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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 power

I 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 Guide
• The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Running
• Interval 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. 💛

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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!"

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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!"

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 ice
• Using walk-run intervals for marathon success
• Race-day nerves and how to calm them
• Running different paces as a team
• The power of pacers in long-distance races
• Why a 5:50 marathon is absolutely something to be proud of
• Body image, movement as stress relief, and modeling healthy habits
• Why running together strengthens relationships

And 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!"