291. Why Runners Don’t Follow Through on Their Half Marathon Goals (And How 2026 Can Be Different)
Release Date: 01/01/2026
291. Why Runners Don’t Follow Through on Their Half Marathon Goals (And How 2026 Can Be Different)
Healthy Runner Podcast
Join If you’ve trained for a half marathon before but didn’t follow through, this episode will change how you think about training. In this episode of the Healthy Runner Podcast, Dr. Duane Scotti breaks down the real reason half marathon training falls apart for so many runners (it has nothing to do with motivation or discipline). Most runners are committed and driven, but they’re missing a system that actually fits real life. You’ll learn why relying on motivation leads to burnout, how skipping strength and recovery increases injury risk, and what it really takes to stay...
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290. RunDisney Marathon Weekend: 7 Race Week Essentials for Dopey Runners
Healthy Runner Podcast
Preparing for RunDisney Marathon Weekend or taking on the Dopey Challenge? Dr. Duane Scotti breaks down the 7 race week essentials that every Disney runner must know from how to taper the right way, to what to eat each day, to the weather, packing, and logistics that make RunDisney so unique. Learn how to avoid the common mistakes that drain energy, derail race week, or increase your injury risk, and instead run each magical mile with confidence, gratitude, and joy. Whether you're running the 5K, 10K, Half, Full, Goofy, or Dopey, this episode will help you feel prepared, strong, and...
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289. Philadelphia Marathon Recap: What Went Wrong and What I Nailed to Get Stronger for My Next Race
Healthy Runner Podcast
If you have ever trained perfectly… only to fall short of your goal on race day… this episode is for you. I am breaking down my Philadelphia Marathon, the lessons that cost me a PR and the wins that set me up to come back even stronger. Inside, you will learn: • The exact moment my race slipped away • How I managed pacing, fueling, and hydration with zero cramps (until I didn’t) • The elevation traps most runners underestimate in Philly • Why “middle mile mindset” can make or break your race • What I will do differently next time, so you can too Race...
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288. Weighted Vest Training for Runners: Helpful or Harmful? What You Need to Know with Coach Cat
Healthy Runner Podcast
Should you run or walk with a weighted vest to get stronger or faster? Or is it just another social media fitness fad that can lead to injury? In this episode, Dr. Duane Scotti sits down with from the Spark Healthy Runner team to break down the science behind weighted vest training for runners. Together, they uncover what fitness influencers often get wrong and explain when (and how) a weighted vest might actually be helpful — and when it can do more harm than good. You’ll learn: - Whether weighted vests really help with bone density, weight loss, or speed - Why runners over 40...
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287. Stop Making These Marathon Fueling Mistakes (Especially If You’re Over 40) with Jennifer Giles, RDN
Healthy Runner Podcast
Are you unintentionally sabotaging your marathon with fueling mistakes? You’re not alone. Most runners over 40 struggle with energy crashes, GI issues, cramping, or bonking — and it has nothing to do with fitness and everything to do with fueling. In this episode, I’m joined by sports nutritionist, exercise physiologist, and speaker , who specializes in marathon fueling for masters runners. Together, we break down the most common marathon nutrition mistakes and exactly how to fuel smarter so you can run strong from start to finish. ✅ Here’s what you’ll learn: - The biggest fueling...
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286. NYC Marathon Survival Guide: Race Day Tips from Ferry to Finish with Coach Whitney LaCombe
Healthy Runner Podcast
Are you running the TCS New York City Marathon this year? Whether it’s your first 26.2 or your fifth, this episode is your complete survival guide to race day — from the ferry ride to the finish line in Central Park! Coach from the coaching team joins Dr. Duane Scotti to break down everything you need to know to make race day smooth, confident, and unforgettable. We cover: 🏃♀️ Race morning logistics — what time to leave, what to bring, and how to handle the start village chaos 🗽 Course experience — where the hills really hit, what the crowds are like, and how to...
