Through Their Stride

Sam Sutton
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Running

Through Their Stride is a Texas-born running podcast sharing inspiring stories from runners, coaches, and endurance athletes in Texas and beyond. Each episode explores marathon training, racing, track and field, mindset, and the personal journeys behind the sport. New episodes weekly. See video episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbMBdg7_Bdt4zbOdXTh_SsYT8bJRzICmY&si=XPZ48Ff-NatRGnDA Share inquiries and story ideas to throughtheirstride@gmail.com. Follow the host: @SamRunsTX on Instagram Follow the pod: @ThroughTheirStride on Instagram

  1. 1d ago

    Ep. 52: Run, Roast, Repeat: Alan Ortega's Road to Chicago

    Houston runner, coffee-roaster owner, and music lover Alan Ortega joins the show to share the story behind his first-ever marathon build. Alan began running in 2017 alongside the woman who is now his wife. What started as a shared hobby steadily became a meaningful part of his life — taking him through years of progress, consistency, and a near-sub-1:40 half marathon in 2025. Now, he is training for the Chicago Marathon with an even deeper motivation behind every long run. Alan is running for BandWith Chicago, a nonprofit that helps connect young people with opportunities to learn, create, and participate in music programs. From band and drumline to jazz, hip-hop, guitar, vocals, and community ensembles, BandWith Chicago works to make music accessible to more kids. In this conversation, Alan talks about: How he and his wife found running together in 2017The gradual progression that led him close to a 1:40 half marathonWhat has surprised him most during his first marathon-training cycleBalancing running, family life, music, and operating Fermata Coffee RoastersWhy running for BandWith Chicago has strengthened his "why"How he feels sharing his journey on Instagram can help other runners see what is possible (a big credit to his wife for the stunning cinematographyThis is a conversation about patience, purpose, community, and embracing the long road toward a big goal. Follow Alan on Instagram: @ortegaontherun Follow Fermata Coffee Roasters on Instagram: @fermatacoffeeroasters Learn more about BandWith Chicago: @bandwith_chicago

    Ep. 52: Run, Roast, Repeat: Alan Ortega's Road to Chicago

  2. Aug 31

    Ep. 51: Finding Joy in Encouraging Others: Jason Schwarzer

    Jason Schwarzer only started running a few years ago, but has instantly become one of the biggest builders of the running community. Co-host of the Runners Like Us Podcast, Jason has found that while he loves what he gets to learn about himself during tough ultramarathons and training blocks, he finds the most joy in sharing the stories of other runners and building them up. During tough workouts or long runs, Jason often finds himself cheering on the other runners on the trails around him. He does this because for some of them, it might be the only word of encouragement they hear today. And that could change their entire life. Jason's story shows us that even if you're struggling, never be too selfish or prideful to lift someone else up. Follow Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goforyour30/?hl=enListen to the Runners Like Us Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/runners-like-us-podcast-a-safe-place-for-all-runners/id1809260322

    Ep. 51: Finding Joy in Encouraging Others: Jason Schwarzer

  3. Aug 21

    Ep. 50: Elizabeth Clor on Boston Bound, Mental Clarity & Trusting the Process

    In Episode 50 of Through Their Stride, I sit down with Elizabeth Clor, competitive marathoner, running coach, author, and creator of the Racing Stripes blog. Elizabeth shares the story behind Boston Bound, which follows her seven-year journey to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The conversation explores how perfectionism, anxiety, and putting too much weight on one outcome can become obstacles, and what changed when she learned to stay steady-minded, focus on controllable, and commit to the process. We also talk about the 10th anniversary of Boston Bound, lessons Elizabeth still carries from her pursuit to Boston, and practical perspective fro runners chasing a BQ, PR, or any meaningful goal. If you've ever felt that your running goal has become bigger than yourself, this episode is for you. Connect with Elizabeth Clor Book: Boston Bound — https://www.amazon.com/Boston-Bound-Overcome-Barriers-Marathon/dp/1530680581Blog: https://www.elizabethclor.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethclor/ #runningpodcast #bostonmarathon #bostonbound #marathontraining

    Ep. 50: Elizabeth Clor on Boston Bound, Mental Clarity & Trusting the Process

  4. Aug 14

    Ep. 49: From 3:00:10 to Sub-3 | Natalie Lutz's Marathon Breakthrough

    Natalie Lutz is a running coach, mom, full-time employee, and multi-time sub-three-hour marathoner. At the 2023 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Natalie ran 3:00:10 — just 10 seconds away from breaking the three-hour barrier. That near miss gave her a glimpse of what was possible, and she went all-in on the pursuit. Over the next 12 months, she raced five marathons before finally breaking through one year later at the Chicago Marathon. In this episode, Natalie shares: - What it felt like to miss sub-3 by 10 seconds at Chicago - Why she chose to run five marathons in 12 months - The training, mindset, and persistence behind her sub-3 breakthrough - How coaching runners fuels her own goals - Balancing high-level training with motherhood and a full-time job - Rebuilding her relationship with running after collegiate burnout If you're chasing sub-3 or any goal that feels out just out of reach, this conversation is a reminder that a near miss can become the start of a breakthrough. Subscribe for more conversations about marathon training, running culture, and the stories behind big goals. Follow Natalie Lutz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/multisportmama/ #running #marathon #marathontraining #chicagomarathon #sub3marathon

