Houston runner, coffee-roaster owner, and music lover Alan Ortega joins the show to share the story behind his first-ever marathon build.

Alan began running in 2017 alongside the woman who is now his wife. What started as a shared hobby steadily became a meaningful part of his life — taking him through years of progress, consistency, and a near-sub-1:40 half marathon in 2025. Now, he is training for the Chicago Marathon with an even deeper motivation behind every long run.

Alan is running for BandWith Chicago, a nonprofit that helps connect young people with opportunities to learn, create, and participate in music programs. From band and drumline to jazz, hip-hop, guitar, vocals, and community ensembles, BandWith Chicago works to make music accessible to more kids.

In this conversation, Alan talks about:

• How he and his wife found running together in 2017
• The gradual progression that led him close to a 1:40 half marathon
• What has surprised him most during his first marathon-training cycle
• Balancing running, family life, music, and operating Fermata Coffee Roasters
• Why running for BandWith Chicago has strengthened his "why"
• How he feels sharing his journey on Instagram can help other runners see what is possible (a big credit to his wife for the stunning cinematography

This is a conversation about patience, purpose, community, and embracing the long road toward a big goal.

Follow Alan on Instagram: @ortegaontherun
Follow Fermata Coffee Roasters on Instagram: @fermatacoffeeroasters
Learn more about BandWith Chicago: @bandwith_chicago

Jason Schwarzer only started running a few years ago, but has instantly become one of the biggest builders of the running community. Co-host of the Runners Like Us Podcast, Jason has found that while he loves what he gets to learn about himself during tough ultramarathons and training blocks, he finds the most joy in sharing the stories of other runners and building them up.

During tough workouts or long runs, Jason often finds himself cheering on the other runners on the trails around him. He does this because for some of them, it might be the only word of encouragement they hear today. And that could change their entire life.

Jason's story shows us that even if you're struggling, never be too selfish or prideful to lift someone else up.

• Follow Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goforyour30/?hl=en
• Listen to the Runners Like Us Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/runners-like-us-podcast-a-safe-place-for-all-runners/id1809260322

In Episode 50 of Through Their Stride, I sit down with Elizabeth Clor, competitive marathoner, running coach, author, and creator of the Racing Stripes blog.

Elizabeth shares the story behind Boston Bound, which follows her seven-year journey to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The conversation explores how perfectionism, anxiety, and putting too much weight on one outcome can become obstacles, and what changed when she learned to stay steady-minded, focus on controllable, and commit to the process.

We also talk about the 10th anniversary of Boston Bound, lessons Elizabeth still carries from her pursuit to Boston, and practical perspective fro runners chasing a BQ, PR, or any meaningful goal.

If you've ever felt that your running goal has become bigger than yourself, this episode is for you.

Connect with Elizabeth Clor

• Book: Boston Bound — https://www.amazon.com/Boston-Bound-Overcome-Barriers-Marathon/dp/1530680581
• Blog: https://www.elizabethclor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethclor/

#runningpodcast #bostonmarathon #bostonbound #marathontraining