Back by popular demand, friend and fellow distance runner, Megan Cottage, returns to the Health by Haven Podcast to share her journey to completing all six Abbott World Marathon Majors! Fresh off finishing the 2026 Berlin Marathon, Megan recaps her 2026 Berlin Marathon experience where she officially earned her coveted Six Star Medal!

From racing in Chicago, NYC, Boston, London, and Tokyo to crossing the finish line at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Megan reflects on her multi-year World Marathon Majors journey. Whether you're chasing your own Six Star goal, planning a major destination marathon, or seeking general motivation to tackle ambitious goals, this episode is packed with inspiration and race-day insights.

In this episode, we cover:

• Megan’s Berlin Marathon 2026 Recap: The start line, course vibes, crowds, her “pit crew”, and her mile-by-mile race recap
• Earning the 6th Star: What it feels like to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors and earn the coolest medal in the world
• World Majors Comparison: From the expo to race day – key differences between Berlin, Tokyo, London, Boston, Chicago, and NYC
• Six Star Logistics: Tips for registering, planning, and executing international major marathons
• Mindset & Goal Setting: Staying committed to long-term athletic and personal milestones

Connect with Megan:

• Catch Megan's previous episodes:
  • #24 NYC/Boston/Chicago
  • #53 London
  • #97 Tokyo
• Keep up with Megan’s races on Instagram: @meg.runs.disney

Resources & Links:

• Newsletter: Subscribe for Recipes & Health Tips
• Support the Show: Pledge your support for less than a cup of coffee!
• Instagram: @healthbyhaven
• Website: healthbyhaven.com

Enjoying the podcast?

Hit Follow or Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode! Leave a 5-star rating and review to help more runners find the show.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Avodah Massage Therapy!

Support the show

Looking to crush your next race goal or navigate running through different life stages? In this episode, host Haven sits down with former NCAA Division I runner, 2:51 marathoner, run coach, and popular content creator Courtney Kitchen.

Courtney shares her evolution from collegiate cross country to running the Boston Marathon, to adapting her fitness while running and strength training through her first pregnancy.

In this episode, we cover:

• Collegiate to Marathoner: Courtney’s journey from D1 cross country to running a 2:51 marathon
• Boston Qualifying: Proven training strategies to qualify for and race the Boston Marathon
• Mental Toughness: How to overcome “the wall” in late-stage marathon miles
• Coach-Approved Speed Work & Strength: Key workouts to build endurance and prevent injury
• Running & Strength Training Through Pregnancy: Courtney’s perspective changes on training and what her body is capable of
• Beginner Runner Roadmap: Essential tips to stay motivated and start running with confidence

📌 Connect with Courtney:

• Instagram: @court.marathon.runner

🏃‍♀️ Resources & Links:

• Newsletter: Subscribe for Recipes & Health Tips
• Support the Show: Pledge your support for less than a cup of coffee!
• Instagram: @healthbyhaven
• Website: healthbyhaven.com

📌 Enjoying the podcast?

Hit Follow or Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode! Leave a 5-star rating and review to help more runners find the show.

Support the show

Can interacting with animals actually lower your stress, boost your mood, and improve your physical health? In this episode, host Haven sits down with Karen Armsey, Program Manager for the University of Tennessee’s H.A.B.I.T. (Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee) program - one of the longest-running volunteer animal-assisted intervention organizations in the country.

Following our popular ER Vet episode (#118), we’re turning the focus from pet wellness to the incredible therapeutic power animals have on human health. Karen shares how therapy dogs, cats, and rabbits make a measurable impact on emotional resilience, stress reduction, and overall well-being.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Human-Animal Bond: How animal interactions improve mental and physical health
• Inside Animal-Assisted Therapy: How therapy animals bring comfort to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and rehab facilities
• Therapy Animals vs. Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals: Understanding the role and training of therapy pets
• The H.A.B.I.T. Story: How Tennessee’s premier volunteer program brings healing through dogs, cats, and rabbits
• Actionable Mental Health Benefits: How pet interaction reduces cortisol, anxiety, and feelings of isolation

📌 Connect with H.A.B.I.T. & Learn More:

• Website: Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee (HABIT)

🏃‍♀️ Resources & Links:

• Newsletter: Subscribe for Recipes & Health Tips
• Support the Show: Pledge your support for less than a cup of coffee!
• Instagram: @healthbyhaven
• Website: healthbyhaven.com

📌 Enjoying the podcast?

Hit Follow or Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode! Leave a 5-star rating and review to help more animal lovers find the show.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Avodah Massage Therapy!

Support the show