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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

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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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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!"

Send us Fan Mail

2026 is not a restart—you’re not starting over. You’re building from what you already started.

In the first episode of 2026 on the Run Strong Run Podcast, Steph shares a powerful mindset shift for runners who may already feel their New Year motivation fading. Instead of resolutions, she focuses on choosing a word for the year—rooted—and explains how staying grounded in who you are can help you build consistency, confidence, and joy in your running.

This episode is a reminder that all runners count, that progress doesn’t disappear when motivation dips, and that your running journey—at any pace or stage—is valid and worth celebrating.

Resources Mentioned:

• Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Running: Everything You Need to Get Started
• Interval Running for Beginners: Starting Smart and Strong
• Full race schedule + blog: runstrongrun.com

Connect With Steph:

• Instagram: @RunStrongRun
• TikTok: @RunStrongRun
• Facebook: Run Strong Run
• Blog: RunStrongRun.com

Let’s Stay Connected

If this episode encouraged you, please:

• Subscribe to the podcast
• Share this episode with a friend who needs a little encouragement
• Leave a review—your support helps this message reach more runners

Thank you for being here and for letting me be part of your running journey.
Here’s to a rooted, strong, and steady 2026.

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!"