Join Tim and the Marathon Mates on this episode of the Flying Runr Podcast as we take a heartfelt trip down memory lane to relive our very first marathon experiences! From what inspired us to tackle the marathon distance, to training mishaps, emotional race day moments, and the lessons we've learned along the way — we share it all. Whether you're thinking about running your first marathon, stepping up to a half or 10K, or just love running stories, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and plenty of laughs. Plus, get updates on the latest running news, listener shoutouts, and tips for making your own marathon journey unforgettable.

first marathon stories, marathon training tips, running podcast, Flying Runner Podcast, marathon motivation, race day advice, beginner marathon, running community, Gold Coast Marathon, Valencia Marathon, marathon mistakes, how to train for a marathon, emotional marathon finish, super halves, marathon planning,

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more inspiring running content! Share your first marathon experience in the comments below or connect with us on social media. For more updates, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, or email us your running stories. happyrunning@flyingrunr.com

⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️:

00:00:00 - Introduction: Marathon Memories, Podcast Hosts, and Running Community

00:07:25 - What is the David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge? Explained

00:15:00 - Gold Coast Marathon Registration Process and Super Halves Series

00:22:30 - Valencia Marathon Results and Aussie Runners’ Achievements

00:30:00 - Why We Chose Our First Marathons: Motivations and Destinations

00:37:30 - Marathon Training Plans: Lessons Learned and Preparation Tips

00:45:00 - Race Day Emotions: Nerves, Triumphs, and Memorable Moments

00:52:30 - Final Advice for Marathoners and Upcoming Podcast Episodes

Episode Quotes

• “None of us ever expected that after completing our very first marathons, we would back it up and complete many more, let alone host a podcast or talk in front of people.”

• “I remember crying as I finished and going over the finish line just going, ‘Oh my god, I’ve just run 42.2 km.’ It’s a feeling you can’t replicate.”

• “The marathon needs to be respected because there’s so much that goes into it, and I learned that very quickly on my first one.”

• “It's a feeling you can't replicate... I don't want to compare it to something as momentous as giving birth to our children, but it was that sort of feeling like where you've just achieved what feels like something no one else has done, even though other people have done it before.”

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Read how CurraNz Blackcurrant extract improves performance. https://flyingrunr.com/2024/07/21/enhance-your-performance-with-curranz/

Special one-time code available to trial FLYINGRUN20

Find all of our Links here - https://my.linkpod.site/flyingrunr

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Music created with full commercial rights with Suno AI

This video contains no sponsored content or affiliate links.

For business inquiries, please contact us at: happyrunning@flyingrunr.com

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Join the Marathon Mates on this episode of the Flying Runr Podcast as we dive deep into what makes someone a compulsive runner! From hilarious personal stories to a fun quiz powered by ChatGPT, we explore running obsessions, the balance between passion and compulsion, and tips for enjoying the sport without letting it take over your life. Plus, get the latest news on major marathons like Cape Town, Shanghai, and Melbourne, and hear our candid takes on inclusivity in running culture. Whether you're a casual cruiser or borderline obsessed, this episode is packed with laughs, relatable moments, and practical advice for every type of runner.

TAKE THE QUIZ - https://flyingrunr.com/qsm_quiz/are-you-a-complusive-runner/

compulsive runner, running podcast, marathon mates, flying runner podcast, runner quiz, marathon news, Cape Town Marathon, Shanghai Marathon, Melbourne Marathon, inclusive running, run addiction, rest days, strava, parkrun, running shoes, running community,

Enjoyed the episode? Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE for more running adventures, and let us know in the comments: Are you a compulsive runner or a casual cruiser? Share your score from our quiz! For more updates, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, or email us your running stories. happyrunning@flyingrunr.com

⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️:

00:00:00 - Meet the Hosts and Weekly Running Updates

00:06:47 - Cape Town and Shanghai Marathons: News and Insights

00:13:34 - Shanghai Marathon Major Status and Sub3 Jacket Debate

00:20:20 - Melbourne Marathon Festival Ballot and Entry Challenges

00:27:06 - Are You a Compulsive Runner? Fun Quiz Begins

00:33:50 - Runner Habits: Holidays, Strava, and Segment Chasing

00:40:46 - Quiz Results: Casual Cruiser to Borderline Obsessed

00:47:26 - Tips for Balanced Running and Next Week’s Preview

Episode Quotes

• You should be very proud of yourself if you can do a sub three, but you should also be very proud if you can just run a marathon no matter what speed you are. We all do things for different reasons.

