Ep75: Jess Furness "Why (and how) I'm running 42 marathons this year"

This episode features Jess Furness, a well-known presenter on the Running Channel and a passionate runner who has set an ambitious goal to run 42 marathons in 2025. Jess discusses how running has been a vital part of her life, especially after the loss of her father at a young age and her brother a few years ago, which shaped her approach to running as a form of therapy and connection with the community.

The conversation dives into Jess's personal experiences with running, including her achievement of breaking three hours in a marathon, the discipline it required, and the need to focus on speed training alongside longer runs. She talks about the emotional rollercoaster of achieving such goals and the underlying message that happiness is not solely tied to such achievements but also to the journey itself.

Jess also shares her unique approach to balancing her running commitments with her job at the Running Channel, where she aims to foster community through events and online engagement. She reflects on the growing popularity of running and mentions how important it is for newcomers to find supportive communities that resonate with their personal goals.

Throughout the conversation, both hosts emphasize the importance of sharing struggles and experiences in the running journey, as this openness can foster a strong sense of community and support among runners. Jess’s story is a reminder of the healing power of running and the personal journeys that intertwine with our athletic goals.