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In this powerful episode of Mile Marker Matriarch, Stacy unpacks Survival Running—the first stage of the Embodied Matriarch Framework and the hidden truth behind why so many women run not for fitness, but for survival.

If you’ve ever run to cope, run to cry, run to escape, or run because you couldn’t fall apart at home… this episode will make you feel deeply seen.

Through personal story, feminist rhetorical theory (Foss & Griffin), trauma research (Bessel van der Kolk), and embodied phenomenology, Stacy reveals why Survival Running is not a weakness — it’s your body’s first language of truth.

You’ll learn:

· Why running becomes the only place you can breathe in survival mode

· How trauma interrupts language and forces the body to speak through movement

· Why Survival Running is the beginning of your sovereignty

· How to shift from shame → power using embodied, feminist reframing

· Three simple action steps to move through this stage with compassion

This episode is for every woman carrying emotional labor, chronic overwhelm, trauma, or the feeling of losing herself inside her own life.

Next week: we explore The Awakening Run — Stage Two — where survival shifts into possibility.

If this episode resonates, share it with a friend, running partner, or woman in your life who might be carrying more than she lets on. Women heal in community.

Let's connect!

Instagram: @milemarkermatriarch

TikTok: @milemarkermatriarch

YouTube: @stacycacciatore

Lemon8: @milemarkermatriarch

https://milemarkermatriarchpodcast.com

Email the show at milemarkermatriarch@gmail.com

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Have you ever wondered if you’re a real runner?
If you’ve ever felt too slow, too old, too new, too inconsistent, too imperfect to claim the title… this episode is for you.

This week, Stacy Cacciatore — founder of Mile Marker Matriarch and creator of the Running Rhetorics framework — breaks open one of the most toxic myths in running culture: the belief that only a certain kind of runner “counts.”

The spark? A shocking story from the Disney Princess Half Marathon, where a male runner bragged about racking up “kills” by passing slower women. Elitism. Ego. Entitlement. And the ripple effects that say you don’t belong here.

But this episode isn’t just about running.
It’s about identity, agency, and who gets permission to take up space — on the course and in your life.

Stacy shares:

✨ The hidden history of women being pushed out of the sport
✨ Why the “real runner” myth still harms women today
✨ The moment she witnessed a grandmother runner get knocked down — literally — by someone who thought he deserved the road more
✨ How running mirrors society’s power structures
✨ And the radical reframe every woman needs to hear:

If you run, you are a real runner.

Whether you’re running loops during your kid’s soccer practice, building miles at 4 a.m., training through fear, grief, or self-doubt, or standing in the back corral wondering if you belong — this episode will meet you where you are.

You’ll walk away with:

💛 A mantra to carry on your next run
💛 A mindset shift to silence your inner critic
💛 A call to build a running community grounded in belonging, not competition
💛 And a reminder you may not hear enough:

You deserve to take up space. On the course. And in your life.

If this episode makes you feel seen, send it to a woman who needs that same reminder.
Let’s redefine what a real runner looks like — together.

Let's connect!

Instagram: @milemarkermatriarch

TikTok: @milemarkermatriarch

YouTube: @stacycacciatore

Lemon8: @milemarkermatriarch

https://milemarkermatriarchpodcast.com

Email the show at milemarkermatriarch@gmail.com

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I've run the Chicago Marathon every year since 2017 and it's my favorite race I've ever run!! I've run over 150+ road races across America (and France!) and The Chicago Marathon has the best crowd support of any race I've ever run!!

The cheers! The signs! And don't forget, the cowbells!

But what about all of those runs leading up to this big moment?

The 4am run before work. The lunchtime quickie on the tread. The lonely 20-miler on a Saturday morning.

Who was clapping then?

As you know, the marathon is only the last 26.2 miles of the journey.

Similar to an iceberg, people can only see the top....the celebratory moment you cross the finish line.

They don't see the broken toe nails, chafing on your thighs, or the mobility work.

During those stretches of road, you may not hear claps.

And if you only run when you hear clapping, you may be tempted to stop, but we're not stopping.

That's why it's essential to learn how to clap for yourself.

On the road.

At home.

At work.

In life.

Because when you can run like no one's clapping, you're unstoppable.

And there is nothing more powerful than a woman who claps for herself.

Are you ready to step into your power?

Listen to this episode of Mile Marker Matriarch, where I break down why running like no one’s clapping might be the most powerful shift you’ll ever make. You’ll learn a 3-step framework to stop chasing external validation, anchor into intrinsic motivation, and build your own internal applause.

Because applause fades. Your strength doesn’t.

Episode Resources (Studies Referenced)

1. The Progress Principle – Small Wins Matter Most
Harvard Business School: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=40692

2. Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation Review
Psychological Medicine (2022): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9340849/

Let's connect!

Instagram: @milemarkermatriarch

TikTok: @milemarkermatriarch

YouTube: @stacycacciatore

Lemon8: @milemarkermatriarch

https://milemarkermatriarchpodcast.com

Email the show at milemarkermatriarch@gmail.com

Send us a text

Ready to experience the magic of runDisney—without boarding a plane, booking a hotel, or navigating the crowds? In this episode of Mile Marker Matriarch, I’m sharing 8 powerful reasons why the runDisney Virtual Series might be your most magical race yet. Whether you’re a seasoned runDisney racer or dreaming of your first Disney medal, you’ll learn how to bring the magic home, save time and money, conquer the fear of the Balloon Ladies, run for purpose over pace, reclaim your space and place, express yourself with dress, and cherish your meaningful medals.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to register for a virtual race, this is it! Now is the perfect time to listen because next Tuesday, August 19, registration opens for the 2025 runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas!

