This is the story of my first ever DNF — and wow, did it come with a plot twist (and a few acrobatics).
At the Stone Cat 50 Miler, my brain told me to turn around before I even started… and maybe I should’ve listened 😅
The first loop was absolute chaos: pitch black trails, leaves hiding every rock and root, and me falling five times (including twice on my head) and rolling my ankle seven times — all in the first 13.4 miles.
But here’s the thing: my endurance was solid, my gear was flawless (shoutout to the Puma Deviate 2s and my Salomon Sense Pro 10 vest), and I didn’t quit. I made the right call when my body was banged up and the cutoff was slipping away.
DNFs aren’t failures — they’re part of the story. And this one taught me more about grit, humility, and why I should probably invest in a headlamp upgrade.
🎥 In this episode, I break down:
What went wrong (and what went really wrong)
The moment I knew I had to stop
Why I’m still proud of this race
What I’m doing differently next time
Because sometimes the hardest runs are the ones that teach you the most.
👟 Gear I used:
Shoes: Puma Deviate 2
Vest: Salomon Sense Pro 10
💬 Have you ever had a DNF or a race that didn’t go as planned? Drop your story in the comments — let’s normalize the tough days too.
#ultrarunning #stonecatultra #DNFstory #runnahpodcast #trailrunning
Hey friends — it’s me, Julianna, here to talk about something every runner faces but no one likes to admit… the mid-run emergency poop break. 😅
In this very real and slightly ridiculous episode, I’m reviewing my favorite cold-weather gear of all time: the TrailHeads Convertible Zip Mitts. These mitts have seen things — and I mean that literally. They’ve kept my hands warm, my fingers free, and my dignity (mostly) intact through countless winter miles and a few crappy situations. 💩🙈
That zip-open top? Total game-changer. Warmth when you need it, dexterity when nature calls.
If you’ve ever fumbled through frozen fingers or sprinted for a trailhead bathroom, this episode’s for you.
👉 Watch now to see why these mitts are my cold-weather MVPs.
🧤 TrailHeads Convertible Zip Mitts
📩 Email: RunnahPod@gmail.com
📸 Instagram: @jellyanna_runs
#RunnahPodcast #WinterRunningGear #ColdWeatherRuns #TrailHeadsMittens #RunningCommunity #GearReview #RunnerProblems
I sat down with Meagan Faulkner, Executive Director of the Falmouth Road Race, to talk about what her first year in the role was really like — the lessons, the highlights, and the heart behind one of the most iconic races in the country.
From the behind-the-scenes hustle to the incredible community moments that make this race so special, Meagan shares it all. 🏃♀️💛
📧 Contact Meagan: meagan@falmouthroadrace.com
🌐 Learn more: falmouthroadrace.com
🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts!
#RunnahPodcast #FalmouthRoadRace #RunningCommunity #CapeCodRunning
This week on Runnah, I’m getting real about what’s going on in my head as I take on my biggest challenge yet — my first 50-mile ultra marathon on November 1st. 🏃♀️
It’s been a summer full of chronic illness flare-ups and setbacks — and honestly, a lot of those challenges are still going on. But this episode is about how I’m showing up anyway. I’m sharing the mantras, mindsets, and mental tricks that are helping me find strength through the chaos and keep my joy in running, even when my body isn’t always cooperating.
And make sure to stick around to the very end — I’m sharing the one thing I already know is true about this race, before I even start it.
If you’ve ever trained for something that scared you, or you’re navigating your own health hurdles while still chasing your goals, this one’s for you. 💫
🎧 Listen anywhere you get podcasts
📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@runnahpodcast
📩 Contact: runnahpod@gmail.com
✨ Sponsors:
WellStrong — wellstrong.org
Fast Pickle — fastpickle.com
#RunnahPodcast #UltraMarathonTraining #ChronicIllnessRunner #50Miler #RunnerMindset #RunningMotivation #RunCapeCod #MentalStrength
We’re coming to you live from the Cape Cod Marathon Expo with none other than Olympic gold medalist, marathon legend, and proud Falmouth resident Frank Shorter! 🏃♂️✨
In this special episode of Runnah, Frank joins Julianna for a candid chat about how he first got involved with the Cape Cod Marathon, how his relationship with running has evolved over the years, and how he continues to find joy and purpose in the sport as he gets older.
