In this emotional episode of the Running Tales podcast, host Craig Lewis sits down with Paula Black, a remarkable woman who found her way into running during some of life’s most challenging moments. Paula’s story isn’t just about miles and finish lines; it’s about using endurance as a path to healing, growth, and raising awareness for an important cause. Paula’s Running Start: Paula wasn’t always a runner. Like many, she initially saw running as a distant goal, seemingly out of reach. Her journey began with simple steps—running while her children were at nursery, and her first race, a 5K Race for Life in 2010. Each mile paved the way for the next, transforming her from a reluctant runner to a passionate marathoner. Achieving the Marathon Dream: With determination, Paula set her sights on the iconic London Marathon. Training rigorously, she ran 35 miles a week, aiming to complete the marathon in under 5 hours. After months of preparation, she crossed the finish line at 4:59:58, an achievement that held deep, personal significance. The journey became not just a testament to her physical endurance but an emotional milestone, leading to tears of pride and accomplishment. David’s Diagnosis and Advocacy: Paula’s husband, David, a dedicated runner himself, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a devastating illness that progressively impacts muscle control. Despite the bleak prognosis, David and Paula became advocates for MND awareness, determined to make an impact. Paula’s commitment to running became intertwined with her mission to honor David’s memory and support others facing the same battle. Understanding MND: Paula provides insight into MND, a disease that gradually disconnects the brain from the muscles, causing the body to lose function while the mind remains intact. While there is no cure, certain treatments can help slow the disease’s progression. Paula’s advocacy helps spread awareness and provides a beacon of hope to those affected. Pushing Limits with Ultra Challenges: With the mental and physical strength she gained through marathon training, Paula went on to conquer ultra-marathons and 100km challenges, including the Cotswold Way and the London to Brighton routes. These feats showcase her grit and determination, proving that anything is possible with the right mindset. Paula emphasizes the importance of mental strength in endurance sports, using a strategy of fast walking and intermittent running to complete these challenges. The Power of Community and Parkrun: For Paula, running is more than a solo endeavor—it’s a way to connect with others. She highlights the value of Parkrun as a supportive community event where everyone, from beginners to seasoned athletes, can feel welcome. Through running, Paula has built lifelong friendships, found mental resilience, and created a support system that has carried her through difficult times. Join the Journey: Paula’s story reminds us that running is more than just a physical act—it’s a powerful tool for connection, healing, and growth. If you’re inspired by her story, consider joining a Parkrun, getting involved in your local running community, or learning more about the MND Association. Let Paula’s journey motivate you to take that first step, whether you’re new to running or preparing for your next big event.

In this inspiring episode of the "Fireside Chat" podcast, Run Tri Bike founder Jason Bahamundi sits down with Josh Fernandez—a passionate runner and leader of Philadelphia’s Queer Run—to discuss the evolving role of non-binary athletes in endurance sports and their own remarkable journey. From the humbling beginnings of a Couch to 5K program to the achievement of completing 15 marathons, Josh’s story highlights both triumph and resilience in a sport that often lacks inclusive representation. Josh opens up about their coming-out experience as a non-binary athlete during the pandemic, an intensely challenging period for LGBTQIA+ athletes. This conversation dives into how visibility and representation matter deeply—not just for Josh but for countless other athletes who seek acceptance and a supportive community. Josh’s commitment to breaking down barriers extends to advocating for a non-binary elite division in the Philadelphia Marathon, reflecting a broader movement toward equity. As they share, cities like Boston and New York have started recognizing non-binary divisions, but there is still much work to be done to elevate non-binary athletes to professional recognition in the endurance sports world. Key Points Discussed: 1. Josh’s Running Journey and LGBTQIA+ Representation Josh shares the story of how they began their running journey through the Couch to 5K program and eventually completed 15 marathons. A pivotal moment came with the founding of Philadelphia’s Queer Run, where Josh found healing and community support during the challenges of 2020. The Queer Run’s unique logo, symbolized by track lines instead of rainbow colors, reflects the group’s pride and individuality. 2. Advocating for Non-Binary Athletes Josh’s advocacy includes pressing for a non-binary elite division in the Philadelphia Marathon. They compare it to other progressive marathons already implementing non-binary categories and urge for similar opportunities in their city. The need to cultivate professional athletic careers for non-binary athletes is emphasized, underscoring how important it is for sports organizations to support diverse athletes from all backgrounds. 3. Building a Supportive Running Community Through humor and heart, Josh and Jason talk about Philadelphia’s welcoming running community, where inclusivity and acceptance are pillars. From debates over food favorites like pineapple on pizza to discussing vegan cheesesteak options, the episode also brings some lighthearted fun into the conversation. The Philadelphia running scene is celebrated for its strong sense of community, which encourages athletes from all walks of life to support each other’s journey. 4. Call to Action: Support Queer Run and Inclusivity in Running As the discussion concludes, Josh invites listeners to get involved: follow Queer Run and Les Run on social media, share their message, and champion inclusivity in endurance sports. Jason expresses his commitment to being an ally in this journey, encouraging others to join in creating a more inclusive, supportive environment for all athletes. With each stride, Josh Fernandez is breaking barriers and showing what it means to be a non-binary athlete in endurance sports. Their voice adds to the growing call for inclusivity, equity, and the need for diverse representation in races and beyond. Dive into this conversation to be inspired by their determination, dedication, and the unwavering belief that endurance sports should be a place for everyone. Join us in this Fireside Chat as we champion the importance of inclusivity in endurance sports. Don’t miss this impactful conversation—like, share, and subscribe to stay connected!

