Everyone’s first marathon experience is different, but one of the themes I see again and again is that runners almost always feel like a different person on the other side of the finish line. Why is that?

In this episode, Lena shares how she slowly found her way back through walking, 5Ks, trail races, half marathons, and eventually the marathon start line. We talk about learning how to fuel without fear, distance dysmorphia, bad long runs, trusting your body again, and why being tired from something you love can feel like a privilege instead of a punishment.

Paige didn’t grow up dreaming about becoming a marathon runner. She started running in high school and kept it up on and off through the...