Berlin 26.2 - Joan Pons Laplana - Like Usain Bolt, I am the fastest man dressed as a Christmas cracker (00:27:31)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Joan Pons Laplana from Sheffield, UK shares his running journey. Joan started running during the pandemic by recommendation from his mental health counselor to see if it helps him with PTSD that he developed as a nurse during pandemic. After his first run he slept for straight 8 hours in months and never looked back. On top of it he is the fastest marathoner in Christmas Cracker costume which got him to Guinness Book of World Records in 2023 Berlin Marathon. He also had another record in Guinness Books in 2022 but was broken a couple of months after. 2023 Berlin Marathon was his 2nd World Majors. Enjoy his incredible story! #berlin #berlinmarathon #berlinmarathon2023 #worldmarathonmajors #running
Berlin 26.2 - Tomás Blanco - WoW! What a journey - Completing ALL 6 World Majors in 2023 under 2:50! (00:28:12)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2, Tomás Blanco, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts (originally from Spain) shares his running journey. Tomás got into running when he moved to Boston for work. He attempted to do all six world majors in 2022 but fell short in completing Tokyo. And then could pull off completing all 6 in 2023 and that also all of them under 2:50. He even got his PR of 2:45 in 2023 Berlin marathon. Tomás shares how he is able to keep up with this amazing pace and improve over the years! Enjoy the story!!#berlin #berlinmarathon #berlinmarathon2023 #worldmarathonmajors #running
Berlin 26.2 - Masiray Kanneh-Peart - I had the heart to run a marathon just needed the training! (00:25:54)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Masiray Kanneh-Peart, retired US Army Officer from Washington DC, shares her running journey. How she started running when stationed in Germany and took a pause after 20 years of service in the US Army. She picked up running again during pandemic. She brought a lot of discipline and rigor from her US Army days into the training when she decided to run her first marathon in Miami. 2023 Berlin Marathon was her first World Major and was a special one as she got an opportunity to go back to Germany after a long time. Enjoy the story! #berlin #berlinmarathon #berlinmarathon2023 #worldmarathonmajors #running
Berlin 26.2 - Dan Thorne - It's a lot of fun training with furry friends!! (00:26:29)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Dan Thorne from Melbourne, Australia shares his running journey - how did he got into running in his 40’s, what drives him continue to run as he is chasing World Marathon Majors and how he balances his personal, professional lives along with running. He shares how fun it is to run with his furry friends and also about his support system that helps him chase his running goals. 2023 Berlin Marathon was Dan’s third World major. Enjoy the Story!
Berlin 26.2 - Cosmos O'Ndebele - Running community is one of the friendliest communities!! (00:24:42)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Cosmos O'Ndebele shares his running journey - how he picked up running during the pandemic as a way to keep him moving. He found out by surprise that sub-3 hour marathons are pretty impressive as he has been running all his marathons sub-3. Although he is not part of a running club, he is very well connected with the running community. 2023 Berlin Marathon was his 2nd World Marathon Major and he planning to complete all the 6 majors in 2024. Enjoy the story!!
Berlin 26.2 - Annie Cabrera - I do not know you but still you are cheering for me - Go Annie Go! (00:13:40)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Annie Cabrera from Mexico City, Mexico shares her running journey; how she picked up running during Covid pandemic and fell in love with it. She shares her key highlights from Berlin Marathon especially how strangers were cheering for runners by calling out their names! Annie is chasing World Marathon Majors and 2023 Berlin Marathon was her first major! Enjoy the Story!!#berlin #berlinmarathon #berlinmarathon2023 #worldmarathonmajors #running
Berlin 26.2 - Masayoshi Tamura - I want to be the fastest marathon runner at the age of 80 in Japan! (00:24:55)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2, Masayoshi Tamura from Fujisawa, Japan shares his running journey. He started running at the age of 54 with a motivation to loose some weight and continued ever since. Till date he ran 80 marathons and counting and he runs a marathon every week since summer of 2022. Masayoshi's main goal is to be the fastest marathoner at the age of 80 in Japan. 2023 Berlin marathon was Masayoshi's 2nd World Major. Enjoy the story! #berlin #berlinmarathon #berlinmarathon2023 #worldmarathonmajors #running
Berlin 26.2 - Mark Scarborough - We train hard to race easy!! (00:38:15)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Mark Scarborough from Canberra, Australia shares his running journey - how he started to run joining local Parkrun and how he gradually built himself up to run his first marathon in Melbourne which finishes inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Mark ran 2023 Berlin Marathon through Pancreatic Cancer UK in memory of loss of his father in law to pancreatic cancer. He shares about park run culture in Australia and his next running goals. 2023 Berlin Marathon was his 2nd World Major. Enjoy the story!
