Episode Details

In this episode of Through Their Stride, I sat down with Adriana Ducharme (@runningthelife_ on Instagram) to unpack a journey that many runners experience but few talk about openly.

Adri shares how a toxic college coaching environment led to burnout and a loss of identity within the sport – and how stepping away from that structure helped rediscover what running could be. Through joining a club cross country team at the University of Georgia, she rebuilt her relationship with competition, community, and herself.

That renewed perspective translated into serious performance gains. Adri went from a 3:14 marathon debut to a 2:54, proving that growth doesn't always come from pushing harder — it comes from finding joy again.

We also talk about balancing competitive goals with a full-time teaching career, and how Adri uses her platform to show that chasing big goals is still possible, even with a busy life.

This episode is for anyone who's felt burned out, stuck, or unsure of what's next – and needs a reminder that a comeback is always possible.

#running #podcast #marathons #teaching #trackandfield