From a missed basketball tryout to 15 marathons🏃🏼‍♀️

Hey runners,

Sometimes the paths we don't choose end up leading us exactly where we need to be.

When Stephanie Platt was cut from her 11th-grade basketball team, she didn't realize that the cross country team waiting in the wings would spark a lifelong journey in distance running.

This week on Your Story, Your Why, I sat down with Fort Worth marathoner and Gatorade ambassador Stephanie Platt to talk about her progression from local trails to the World Marathon Majors.

Here is what we dive into in this week's conversation:

• The Cross Country Pivot: How getting cut from middle school basketball introduced her to lifelong running.

• Running Through Life Changes: Using daily miles as a stress release during military deployments and early motherhood.

• 3 Marathons in 5 Weeks: How she navigated running St. George, Boston, and New York back-to-back in autumn 2021.

• Self-Care as a "Why": Why setting aside time for long runs is an essential mental reset for parents and busy athletes.

• Navigating Injury & Recovery: Her current approach to healing plantar fasciitis, resetting fundamentals, and aiming for her 15th marathon.

"Your Story Your Why" - Stephanie Platt

Marathon Running Podcast by Marathon Journal

💭 Final Thought

Whether you're training for your first race or working through a period of rest and physical recovery, Stephanie's journey shows that running is a lifelong companion that adapts to every season of life.

What is your primary "why" when you lace up your shoes this week? Hit reply and share your thoughts!

Until next week, keep chasing those miles,

Letty Lundquist

Editor-in-Chief, Marathon Journal