Hillary Burgess, better known as Running Up That Hillary, is making the case for every runner who has ever wondered, do I actually belong here? From middle-of-the-pack miles to marathon majors, she shares why the most powerful running stories are often the ones that aren’t polished, perfect, or glamorous.Laura Thornton sits down with Hillary for a candid conversation about humor, ambition, audiobook-fueled runs, and the very real chaos of chasing big goals while juggling work, motherhood, and a packed race calendar. Hillary opens up about what it means to be a self-described average runner who works hard, why the running world often overlooks the middle of the pack, and how honesty can be more validating than inspiration.You’ll hear about:

• Her six-star World Marathon Majors journey, including Chicago, Toronto, and Tokyo
• Why she listens to thrillers on runs and saves music for goal races
• The support system behind her training, from her husband to her parents and kids
• Her favorite mantras for hard miles, including “just keep moving forward”
• The unforgettable summer trail race that turned into a showdown with a water moccasin

Hillary also shares how she stays grounded when people tell her her voice makes them feel seen, and why she believes finish lines matter even when the race doesn’t go to plan. Whether you’re chasing a PR, coming back from a rough race, or just trying to feel a little more at home in running, this conversation is a reminder that you do not have to be elite to be serious.Essential listening for runners who love honesty, humor, and the kind of encouragement that actually helps on the hardest miles.

Laura Thornton shares her thoughts and feelings as she prepares for the Sydney marathon, reflecting on her training, fears, and excitement for the race. She also discusses the significance of the voices and memories she carries with her to Sydney, including the impact of her father's passing on her decision to run the marathon. Laura Thornton shares her personal journey and reflections as she prepares for a race in Sydney. She discusses the impact of her father's passing, her evolving mindset, and the importance of encouragement and support from others.

Takeaways

• Ready is a decision, not a feeling
• Discipline is the secret ingredient for achieving goals Healing and reflection: Laura's journey to Sydney is intertwined with her healing process and reflection on her father's passing.
• Encouragement and support: The voices and encouragement of others play a significant role in Laura's preparation and mindset for the race.

Chapters

• 00:00 Preparing for Sydney
• 03:08 Training and Fears
• 06:36 Excitement and Reflection
• 38:10 The Impact of Loss
• 39:23 Healing and Reflection
• 43:40 Evolution of Mindset
• 46:17 The Power of Encouragement
• 49:25 Defining Victory
• 57:51 Presence and Awareness
• 01:03:44 Messages of Hope and Encouragement

What does it look like to keep going when life keeps giving you reasons to stop?

In Episode 3 of Hear Every Mile, Laura Thornton sits down with LiAnn Anderson—mom of four, marathon runner, and a woman whose miles have carried her through divorce, grief, a traumatic birth, serious health challenges, and a life-changing car accident.

For LiAnn, running became more than exercise. It became a lifeline.

Now, as she prepares to take on the Sydney Marathon, LiAnn shares the people, words, memories, and even songs she carries with her when the miles get hard.

They talk about being separated from her newborn son for nearly a month, why her children are at the heart of her running, carrying her late father Jim’s dog tags across finish lines, meeting her husband Mike on Strava, and the daughter who paces her, sings at stoplights, and gives her someone to chase.

And because every runner has their rituals, there’s also chocolate milk, pickles, Pop-Tarts, steak—and the song that has become part of LiAnn’s story: “Unstoppable.”

Through everything, one message has stayed with her. It’s written on her Road ID, and it’s how she tries to live:

Keep going.

This is a conversation about far more than finishing marathons. It’s about the voices we carry, the people who help us forward, and what it means to discover that you can keep moving even after life changes the course.

Rally is powering the ability to Hear Every Mile.

🎙️ Hear Every Mile tells the stories behind the miles—the voices, words, and human connections we hear when things get hard.

Subscribe, follow, and share this episode with someone whose voice has helped you keep going.

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