The Average Runner
Welcome to The Average Runner, where we celebrate the everyday athlete! Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just lacing up your sneakers for the first time, this podcast is for you. Join us each week as we dive into inspiring stories, practical running tips, and plenty of laughs from runners of all levels. We cover everything from training plans and gear reviews to race day experiences and the mental challenges of running. Tune in and become part of our supportive and motivating running community. Let's tackle those miles together, one step at a time!
- Update frequency
- every 4 days
- Average duration
- 33 minutes
- Episodes
- 47
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Alaskan Ultra Runner w/ Justin Andreas | Ep. 47
From a last-minute half marathon with just four weeks to train to conquering 100-mile ultras, Justin Andreas has fully embraced the world of ultra running. Based in Alaska, Justin shares his journey …
An Experienced Marathoner’s Journey to Six Stars w/ Cynthia Wheeler | Ep. 46
On this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, we chat with Cynthia Wheeler, a Chicago-based runner who has conquered multiple World Major Marathons. After taking a 10-year break from running, Cynthi…
Andrew Griggs: Ultra Running & Van Life | Ep. 45
On this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, we’re joined by Andrew Griggs—ultra runner, van-life adventurer, and two-time 100-mile finisher. Andrew shares how he went from jumping straight into a …
From Free Race Admission to NYC: Olivia Unigo’s Running Journey | Ep.43
Olivia Unigo never planned to become a marathon runner—until a free race admission changed everything. After running her first marathon last year, she’s now gearing up for the iconic NYC Marathon. In…
Post-Race Reflections: Trail Running, Training & the Runner’s Mindset | Ep.42
In this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, I’m recapping my most recent trail race—from the highs and lows to what I learned along the way. I also share what I’m training for next and how I’m adj…
Running, Teaching, and Recalibrating with Kendra Bauer | Ep. 41
In this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, I sit down with Kendra Bauer—a 7th grade teacher who has been hitting the pavement for over a decade. With multiple half marathons under her belt, Kendr…
Coaching & Running Insights with Boston Qualifier Adam Reade | Ep. 40
In this episode, Shayla sits down with Adam Reade, a multi-time marathoner, Boston qualifier, and experienced run coach. Adam shares his journey into running, what it took to qualify for Boston, and …
Rediscovering Running: Kori Gordner’s Journey from Soccer to Running | Ep. 39
In this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, we’re joined by Kori Gordner, a former soccer player turned passionate runner. Growing up traveling for team soccer and running track in high school, Ko…
High Miles in High Heels w/ Curtis Hargrove | Ep. 38
In this inspiring episode of The Average Runner Podcast, we’re joined by Curtis Hargrove, a Canadian runner with a heart for giving back. Curtis recently ran the Chicago Marathon in high heels to sup…
Training Smart with Victoria Sekely: Runner, PT, and Coach | Ep. 37
In this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, we’re joined by Victoria Sekely, a NYC-based physical therapist and run coach with her own business and app designed to help runners train smarter and …
Marathon Milestones: Noah's Milwaukee Lakefront Recap | Ep. 36
In this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, we sit down with Noah to recap his incredible experience running the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon—his very first marathon! Noah takes us through the hig…
Run Streaks, Marathons, and Mouthguards with The Big Boy Runner | Ep. 35
In this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, we’re joined by The Big Boy Runner from Canada! What started as a simple work competition quickly turned into a passion for running, and he hasn't looke…
Running the Virtual NYC Marathon for 2025 Guaranteed Entry + Runner Wins of the Month | Ep. 34
In this solo episode, Shayla recaps her second marathon—a virtual NYC Marathon run to secure entry for NYC 2025! She dives into her game plan (or lack thereof) for tackling the virtual 26.2, the hig…
Lupe's First Marathon: Chicago Memories, Fundraising, and Future Goals | Ep. 33
In this inspiring episode, Shayla chats with Lupe, a first-time marathoner who recently completed the Chicago Marathon. Lupe shares her experience from the buzz of the expo to the physical and emotio…
Training Updates & Prepping for the NYC Virtual Marathon | Ep. 32
In this solo episode, Shayla shares the latest updates on her training journey as she prepares for the upcoming NYC Virtual Marathon. Tune in to hear about her first double-digit run since completing…
Marathons, Mindset, and Managing Celiac: A Conversation with Jess from the Badass Lady Gang | Ep. 31
In this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, Shayla sits down with Jess, an ambassador for the Badass Lady Gang and a passionate runner. Jess shares her experience running the NYC Marathon, offeri…
Running for Lexi: Kimberly Rubio's Journey of Advocacy and Healing | Ep. 30
In this powerful episode of The Average Runner Podcast, Shayla sits down with Kimberly Rubio, a passionate runner and advocate whose life changed forever after the tragic loss of her daughter, Lexi, …
Beyond the Marathon: Ultra Running with Jake Johnson | Ep.29
In this episode, Shayla chats with Jake Johnson, an ultra runner with an impressive background in endurance sports. Jake shares the story of how he got into running, details his journey through triat…
Surprise Guest: Colin Bloodworth’s Portland Half Marathon Recap | Ep. 28
What was supposed to be a solo episode turned into a spontaneous chat with guest runner Colin Bloodworth! Colin joins us to recap his experience at the Portland Half Marathon, taking us through all t…
Running Smarter, Not Harder with Coach Nora Gluch | Ep. 27
In this episode, I’m joined by Nora Gluch, a seasoned runner with over 18 years of experience who recently started taking her running to new heights, achieving PRs in her 40s. Nora shares her journey…