The Average Runner

Alaskan Ultra Runner w/ Justin Andreas | Ep. 47

From a last-minute half marathon with just four weeks to train to conquering 100-mile ultras, Justin Andreas has fully embraced the world of ultra running. Based in Alask

An Experienced Marathoner’s Journey to Six Stars w/ Cynthia Wheeler | Ep. 46

On this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, we chat with Cynthia Wheeler, a Chicago-based runner who has conquered multiple World Major Marathons. After taking a 10-ye

Andrew Griggs: Ultra Running & Van Life | Ep. 45

On this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, we’re joined by Andrew Griggs—ultra runner, van-life adventurer, and two-time 100-mile finisher. Andrew shares how he went

From Free Race Admission to NYC: Olivia Unigo’s Running Journey | Ep.43

Olivia Unigo never planned to become a marathon runner—until a free race admission changed everything. After running her first marathon last year, she’s now gearing up fo

Post-Race Reflections: Trail Running, Training & the Runner’s Mindset | Ep.42

In this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, I’m recapping my most recent trail race—from the highs and lows to what I learned along the way. I also share what I’m trai

Running, Teaching, and Recalibrating with Kendra Bauer | Ep. 41

In this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, I sit down with Kendra Bauer—a 7th grade teacher who has been hitting the pavement for over a decade. With multiple half ma

Coaching & Running Insights with Boston Qualifier Adam Reade | Ep. 40

In this episode, Shayla sits down with Adam Reade, a multi-time marathoner, Boston qualifier, and experienced run coach. Adam shares his journey into running, what it too

Rediscovering Running: Kori Gordner’s Journey from Soccer to Running | Ep. 39

In this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, we’re joined by Kori Gordner, a former soccer player turned passionate runner. Growing up traveling for team soccer and run

High Miles in High Heels w/ Curtis Hargrove | Ep. 38

In this inspiring episode of The Average Runner Podcast, we’re joined by Curtis Hargrove, a Canadian runner with a heart for giving back. Curtis recently ran the Chicago

Training Smart with Victoria Sekely: Runner, PT, and Coach | Ep. 37

In this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, we’re joined by Victoria Sekely, a NYC-based physical therapist and run coach with her own business and app designed to hel

Marathon Milestones: Noah's Milwaukee Lakefront Recap | Ep. 36

In this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, we sit down with Noah to recap his incredible experience running the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon—his very first marathon!

Run Streaks, Marathons, and Mouthguards with The Big Boy Runner | Ep. 35

In this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, we’re joined by The Big Boy Runner from Canada! What started as a simple work competition quickly turned into a passion for

Running the Virtual NYC Marathon for 2025 Guaranteed Entry + Runner Wins of the Month | Ep. 34

In this solo episode, Shayla recaps her second marathon—a virtual NYC Marathon run to secure entry for NYC 2025! She dives into her game plan (or lack thereof) for tackli

Lupe's First Marathon: Chicago Memories, Fundraising, and Future Goals | Ep. 33

In this inspiring episode, Shayla chats with Lupe, a first-time marathoner who recently completed the Chicago Marathon. Lupe shares her experience from the buzz of the ex

Training Updates & Prepping for the NYC Virtual Marathon | Ep. 32

In this solo episode, Shayla shares the latest updates on her training journey as she prepares for the upcoming NYC Virtual Marathon. Tune in to hear about her first doub

Marathons, Mindset, and Managing Celiac: A Conversation with Jess from the Badass Lady Gang | Ep. 31

In this episode of The Average Runner Podcast, Shayla sits down with Jess, an ambassador for the Badass Lady Gang and a passionate runner. Jess shares her experience runn

Running for Lexi: Kimberly Rubio's Journey of Advocacy and Healing | Ep. 30

In this powerful episode of The Average Runner Podcast, Shayla sits down with Kimberly Rubio, a passionate runner and advocate whose life changed forever after the tragic

Beyond the Marathon: Ultra Running with Jake Johnson | Ep.29

In this episode, Shayla chats with Jake Johnson, an ultra runner with an impressive background in endurance sports. Jake shares the story of how he got into running, deta

Surprise Guest: Colin Bloodworth’s Portland Half Marathon Recap | Ep. 28

What was supposed to be a solo episode turned into a spontaneous chat with guest runner Colin Bloodworth! Colin joins us to recap his experience at the Portland Half Mara

Running Smarter, Not Harder with Coach Nora Gluch | Ep. 27

In this episode, I’m joined by Nora Gluch, a seasoned runner with over 18 years of experience who recently started taking her running to new heights, achieving PRs in her