As a planDisney alumni panelist, certified running coach, personal trainer, and veteran of 21 runDisney races, I’ll walk you through how to make the virtual race experience just as memorable and empowering as running through Cinderella Castle—without the travel logistics.

Plus, I’m giving you my FREE Virtual Race Magic Toolkit with Disney-inspired recipes, packing checklists, race-day prep guides, and more to make your at-home run truly unforgettable.

Don’t miss the bonus YouTube video where I reveal and review the full runDisney Virtual Series medal collection—you’ll find the link in the show notes below.

Whether you’re running your first 5K or adding to your challenge medal collection, this episode will help you run with purpose, joy, and a touch of Disney magic—right from your own neighborhood.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

· Download the FREE Virtual Race Magic Toolkit

· Watch the full runDisney Virtual Series Medal Review on YouTube

· Follow me on Instagram

· Visit my website for more resources

Let's connect!

Instagram: @milemarkermatriarch

TikTok: @milemarkermatriarch

YouTube: @stacycacciatore

Lemon8: @milemarkermatriarch

https://milemarkermatriarchpodcast.com

Email the show at milemarkermatriarch@gmail.com

Send us a text

Today's episode will show you how to shift your mindset, with 10 powerful techniques, that will completely transform your relationship with running and yourself.

If you've ever struggled with a lack of motivation or confidence, perfectionism, juggling too many responsibilities, feeling discouraged, thinking that you're not a "real runner," or are stuck in your running journey, today's episode is a MUST listen! I'm sharing the ultimate guide to running strong and feeling unstoppable--which all starts in the mind.

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• • How to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, so unexpected setbacks don’t derail your progress
  • Why challenging your inner narrative and reminding yourself that you can do hard things will unlock untapped resilience
  • The secret to moving beyond motivation to discipline, forming habits that keep you consistent even when running feels hard
  • How progress, not perfection, fuels long-term growth—and why consistency beats perfectionism every time
  • The art of listening to your body, tuning into emotional and physical cues to run smarter and prevent burnout
  • Mental tools like visualization and the “ladder method” to build real grit before hitting the pavement
  • The power of embracing the journey over the finish line, learning to find joy in every mile
    
    

After listening to this episode, you will be equipped with strategies, tips, and specific exercises that will upgrade your confidence, mental toughness, resilience, and grit. You're about to unlock mindset secrets that elite ultra-marathoners rely on--that will transform not only your runs, but your entire life.

🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode

• • Running Through Trauma podcast
  • Mental Toughness & Self‑Efficacy in Elite Ultra‑Marathoners
  • Influence of Psychological Factors on the Success of the Ultra-Trail Runner
  • Mel Robbins – The Let Them Theory

Let's connect!

Instagram: @milemarkermatriarch

TikTok: @milemarkermatriarch

YouTube: @stacycacciatore

Lemon8: @milemarkermatriarch

https://milemarkermatriarchpodcast.com

Email the show at milemarkermatriarch@gmail.com

Send us a text

Thinking about running your first marathon this fall? Whether you're a beginner or coming back after a break, this episode is packed with everything you need to know to get started. I'm sharing expert tips as a certified RRCA running coach, personal insights from training for over 20 marathons, and a FREE 18-week training plan to help you go from wherever you are now to crossing the finish line strong.

Inside this episode:

• How to assess your fitness level for marathon readiness
• Why discipline—not motivation—is the key to marathon success
• What to expect in training (and why it’s different for women)
• How to avoid injury and overtraining
• Why I believe beginners should train up to 26.2 miles
• Real talk on pace, goals, and what "winning" really means

🎁 Grab your FREE beginner-friendly marathon training plan at milemarkermatriarch.com or DM me @milemarkermatriarch on Instagram!

Let's connect!

Instagram: @milemarkermatriarch

TikTok: @milemarkermatriarch

YouTube: @stacycacciatore

Lemon8: @milemarkermatriarch

https://milemarkermatriarchpodcast.com

Email the show at milemarkermatriarch@gmail.com

Send us a text

They say opposites attract--and in the world of fitness, nothing proves that more than running and yoga! In this episode of Mile Marker Matriarch, we explore how yoga and running--seemingly opposite practices--can actually create the perfect partnership for performance, recovery, and longevity. Whether you're short on time, unsure how to get started, or want to learn more about how yoga can benefit your running, this episode is for you. You'll learn:

• The top yoga poses for runners
• The best types of yoga to support your running goals
• How yoga boosts flexibility, mobility, and recovery
• Why breath work could be your secret weapon on race day
• How to start a practical and sustainable yoga routine--even if you're short on time

This episode will help you rethink yoga as not just stretching and recovery, but as essential training.

Plus, get a FREE "Yoga for Runners" download--Just DM Stacy on Instagram @milemarkermatriarch!

Let's connect!

Instagram: @milemarkermatriarch

TikTok: @milemarkermatriarch

YouTube: @stacycacciatore

Lemon8: @milemarkermatriarch

https://milemarkermatriarchpodcast.com

Email the show at milemarkermatriarch@gmail.com

Send us a text

Is running actually bad for your knees? Do you really need to stretch before every run? Can you eat whatever you want as long as you're logging miles? In this myth-busting episode, I'm getting to the bottom of the running fables we've all heard before.

Whether you're a seasoned marathon runner or a new runner questioning what's true, this episode is packed with science-based research, expert advice, and my personal experience (including my strugglers with burnout and nutrition), and practical tips you can use to become a stronger, more efficient, and healthier runner.

I'll share my favorite strength, core, and mobility exercises for improving your running efficiency and staying injury-free.

Let's connect!

Instagram: @milemarkermatriarch

TikTok: @milemarkermatriarch

YouTube: @stacycacciatore

Lemon8: @milemarkermatriarch

https://milemarkermatriarchpodcast.com

Email the show at milemarkermatriarch@gmail.com