It’s an inspiring, down-to-earth conversation about running longevity, community, and staying connected to the sport we all love — whether you’re chasing PRs or simply running for the love of it. ❤️
🎧 Listen in, feel the expo energy, and get inspired to keep running—no matter your pace or age.
👉 Learn more about the Cape Cod Marathon here: https://capecodmarathon.com/
📩 Contact Runnah: runnahpod@gmail.com
📸 Follow Julianna: @jellyanna_runs
This week on Runnah, it’s just me — Julianna — and I’m diving headfirst (or maybe chest-first?) into a new piece of gear: the running vest. 🏃♀️💦
That’s right, your resident baby trail runner finally strapped one on for real and took it for a spin. We’re talking hydration bladders, snack pockets, questionable fashion choices, and why this vest might just be my new emotional support gear item.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to wear one of these things for the first time — or if you’ve ever been slightly terrified of all those straps and buckles — this one’s for you.
👟 Tune in for my honest take, a few laughs, and maybe a little trail-runner chaos.
📩 Got a vest you love or a piece of gear I need to try? Email me at runnahpodcast@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram at @jellyanna_runs.
💙 Supported by our amazing partners:
WellStrong — building strength in recovery and community.
Fast Pickle — keeping runners hydrated and happy (and a little briny).
This weekend was everything — sunshine, sweat, smiles, and so much heart. In this episode, I’m recapping the Cape Cod Marathon 2025 and reflecting on what makes this event so special. From the first finisher flying down Main Street to the final runner giving it everything they had, I got to see it all as your announcer and social media manager (aka MV — Master of Vibes 💙).This race fills my soul every single year, and I hope that in all the chaos, cowbells, and commentary, I helped at least one runner feel a little stronger, calmer, or more celebrated. Because that’s what Cape Cod Marathon weekend is all about — joy, connection, and the magic that happens when we all show up for each other. 🏃♀️🌊✨
Hi friends — it’s Cape Cod Marathon week!
In this episode, I’m giving you the ultimate 2025 Cape Cod Marathon pep talk straight from Falmouth! Whether you’re running the full, the half, the relay, or just cheering your face off, I’m here to get you hyped, grounded, and ready to have the best race weekend ever.
You’ve put in the work. You’ve logged the miles. Now it’s time to show up, smile, and send it down the Cape Cod coast. Let’s go, friends! — See you at the finish line!
📲 Stay connected:Instagram: @runnahpod
Email: runnahpodcast@gmail.com
#CapeCodMarathon #MarathonMotivation #RunningPodcast #RunnahPodcast #MarathonTraining #RaceDayPepTalk
This week on Runnah, it’s just me — and I’m taking you through my wild Berlin Marathon 2025 experience. From battling unexpected heat and race-day anxiety, to taking a tumble mid-course, dealing with a UTI, and ultimately leaving the country earlier than planned… it was a race full of challenges, weird vibes, and lessons learned.
Marathons don’t always go as planned, but every one gives us a story — and this one’s mine.
📧 Got thoughts or your own Berlin stories? Reach me at RunnahPod@gmail.com
📸 Follow along on Instagram: @jellyanna_runs
This week on Runnah, I’m giving you my list of unconventional race day essentials — the stuff you won’t always see on the official checklist, but that I swear by when it comes to getting through 26.2. From Vaseline and KT tape, to plastic sandwich baggies, trash bags, and even a pair of scissors… plus my secret weapon: a merino wool quarter-zip, the right drop clothes, and yes, a Squishmallow Stackables pillow.
It’s a mix of practical, personal, and a little silly — but these are the things that have saved me time and time again on race day.
📧 Share your must-have essentials: RunnahPod@gmail.com
📸 Follow along on Instagram: @jellyanna_runs
Thinking about running the Cape Cod Marathon, Half, Relay, or 5K this year? Kathy (the wizard behind the curtain at the Falmouth Running Club office) joins me to break it all down for you! We cover everything you need to know about race weekend — from registration and bib pick-up to course details, parking, and race-day logistics.