• You don't need to stop running. You just need to stop needing to run if you're a compulsive person. Balance doesn't make you less of a runner; it makes you a stronger, happier one.

• For some, running isn't just for fun or a sport. It's a structure and an identity—and sometimes it's the thing we cling to when everything else feels chaotic.

• Running may be starting to run you—if you've scheduled your social life around long runs and your browser history is 90% 'Can I run through this injury?' a mini detox might be calling your name.

————————————————————————————-

Read how CurraNz Blackcurrant extract improves performance. https://flyingrunr.com/2024/07/21/enhance-your-performance-with-curranz/

Special one-time code available to trial FLYINGRUN20

Find all of our Links here - https://my.linkpod.site/flyingrunr

Featured Running Clubs coming in 2026 - Find out how to feature your club. https://flyingrunr.com/featured-running-clubs-the-running-community/

Flying Runr Tips: Quick, fun, and practical advice from Tim, Lucia & Tara — because running’s better when we learn (and laugh) together and a big thanks to Suno AI for powering our Tips Jingles

This video contains no sponsored content or affiliate links.

For business inquiries, please contact us at: happyrunning@flyingrunr.com

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Join Tara and the Marathon Mates on this episode of the Flying Runr Podcast as we welcome special guest Sharon Dorward! From her first nervous marathon at Disney World to conquering two World Marathon Majors (Chicago & Berlin), Sharon shares her honest, uplifting story as a determined back-of-the-pack runner. Hear about her race-day highs and lows, lessons learned, running club camaraderie, and why every step counts—no matter your pace. Plus, get updates from the co-hosts, running news, AI training tips, and more!

marathon podcast, Sharon Dorwood, Flying Runner Podcast, World Marathon Majors, Disney Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Berlin Marathon, running stories, back of the pack runners, running motivation, marathon training, running clubs, AI running plans, race day tips,

Enjoyed Sharon's journey? Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more inspiring running stories! Share your thoughts or questions in the comments, or reach out via our socials. Want to be featured or have a topic suggestion? Email us at happyrunning@flyingrunr.com .

⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️:

00:00:00 - Meet Sharon Dorward: Disney Dopey Challenge and World Marathon Majors Journey

00:06:20 - Weekly Running Updates, ChatGPT Training Plans, and AI in Running

00:12:40 - Running News: 200 Marathons in 200 Days & Edible Water Capsules

00:18:53 - Sharon’s Running Origin Story: From Hating Exercise to Marathon Medals

00:25:05 - Disney Dopey Challenge Memories and Chicago Marathon World Major Experience

00:31:08 - Berlin Marathon Recap: Heat, Cut-Offs, and Overcoming Race Day Challenges

00:37:23 - Finishing Berlin, Medal Drama, and the Power of Running Community

00:43:36 - Favorite Races, Volunteering, and Joining Blood, Sweat, Beers Running Club

00:49:50 - Mental Strength, Upcoming Races, and Lessons from Marathon Setbacks

00:55:57 - Quickfire Questions, Safety Tips, and Podcast Wrap-Up with Sharon

Episode Quotes

• There was a point where the second star didn’t matter to me anymore, but when I got my medal, I realized how lucky I was—sometimes, it’s just about finishing, not the finish time.

• Joining a running club gave me motivation, friendships, and accountability—it's not just about running, it's about being part of a supportive community that cheers you on every step.

• I kept telling myself, 'Finish lines, not finish times—just get it done,' and that mantra got me through when I wanted to quit in Berlin.

————————————————————————————-

Read how CurraNz Blackcurrant extract improves performance. https://flyingrunr.com/2024/07/21/enhance-your-performance-with-curranz/

Special one-time code available to trial FLYINGRUN20

Find all of our Links here - https://my.linkpod.site/flyingrunr

Featured Running Clubs coming in 2026 - Find out how to feature your club. https://flyingrunr.com/featured-running-clubs-the-running-community/

Flying Runr Tips: Quick, fun, and practical advice from Tim, Lucia & Tara — because running’s better when we learn (and laugh) together and a big thanks to Suno AI for powering our Tips Jingles

This video contains no sponsored content or affiliate links.

For business inquiries, please contact us at: happyrunning@flyingrunr.com