First Marathon Buddy Program Athlete Spotlight: Meet Norah!

Norah is one of the incredible mentors guiding first-time marathoners through their first marathon.

Q: What's your favorite race you've ever run?

A: The Chicago Marathon! Everyone talks about the supportive crowds but it was on a level I could not have imagined! Great course, great race vibes, great city!

Q: What is your favorite running memory?

A: Crossing the finish line at my first Half Marathon (which was also my first race)! I was so proud of accomplishing something I never thought I could do and I had the biggest smile on my face! (Photo provided for proof!)

Q: What is your favorite running mantra?

A: “You are already doing it!”

Q: What do you enjoy most about running and/or the running community?

A: I love what running teaches me about myself. It gives me evidence everyday that I am strong, that I can stick with things when I don’t feel like it, and that things that seem impossible today could be easy for me in the future if I decide to make them so!

Q: Why did you join the First Marathon Buddy Program?

A: I love to share my experiences with beginner runners to provide encouragement and advice, and I love to learn from runners with all different levels of experience!

Q: What are your current running goals?

A: My long-term goal is qualifying for the Boston Marathon. My goal for the rest of 2026 is to find more joy in running when I’m not in a training plan!

Q: What is one piece of advice you'd give someone training for their first marathon?

A: If you always listen to music/podcast/audiobook on your runs, I recommend practicing some silent running during training! I was always listening to something before my first marathon and I put a lot of effort into making several different playlists for the various vibes I thought I might want during the race, but once things started to get real after Mile 18 on race day I was just flipping through the playlists and NOTHING could distract me or hype me up! I was pretty mentally distressed for the rest of the race. Since then, I’ve trained myself to tune in to my run rather than tune out and it has helped SO much with being able to handle race day adversity!

Q: Is there a fun fact about you you’d like to share?

A: I love to read and my partner and I have over 800 books in our library!

Follow along with Norah on Instagram and TikTok at @norahtriestorun, and Norah Bird on Strava!

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