again and again across countless conversations. If you’re gearing up for your first 26.2, this one is packed with advice that’ll help you train smarter, enjoy the journey, and step up to the start line with confidence. 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 do you do when mile 21 of your first marathon throws more at you than fatigue? For Molly, it wasn’t just the wall, it was four full-sized turkeys blocking the course. Her first 26.2 in Milwaukee was already a journey years in the making, starting with recovery from a near-death illness, a 17-mile charity walk with her dad, and a surprising half marathon finish she never planned to run. From spin classes to walking loops around her apartment, she slowly built the strength and belief that led her to the start line. In this episode, Molly shares how she fell in love with the half marathon distance, learned to ditch the pressure of pace, and found her community along the way. We talk about Wisconsin winter training, fueling with fruit snacks and Nerds gummy clusters, and how her family made race weekend unforgettable. And of course, we break down the unforgettable mile 21 turkey showdown, a story that proves the marathon is never just about the miles. Follow along with Molly on Instagram at @marathonmolly_ Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit 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 mini episode I share a training update as I prepare for the Chicago Marathon. After battling injuries and barely finishing Eugene, I took May off, started working with a coach, and focused on getting back to running pain-free. Since then I’ve built mileage safely, added strength work, and slowly regained confidence. With 50 days to go, I’m feeling healthy, grateful, and more excited about running than I’ve been in a long time. Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources
Rachel O’Brien never thought she would call herself a runner. After quitting lacrosse in college following a thyroid diagnosis, she hated exercise and avoided running for years. That changed in 2023 when she saw the Broad Street Run on TV and decided to train for it. What started with a shaky half mile turned into 5Ks, a half marathon, and eventually the Philadelphia Marathon. Her first 26.2 was far from smooth. She dealt with plantar fasciitis, made the mistake of wearing new shoes at the expo, and started race morning unsure if she would finish. What got her through was Philly’s running community, her run club, her best friend by her side, and a bag of Sour Patch Kids for mile-by-mile motivation. Crossing the line in tears, she called it the proudest moment of her life. This episode goes beyond race day. Rachel shares how marathon training helped push her forward in eating disorder recovery, gave her confidence to show up authentically in the sport, and showed her the power of surrounding yourself with support. Follow along with Rachel on Instagram at @rachobiee! Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources
This week’s mini episode is all about running mantras. Whether you’re struggling through a long run, hitting the wall during a race, or just need a little mental boost, these six phrases can help you push through and keep moving forward. Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathonpodcast.com & myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/exclusives Download the guide - https://www.myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/resources
Katelyn Fox never thought she’d call herself a runner. A swimmer for 19 years, she once saw running as punishment until a family step challenge led her to buy a treadmill, prove her mom wrong, and slowly discover a love for the sport. Walking turned into jogging, jogging into running, and eventually training for her dream Disney race. That journey took her to the Walt Disney World Marathon, where she followed Jeff Galloway’s run-walk-run plan, pushed through the infamous ESPN Wide World of Sports stretch, and crossed the finish line dressed as a Fastpass. Along the way she found joy in costumes, castle miles, and the Disney magic that kept her moving forward. Her first marathon story is equal parts Disney sparkle and grit, with lessons every runner can take away — especially her mantra: forward is a pace. Follow along with Katelyn on Instagram at @Katelynrunsdisney ! My coaching waitlist -> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXSdkfbrw_dpynle7LESSFIQmjAdS1_AKerNEEE9v5KA4n5A/viewform Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathonpodcast.com & myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/exclusives
Choosing your first marathon can feel like picking a college or buying a house — exciting, overwhelming, and full of “what ifs.” In this mini episode, I break down the pros and cons of local races, mid-sized events, and big-ticket world majors so you can pick the race that actually fits your personality, training style, and budget. From crowd support and race logistics to time cutoffs and travel costs, I share my own experiences running Wilmington, City of Oaks, and Eugene, plus what I’ve learned from guests who’ve run the majors. Whether you want a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list race or a hometown event with fewer moving parts, this episode will help you make the call. Win free coaching! Apply at -> https://forms.gle/3HhTRgQSGVcqe1qw8 Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathonpodcast.com & myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/exclusives
Brandon Hicks didn’t start running marathons the “traditional” way. He skipped the gradual 5K-to-half-marathon pipeline and went straight for the big goal. Along the way, he learned that the real value of a goal isn’t in the finish time, but in who you become while chasing it. In this episode, we talk about running for community, hitting the wall (and bouncing back), and how Brandon turned a small-town virtual marathon into a multi-year journey that included breaking four hours and running a 12-hour treadmill fundraiser for stroke awareness. If you’ve ever put pressure on yourself to “hit the number,” this one is a reminder that progress counts for more than perfection. Follow along with Brandon on Instagram at @realbhicks. Win free coaching! Apply at -> https://forms.gle/3HhTRgQSGVcqe1qw8 Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathonpodcast.com & myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/exclusives
