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In this episode we bring you success stories from four people who ran their very first marathon this year (and one ultra marathon).
All four of these runners are loyal MTA fans and it was a huge treat to talk with them. They are everyday people like you and I who took on the challenge of the marathon and changed their life for the better.
No matter where you are in your running journey be sure to celebrate the successes, dream big, and never give up!
Runner Bios:
Steve Ross lives near Portland, OR and recently finished the Portland Marathon in 3:44. He has been running for 18 months and has overcome major back injury and obesity. At one point he was addicted to pain medication and walked with a cane. Now he wants to run across his home country of New Zealand.
Kelly Nykaza lives near Champaign, IL and has been running for three years. One of her inspirations is her seven year old daughter who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Not only did Kelly train for her first marathon (Chicago) during the fall, she also organized a fundraising event that raised $20,000 for diabetes research.
Andy Richardson is from Beaufort, SC and is a busy dad to 5 kids and a self-employed engineer and blogger. He somehow found time in his busy schedule to train for and complete the Savannah Rock and Roll Marathon in November. He gives great advice over at his blog: startrunningforbeginners.com.
Joseph Nance is from Watertown, TN and has ran over 21 marathons and ultras in the past 2 ½ years. He also completed his first 100 mile race and plans on running the Badwater Ultra-marathon someday. Joseph focuses on the importance of having a positive mental attitude and never quitting.
Quick Tip:
Brooks Utopia Thermal Pants-
If you’re looking for a comfortable pair of running pants to keep your legs warm, look no further. They’re made of soft thermal fabric with reflective details and a small back pocket. They provide the right amount of warmth without making your legs all sweaty.
Big thank you to Steve, Andy, Kelly, and Joseph for letting us hack their brains. I had to say “hack” since this is the internet. “Pick” is so industrial age.
Thanks for the ‘hack’! Some great success stories here to give us all motivation to run more and run better!
Here is to a Merry Christmas and a great year of running with MTA in 2012!
Andy- Happy New Year and happy running!
Thanks Trevor and Angie! It was a pleasure sharing my story and listening to everyone else. Thanks for your help and inspiration!
Kelly- Thank you for coming on the podcast. Happy running in the new year!
@Kelly – I’m catching up on MTA podcasts, and just heard the piece about your running and your T1 diabetic daughter. I’m also a T1, since I was six. 22 years later, I’m going to run my first marathon this year – Boston! – for JDRF. Wishing and your daughter the best!
-Laura
Hi Laura! Sorry I am just seeing this comment, I would love to know how your marathon went! I admire all the extra work that you must put into running with T1–I know it must take a tremendous amount of planning and practice to get it right. Congrats, I hope Boston was great and you raised tons of money!
I loved the comment Kelly made about “I don’t *have* to run today, I *get* to run today.” Terrific mindset to have about it!
Successful running definitely starts in the mind. Running is truly a gift that many people can’t enjoy. That really helps put it in perspective.
Hi Angie and Trevor,
Happy New Year!
Your recent recommendation for the Brooks Utopia Running Pants was right on the mark.
We live in Palmyra, PA (near Hershey and the world famous chocolate factory) and the weather is starting to get pretty cold. I gave my new Christmas present a test run of 11 miles yesterday on a 35 degree, very windy day, and can say that I was warm and very comfortable during the entire run.
Thanks for all of your great tips and for continuing to produce such an excellent Podcast. My wife and I enjoy listing on the weekends while enjoying our morning coffee. The Podcasts get us motivated for our weekly “long runs”.
PS. It would be great for you to join us in Oct 2012 for the 3rd annual Hershey Half Marathon. It’s a beautiful course that takes you through the town of Hershey and surrounding areas. ….Yes, you can smell the chocolate!
Bob
Palmyra, PA
Hi Bob. Happy New Year to you and your wife. I’m glad that you’re enjoying the Brooks running pants. The half marathon near you sounds great. I’ve been wanting to visit Hershey for some time now and the race would be a perfect excuse. We’ll have to keep that in mind. Happy winter running!
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after checking through
some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking
back frequently!