Get ready for a hilarious and light-hearted dive into endurance fueling like you’ve never seen before! Join Jason Bahamundi from the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network and Run Tri Bike, as he sits down with Coach Phaedra Kennedy for a fun-filled chat on food favorites, guilty pleasures, and unconventional endurance snacks. Perfect for endurance athletes and fans alike, this video will lift your spirits, provide tasty ideas for race day, and help you through those tough training days. In this episode, the conversation kicks off with an animated debate: chocolate chip vs. oatmeal raisin cookies. Who knew cookies could be so polarizing? They break down the hierarchy of baked goods and dive deep into donut and croissant preferences, from chocolate-filled to pistachio-topped delights. And if you’ve ever wondered about Coach Phaedra’s take on scones and pignoli cookies, you’re in for a treat. The dialogue then takes a delicious turn to the world of pizza, touching on the age-old rivalry between New York-style and other regional varieties. Is folding your pizza the right way, and is ranch dressing ever acceptable? (Spoiler: it’s a strong no from these two!). This conversation will leave you craving that perfect slice – but maybe hold off on adding ranch if you’re training for a serious event. As the discussion unfolds, Jason and Phaedra dive into the best post-race meals. From the Canadian classic poutine (perfect after the Tremblant 70.3) to some unexpected treats like Whoppers during Ironman Texas, they reveal comfort foods that make all the hard work worth it. Coach Phaedra shares a few unconventional food picks for race-day bags – including the crowd-pleasing Uncrustables and some favorite snacks from Seven Summit Snacks. The episode wraps up with an imaginative scenario: what would be the perfect meal before a hypothetical trip to space? Tune in to hear Coach Phaedra’s unexpected answer – and see if it matches what you’d choose for the ultimate adventure fuel. Whether you’re an endurance athlete looking for snack tips, or just someone who loves a good laugh, this video has something for everyone. Let Jason and Phaedra’s laughter and camaraderie remind you that food is more than fuel – it’s part of the journey, and even the quirkiest cravings have a place in endurance sports. Chapter Breakdown: Candy and Dessert Preferences (00:03 - 10:18) Coach Phaedra’s candy picks for long rides Chocolate chip vs. oatmeal raisin cookies Ranking donuts, croissants, scones, and loaves Favorite croissant types and Pinoli cookies Coffee shop destinations during bike rides Pizza and Food Preferences (10:18 - 18:55) Pumpkin spice vs. apple cider debate Pound cake and layered cakes New York pizza style vs. other varieties Pizza crust importance and folding techniques Ranch dressing on pizza – yes or no? Post-Race Food and Final Meal (18:55 - 29:02) Best post-race food: poutine after Tremblant 70.3 Unusual Ironman fuel: Whoppers at Ironman Texas Race day snacks: Uncrustables, Seven Summit Snacks Dream “last meal” scenario Give it a watch, have a laugh, and maybe pick up some snack ideas for your next big event. Jason and Phaedra prove that endurance training doesn’t have to be all work – sometimes it’s about the little joys that keep you going.