Episode 639: Julia Paternain – Bronze Medalist in the Marathon at the World Championships

I’m so excited to bring you this conversation with Julia Paternain on the I’ll Have Another Podcast today! Julia just placed third at the World Championships marathon in Tokyo, earning a bronze medal in only her second marathon. She represents Uruguay, trains in Flagstaff with McKirdy Trained, and is coached by Jack Polerecky. Julia ran 2:27:23 in that race, coming in as one of the last-ranked athletes in the field and leaving with a medal. We talk about her training, mindset, and the confidence it took to run her own race and finish on the podium.

Top topics discussed

• Julia’s emotions and confusion at the finish line in Tokyo

• Handling the late hills and hot, humid conditions

• Fueling and hydration strategies with Maurten

• Race mindset: patience, pack dynamics, and not counting herself out

• From being ranked 288th to winning bronze — mental approach and confidence

• Processing the sudden media attention and national pride from Uruguay

• Her running journey: childhood in England, Penn State/Arkansas NCAA experience, injuries, and transition to Flagstaff

• Training now: mileage, long run workouts, and strength work with McKirdy Trained

• Goals for faster marathon and half marathon times, and thoughts on majors like London and Boston

Media mentioned

• Books: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, The Silent Patient

• TV/Film: One Tree Hill, 90210, The Hills, High Five (kids’ show)

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