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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

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!"

Send us Fan Mail

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!"