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Why Rachel Focuses on Finishing Happy, Finishing Healthy, and Finishing Strong

  • Writer: Taylor Sayles
    Taylor Sayles
  • Sep 8
  • 2 min read
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Rachel O’Brien didn’t grow up loving running. In high school, she played lacrosse and even committed to play in college before health challenges shifted her path. A thyroid diagnosis led to weight gain and a tough decision to leave the sport behind. For years, running was something she dreaded. But in May 2023, while watching the Broad Street Run on TV, Rachel felt inspired. The next day she set out for half a mile, slowly adding distance until she signed up for her first races in Philadelphia.


Building Toward the Full

Her first 5K at the Rocky Run and a half marathon at the Love Run in March 2024 showed Rachel what race-day energy could feel like. She wasn’t chasing fast times—her focus was always on finishing happy, healthy, and strong. Supported by her local run clubs, she trained four to five days a week and leaned on community as she navigated the balance of marathon training with eating disorder recovery. Running became more than just miles—it became proof she could fuel and care for her body in new ways.


Race Day in Philly

In November 2024, Rachel lined up for the Philadelphia Marathon as an official race ambassador. Her training hadn’t been perfect—plantar fasciitis flared up two months before, and she’d made the classic mistake of walking around the expo in new shoes—but she had friends and family behind her. The race itself was an emotional rollercoaster. From the booming crowds on Market Street to the silence of miles 22–24, Rachel battled through pain and doubt with the support of her friend Josie, who stayed by her side for every step.


Crossing the Finish Line

The final stretch into the city was lined with cheering clubs, family members, and the iconic backdrop of the art museum. Rachel finished in tears, overwhelmed by the weight of what she had accomplished. Though she swore she’d never do it again, two months later she signed up for marathon number two. This time, she’s adding consistent strength training, cross-training, and refined fueling strategies (including Sour Patch Kids per mile) as she prepares for another go at Philly.


Lessons Learned

  • Fueling and recovery matter as much as mileage. Strength training, nutrition, and balance turned setbacks into progress.

  • The marathon is 90% mental. Knowing how to reframe pain and stay positive can carry you farther than any pace chart.

  • Running is for everyone. No matter your speed or background, there’s space at the start line and support at the finish.


Want to hear Rachel tell the story herself? Listen to the full episode now: Finish Happy, Finish Healthy, Finish Strong: Running the Philly Marathon w/ Rachel O'Brien— available wherever you get your podcasts.




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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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