In this week’s mini episode, I’m sharing three pieces of running advice that actually made a difference for me. Not the obvious stuff, but the kind of tips that stuck with me through injuries, setbacks, and training blocks that didn’t go as planned. We’re talking about learning to run slower (yes, really), a random hill trick I picked up from a stranger during a race, and a mindset shift around goals that completely changed how I train. If you’ve been feeling stuck or need a little motivation, I think you’ll get something out of this one. Save this for future reference: Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathonpodcast.com & myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/exclusives
This week, I’m joined by Paige Foote, who ran her first marathon on a half-mile loop at an Air Force base after the 2020 NYC Marathon was canceled. We talk about what it was like training solo during lockdown, fueling with sour candy and Rice Krispie treats, and turning her make-it-work marathon into the idea that would later become Noogs. She shares how her second marathon—the real NYC race in 2021—gave her the full finish line magic she missed the first time. From accidentally meeting a long-run buddy at mile 20 to bonding with other first-time marathoners in the start village, Paige’s story is a great example of how much running can change when you do it alongside other people. We also get into how a viral TikTok helped Noogs take off and what it’s been like growing a brand while still running for fun. Follow along with Noogs at @noogsofficial! Save 15% on Noogs at Noogon.com with code myfirstmarathon! Save this for future reference: Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathonpodcast.com & myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/exclusives
This week’s mini episode is a fun one! We're welcoming my mom, Monique, to the show who is currently training for her first marathon (Chicago 2025!) We talk about how things are going so far, what’s changed since she last ran eight years ago, and why she now sets a 4 a.m. alarm and carries candy in her running belt. She’s made it very clear that it’s all my fault getting her into this, but she’s learning a lot, doing things differently this time, and slowly becoming a morning runner (against her will). Follow along with my mom's journey at @monique.sayles on Instagram, or follow my page (@tay.says) where I'll be posting her training updates here and there as well. Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathonpodcast.com & myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/exclusives
Paige Spangler’s first marathon had all the ingredients for a disaster: a solo start, limited aid stations, an unexpectedly hilly course, and an 80-degree forecast she definitely didn’t plan for. But somehow, through tears, cramping, and complete dehydration, she made it across the finish line. In this episode, Paige shares how a petty goal to beat her dad’s marathon count turned into a full-on running career, why her first race nearly broke her, and what convinced her to try again. We talk about the reality of training through tough life seasons, learning how to fuel on a sensitive stomach, and the mental shift that happens when you finally start to call yourself a runner. Follow along with Paige on Instagram and Tiktok at @pacingpaige! Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathonpodcast.com & myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/exclusives
In this solo mini episode, I’m breaking down five injury-related mistakes I made during my third marathon training block—so you don’t have to. From rushing recovery to trusting the wrong training plan, I’m sharing what went wrong, what I’d do differently, and how I’m approaching things smarter this time around. Whether you’re training through an injury or trying to avoid one, this episode’s for you. Stay tuned for the guide to go along with this episode at myfirstmarathon.co/resources Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathonpodcast.com & myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/exclusives
Emily Bailey never saw herself as athletic. She played sports growing up but didn’t feel like she was naturally good at any of them. Over the years, she stayed active and even ran 5Ks for fun, but it wasn’t until 2022 that she started to take running more seriously. What started as a challenge with a cash prize turned into something much bigger. In this episode, Emily shares how she trained for her first half marathon, navigated recurring injuries, and eventually signed up for her first full with a mindset of no regrets. We talk about what it looked like to go from feeling like an outsider in the running world to crossing the finish line at the Every Woman’s Marathon — and finally claiming the title of athlete. Follow along with Emily on Instagram and TikTok at @rockytoprunner! Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/exclusives
In this mini episode, I’m answering the most common questions I get from first-time marathoners. Whether you’re deep into training, thinking about signing up, or just trying to figure out where to begin, this is for you. I’m covering how long to train, what to eat on the run, how to pace yourself, and what actually matters on race day. These are real questions from real runners, with simple answers you can actually use. Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathonpodcast.com & myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/exclusives
John Calabrese turned to running during one of the hardest seasons of his life. After a difficult divorce and a period of personal reflection, he signed up for a marathon as a way to process pain and find purpose. What started with solo training runs quickly evolved into a love for ultras, trails, and the weird, welcoming community that came with them. In this episode, John opens up about how running helped him through grief, injury, and burnout, why returning to the sport was harder than starting, and what it means to reconnect with your "why" after life knocks you off track. Follow John on Instagram at @breezytrailhead Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathonpodcast.com & myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/exclusives
Theresa Dornburg didn’t follow a strict plan, hire a coach, or even hit a traditional long run before her first marathon. But she still made it to the Charlotte finish line—with a beer and tofu waiting for her at mile 22. In this episode, Theresa shares how a restaurant job with unpredictable hours, a group of coworkers turned training partners, and some creative mileage made her marathon possible. We talk about managing injuries, running through the North Carolina heat, and what it’s like to chase a marathon while balancing 50-hour work weeks. If you’ve ever felt behind on your training or unsure if you’re “doing it right,” this one’s for you. Follow along with Theresa on Instagram at @theresa.dornburg Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathonpodcast.com & myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/exclusives