Friends In Training Podcast with Marcela Todd: Life is A Marathon

Marcela Todd
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Fitness

Welcome to The Friends In Training Podcast with Marcela Todd: Life is A Marathon. This podcast is your ultimate companion for staying motivated and inspired on your fitness and life journey. Join Marcela each week as she shares uplifting stories, hosts insightful interviews with experts and everyday heroes, and offers practical tips to help you tackle challenges, celebrate victories, and keep moving forward—one step at a time. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a first-time walker, or simply seeking inspiration, this podcast offers encouragement and community for everyone. Tune in, subscribe, and let’s run this marathon of life together! Visit https://friendsintraining.net for more information and resources.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago ·  Video

    Fueling Your Marathon: Sports Nutrition Secrets with Dietitian Carla Duenas

    In this essential episode of Friends in Training: Life is a Marathon, Marcela welcomes registered dietitian Carla Duenas for an in-depth conversation about sports nutrition, sustainable eating habits, and how proper fueling can transform your running performance and overall health. With over 12 years of experience as a dietitian specializing in sports nutrition, Carla brings both professional expertise and personal insight as a runner, mom of two, and wife to Miami Marathon co-founder and coach Frankie Ruiz. Her journey into nutrition began with her own health challenges, including a three-month migraine that was ultimately resolved through dietary changes, leading her to help others discover the power of food as medicine. Throughout their conversation, Marcela and Carla explore the fundamentals of nutrition, breaking down macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fats) and explaining why carbs are not the enemy runners should fear. They discuss common nutrition myths, the challenges of portion control and restaurant eating, the hidden calories in alcoholic beverages, and why restrictive diets ultimately fail. Carla shares practical advice on meal planning, mindful eating, pre-run fueling, post-run recovery, and how to make sustainable changes that last a lifetime. This episode is packed with actionable wisdom for anyone looking to improve their relationship with food, fuel their training more effectively, or simply make healthier choices that support long-term wellness. Whether you're training for your first 5K or your hundredth marathon, understanding nutrition is key to going the distance. 00:00 Welcome and Meet Carla Duenas 01:15 From Personal Health Crisis to Becoming a Dietitian 04:10 The Three Month Migraine: Food Intolerance Discovery 06:45 Transitioning to Sports Nutrition 08:20 Life with Coach Frankie Ruiz and Running as Therapy 11:40 The Biggest Nutrition Challenges People Face Today 14:50 Macronutrients Explained: Carbs, Protein, and Fats 19:20 Why Carbs Are King for Runners 22:10 Good Carbs vs. Bad Carbs: Quality and Quantity 26:00 The Fiber Factor: Why It Matters 30:15 Portion Sizes and the Clean Plate Club 32:40 Restaurant Eating: Navigating Menus and Oversized Portions 35:50 The Truth About Alcohol and Weight Loss 38:25 Why Restrictive Diets Don't Work Long Term 40:10 The FIT Summer Reset Challenge: Behavior Change Over Quick Fixes 42:30 Sports Nutrition: Fueling and Recovery for Runners 45:00 Nutrition Myths Debunked 47:20 Intermittent Fasting and Athletes 49:10 Healthy Habits and Go-To Snacks 51:35 The Importance of Strength Training for Longevity 53:20 Life Is a Marathon: Make Changes You Can Keep Forever Learn more about Marcela, and the FIT community, at https://friendsintraining.net/ Learn more about Carla at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carladuenas-rd/ Connect with Carla Duenas on Instagram: @Carla.nutrition

    55 min

  2. Jun 17 ·  Video

    775 Marathons and Counting: The Inspiring Journey of Pacer Tom Perri

    In this deeply moving episode of Friends in Training: Life is a Marathon, Marcela sits down with Pacer Tom Perri, an extraordinary runner and pacer whose story redefines resilience, service, and the power of forward motion. With 775 marathons and ultras to his name, Pacer Tom has completed the 50 state marathon tour nine times, including once with all sub four hour finishes. He's earned his World Marathon Majors six star medal twice and has paced nearly 1,200 races over five decades, helping runners of all abilities cross finish lines from the fastest to the back of the pack. But the most remarkable chapter of his running journey began in 2019, when he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Since that day, he has run 280 marathons and ultras, and he's now chasing a goal that seemed impossible: becoming the first person ever to complete 300 marathons with stage 4 cancer. Every race is a victory. Every mile is borrowed time. And every finish line is a testament to hope. Throughout their conversation, Marcela and Pacer Tom explore the world of marathon pacing, the evolution of the running community, the untold history of women at the Boston Marathon, and what it means to keep moving forward when life hands you the toughest miles. He also shares details about his two books, Running My Salvation from Stage 4 Cancer and Boston Marathon Triumphs, with all proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross. This episode is a powerful reminder that life, like a marathon, will bring both joyful miles and painful ones, but with community, courage, and faith, we can keep going one step at a time. 00:00 Welcome and Meet Pacer Tom 01:15 775 Marathons and Ultras: The Numbers 02:30 Nine Time 50 State Finisher and World Marathon Majors 04:10 What Is a Pacer? The Heart Behind the Role 06:45 Pacing Nearly 1,200 Races Over 50 Years 08:20 Favorite and Least Favorite Marathons 11:40 International Racing: Rome, Tokyo, Berlin, and Beyond 14:50 The Most Inspiring Stories from the Pacer's Perspective 16:35 Running My Salvation from Stage 4 Cancer: The Book 19:20 Boston Marathon Triumphs: Honoring Legends and History 22:10 Women and the Boston Marathon: Bobby Gibb and Kathrine Switzer 26:00 How Running Has Changed from the 1970s to Today 30:15 Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis in 2019 32:40 280 Marathons After Stage 4: Chasing 300 35:50 Life Is a Marathon: The Happy Miles and the Hard Ones 38:25 Advice for Anyone Facing Tough Times 40:10 Looking Ahead to Cape Town Marathon and Beyond Learn more about Marcela, and the FIT community, at https://friendsintraining.net/ Find Pacer Tom's books on Amazon: Running My Salvation from Stage 4 Cancer and Boston Marathon Triumphs. All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross.

