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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!"