Running 26.2 Together: A Mother-Daughter Marathon Story from Vermont to Napa Valley

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In this episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, I sit down with Sharon and Cia Galatas — a mother-daughter duo who flew from New England to California to run the full marathon at the Napa Valley Marathon.

What started as signing up for the half turned into a bold decision: “If we’re flying across the country… we might as well run the full.”

From snowy winter training runs in Vermont and New Hampshire to navigating race-day nerves, pacing strategy, walk-run intervals, and the infamous cutoff bus, this conversation is honest, funny, and incredibly inspiring.

We talk about:

• Training for a marathon in snow and ice
• Using walk-run intervals for marathon success
• Race-day nerves and how to calm them
• Running different paces as a team
• The power of pacers in long-distance races
• Why a 5:50 marathon is absolutely something to be proud of
• Body image, movement as stress relief, and modeling healthy habits
• Why running together strengthens relationships

And yes… they loved it so much they’re already signed up for the Vermont City Marathon — and heading back to Napa for the half!

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “ready” for a marathon, this episode is your sign.

Because ALL RUNNERS COUNT.

Connect with Sharon & Cia:

📸 Instagram: @marathonmunchkins or @globalglowup1

🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WVyuc0Z3Bgk

FREE DOWNLOAD: 5:50 marathon pace band

Support the show

Welcome to the Run Strong Run Podcast! The show where I, Stephanie Dunlap, empower runners of all levels to lace up, chase their dreams, and cross every finish line stronger than ever. To join the discussion live, follow me on Instagram @runstrongrun, TikTok @runstrongrun, Facebook @runstephstrongrun or on my website at runstrongrun.com

About Stephanie:

Stephanie is a beginner run coach, marathon pacer, and your number-one cheerleader! Stephanie went from couch potato to marathoner in 2012 and "Run Strong Run" was born. Since running her first marathon, she's run over 60 full marathons! Stephanie believes that ALL runners count from the fast to the back of the pack. In Stephanie's words, "If you run, you are a runner!"