307. Natalie Mitchell, "Nat Runs Far"

"It's gonna take a lot of work. It's gonna take a lot of discipline and a lot of patience and a lot of throwing spaghetti at the wall and it not sticking at all." Natalie Mitchell just might be the most joyful runner on the planet. The always-smiling running coach, mom of three, and 12-time marathoner is perhaps best known by her Instagram moniker: "Nat Runs Far." On this episode, she talks about how she has shaved an hour off her marathon time (from a 4:06 debut to a 3:05), and shares her dreams to qualify for the Olympic Marathon Trials. She talks about setting goals, managing expectations, and taking necessary time off. And Natalie talks about her experiences as a Black woman runner, shares her secrets to a happy marriage, and talks about her latest endeavor with her husband Jerold, the launch of the Suite Run podcast. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Is Natalie happy and smiley all the time? (4:15) Natalie talks about her recent knee surgery and how recovery is going (5:45) How Natalie became a runner (11:45) On the transition from collegiate runner to real-life runner (18:30) How Natalie has chipped away at her marathon time, going from a 4:06 to a 3:05 (22:30) Natalie's next running goal (28:45) All about Coach Natalie (34:20) Natalie is a busy mom of three — when does she run? (37:40) Natalie's tips for a long, happy, joyful marriage (44:45) Natalie talks about her experience as a Black woman runner (49:45) All about the Suite Run podcast (59:30) Follow Natalie: Instagram @natrunsfar Suite Run Suite Run podcast Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play