In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by the incredible Julie Weiss — also known as The Marathon Goddess. Julie's story is one of resilience, healing, and purpose. After losing her father to pancreatic cancer, she set out on an extraordinary mission: to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks, raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research along the way.
Her journey captured hearts around the world — from the Today Show and O Magazine to countless finish lines across the US. But behind the medals and media attention is a woman who found strength, joy, and hope through running.
Now in her fifties, Julie has completed over 118 marathons, raised more than $1 million for research, and continues to inspire others with her message that it's never too late to chase your dreams, honour your loved ones, and find purpose in every step.
In this conversation, Julie opens up about:
How running helped her heal from grief and depression
The challenges and triumphs of running 52 marathons in 52 weeks
What it takes to stay motivated and injury-free through massive goals
Her empowering "7 C's to Defy Your Limits" — Create, Certainty, Connect, Commit, Consistent, Cause, and Courage
Julie's story is a beautiful reminder that transformation begins with one small step — and that every mile can make a difference.
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Thank you x
Show notes
- Who is Julie
- Living in Santa Monica, California, USA
- Being known as the Marathon Goddess - Running 52 marathon in 52 weeks
- Raising over $1 million for charity
- Being excited to share the wisdom she has leaned from running marathons
- Her childhood and early years
- Being tall with long legs
- Starting running at 37 years
- Not being at athlete at school
- Taking a different path
- Becoming a mother at 18
- Not doing a lot of exercise in her younger years
- Feeling at a very low point in her life
- Going for that first run on the beach
- Wanting to feel good
- Keeping on running
- Coming off anti-depressants
- Fitting running into her life and making it work for her
- Joining a running group LA Road Runners
- Connecting with other people
- Training for a triathlon first
- Running her first marathon in March 2008
- How running makes her feel
- Her relationship wi
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