Run Strong Run Podcast

Stephanie Dunlap
  • 5.0 (16)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to the Run Strong Run Podcast. In this podcast, I'll speak to runners who inspire and motivate me to show up as my best self. The discussion highlights back of the pack (BOTP) marathoners who run 26.2 miles in 5 or more hours. To join the discussion live, follow me on Instagram @runstrongrun or TikTok @runstrongrun. About Stephanie: Stephanie is a marathon pacer, mom of four, elementary school administrator, 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 34 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!"

  1. Sweeping the Big Sur Marathon: 6-Hour Cutoff, Hurricane Point Climb & the Truth About Marathon Pacing

    4D AGO

    Sweeping the Big Sur Marathon: 6-Hour Cutoff, Hurricane Point Climb & the Truth About Marathon Pacing

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to sweep one of the most challenging marathons in the world? In this episode, I’m sharing my experience as a 6-hour sweeper at the Big Sur International Marathon, including the strategy, strength, and mindset it takes to stay ahead of a strict cutoff on California’s iconic Highway 1 course. After racing Big Sur in 5:27 in 2023 using my own 5:30 pace band, I returned for my third year as an official sweeper, holding a consistent 13:44/mile pace while supporting runners navigating one of the toughest marathon courses out there . Inside this episode, I break down:  What it means to be a marathon sweeper and hold a strict 6-hour cutoff  The Big Sur Marathon course strategy, including the infamous Hurricane Point climb (miles 10–12) and descent to Bixby Bridge at mile 13 How to use run-walk intervals (90/90) for marathon success  Why even effort pacing beats even splits on hilly courses  The emotional reality of passing runners and supporting those near the cutoff  My training approach: strength training + running for endurance and powerI also share why walking with purpose is a strategy—not a fallback, and how strength training has helped me tackle over 2,000 feet of elevation gain on this course. Whether you’re training for your first marathon, chasing a 6-hour finish, or dreaming of running Big Sur, this episode will give you practical pacing tips, mindset shifts, and real behind-the-scenes insight. 🎥 Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/b4kUkStEMu4 🎯 Resources Mentioned:  Free 6-Hour Big Sur Course-Specific Pace Band Free Speed Walking Workout GuideThe Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to RunningInterval Running for Beginners: Starting Smart and Strong💥 Final Reminder: No matter your pace, your finish time, or where you land on the course… All runners count. Always. 💛 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, Facebook @runstephstrongrun 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 60 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!"

    14 min
  2. From First Step to First Marathon: How Greg Zarco Crushed His Debut at the Los Angeles Marathon

    APR 20

    From First Step to First Marathon: How Greg Zarco Crushed His Debut at the Los Angeles Marathon

    Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever wondered, “Could I really run a marathon?” — this episode is for you. In this episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, I sit down with Greg Zarco, who went from barely running to completing his very first marathon at the Los Angeles Marathon. And not just finishing… absolutely crushing it. We talk about:  What inspired Greg to sign up for his first marathon  How he trained while balancing work, family, and life  The mental battles every first-time marathoner faces  Why he chose the run-walk method (last minute!)  What race day really felt like—especially in tough conditions  How he pushed through the final miles  What he’s doing next (hint: he’s not done yet 👀) This is a real, honest, and inspiring conversation that proves one thing: 👉 You don’t need to be an experienced runner to become a marathoner.  👉 You just need to commit. 🔗 Related Links & Resources  🏃‍♀️ My pacing schedule: https://runstrongrun.com/upcoming-races-pacing-schedule/ 🧮 Run-Walk Calculator: https://race-planner.com/run-walk-calculator 🎽 Intervals for Beginners Course: https://funnels.runstrongrun.com/intervals-beginners-optin ⏱ GymBoss Timer (my go-to interval tool): https://amzn.to/45jBO34 🏃‍♀️ Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Running: https://funnels.runstrongrun.com/beginnersguidetorunning 🎥 Watch the full podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3qciqmL1Oyw 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, Facebook @runstephstrongrun 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 60 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!"

