Ep. 42: How Your Child's Ambition Can Push You to Do Hard Things | Jim LeRoux

Ep. 42: How Your Child's Ambition Can Push You to Do Hard Things | Jim LeRoux

As life piles on, it can be easy to escape into bad habits. But sometimes, all it takes is seeing your own child muscle up the courage to do hard things for you to start chasing your dreams again. For Jim LeRoux, that's exactly what happened. Jim was a well-respected competitive runner in high school, but college studies, family building, and the grind of everyday life led him to become a tad overweight, out of shape, and with unhealthy blood pressure numbers. He had a hard time finding the motivation to chase that childlike self again, but when his own daughter picked up cross country, it reawakened something inside of himself. Seeing his own daughter chase fast times and first place finishes made him want to get back into shape so that he could run with her. He's done just that, and now has impressive times of sub-19 5Ks, sub-40 10Ks, and even a marathon PR under 3:15. Jim's story proves that if you say yes to committing to your own promises, anything is possible. I hope this one inspires you to take on something hard and show up for yourself even when no one is watching. #running #dohardthings #motivation #texasrunners #runningpodcast

Ep. 41: Leaving Toxic Cycles and Finding Freedom on the Run | Heather Rosemand

In this episode, I'm joined by Heather Rosemand, also known as @heatherrunstexas [https://www.instagram.com/heatherrunstexas/] on Instagram, for an honest conversation about healing, growth, and what it looks like to rebuild your life one step at a time. Heather shares how she got out of an unhealthy relationship, changed her relationship with alcohol, and found something life-giving through running. We talk about the role running has played in her healing, how it helped create a stronger version of herself, and how it's connected her to a community that continues to support and inspire her. This episode is about choosing yourself, doing hard things, and discovering that a new life really can begin with one brave decision. #running #runningpodcast #runningmotivation #changeyourlife

Ep. 40: She Never Stopped Believing: Andie Cozzarelli's OTQ Story

Andie Cozzarelli's journey back to the Olympic Trials marathon standard is one of the most powerful stories I've heard. After debuting in the marathon at the 2016 Olympic Trials and not finishing, Andie spent years fighting to get back. The road was anything but smooth, filled with setbacks, hard lessons, and moments that tested her patience and belief. But in 2026, she broke through in a big way, winning the Glass City Marathon in 2:36:59 and earning the OTQ standard. We talk about what it took to stay in the fight, how learning to truly listen to her body changed her approach, and how those experiences now shape the way she coaches others. This conversation is about perseverance, perspective, and what it means to keep showing up for others. #running #olympictrials #OTQ #marathontraining #runmotivation #runningpodcast

Ep. 39: Heart Over Hard: Aly Kozar on Running Through Life's Toughest Seasons

In this episode of Through Their Stride, I sit down with Arizona-based runner Aly Kozar (@runswithheart on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/runswithheart/]) to talk about what it means to keep showing up when life doesn't go according to plan. Aly shares the ups and downs of her marathon journey, how she's learned to get back up after hard seasons in running and in life, and the deeper personal road of walking through infertility and PCOS. Our conversation centers on resilience, perspective, and the growth mindset that has helped her keep moving forward with hope, honesty, and positivity. This is an episode about endurance in every sense of the word, whether it's chasing finish lines or learning how to keep going when the path is unclear. #running #motivation #PCOS #infertility #runningmotivation #runningpodcast

Ep. 38: The Miles That Help Us Carry Grief: Robert Jackson

In this episode of Through Their Stride, I sit down with Robert Jackson for a conversation about running, grief, and what it means to keep moving forward after loss. Robert shares how running became a place to process sorrow after losing family members, and how the sport has helped carry him through some of the hardest seasons in life. We also talk about his marathon journey, Boston, the people who have helped shape him as a runner, and the role his support system has played along the way. This one was especially personal for me too, because after losing my mom earlier this year, I was able to connect with Robert as a runner and as someone who understands that grief can change the meaning behind every stride. If you've ever used running to work through something heavy, or if you just love hearing honest runner stories, this is a conversation I think will stay with you.