    36 min

  3. Jun 11 ·  Video

    Running Into Reinvention: Stella's First Half Marathon at 68

    In this inspiring episode of Friends in Training: Life is a Marathon, Marcela welcomes Stella Papadopoulos, a remarkable woman who completed her first half marathon at age 68 at the A1A Marathon & Half Marathon in Fort Lauderdale. After running throughout her early life, Stella Papadopoulos took a 15 year break before returning to the treadmill at age 60. What followed was an extraordinary journey of transformation that went far beyond physical fitness. Through strength training, nutritional changes including the ketogenic diet, and consistent dedication, she lost 45 pounds and even experienced a 40% improvement in her vision. But Stella Papadopoulos's story is about much more than running. After divorcing at 60 following a 25 year marriage, she faced a pivotal question from her lawyer: "How do you want to live?" That question sparked a complete reinvention. She became a certified personal trainer at 62, launched a YouTube channel called Inspirations by Stella, published a book on navigating divorce, and embraced watercolor art as a form of healing and expression. Throughout their conversation, Marcela and Stella Papadopoulos explore the power of reclaiming your life at any age, the importance of self love and inner work, and why consistency in both running and life creates lasting transformation. Stella Papadopoulos shares practical advice on starting a fitness journey, the role of proper nutrition and fueling, and how running became a meditative practice that helped her reconnect with her strength. This episode is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to rebuild, that dreams don't expire, and that forward motion is always a choice we can make. 00:00 Welcome and Meeting Estella 00:51 Estella's Running Journey: From High School to 15-Year Break 01:28 Coming Home to Running: The Walk-Run Method 02:27 Women Reinventing Themselves After 60 03:18 The Ketogenic Diet Journey and Vision Improvement 05:12 Nutrition Fundamentals: Protein and Macros 07:20 First Steps for Beginners: Walking on an Incline 08:16 The Half Marathon Challenge 12:26 Race Day Experience and Jeff Galloway's Method 13:54 Running for Everyone: Breaking Down Barriers 15:09 The Friends In Training Community 15:51 Divorce and Rebuilding: How Do You Want to Live? 16:20 Women as Emotional Glue: Becoming Invisible 17:20 Don't Wait for a Wake-Up Call 18:10 Forward Motion: Running as Metaphor for Life 18:37 The Mental and Meditative Side of Running 19:51 Inner Work: Prayer, Meditation, and Self-Love 20:35 The Oxygen Mask Principle: Taking Care of Yourself First 21:24 Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Health 22:17 Life's Tough Miles: Getting Through the Hard Times 22:51 Quietly Suffering: Breaking the Silence 23:10 The Book: I'm Getting Divorced, Where Do I Start? 23:41 Inspirations by Stella: YouTube Channel and Content 23:53 Watercolor Artist and Creative Expression 24:44 Fulfillment is an Inside Job 30:05 Free Resources: Digital Products and Journal Prompts 31:41 Dreams Don't Expire: Finding Your Dreams Again 32:46 Dreams Come True: New York City Marathon Story 33:48 Final Words: You Are a Light Learn more about Marcela, and the FIT community, at https://friendsintraining.net/ Follow Stella Papadopoulos's journey on YouTube: Inspirations by Stella

    35 min

  4. Jun 2 ·  Video

    Part 2: Making Badwater History at 80 with Bob Becker

    In this follow-up episode of Friends in Training: Life is a Marathon, Marcela reconnects with legendary ultrarunner Bob Becker to hear the story behind his long-awaited Badwater 135 finish. After several attempts that ended in disappointment or came just short of the official cutoff, Bob returned to one of the world’s most demanding ultramarathons at age 80 with a powerful goal: to become the oldest finisher in Badwater 135 history. This time, he crossed the finish line in 45 hours, breaking Jack Denness’s long-standing record and proving that determination, preparation, and the right support can carry us through even the hardest miles. Throughout their conversation, Bob reflects on the crew, coaching, and community that helped make the finish possible, while also looking ahead to future races and adventures around the world. 00:00 Welcome and Podcast Introduction 01:27 The Badwater 135 Challenge 02:38 Chasing Jack Dennis's Record 03:25 Three Attempts at History 04:58 Breaking the Record at Age 80 07:29 The Power of Your Crew and Community 09:06 Return to China: A Special Journey 11:21 Race Director Life and Keys 100 11:55 Alaska Calling: Denali 135 15:20 Race Details and Registration Info 21:34 Advice for Aspiring Ultrarunners 23:43 Closing Thoughts and Farewell Learn more about Marcela, and the FIT community, at https://friendsintraining.net/