And this year? We’ve got some brand-new things you’re going to love:
🦞 The Lobstah Challenge (for the truly brave)
🐾 Therapy dogs at the finish line (yes, you can pet them after you PR)
📸 The Cape Cod Photo Bus for your post-race shots
🍔 Local food trucks to refuel and celebrate
SKIP ahead to around 15 minutes in for GENERAL RACE INFO ONLY. Otherwise, stick with us from the top and get the full Cape Cod Marathon 101 2025 crash course.
📖 Runners Handbook: capecodmarathon.com/runners-handbook
🌊 Race Info: capecodmarathon.com
This episode is sponsored by Shipwrecked! Check out thier menu and more here: https://www.shipwreckedfalmouth.com/
This week I’m sitting down with Cape Cod Marathon’s medical director, Dr. Steven Sbardella, and oh my gosh—what a conversation. We talk all about his experiences in the medical tent over the years, the most common injuries and challenges runners face on race day, and some really interesting stuff about both the mental and physical side of ice baths (yes, they’re as cold as you think 😅).
Dr. Sbardella also shares his best advice on how to keep yourself out of the medical tent, so you can enjoy every step of your race weekend. Whether you’re training for your first Cape Cod Marathon or your 20th, this is one you’ll want to listen to.
👉 All the Cape Cod Marathon race info here: https://capecodmarathon.com/
Contact Runnah:
IG @Runnahpod
Email: RunnahPod@gmail.com
This week I’m joined by Ed—the man who makes sure your bananas and apples are ready at the Cape Cod Marathon finish line. Ed’s not just our produce guy, though—he was part of the original PowerBar marketing team, helping bring one of the first big sports nutrition brands to runners everywhere.
We chat about why he loves being part of the Falmouth running community, what keeps him coming back year after year, and why fueling runners (in every sense of the word!) means so much to him.
👟 Learn more about the Cape Cod Marathon:
👉 https://capecodmarathon.com/
💌 Contact Runnah: runnahpod@gmail.com | IG: @jellyanna_runs
Big thanks to Ed—the banana guy, the PowerBar pioneer, and a true Falmouth running community legend.
This week, I’m joined by Sara and Emily from Eight Cousins Bookstore in Falmouth—aka one of the coziest, most magical spots on Cape Cod and the official sponsor of the Cape Cod Marathon Kids Fun Run! We talk about what makes this partnership so special, their favorite book recommendations for young runners (and readers!), and why community really is at the heart of both books and running.
👟 Want to get your little ones signed up for the Kids Fun Run? You can register here:
👉 https://capecodmarathon.com/races/kids-fun-run/
📖 Shop all of Sara & Emily’s book recs from the episode right from Eight Cousins:
👉 https://www.eightcousins.com/lists/Lt_BJgIyxAQo
💌 Stay in touch with Runnah:
Email: runnahpod@gmail.com
Instagram: @jellyanna_runs
Big thanks to Sara, Emily, and Eight Cousins for helping make running fun for the next generation!
I am SO excited to have Dr. Nicole Zamore back on the show this week! Nicole is not only an amazing mental performance coach, but she’s also returning as our official psyching team leader for year two at the Cape Cod Marathon. 🧠✨
In this episode, we dive into all things race day mindset—how to handle those pre-race jitters, what to do when you hit that inevitable mid-race mental wall, and Nicole’s best strategies for keeping your brain calm and confident when your legs are anything but. Honestly, her advice will help you line up cooler, run stronger, and maybe even smile more while you’re out there.
Whether you’re racing, volunteering, or cheering—this one’s for YOU.
👉 Race info: https://capecodmarathon.com/
👉 Learn more about Nicole: https://drnicolezamore.com/
👉 Follow Nicole on Instagram: @drnicolezamore
See you at the start line, friends! 🏃♀️💨💙
Okay friends, the Shoe Eating Monster is back and hungrier than ever—this time for marathon shoes. With the 2025 Berlin Marathon creeping closer, I’ve narrowed it down to my top two picks: the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 and the Puma ForeverRun Nitro 1. In this episode, I’m talking about why these two shoes are even in the running (pun absolutely intended), how they’re holding up in training, and what it’s like making this decision while managing chronic illness. Spoiler: comfort, cushion, and consistency are everything when you’re running 26.2 miles.
