This week on Second Wind, we sit down with Sam, a Kansas City runner whose quiet grit and generous spirit light up every start line. You’ve probably seen her out there: compact, powerful, and moving with purpose as she shares the course with her son, mile after mile. Sam walks us through our ten core questions with disarming honesty—how she started, what keeps her coming back, the hard days that taught her the most, and the community that makes each finish line feel like home. She talks about joy as a discipline, finding strength in small routines, and redefining “tough” in ways that go beyond pace or podiums. It’s an hour of heart, humor, and practical wisdom from a runner who leads by example. If you need a reminder that running can be both simple and profoundly brave, this conversation is your spark.