256. Jeff Cunningham | Slay the Dragons & Run Strong in the Final 10K of Your Marathon

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

Pacing a marathon is simple in theory but brutally hard in practice. Go out too fast, and the fire-breathing dragons will find you in the final 10K. Go out too cautiously, and you’ll spend the last miles wondering if you left time on the table.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jeff Cunningham — a lifelong runner, NCAA Academic All-American, and coach of countless Boston Marathon qualifiers and multiple U.S. Olympic Trials qualifiers. Jeff has a gift for blending humor with hard truths, and today he breaks down why pacing is the most important (and most misunderstood) part of the marathon.

We discuss:

• Why you can undo 16 weeks of training in the first 45 minutes of the race
• How to build trust in your fitness so you don’t panic early
• The psychology of pacing and emotional momentum
• Why finishing strong is far better than blowing up
• Jeff’s signature advice on patience, perspective, and keeping the long view

If you’re running a fall marathon, this conversation will fire you up and give you the tools to run your smartest race yet.

Connect with Jeff:

• Instagram: @jdcunningham97
• Bat City Track Club
• Cunningham Running
  
  

Resources & Related Episodes:

• Jeff on Relay with Peter Bromka: Beware of the Dragons
• Inspired Soles Episode with Polly
  (Jeff’s Canadian elite athlete)

Connect with Carolyn & Inspired Soles:

• Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffin
• Browse 250+ episodes in the archives
• Subscribe, rate & review to support the show

You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to [e-mail].