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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!"

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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!"

Send us Fan Mail

What if you started running at 44 and ended up completing 100 miles?

In this inspiring episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, I sit down with Michelle Schroff, better known on Instagram as Waddell Running Lady. Michelle shares her incredible journey from reluctant beginner runner to ultra marathon finisher, proving that it's never too late to start and that running can transform far more than your fitness.

A note about this episode: This conversation was originally recorded in February 2025. During our discussion, Michelle briefly talks about her son, Austin, who was battling leukemia at the time. Sadly, Austin passed away in June 2025. As this episode is being released, Michelle is now more than a year into navigating the profound grief of losing her son.

While much has changed since this conversation was recorded, Michelle's words about resilience, courage, perspective, and perseverance are more powerful than ever.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Michelle started running at age 44
• The mindset shift from weight loss to self-discovery
• Balancing running with motherhood and caregiving
• Why pace and body size don't define a runner
• Building mental toughness through life's challenges
• Completing a 100-mile race and what it taught her
• Navigating social media criticism and staying true to yourself
• Why it's never too late to begin your running journey

I had the privilege of meeting Michelle in person at Every Woman's Marathon in Scottsdale, Arizona, in November 2025, and she is exactly who she appears to be online—authentic, kind, encouraging, and deeply inspiring.

Whether you're training for your first 5K or dreaming about bigger goals, Michelle's story will remind you that extraordinary things can happen when you simply take the first step.

All runners count.

Listen now.

RELATED LINKS

• Follow Michelle - Instagram: Waddell Running Lady
• Email Michelle: waddellrunninglady@gmail.com
• Listen to Michelle’s podcast: Fun of the Run Podcast
• Explore more from Run Strong Run: https://runstrongrun.com
• Grab my Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Running: Everything You Need to Get Started today
• Watch this episode on YouTube

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!"