    24 min
  5. Part 1: Inside the World of Ultrarunning with Bob Becker

    May 26 ·  Video

    Part 1: Inside the World of Ultrarunning with Bob Becker

    In today's episode, Marcela sits down with legendary ultramarathon runner and race director Bob Becker for an inspiring conversation about endurance, resilience, and continuing to move forward at every stage of life. Bob introduces listeners to the world of ultrarunning, sharing what it takes to go beyond the marathon distance and complete races that demand intense preparation, both physical and mental. He reflects on remarkable milestones from his running journey, including Badwater 135, the Badwater “double,” fixed-time ultramarathons, a 48-hour age-group world record, and running 230 miles in 74 hours. Beyond the miles, Bob shares how running reshaped his life, leading him from mortgage banking into race directing and the founding of the Keys 100. He also opens up about family, surviving prostate cancer through early detection, and the importance of staying active and focused on what lies ahead. (00:07) Meet Bob Becker and the World of Ultrarunning (02:45) Badwater 135, Fixed-Time Racing, and Bob’s Longest Run (04:18) Records, 48-Hour Racing, and the Badwater Double (06:27) Bob’s Early Life, Career, and Becoming a Race Director (08:46) Starting Late, Joining Friends in Training, and Qualifying for Boston (11:50) Family, Community, and Bob’s Best Life Miles (14:44) Prostate Cancer, Early Detection, and Preventive Health (16:55) How the Keys 100 Began (19:50) Relays, Community, and Introducing Others to Ultras (25:35) Favorite Races, Memorable Challenges, and Lessons Learned (32:10) Advice for Runners: Do Your Homework, Prepare Well, and Stay Realistic Learn more about Marcela, and the FIT community, at https://friendsintraining.net/

    38 min
  6. Premiere Episode: Stronger Than You Think - Life Is A Marathon

    May 16 ·  Video

    Premiere Episode: Stronger Than You Think - Life Is A Marathon

    In this debut episode, host Marcela Todd is joined by Brian Boyd to introduce the heart behind Friends in Training and the powerful community that has grown from it. What began as a marathon and half-marathon training programme in Broward County, Florida, has become a family built on encouragement, perseverance, and helping people achieve goals they once thought were far out of reach. Marcela reflects on her own running journey—spanning 81 marathons and more than 200 half marathons to ultramarathons and international races—and shares the lessons running has taught her about resilience and gratitude, and the importance of embracing the journey. Together, Marcela and Brian explore the idea that life is a marathon, filled with challenging miles, meaningful victories, and moments when we need others to help us keep going. Be sure to subscribe, follow and share! (00:06) Welcome to the Friends in Training Podcast (02:30) Brian’s Running Journey with FIT (03:04) 81 Marathons, 200 Half Marathons, and the Myth of “The Wall” (05:10) Why Life Is a Marathon (08:10) Running the Geneva Marathon After 11 Days of Biking (09:26) Stepping Into Leadership at Friends in Training (12:18) Why FIT Is for Everyday People (13:13) What Friends in Training Taught Marcella About Life (15:25) Marathon Training, Discipline, and Starting Small (19:32) Don’t Do Life Alone (23:04) Remembering Veronica and Living with Gratitude (27:31) Seeing the World Through Running (30:52) You Are Stronger Than You Think Learn more about Marcela, and the FIT community, at https://friendsintraining.net/

    33 min
  7. Friends In Training Podcast with Marcela Todd: Life is A Marathon - The Trailer

    Season 1 Trailer

    Friends In Training Podcast with Marcela Todd: Life is A Marathon - The Trailer

    Welcome to The Friends In Training Podcast with Marcela Todd: Life is A Marathon. This podcast is your ultimate companion for staying motivated and inspired on your fitness and life journey. Join Marcela each week as she shares uplifting stories, hosts insightful interviews with experts and everyday heroes, and offers practical tips to help you tackle challenges, celebrate victories, and keep moving forward—one step at a time. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a first-time walker, or simply seeking inspiration, this podcast offers encouragement and community for everyone. Tune in, subscribe, and let’s run this marathon of life together! Visit https://friendsintraining.net for more infrormation and resources.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Friends In Training Podcast with Marcela Todd: Life is A Marathon. This podcast is your ultimate companion for staying motivated and inspired on your fitness and life journey. Join Marcela each week as she shares uplifting stories, hosts insightful interviews with experts and everyday heroes, and offers practical tips to help you tackle challenges, celebrate victories, and keep moving forward—one step at a time. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a first-time walker, or simply seeking inspiration, this podcast offers encouragement and community for everyone. Tune in, subscribe, and let’s run this marathon of life together! Visit https://friendsintraining.net for more information and resources.

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