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285. How to Run for Life Without Getting Injured - Running Longevity Tips (Interview by Coach Sara Manderscheid)
Healthy Runner Podcast
Want to keep running strong for decades — without dealing with the same nagging injuries? In this powerful conversation, I sat down with Coach Sara Manderscheid on the Elevate Your Running Podcast to talk all about how to make running a lifelong pursuit. We dive deep into: - How to adapt your training as you age so you can stay strong and confident in every season of life - Why strength and plyometric work are non-negotiable for injury prevention - How to tell the difference between “normal” soreness and red flags that mean you need to pause - The key mindset shifts that turn setbacks...
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284. Never Get Bored Running Again: 3 Route Planning Secrets with Coach Lu
Healthy Runner Podcast
Do you find yourself running the same loop over and over… and getting bored? In this episode, Coach Duane sits down with coach from our Spark Healthy Runner team to uncover the secret to keeping running exciting, purposeful, and fun through smart route planning. You’ll learn the 3 types of running routes every runner needs: - Routine Runs — familiar loops that make recovery days stress-free - Workout Routes — purposeful paths for speedwork, hills, and long runs - Exploration Runs — fun adventures (yes, even Strava Art 🎨) that bring joy back to running Whether you’re...
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283. Chicago + NYC Marathons 3 Weeks Apart: Smart Training & Recovery Tips for Runners Over 40 with Rhonda Hunt
Healthy Runner Podcast
Back-to-back world majors — Chicago and NYC — just three weeks apart. How can you train, recover, and show up strong for both without breaking down? In this episode, I sit down with returning guest Rhonda Hunt — run coach, personal trainer, lululemon ambassador, Hyrox coach, and expert in the physiology of menopause. Rhonda is an incredible leader and inspiration for women chasing big running goals beyond menopause, and she’s here to share how she’s preparing to tackle Chicago and NYC back-to-back. You’ll learn: - How to safely train and adjust your plan for multiple marathons...
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282. Strides 101: The Most Underrated Running Tool for Speed & Injury Prevention
Healthy Runner Podcast
Most runners skip one of the simplest, fastest ways to get quicker, smoother, and more injury-resistant — strides. In this episode of the Healthy Runner Podcast, Dr. Duane Scotti breaks down everything you need to know about strides — the most underrated tool in your running toolbox. Whether you’re chasing a marathon PR, training for your first 5K, or just want to make running feel easier, strides can change the game. You’ll learn: -What strides actually are (and what they are NOT) -Why they improve speed, efficiency, and injury resilience at any age -How to perform strides...
info_outlineJoin The Half Marathon Follow-Through Formula (FREE 4-Day Challenge)
If you’ve trained for a half marathon before but didn’t follow through, this episode will change how you think about training.
In this episode of the Healthy Runner Podcast, Dr. Duane Scotti breaks down the real reason half marathon training falls apart for so many runners (it has nothing to do with motivation or discipline).
Most runners are committed and driven, but they’re missing a system that actually fits real life.
You’ll learn why relying on motivation leads to burnout, how skipping strength and recovery increases injury risk, and what it really takes to stay consistent when life gets busy.
Inside the episode, you’ll discover:
- Why most half marathon training plans fail
- The 5 biggest mistakes that cause runners to fall off
- How to build a realistic weekly training schedule
- Why strength and recovery are essential for consistency
- How to adjust training without quitting when setbacks happen
Duane also shares a real runner success story and invites you to join a free 4-Day Challenge, The Half Marathon Follow-Through Formula, designed to help you stop feeling stuck and finish strong in 2026.
If you want to stop starting over and finally follow through on your half marathon goals, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward making 2026 different.
[Download] Half Marathon Training Kickstart Kit: Start Strong and Stay Injury Free!
Join the Waitlist and learn more about Half Marathon Group Coaching Here
Listen to my previous episode on Half Marathon Training for Beginners Here
Listen to my previous episode on determining if you are ready to run your first half marathon here!
Listen to my previous episode on half marathon fueling here!
Listen to my previous episode on the top 5 half marathon mistakes to avoid here!
Listen to my previous episode on unlocking my fastest half marathon time in 7 years here!
Listen to my previous episode on half marathon prep the week before your race here!
Want to run stronger, faster, and injury-free?
The Healthy Runner Academy gives you a proven system to stay consistent, prevent injuries, and build strength with expert coaching and a supportive running community.
Join the waitlist to be first in line when doors open (only 3x/year) and get a special bonus.
A big thanks to ucan for your support for this episode!
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