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Losing, Returning, and Finding Strength in the Marathon w/ Myka Laukea

  • Writer: Taylor Sayles
    Taylor Sayles
  • Oct 6
  • 3 min read
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Myka’s path to running wasn’t linear. She grew up watching her mom race local 5Ks and 10Ks, but it never stuck for her as a kid. As an adult, she picked it up again after quitting smoking, using running as a way to rebuild her health. She signed up for every local race she could find, climbed to the half marathon distance, and then got injured. What followed were years of trying, quitting, and starting over. It wasn’t until she began walking the Raleigh greenways after work that something clicked. Surrounded by runners, she decided to give it one more try. This time, it stuck.


Training by Mileage and Grit

When Myka signed up for the Tobacco Road Marathon, she leaned on determination more than structure. After printing a Hal Higdon plan, she used it as a loose guide and ran constantly, peaking at 60 miles a week. Her recovery and fueling were minimal, and she admits insecurity drove much of her training. “I had imposter syndrome,” she said. “I wasn’t a real runner, but I was going to run a ton of miles to make up for it.” By race week she was worn down, relying on sheer stubbornness to get her to the start line.


Race Day at Tobacco Road

The race was warmer and more humid than she expected, and the quiet greenway made it tough to stay focused. Myka started too fast, couldn’t get her gels down, and relied mostly on Tailwind to get through. Her mantra, “there’s nothing to it but to do it,” kept her moving when her pace started to fade. Family support and a kind pacer helped her through the hardest miles, and at mile 19 she even took a shot from an aid station for a laugh. Crossing the finish line brought exhaustion and relief all at once, but seeing her family waiting — especially her mom — made the struggle worth it.


Running for Her Mom

Two months after the race, Myka’s mom passed away unexpectedly. That marathon became the last time they saw each other in person. Her mom had always been her biggest motivator, the one who told her not to wait for perfect timing before chasing big goals. Now, Myka is training for the Richmond Marathon in her honor, taking recovery seriously, fueling smarter, and carrying her mom’s voice with her through every run.


Lessons Learned

  • Pushing harder isn’t the same as training smarter

  • You don’t have to “earn” the right to call yourself a runner

  • Mental strength can carry you when your body starts to give out

  • Family support can change how you see the finish line

  • Running can turn into a way to stay connected to the people you love


Want to hear Myka tell the story herself? Listen to the full episode now: Losing, Returning, and Finding Strength in the Marathon w/ Myka Laukea— available wherever you get your podcasts.


Listen to my most recent mini episode: We're Talkin' Race Strategy (Mini Episode)


Download the newest guide: Top FAQs From First Time Marathoners


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Follow along with the show:

👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays

🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod

📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast


 
 
 

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