Berlin 26.2 - Yuriy Brykaylo - I can't change the situation by myself in Ukraine but I can run! (00:22:25)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Yuriy Brykaylo from Kyiv, Ukraine shares his running journey. Yuriy shares how he got into running running 3 years back and ran 300+ races till date. He shares how difficult it was to run when the war started in Ukraine and how he picked running back and built the discipline to run 5 days a week. Yuriy emphasized the need of a support system and his goal to qualify for Boston Marathon. 2023 Berlin Marathon was his 2nd World Major. Enjoy the Story.
Berlin 26.2 - Jason Reid - I run b'cos I love it even if I am not at the front of the pack on races! (00:41:04)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 Podcast, Jason Reid from Belfast, Northern Ireland and a shares his running journey - how he started his journey with a relay marathon race and then made running part of his lifestyle over the years. He shares the habits changes he made to make running a lifestyle and how joining North Belfast Harriers running club has helped him with this transition. Jason shares how running helped him coping with his mental health challenges especially during pandemic. 2023 Berlin Marathon was his 6th Berlin Marathon and he is pursuing Berlin Marathon Jubilee Club. Jason has a Youtube vlog @jasonsrunning where he shares his running life with hope to inspire others. Enjoy the story! #berlin #berlinmarathon #berlinmarathon2023 #running
Berlin 26.2 - Daniel Sun - It's great to run 2 marathons a year sponsored by your employer! (00:26:35)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Daniel Sun (Lu) from Tianjin, China and now working in tech industry in Germany shares his running journey. Starting to run in 2017, Daniel shares how he transitioned from pre-pandemic hobby runner to post-pandemic serious runner. He is running 2 marathons a year sponsored by his employer. He is aiming to qualify for Boston marathon as part of his World Marathon Majors journey and 2023 Berlin Marathon was his 2nd time running Berlin Marathon. Enjoy the Story!! #berlin #berlinmarathon #berlinmarathon2023 #worldmarathonmajors #running
Berlin 26.2 - Marcia Carranza - Surviving breast cancer and chasing World Marathon Majors!! (00:23:28)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Marcia Carranza from Costa Rica shares her running journey. She shares how during a very low period of her life, her neighbor introduced her into running and she is running ever since.In 2022, Marcia was diagnosed with breast cancer and she was able to start running just 4 weeks after her surgery and she attributes that all to running. 2023 Berlin Marathon was her 3rd World Major. Enjoy the story. #running #worldmarathonmajors #berlin #berlinmarathon #berlinmarathon2023
Berlin 26.2 - Krishna Chinta - You ran 3 World Majors Marathons in what? Yes, in Barefoot!! (00:25:15)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2, Krishna Chinta, originally from India and based in Peoria, Illinois, USA shares his running journey. Krishna’s story is very unique as he is one of the rare runners who run marathons barefoot. He deep dives into his journey to barefoot running, benefits of barefoot running that he experienced himself and also challenges he has to overcome on an ongoing basis. As a St Judes Hero, Krishna is chasing World Majors and 2023 Berlin Marathon was his 3rd World Major and barefoot marathon. Enjoy the story!
Berlin 26.2 - Trevor Lewis -To Wife after first marathon -Slap my face if I sign up for another race (00:29:10)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Trevor Lewis from Cheshire, UK shares his running journey - how did he get into running to running his first marathon in 2004 and then telling his wife to slap him on the face if he signs up for another race. We all know how the story goes from there :) Till date, Trevor ran 100+ half marathons and half a dozen marathon and shares how running helps him to be tough and resilient. He also shares about his support system from his family to the local running club he is part of. He is chasing sub 20 min 5K as a next goal in 2024 to be a Boston qualifier. 2023 Berlin Marathon was Trevor’s 3rd World Major. Enjoy the story!
Berlin 26.2 - Faheemah Limbada - You are not a runner if you haven't run Comrades Ultramarathon (00:30:38)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Faheemah Lambada from Johannesburg, South Africa shares her running journey - how she got into running vis a casual park run and then went into running her first Comrades Ultramarathon just 2 years after. She deep dive into running culture in South Africa and how Parkrun played a key role developing and nurturing the running culture in South Africa. Faheemah also shares differences she found in training for an Ultramarathon vs a regular marathon. Inspired by one of her friends, Faheemah is chasing World marathon majors and 2023 Berlin Marathon was first major! Enjoy the Story!
