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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 50 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!"