In this episode of At Your Own Pace, Mike sits down with Ali Brettnacher for an honest, heartfelt conversation about what running looks like when you strip away pace, performance, and comparison — and focus instead on people, purpose, and connection.

Ali shares her journey from once hating running to fully embracing it as a source of community and meaning, shaped by family influence, life’s chaos, and a growing desire to show up for others. Together, Mike and Ali explore how running evolves from something that can feel like punishment into something deeply joyful when rooted in shared experiences, vulnerability, and support.

They talk openly about setbacks, injuries, and disappointment — and why being kind to yourself through those moments matters just as much as consistency and discipline. Ali also discusses the inspiration behind creating her Finish Lines and Milestones podcast, driven by a belief that every runner’s story is worth telling, not just the fastest or most visible ones.

A powerful part of the conversation centers on running for a cause, particularly Ali’s involvement with Ainsley’s Angels, and the transformative emotional impact of pushing athletes with disabilities. Mike and Ali reflect on how crossing a finish line alongside someone else can completely redefine what success means.

At its core, this episode is a reminder that running isn’t about pace or comparison — it’s about the connections you make, the stories you collect, and learning to honor your own journey. You belong in this space exactly as you are.

In the seventh episode of At Your Own Pace, host MikeRunsMarathons sits down with Jason Bahamundi, founder of Run, Try, Bike, to explore how representation, community, and sustainable training can reshape the endurance sports space for the better. Jason shares his journey into running in 2007 and how his experience as a Puerto Rican athlete in a predominantly white sport fueled his mission to create platforms that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and everyday athletes at every pace and background.

The conversation challenges the glorification of “grind culture” in endurance sports and unpacks why smarter training, recovery, and mental well-being matter more than perfection. Jason introduces his “Christmas tree” training philosophy — a balance of hard, moderate, and easy days — and reframes the stigma around DNF and DNS as strategic decisions that protect long-term growth. Together, Mike and Jason reflect on the mental hurdles new runners face, the pressure created by social media comparisons, and the power of storytelling and community support in helping athletes feel seen and supported.

At its core, this episode is a reminder that there is space at the starting line for everyone, that progress matters more than finish times, and that relentless forward motion is built through patience, self-trust, and connection.

In this episode of At Your Own Pace, host MikeRunsMarathons welcomes Herm, a passionate advocate for inclusivity and representation in the running community, to share a journey rooted in growth, healing, and finding belonging. Herm reflects on how running became more than just movement — evolving into a space for self-discovery, mental clarity, and personal transformation.

The conversation explores the importance of authentic storytelling, the responsibility that comes with having influence, and why representation truly matters in helping runners feel seen and supported. Herm opens up about overcoming mental barriers, the meditative nature of running, and the joy that comes from setting goals centered on fulfillment rather than competition. At its core, this episode highlights the power of community, the courage it takes to show up as yourself, and the reminder that every runner’s story deserves space — especially in a sport that grows stronger when everyone feels they belong.

In this episode of At Your Own Pace, host MikeRunsMarathons welcomes Hillary Burgess, a lifelong runner and passionate advocate for the running community, to share a journey shaped by growth, honesty, and resilience. From childhood runs to recent marathon experiences, Hillary reflects on how running has evolved alongside her life—and how mental health, mindset, and support systems have played a major role in staying in the sport.

The conversation explores the mental battles runners face, the impact of self-doubt, and why setting realistic, incremental goals can lead to meaningful breakthroughs. Hillary also speaks to the importance of authenticity on social media, the unique challenges faced by female runners, and the power of community in helping runners feel seen and supported. At its core, this episode is a reminder that running is about more than pace or placement—it’s about learning from the journey, finding joy in the process, and embracing your own path, wherever it may lead.

In the fourth episode of At Your Own Pace, host MikeRunsMarathons sits down with runner and teacher Jess Lindeman (@runner_jessss) to explore a journey built on patience, authenticity, and belief. Jess shares how she went from being a novice runner to qualifying for the Boston Marathon, and how time, consistency, and mindset played a bigger role than any single breakthrough workout.

The conversation dives into the mental battles runners face, the power of positive self-talk, and the importance of not comparing your path to anyone else’s. Jess reflects on balancing teaching with training, creating authentic content in a noisy social media space, and why motivating others matters more than influencing them. At its core, this episode is a reminder that running should be joyful, that community support is essential, and that every experience—good or bad—offers something worth learning from as long as you keep moving forward.

In the third episode of At Your Own Pace, host MikeRunsMarathons sits down with Krissy Murphy (@krissymmurphy) to explore a running journey that began with a simple 5K app and grew into 45 marathons, including multiple Boston qualifiers. Krissy shares how running evolved from something she did into something that helped shape who she is—mentally, emotionally, and within her community.

The conversation dives into the mental battles runners face, the importance of consistency over motivation, and why running should be a source of joy rather than pressure. Krissy reflects on the role family and community have played in her journey, the freedom in redefining what it means to be a runner, and the value of taking breaks while still moving forward. This episode is a reminder that every runner’s story matters—and that the real magic of running often lives in the connections made along the way, no matter the pace.

In the second episode of At Your Own Pace, host MikeRunsMarathons sits down with running coach and marathoner Maddie Kunz (@marathon_mads94) to talk about the realities of marathon training—both the physical work and the mental battles that come with it. Maddie shares her journey as a runner and coach, emphasizing the power of consistency, accountability, and finding joy in the process rather than chasing a single outcome.

The conversation explores navigating tough training cycles, managing race-day nerves, prioritizing recovery, and the influence social media can have on runners’ expectations and self-belief. At its core, this episode highlights the importance of community and reminds listeners that every runner’s path looks different—and that progress isn’t just measured at the finish line.

In the inaugural episode of 'At Your Own Pace', host MikeRunsMarathons welcomes Alex Baker, a marathoner and founder of the Catch Up to Cancer movement. The conversation delves into Alex's journey of turning grief into purpose through running, the impact of fatherhood on his training and fundraising efforts, and the emotional significance of crossing marathon finish lines. They discuss the importance of community, the challenges of burnout, and the deeper connections formed through social media. Alex shares his mantra, 'Forward is a pace', encouraging listeners to take the first step in their own journeys, no matter how daunting it may seem.