Berlin 26.2 - Andreu Demidoff, an alpine skier, triathlete and runner - Running makes me feel so happy!! (00:49:39)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Andreu Ray Dimidoff, an Andorran, based in Madrid, Spain shares his incredible journey - Starting as an Alpine skier, coaching the Andorran National Team for the Olympics, his transition to professional triathlete for the national team and then to long distance running as the first Andorran chasing World marathon Majors. Andreu deep dive in each part of the journey with gratitude, humbleness and his key learnings. It will be not surprising if part of Andreu’s story bring some tears in your eyes especially when he shares how running makes him feel so happy and how his teenage son almost ran 30-35 kms during the Berlin Marathon to cheer/support his dad! This is a must listen for anyone who is still figuring out the why and how having an attitude of gratitude helps you to get there! Enjoy the story!
Berlin 26.2 - Trees Van Hollebeke - a psychologist's take on running being a therapy and lifestyle (00:23:05)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Trees Van Hollebeke from coastal part of Belgium and a psychologist by profession shares her running journey - how making running part of her lifestyle helped her quit smoking and be in her best health; how training/running with a timing goal for Berlin was different than training without one and also shares how chasing World Majors can be an expensive journey. 2023 Berlin Marathon was her first sub 4 hour Marathon. Enjoy the Story!!
Berlin 26.2 - Juan Carlos Mejia - Yes, you can train for Marathons and Triathlons indoor (00:36:29)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Juan Carlos Mejia with roots from Peru and based in Miami shares his running journey : How he figured out to focus only being a runner and triathlete, his World Majors journey, how he trains for marathons 95% of the time indoors in his triathlon gym along with his wife, his take on how marathon expos have evolved for 20+ years. Juan earned his 6th World Majors star in 2023 Berlin Marathon and have run ~40 marathons and now in pursuit of earning World Majors 6 stars second time. Enjoy the story!!
Berlin 26.2 Indrek Aarna - 17 times inline skater and 10 times runner of Berlin Marathon (00:24:54)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Indrek Aarna from Estonia shares his 25+ years of running journey. Ironman triathlete has run Berlin Marathon 10 times and have entered the coveted Berlin Marathon Jubilee club. Also, after inline skating for 17 times, Indrek shares differences between training for inline skating vs running Berlin Marathon. Enjoy the story!
Berlin 26.2 - Zlatko Zlatic - 20 Berlin Marathons (50 overall marathons) and counting! (00:21:19)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Zlatko Zlatic, an airline executive from Berlin shares his 20+ years of running journey with 50 marathons (20 of them being Berlin marathon) under his belt. He shares special perks of being in the Jubilee Club and beyond. 2023 Berlin Marathon was Zlatko's 20th Berlin Marathon. Enjoy the Story.
Berlin 26.2 - Sahadev Byanjankar - cofounding running club in Kathmandu, Nepal to chasing World Majors (00:29:02)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Sahadev Byanjankar from the land of Himalayas- Kathmandu, Nepal shares his running journey : Co-founding a Nepal Dynamic Running Club, growing running community in historic parts of Kathmandu, welcoming runners from around the world, how running has helped him alleviate his image in the community and some of the challenges of chasing world majors as an international runner. 2023 Berlin Marathon will be Sahadev's 3rd major. Enjoy the story.
Berlin 26.2 - Anas Yousfi - A pharmacist can also get hyponatremia in his first marathon (00:33:50)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Anas Yousfi - an Algerian pharmacist based in Lyon, France shares his running journey. A great story on resiliency to get better in every race, how he got into running, the mistakes he made in his first Marathon, waiting 2 years due to pandemic to run his 2nd marathon in Berlin and now running 2023 Berlin Marathon as husband and wife team. 2023 Berlin will be Anas's repeat of first major with a goal to achieve sub 3 hour PB and will be his wife's first marathon. Enjoy the story.
Berlin 26 2 Helen Panayiotou - Yes, you can chase six majors surviving Canadian winter (00:19:15)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Helen Panayiotou, a teacher and coach for her school's track and field team shares her running journey - her transition from greek island of Cyprus to Canada and reinventing herself to pick up running again. Berlin will be Helen's 5th major! Enjoy the story.
Berlin 26.2 - Jessica Leila - Rhabdomyolysis from a Crossfit Murph workout to long distance running (00:26:40)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, Jessica Leila from sunny California shares her running journey- How she pivoted from cross-fit to long distance running after getting Rhabdomyolysis from a Crossfit Murph workout and now chasing World Marathon Majors. 2023 Berlin Marathon will be her first major. Enjoy the story!
Berlin 26.2 - Dilip Ghadge - When you achieve your first goal, the next goal calls you (00:16:43)
In this episode of Berlin 26.2 podcast, I chat with Dilip Ghadge from Mumbai, India (a civil engineer who runs his own business) about his running journey - why he started to run in his 40s, how running has helped him and why he continuing running in his 50s. 2023 Berlin Marathon is his first world major.