    25 min
  3. Running 26.2 Together: A Mother-Daughter Marathon Story from Vermont to Napa Valley

    MAR 1

    Running 26.2 Together: A Mother-Daughter Marathon Story from Vermont to Napa Valley

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, I sit down with Sharon and Cia Galatas — a mother-daughter duo who flew from New England to California to run the full marathon at the Napa Valley Marathon. What started as signing up for the half turned into a bold decision: “If we’re flying across the country… we might as well run the full.” From snowy winter training runs in Vermont and New Hampshire to navigating race-day nerves, pacing strategy, walk-run intervals, and the infamous cutoff bus, this conversation is honest, funny, and incredibly inspiring. We talk about: Training for a marathon in snow and iceUsing walk-run intervals for marathon successRace-day nerves and how to calm themRunning different paces as a teamThe power of pacers in long-distance racesWhy a 5:50 marathon is absolutely something to be proud ofBody image, movement as stress relief, and modeling healthy habitsWhy running together strengthens relationshipsAnd yes… they loved it so much they’re already signed up for the Vermont City Marathon — and heading back to Napa for the half! If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “ready” for a marathon, this episode is your sign. Because ALL RUNNERS COUNT. Connect with Sharon & Cia: 📸 Instagram: @marathonmunchkins or @globalglowup1 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WVyuc0Z3Bgk FREE DOWNLOAD: 5:50 marathon pace band 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, Facebook @runstephstrongrun 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 60 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!"

    30 min

  4. JAN 13

    2026 Is About Building, Not Restarting: A Mindset Shift for Runners at Every Level

    Send us Fan Mail 2026 is not a restart—you’re not starting over. You’re building from what you already started. In the first episode of 2026 on the Run Strong Run Podcast, Steph shares a powerful mindset shift for runners who may already feel their New Year motivation fading. Instead of resolutions, she focuses on choosing a word for the year—rooted—and explains how staying grounded in who you are can help you build consistency, confidence, and joy in your running. This episode is a reminder that all runners count, that progress doesn’t disappear when motivation dips, and that your running journey—at any pace or stage—is valid and worth celebrating. Resources Mentioned: Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Running: Everything You Need to Get StartedInterval Running for Beginners: Starting Smart and StrongFull race schedule + blog: runstrongrun.comConnect With Steph: Instagram: @RunStrongRunTikTok: @RunStrongRunFacebook: Run Strong RunBlog: RunStrongRun.comLet’s Stay Connected If this episode encouraged you, please: Subscribe to the podcastShare this episode with a friend who needs a little encouragementLeave a review—your support helps this message reach more runnersThank you for being here and for letting me be part of your running journey.  Here’s to a rooted, strong, and steady 2026. 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, Facebook @runstephstrongrun 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 60 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!"

    7 min
  5. Running Through Recovery: Usha’s Inspiring California International Marathon Journey

    12/22/2025

    Running Through Recovery: Usha’s Inspiring California International Marathon Journey

    Send us Fan Mail Usha’s story is proof that our bodies — and our spirits — are capable of so much more than we think. In this episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, Steph sits down with Usha, a marathoner, mom, photographer, and all-around powerhouse who turned years of healing, two major surgeries, and motherhood into a powerful CIM marathon PR. Usha first ran a full marathon back in 2018 at the San Francisco Marathon, finishing in just over six hours with minimal fueling. Then life happened: pregnancy, postpartum recovery, an ectopic pregnancy, emergency surgery, and later a second major surgery. Each time, she had to relearn how to walk before she could even think about running again. Despite all of that, Usha set her sights on the California International Marathon — not just once, but multiple years in a row. In 2024 she finished just behind the sweepers at CIM and didn’t get an official finish time. In 2025, she came back stronger, ran in a saree that she considers a blessing from a sacred temple in India, joined a CrossFit gym to rebuild her strength, used run-walk intervals with Steph’s 5:50 pace group, and crossed the finish line with a HUGE PR: 5:48:55. In this conversation, we talk about: How Usha went from “gym regular” to marathonerNavigating pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, surgery, and long recoveriesWhat it was like to run CIM in a sareeUsing run-walk intervals and a Gymboss timer to chase a marathon PRMental tricks for getting through the hard miles (hello, “just get to the next tree”)The power of supportive partners and family during marathon trainingUsha’s encouragement for anyone scared to sign up for their first marathonIf you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really do this?” — this episode is your answer. Related Links Connect with Usha on Instagram: @therun_theworkout_themomFollow Steph on Instagram: @runstrongrunLearn more about the California International Marathon (CIM)Interval Running for Beginners: Starting Smart and Strong (Steph’s course)Download a 5:50 Marathon Pace Band🎥 Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XtP6FGdulc8Support 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, Facebook @runstephstrongrun 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 60 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!"

