Episode 189: Natalie Pertz on Running Her First 50, Balancing Training with Life, and Weaving the Thread of Community

We're excited to welcome Natalie Pertz to the show today! Natalie Pertz (she/her) is an arts administrator and ultra-marathoner currently based in our nation's capital. Her perfect day would begin with strong coffee and early hours spent frolicking in the woods followed by a good meal in great company. Outside of her full-time gig in education at The Kreeger Museum, Natalie is also a cat mom pursuing her master's degree. Since finishing her first 5k at IRIS' Run for Refugees in 2017, she has run over 40 races, most notably the JFK 50 Mile in 2021 and the Marine Corps Marathon during the downpour-humidity cocktail of 2019. "Hide of a rhino, heart of a fairy. Topics we dive into include: How Natalie got started in running All about her first 50-miler — deciding on the race, any apprehensions, the process of training, and reflections afterward How she has balanced running with grad school, big life changes like moving, and a new full-time job! Future aspirations with running and life The role that community plays in Natalie's running journey Advice she would give a newer runner (and her younger self) What being a Strong Runner Chick means to her Tips for those visiting or moving to D.C. (including her favorite running groups)! Connect with Natalie: Instagram: @pertzfect