My First Marathon

My First Marathon

Join host Taylor as she sits down with runners from all walks of life to delve into their unforgettable first marathon experiences. From the nerves at the starting line to the euphoria of crossing the finish, each episode offers a candid look at the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of preparing for and conquering 26.2 miles for the first time. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just considering lacing up your running shoes for the first time, this podcast is your go-to source for motivation, inspiration, and real-life insights from those who've been there, done that. Tune in as we celebrate the triumphs, share the struggles, and uncover the lessons learned along the road to that unforgettable first marathon finish line. Follow along on TikTok and Instagram at @myfirstmarathonpod! Have feedback? We'd love to hear it! Reach out at myfirstmarathonpod@gmail.com. Ready to tell your story? Fill out the below form for your chance to be featured! MFM Request Form

  1. When Peak Week Breaks You: Dropping to the Half and Coming Back for 26.2 w/ Andie Becker

    6 DAYS AGO

    When Peak Week Breaks You: Dropping to the Half and Coming Back for 26.2 w/ Andie Becker

    This week Andie Becker is sharing a story that will feel painfully familiar to anyone who’s ever made it deep into a training block only to have everything fall apart right at the worst moment. Andie didn’t grow up a runner. She found running later, first as something to do during lockdown, then as a way to feel more connected to her body and her community. What started as “just running for fun” quickly turned into half marathons, run clubs, and eventually signing up for a full marathon in her home state of Oregon.  But when peak week hit, her body said no. She made the tough call to drop down to the half in Eugene, trusting her fitness and listening to what her body needed, even if it wasn’t the original plan. In this conversation, Andie walks through the decision to start over, what she changed the second time around, and how community carried her all the way to the start line of the Marine Corps Marathon. We talk about balancing training with real life, learning when to listen to your body, and what it feels like to finish your first marathon on a day that doesn’t go according to plan, but still counts in every way that matters. Follow along with Andie on Instagram and Tiktok at @anderbecks! Follow along with the show:  👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays  🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod  📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast  🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Book a free 1:1 Coaching Call with me! -> https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=37408473&appointmentType=85354440

    55 min
  2. Running Without Rushing: A Joy-First Marathon Journey w/ Ariel Greenstein

    22/12/2025

    Running Without Rushing: A Joy-First Marathon Journey w/ Ariel Greenstein

    Ariel Greenstein didn’t grow up as an athlete. She didn’t fall in love with running early. And for a long time, movement just wasn’t part of her life. But in her early 30s, something shifted. What started as Broadway-themed Peloton classes during the pandemic slowly turned into outdoor runs, then half marathons, and eventually a very intentional, very patient build toward her first marathon at the Chicago Marathon. In this conversation, Ariel walks us through what it looks like to take your time with the sport. She shares how releasing pace and time expectations helped her actually enjoy running, how documenting her slower-paced journey online helped other runners feel seen, and why community, strength training, and consistency mattered far more than rushing to the next distance. We talk about training with a run group, navigating the mental side of marathon prep, handling tough long runs, and what it was like to race 26.2 miles through her home city with zero pressure beyond finishing and having fun. This episode is a reminder that anybody can go the distance, that there is no timeline you need to follow, and that running can be something you build slowly, joyfully, and on your own terms. Follow along with Ariel at @arielgreenstein_ on Instagram and TikTok! Follow along with the show:  Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays  Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod  YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast  Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Book a free 1:1 Coaching Call with me! -> https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=37408473&appointmentType=85354440

    54 min
  3. Carried by Community: Fundraising, Representation, and a First NYC Marathon w/ Karina Chiqui

    08/12/2025

    Carried by Community: Fundraising, Representation, and a First NYC Marathon w/ Karina Chiqui

    This week, I’m chatting with Karina Chiqui, whose first marathon story is layered with community, culture, and a whole lot of heart. Karina started running at 12 after getting cut from her middle school soccer team, which led her into a lifelong relationship with distance running and eventually a collegiate career she accidentally signed up for. After graduation she moved across the country, rebuilt her running community, and later found her way back to New York where she pitched a charity partnership that ultimately secured her spot in the NYC Marathon. Her journey to the start line was shaped by representation, fundraising creativity, and the people who showed up for her again and again. In this conversation, she walks through the highs, lows, ankle mishaps, and the emotional moments that carried her through all 26.2 miles. Karina’s story is a reminder of how powerful it is to be surrounded by people who believe in you and how deeply running can connect us to our roots, our why, and each other. Follow along with Karina - @karinaachiqui on Instagram! Follow along with the show:  👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays  🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod  📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast  🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Book a free 1:1 Coaching Call with me! -> https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=37408473&appointmentType=85354440

    1h 9m

About

Join host Taylor as she sits down with runners from all walks of life to delve into their unforgettable first marathon experiences. From the nerves at the starting line to the euphoria of crossing the finish, each episode offers a candid look at the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of preparing for and conquering 26.2 miles for the first time. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just considering lacing up your running shoes for the first time, this podcast is your go-to source for motivation, inspiration, and real-life insights from those who've been there, done that. Tune in as we celebrate the triumphs, share the struggles, and uncover the lessons learned along the road to that unforgettable first marathon finish line. Follow along on TikTok and Instagram at @myfirstmarathonpod! Have feedback? We'd love to hear it! Reach out at myfirstmarathonpod@gmail.com. Ready to tell your story? Fill out the below form for your chance to be featured! MFM Request Form

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