    27 min
  6. Do It Scared: How New Mom “Marathon Mama V” Went from Treadmill Miles to First Marathon in 15 Months

    12/14/2025

    Do It Scared: How New Mom “Marathon Mama V” Went from Treadmill Miles to First Marathon in 15 Months

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, I sit down with new marathoner and mom of two, Vicky Hurd, a.k.a. @marathonmamav, who went from zero running routine to 26.2 miles at the Every Woman’s Marathon in just over a year. Vicky shares how she went from running eighth-grade cross country “just to make the soccer team” to becoming a runner again after kids, inspired by everyday runners she saw online. We talk about her decision to run one race every month, the brutal first half marathon that almost broke her, and how she turned that experience into a full-hour PR at her next half simply by trusting her plan. We also dive into what it’s really like training for a first marathon as a full-time working mom with a 3-year-old and 18-month-old, why she did most of her early miles on the treadmill out of fear and embarrassment, and how community—online and in person—carried her through the hardest miles of race day in Scottsdale. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really do this?” when it comes to a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon, Vicky’s story will feel like a permission slip to start scared and show up anyway. In this episode, we talk about: How Vicky went from “not a runner” to racing every month for a yearThe couch-to-5K journey that turned into multiple half marathons and a fullThe disaster first half marathon that taught her to stick to her planWhy she spent four months running only on the treadmill before braving the parkTraining for a marathon as a working mom of two small kids (4 a.m. alarms and all)The emotional highs and lows of the Every Woman’s MarathonVicky’s go-to gear and fuel: Goo Tane, Bonk Breaker chews, and Brooks GlycerinHer advice to anyone afraid to take the first step: “Do it scared.”🎧 Listen in if you need a reminder that you belong at the start line—no matter your pace, your age, or how long you’ve been away from running. ✨ 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 Vicky on Instagram: @marathonmamav 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, Facebook @runstephstrongrun 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 60 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!"

    26 min
  7. 7 Unforgettable CIM Moments: My Favorite Stories from the California International Marathon

    11/29/2025

    7 Unforgettable CIM Moments: My Favorite Stories from the California International Marathon

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m counting down 7 unforgettable CIM moments from my seven years at the California International Marathon. From my first CIM in 2016, to becoming a three-time ambassador, to officially joining the pace team in 2021, to running with legends like Benny and Bruce — these stories shaped me as a runner, a pacer, and a believer that all runners count. Whether you’re running CIM this year or dreaming about it someday, this episode is packed with inspiration, behind-the-scenes pacing memories, and the start-line magic that makes CIM one of the best marathons in the world. If you’re running CIM this year, I’ll be pacing the 5:50 group again. Come say hi at the expo or at the start line! ✨ Free 5:50 Pace Band ✨ Interval Running for Beginners Course ✨ From the blog: The First California International Marathon (CIM) Six hour Pacer 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, Facebook @runstephstrongrun 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 60 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!"

    22 min
  8. From Hating the Mile to Every Woman’s Marathon: Miriam’s Journey to 2 Marathons by 30

    11/22/2025

    From Hating the Mile to Every Woman’s Marathon: Miriam’s Journey to 2 Marathons by 30

    Send us Fan Mail 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 marathonerThe power of run/walk intervalsThe emotional energy of the Every Woman’s MarathonFinding courage in the back of the packWhy anyone—yes, anyone—can become a runnerIf 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, Facebook @runstephstrongrun 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 60 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!"

    32 min
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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Run Strong Run Podcast. In this podcast, I'll speak to runners who inspire and motivate me to show up as my best self. The discussion highlights back of the pack (BOTP) marathoners who run 26.2 miles in 5 or more hours. To join the discussion live, follow me on Instagram @runstrongrun or TikTok @runstrongrun. About Stephanie: Stephanie is a marathon pacer, mom of four, elementary school administrator, 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 34 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!"

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Dunlap
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Run Strong Run
  • Show Website
    Run Strong Run Podcast

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