Run Strong Run Podcast

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What does it take to go from your first marathon to becoming someone who helps inspire an entire running community?

In this episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, I sit down with my friend Ivan Casillas, whose marathon journey began at the California International Marathon (CIM) in 2022 and has grown into something much bigger than chasing personal records.

Ivan shares how he went from training the hard way—believing every run had to be fast—to discovering that patience, consistency, and community are what truly make marathon training rewarding.

We also have a heartfelt conversation about losing his father unexpectedly and how running became an important part of processing grief while continuing to move forward.

Whether you're training for your first marathon, wondering if you're capable of running 26.2 miles, or simply need encouragement to keep showing up, this episode will remind you that every runner belongs.

In this episode, we discuss:
How Ivan found his way to his first California International Marathon
Lessons learned after completing four CIM marathons
Why marathon training rewards patience—not perfection
Running through grief after the unexpected loss of his father
The power of community and the Corremos Sacramento Run Club
Why slower runners deserve the same celebration as every other finisher
Fueling strategies beyond just gels
Why Ivan believes everyone should run a marathon at least once
How to overcome fear before signing up for your first marathon
🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube.
Memorable Quote
"Figure out why you want to run a marathon... then sign up and do it."
Connect with Ivan

📲 Instagram: @simply_thicc

Resources Mentioned

🏃 Download my Beginner's Guide to Running

🏃 Follow me on Instagram: @runstrongrun

🎙️ Subscribe to the Run Strong Run Podcast 

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with a friend who's dreaming about their first marathon.
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!"

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Can running help heal postpartum depression?
In this deeply moving episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Noelani Fong, a wife, homeschool mom of four young children, and brand-new runner who completed her very first half marathon just three months postpartum.
After experiencing severe postpartum depression following her first three pregnancies, Noelani prayed for a different outcome after welcoming her fourth baby. She felt prompted to simply "move your body"—and that small step led her into the running community, where she discovered healing, hope, confidence, and purpose.
During the Kona Half Marathon, Noelani hit a difficult wall around mile 9 when Stephanie handed her an "All Runners Count" bracelet, a simple moment that became exactly the encouragement she needed to keep moving toward the finish line.
Together, they discuss:
 Recovering from postpartum depression 
 Beginning a running journey after having a baby 
 Training for a half marathon with four young children 
 Balancing motherhood, homeschooling, and marathon training 
 The importance of community in running 
 Faith, perseverance, and trusting God's plan 
 Why every runner belongs 
Whether you're a new mom, a beginner runner, or simply someone needing hope today, Noelani's story is a reminder that incredible things often begin with one small step.
🎥 Watch Full Interview on YouTube
Connect with Noelani:
Instagram: @noelaninoe
TikTok: @noelaninoe
Email: noelanifong@gmail.com
Resources Mentioned
🏃 Download the Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Running
🏃 Learn about run/walk intervals
🏃 Follow Stephanie:
Instagram
TikTok
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a little encouragement today.
Remember…
All Runners Count.
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!"

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Amazon Prime Day is the perfect time to save on running gear you'll actually use—but not every deal is worth your money. (My Amazon Storefront)
In this episode, I'm sharing the products I personally use as a marathon pacer, beginner running coach, and mom of two. From the Gymboss Interval Timer that powers my run-walk intervals to my COROS Pace 3 running watch, Brooks running shoes, HOVERAir X1 Pro drone, hydration gear, recovery tools, and protein essentials, these are the products I trust every day.
Whether you're training for your first 5K, half marathon, marathon, or simply looking for beginner-friendly running gear, you'll discover which Prime Day deals are worth adding to your cart—and why.
In this episode, you'll learn:
My #1 recommendation for beginner runners
Why I trust the COROS Pace 3 for marathon pacing
The running shoes I keep coming back to
How the HOVERAir X1 Pro helps me capture hands-free running videos
My favorite hydration, recovery, and strength tools
Which products are worth buying during Prime Day—and which you can skip
If you're ready to train smarter, recover better, and take advantage of the best Amazon Prime Day deals for runners, this episode is for you.
🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube.
🎧 Resources Mentioned:
• Shop my Amazon Storefront
• Follow me on Instagram: @runstrongrun
• Download my Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Running
If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's training for their next race.
Remember... All Runners Count.
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!"

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What if you started running at 44 and ended up completing 100 miles?
In this inspiring episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, I sit down with Michelle Schroff, better known on Instagram as Waddell Running Lady. Michelle shares her incredible journey from reluctant beginner runner to ultra marathon finisher, proving that it's never too late to start and that running can transform far more than your fitness.
A note about this episode: This conversation was originally recorded in February 2025. During our discussion, Michelle briefly talks about her son, Austin, who was battling leukemia at the time. Sadly, Austin passed away in June 2025. As this episode is being released, Michelle is now more than a year into navigating the profound grief of losing her son.
While much has changed since this conversation was recorded, Michelle's words about resilience, courage, perspective, and perseverance are more powerful than ever.
In this episode, we discuss:
• How Michelle started running at age 44
• The mindset shift from weight loss to self-discovery
• Balancing running with motherhood and caregiving
• Why pace and body size don't define a runner
• Building mental toughness through life's challenges
• Completing a 100-mile race and what it taught her
• Navigating social media criticism and staying true to yourself
• Why it's never too late to begin your running journey
I had the privilege of meeting Michelle in person at Every Woman's Marathon in Scottsdale, Arizona, in November 2025, and she is exactly who she appears to be online—authentic, kind, encouraging, and deeply inspiring.
Whether you're training for your first 5K or dreaming about bigger goals, Michelle's story will remind you that extraordinary things can happen when you simply take the first step.
All runners count.
Listen now.
RELATED LINKS
Follow Michelle - Instagram: Waddell Running Lady
Email Michelle: waddellrunninglady@gmail.com
Listen to Michelle’s podcast: Fun of the Run Podcast
Explore more from Run Strong Run: https://runstrongrun.com
Grab my Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Running: Everything You Need to Get Started today
Watch this episode on YouTube
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!"

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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. 💛
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!"