    Ep. 49: From 3:00:10 to Sub-3 | Natalie Lutz's Marathon Breakthrough

  5. Aug 7

    Ep. 48: "I'm Not Broken" | Chiara Bondi On Running, Autism Diagnosis, & Injury

    Chiara Bondi is a sub-3 marathoner, but this conversation is about more than a finish time. In 2025, Chiara ran under three hours at the Eugene Marathon and continues to chase big goals in distance running. Later that year, she received an autism diagnosis — an experience that helped her better understand herself and recognize that she was never broken. For Chiara, running and training have provided an important routine: a way to feel structured, grounded, and regulated throughout daily life. But in early 2026, a stress reaction forced her to step away from running. In this episode, she shares what recovery taught her, how she navigated a difficult season, and what it has meant to return to the sport with a renewed perspective. Chiara's next race will be the London Marathon, where she'll be running to raise money for Ambitious About Autism. If her story resonates with you, please consider supporting her fundraiser here: https://2027tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/chiara-bondi?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3 Follow Chiara Bondi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuttyfitbondi/

    Ep. 48: "I'm Not Broken" | Chiara Bondi On Running, Autism Diagnosis, & Injury

  6. Jul 10

    Ep. 47: Building Community While Becoming an Ironman | Trent Herzog

    Five months ago, a police officer in California decided to lace up a pair of running shoes. Today, that man is a triathlete and cofounder of a triathlon endurance club in California. When Trent Herzog began his hybrid athlete journey, he didn't know how far it would take him. But after finishing in the top 10 in his first-ever 10-mile race, he knew he was on to something. He fell in love with triathlons shortly thereafter and is now training for his first-ever Ironman. But he won't be doing it alone. He and his two friends, Juan Meza and Adolfo Hernandez, he cofounded Forge Endurance Club in Fresno, California, with the mission to show people what they are capable of. And that's exactly what Trent's mission with his endurance chase and content reaction is about. Trent wants to show people that if you drop the excuses and just start working steadily toward your dreams, you may surprise yourself about what you're capable of. Follow Trent Herzog: https://www.instagram.com/trent.fitnesss?igsh=MWQ5eW4yZDA2dndlMA== Follow Forge Endurance Club: https://www.instagram.com/forge.endurance/?__d=1开盒社工库✔%EF%B8%8F%2Btianchacha.com%2B银行预留号查对方征婚平台账号超牛的机房

    Ep. 47: Building Community While Becoming an Ironman | Trent Herzog

  7. Jun 27

    Ep. 46: Chasing Sub-3 While Inspiring Other Runners | Laura Pett

    In this episode of Through Their Stride, I sit down with Tennessee-based marathoner Laura Pett to talk about her journey from collegiate cross country to chasing a sub-3-hour marathon. Laura made her marathon debut in 2017 at the Atlanta Marathon, tackling a tough course and running 3:40. Since then, she's steadily improved — qualifying for the Boston Marathon multiple times and lowering her PR to a 3:04. We dive into what's helped her make those gains, what it takes to close the gap to sub-3, and how she balances training with family life and a career. Laura also shares how she uses her Instagram platform, @lpett.running, to connect with other runners, offer practical advice, and build a supportive community. If you're chasing a big goal while juggling real life, this one will resonate. #running #marathontraining #sub3marathon #runningpodcast

    Ep. 46: Chasing Sub-3 While Inspiring Other Runners | Laura Pett

  8. Jun 12

    Ep. 45: From Burnout to 2:54: Adri Ducharme on Finding Joy in Running Again

    In this episode of Through Their Stride, I sat down with Adriana Ducharme (@runningthelife_ on Instagram) to unpack a journey that many runners experience but few talk about openly. Adri shares how a toxic college coaching environment led to burnout and a loss of identity within the sport – and how stepping away from that structure helped rediscover what running could be. Through joining a club cross country team at the University of Georgia, she rebuilt her relationship with competition, community, and herself. That renewed perspective translated into serious performance gains. Adri went from a 3:14 marathon debut to a 2:54, proving that growth doesn't always come from pushing harder — it comes from finding joy again. We also talk about balancing competitive goals with a full-time teaching career, and how Adri uses her platform to show that chasing big goals is still possible, even with a busy life. This episode is for anyone who's felt burned out, stuck, or unsure of what's next – and needs a reminder that a comeback is always possible. #running #podcast #marathons #teaching #trackandfield

    Ep. 45: From Burnout to 2:54: Adri Ducharme on Finding Joy in Running Again
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About

Through Their Stride is a Texas-born running podcast sharing inspiring stories from runners, coaches, and endurance athletes in Texas and beyond. Each episode explores marathon training, racing, track and field, mindset, and the personal journeys behind the sport. New episodes weekly. See video episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbMBdg7_Bdt4zbOdXTh_SsYT8bJRzICmY&si=XPZ48Ff-NatRGnDA Share inquiries and story ideas to throughtheirstride@gmail.com. Follow the host: @SamRunsTX on Instagram Follow the pod: @ThroughTheirStride on Instagram

Information

  • Creator
    Sam Sutton
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Through Their Stride
  • Show Website
    Through Their Stride

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