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My First Marathon

My First Marathon

Written by: My First Marathon
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About this listen

 Join host Taylor as she sits down with runners from all walks of life to delve into their unforgettable first marathon experiences.

From the nerves at the starting line to the euphoria of crossing the finish, each episode offers a candid look at the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of preparing for and conquering 26.2 miles for the first time.

Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just considering lacing up your running shoes for the first time, this podcast is your go-to source for motivation, inspiration, and real-life insights from those who've been there, done that. Tune in as we celebrate the triumphs, share the struggles, and uncover the lessons learned along the road to that unforgettable first marathon finish line.

Follow along on TikTok and Instagram at @myfirstmarathonpod!

Have feedback? We'd love to hear it! Reach out at myfirstmarathonpod@gmail.com.

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Episodes
  • 107: Slow, Smiling, and Still Strong: A Former College Athlete’s First Marathon w/ Gabby Averill

    107: Slow, Smiling, and Still Strong: A Former College Athlete’s First Marathon w/ Gabby Averill
    Jan 12 2026

    Gabby’s running journey didn’t start with a finish line goal or a desire to be fast. It started after stepping away from Division I college sports, when the structure she’d built her identity around suddenly disappeared and movement no longer had a clear purpose.

    In this episode, Gabby walks us through what it looked like to relearn running on her own terms. From seeing running as punishment growing up, to signing up for a half marathon on a whim, to slowly building confidence through consistency, community, and letting go of pace expectations. Over the course of a few years, that approach led her to her first marathon at the Every Woman’s Marathon in Arizona, where she focused on fueling well, smiling often, and finishing strong without a time goal attached.

    We talk about pace inclusivity, why slow and steady actually works, how community shaped her training and race day, and what it meant for her to cross the finish line feeling proud without tying her identity to one result. This is a conversation about rewriting what success in running can look like, especially for former athletes learning how to move without a coach or a clock.

    Follow along with the show:
    👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays
    🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod
    📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast
    🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources

    Book a free 1:1 Coaching Call with me!
    https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=37408473&appointmentType=85354440
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • 19: How To Set Your Next (or first) Marathon Goal (Mini Epsiode)

    19: How To Set Your Next (or first) Marathon Goal (Mini Epsiode)
    Jan 7 2026

    It’s a New Year mini episode and we’re talking marathon goal setting! In this episode, I break down why time goals are not the only goals that matter and how relying on a single goal can set yourself up for failure.

    We walk through a simple three-layer approach to marathon goals: outcome goals, process goals, and the personal why that actually carries you through the long runs and hard weeks. If you’re feeling motivated one minute and overwhelmed the next after signing up for a marathon, this episode is for you.

    Follow along with the show:
    👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays
    🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod
    📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast
    🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources

    Book a free 1:1 Coaching Call with me!
    https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=37408473&appointmentType=85354440
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • 106: 26 Before 26: Trusting Yourself Back to Running w/ Kelly Waddleton

    106: 26 Before 26: Trusting Yourself Back to Running w/ Kelly Waddleton
    Jan 5 2026
    Kelly Waddleton never thought she was a runner. She was the slowest kid on the team, hated conditioning, and fully stepped away from running in college. Years later, during a tough mental health season and a moment where she needed something solid to hold onto, running quietly found its way back in. What started as a scary decision to sign up for a half marathon with her dad turned into momentum, confidence, and eventually a bold goal of running 26 miles before turning 26.

    In this episode, Kelly walks through her full journey to the Philadelphia Marathon, from rebuilding consistency, navigating injury and nausea, trusting her body without a rigid training plan, and leaning on family, faith, and self belief when things got hard. We talk about hitting the wall, redefining success on race day, and what it means to carry every past version of yourself across the finish line. If you’ve ever thought “maybe one day I’ll run a marathon” but weren’t sure you were capable, this one might feel uncomfortably relatable in the best way.

    Follow along with Kelly on Instagram at @kellysproductions !

    Follow along with the show:
    👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays
    🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod
    📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast
    🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources

    Book a free 1:1 Coaching Call with me:
    https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=37408473&appointmentType=85354440
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
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