Juliette Vielhauer only started running in 2023, and just two years later, she ran a stunning 3:01:57 debut marathon at California International Marathon (CIM). At 25 years old, this former lacrosse player from Cal Poly and SMU has taken the Dallas running scene by storm.

In this conversation, Juliette shares her unconventional journey into running—signing up for a half marathon without ever racing a 5K, finding her competitive edge through the Dallas run club scene, and building up to her first marathon with a mix of solo training and community support. She opens up about the mental and physical challenges of race day at CIM, including battling the cold, hitting the wall at mile 20, and still managing to PR her half marathon split during the race.

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Rise Racing Co. and the Panther City Ultra at Marion Sampson Park on April 4th. Rob Goyen is bringing trail running to Fort Worth with distances from 5K to 50K featuring natural trails, rocky terrain, and real elevation—capped at just 300 runners. This will sell out! Ready for something different than your usual road race? Head over to https://www.riseracingco.com/panther-city-ultra and use code DFW for 10% off your registration.

From her lacrosse roots and county cross country championship as a kid to her current goals of running sub-1:25 at Big Star Half Marathon's elite field in April 2027, Juliette represents the next generation of fast young runners in DFW. Whether you're chasing your first race or your next PR, you'll find inspiration in her story of setting big goals and refusing to settle.

Show Notes:

Guest: Juliette Vielhauer

Topics Covered:

• Growing up playing competitive lacrosse from age 9 through college
• Winning county cross country championships in elementary school
• Moving to Dallas for grad school at SMU knowing nobody in Texas
• Starting running in 2023 with zero race experience
• First half marathon in May 2023 without proper training
• Finding the Dallas running community (White Rock Running Co., TNSR Plano)
• Training solo for CIM while balancing corporate job
• Race strategy and execution at California International Marathon
• Running 3:01:57 debut marathon and qualifying for Boston 2027
• Going sober during peak training and the impact on recovery
• PRing the half marathon (1:28) during the marathon itself
• Post-race celebration and recovery challenges
• Goals for Big Star Half Marathon elite field (targeting sub-1:25)
• Future marathon plans and long-term running aspirations