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

Natalie Lutz is a running coach, mom, full-time employee, and multi-time sub-three-hour marathoner.

At the 2023 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Natalie ran 3:00:10 — just 10 seconds away from breaking the three-hour barrier. That near miss gave her a glimpse of what was possible, and she went all-in on the pursuit. Over the next 12 months, she raced five marathons before finally breaking through one year later at the Chicago Marathon.

In this episode, Natalie shares:
- What it felt like to miss sub-3 by 10 seconds at Chicago
- Why she chose to run five marathons in 12 months
- The training, mindset, and persistence behind her sub-3 breakthrough
- How coaching runners fuels her own goals
- Balancing high-level training with motherhood and a full-time job
- Rebuilding her relationship with running after collegiate burnout

If you're chasing sub-3 or any goal that feels out just out of reach, this conversation is a reminder that a near miss can become the start of a breakthrough.

Subscribe for more conversations about marathon training, running culture, and the stories behind big goals.

Follow Natalie Lutz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/multisportmama/

#running #marathon #marathontraining #chicagomarathon #sub3marathon

Chiara Bondi is a sub-3 marathoner, but this conversation is about more than a finish time.

In 2025, Chiara ran under three hours at the Eugene Marathon and continues to chase big goals in distance running. Later that year, she received an autism diagnosis — an experience that helped her better understand herself and recognize that she was never broken.

For Chiara, running and training have provided an important routine: a way to feel structured, grounded, and regulated throughout daily life. But in early 2026, a stress reaction forced her to step away from running. In this episode, she shares what recovery taught her, how she navigated a difficult season, and what it has meant to return to the sport with a renewed perspective.

Chiara's next race will be the London Marathon, where she'll be running to raise money for Ambitious About Autism. If her story resonates with you, please consider supporting her fundraiser here:

https://2027tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/chiara-bondi?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3

Follow Chiara Bondi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuttyfitbondi/

Five months ago, a police officer in California decided to lace up a pair of running shoes. Today, that man is a triathlete and cofounder of a triathlon endurance club in California.

When Trent Herzog began his hybrid athlete journey, he didn't know how far it would take him. But after finishing in the top 10 in his first-ever 10-mile race, he knew he was on to something. He fell in love with triathlons shortly thereafter and is now training for his first-ever Ironman. But he won't be doing it alone.

He and his two friends, Juan Meza and Adolfo Hernandez, he cofounded Forge Endurance Club in Fresno, California, with the mission to show people what they are capable of. And that's exactly what Trent's mission with his endurance chase and content reaction is about.

Trent wants to show people that if you drop the excuses and just start working steadily toward your dreams, you may surprise yourself about what you're capable of.

Follow Trent Herzog: https://www.instagram.com/trent.fitnesss?igsh=MWQ5eW4yZDA2dndlMA==
Follow Forge Endurance Club: https://www.instagram.com/forge.endurance/?__d=1开盒社工库✔%EF%B8%8F%2Btianchacha.com%2B银行预留号查对方征婚平台账号超牛的机房

In this episode of Through Their Stride, I sit down with Tennessee-based marathoner Laura Pett to talk about her journey from collegiate cross country to chasing a sub-3-hour marathon.

Laura made her marathon debut in 2017 at the Atlanta Marathon, tackling a tough course and running 3:40. Since then, she's steadily improved — qualifying for the Boston Marathon multiple times and lowering her PR to a 3:04.

We dive into what's helped her make those gains, what it takes to close the gap to sub-3, and how she balances training with family life and a career.

Laura also shares how she uses her Instagram platform, @lpett.running, to connect with other runners, offer practical advice, and build a supportive community.

If you're chasing a big goal while juggling real life, this one will resonate.

#running #marathontraining #sub3marathon #runningpodcast

In this episode of Through Their Stride, I sat down with Adriana Ducharme (@runningthelife_ on Instagram) to unpack a journey that many runners experience but few talk about openly.

Adri shares how a toxic college coaching environment led to burnout and a loss of identity within the sport – and how stepping away from that structure helped rediscover what running could be. Through joining a club cross country team at the University of Georgia, she rebuilt her relationship with competition, community, and herself.

That renewed perspective translated into serious performance gains. Adri went from a 3:14 marathon debut to a 2:54, proving that growth doesn't always come from pushing harder — it comes from finding joy again.

We also talk about balancing competitive goals with a full-time teaching career, and how Adri uses her platform to show that chasing big goals is still possible, even with a busy life.

This episode is for anyone who's felt burned out, stuck, or unsure of what's next – and needs a reminder that a comeback is always possible.

#running #podcast #marathons #teaching #trackandfield

It started as a way to become a better version of himself after gaining more weight than he felt comfortable with. Now, he's a 3:28 marathoner pursuing a Boston Qualifier in the near future.

As a kid, pursuing fast times in marathons, half marathons (he's a sub 1;28 guy), and 5Ks (he's also an 18:46 guy) wasn't something he ever thought he'd do. But once he started back in 2020 just for health, he soon became quite the fan of the sport.

Now, not only is he pushing himself to do hard things, he's also inspiring his wife, who finds joy chasing her own PRs, and his kids, one of which is doing triathlons at 7 years old and another who can ride a bike without training wheels at just 3.

Niko's a perfect example of when you make the choice to get consistent and put out that energy, not only will you change your own life, you'll inspire those around you to chase theirs.

If this episode inspired you to do something hard today, let me know in the comments and share it with a friend. Thanks for listening to Niko's story on Through Their Stride.