888. Re-Run: Ellie Kemper, Actress & Marathoner

In this episode, Ali Feller revisits her favorite conversation with actress Ellie Kemper, who shares her journey of running her first marathon at the New York City Marathon. Recording in January 2023, they explore Ellie’s affection for running, her training ups and downs, and the challenges she faced during the race. Kemper recounts her marathon experience as both exhilarating and grueling, especially during the hot and humid race day conditions.

They dive deep into the physical and mental battles encountered while running 26.2 miles, including gastrointestinal distress and unexpected fatigue. Despite the struggles, Ellie emphasizes the joy and fulfillment that followed crossing the finish line, highlighting that achieving such a daunting goal was worth every moment of hardship. Throughout their discussion, they touch upon the community aspect of running, the support from loved ones, and the personal growth that accompanies pushing one's limits in endurance sports.

The episode ends on a motivational note, encouraging listeners to embrace the challenge of running a marathon, drawing on the transformative experience Ellie represents. She offers insights into her preparations and feelings during the event, stressing the importance of commitment while sharing friendly banter with Ali about running, life, and their personal anecdotes.