I want to hear from YOU too—what’s your marathon shoe of choice? Shoot me an email at RunnahPodcast@gmail.com or find me on Instagram @jellyanna_runs and let’s nerd out about shoes.
Big love to our sponsors for keeping this monster fueled:
WellStrong, building strength and community in recovery.
Fast Pickle—because sometimes you need speed, sometimes you need crunch.
So… which shoe will survive Berlin, and which will get eaten? Let’s dig in.
Training’s been tough, hasn’t it? You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with you for a heart-to-heart pep talk to remind you that failure doesn’t mean you’re weak — it means you’re learning, growing, and getting stronger. The fact that you’re here, still showing up, still putting in the work? That’s proof of your strength.
As we head into the fall racing season, let’s keep our eyes on the biggest goal of all: chasing a PR in fun. Because the joy of running, the community, and the silly little moments along the way are what really fuel us forward.
So take a deep breath, lace up, and let’s keep going together. 💛
This week on Runnah, the Shoe-Eating Monster is back — and this time, I’m not reviewing a daily trainer or a plated race shoe. Nope, I’ve sunk my teeth into something totally different: the Cadense Aerio sandal/slide hybrid.As someone with chronic illnesses (and the flare-ups, fatigue, and joint pain that come with them), I’m always hunting for recovery footwear that actually does what it promises. Because when I’m not running, I still need support that lets my body reset — not just something flimsy I’ll regret wearing 20 minutes later.So in this episode, I dig into how these slides hold up to monster-level testing:👣 Are they actually supportive for all-day wear, or just “cute on the porch” shoes?💤 Do they help with recovery after runs when your body feels wrecked?⚡ And most importantly, can they survive the wrath of the Shoe-Eating Monster?Spoiler: I put them through the ringer, both in my runner life and my chronic illness life — and I’ve got thoughts.Email: Runnahpod@gmail.comIG: @RunnahPod
🎙️ Runnah Rerun Alert!
Okay, friends — we had to bring Herm Garic back into your ears for this one. You might remember we did a little bonus recording with him at the Falmouth Road Race before we actually hit “go” on the real episode. Well, we finally polished it up, tightened the audio, added some fun little visuals for our YouTube crowd, and honestly… it feels like a whole new conversation.
It’s the same Herm (and the same me, Julianna, laughing way too much), but now you get to hear it the way we meant it to sound. We dive into some fun anecdotes, swap stories from race day energy, and basically just hang out like two running nerds geeking out over the sport we love.
Think of this as a “director’s cut” of our bonus episode — same heart, just a little shinier. If you missed it the first time, this is your chance. And if you already listened? Trust me, this one’s worth a rerun.
Find Herm on IG: @asap.herm
Contact Runnah!IG: @RunnahPodEmail: RunnahPod@gmail.comYou're doing great! I am proud of you!
In this episode of Runnah and Shoe Eating Monster, we’re digging into one of the most frustrating parts of being a runner (or just someone who wears shoes): sizing.
Let’s face it—US and UK sizing is a mess. Between men’s, women’s, brand-specific variations, and constant guessing, it’s nearly impossible to buy shoes online without rolling the dice.
Enter EU sizing.
I break down why the European shoe size system might just be the most logical one out there—and how learning your actual foot length in centimeters can help you get a better fit every time. No more guessing. No more weird conversions. Just a simple formula and a tape measure.
We cover:
Why EU sizing is unisex and consistent across brands
How to measure your foot correctly (yes, even if you’ve done it before)
The formula to calculate your true EU size
Why this method is a game changer for buying shoes online—especially used pairs
If you’ve ever been burned by the wrong size or just want to feel more confident snagging your next pair of kicks, this one’s for you.
Subscribe to join your favorite local running (and shoe-loving) community, and stick around for more weird, wonderful shoe talk.
Contact:
📧 RunnahPod@gmail.com
📸 Instagram: @RunnahPod