Episode 654: Sophie King; 2:34 Marathoner On Racing Through Setbacks, Big Dreams, and Finding Her Spark Again

Today’s episode comes to you from my time at the Allianz Richmond Marathon weekend. This was my third year serving as race emcee in Richmond, and once again I left feeling deeply moved by the stories, resilience, and joy I witnessed at the finish line. I watched first-time marathoners cross with disbelief in their eyes, couples holding hands as they finished together, runners pushing through pain, and others celebrating huge personal victories. There is a kind of gratitude at the end of a marathon that you just cannot replicate anywhere else, and Richmond always reminds me why I love this experience so much. Today’s conversation is a special live recording from that weekend, where I sat down with Sophie King and Trevor Spencer. Trevor is one of the co-hosts of the Marathon Training Academy podcast, and Sophie King is a professional runner based in Richmond with an incredibly compelling story. Sophie made her marathon debut right here in Richmond in 2021 and later ran a 2:34 at CIM in 2023. She was on track for big things before suffering a torn plantar fascia that ultimately kept her from competing at the Olympic Trials, but what struck me most about this conversation is her perspective, her honesty, and her belief that her best years are still ahead of her. Sophie comes from a swimming background and only transitioned fully to running in recent years, which makes her rise in the sport even more impressive. She speaks openly about setbacks, rebuilding confidence after injury, learning to trust her body again, and continuing to chase big goals despite the detours. There is a calm strength to the way she talks about her journey, and I loved hearing her articulate not only her ambitions but her deep gratitude for the process as well. This was one of those conversations that felt too meaningful not to share publicly. Her story, her mindset, and her vulnerability deserve to be heard, and I’m so excited for you to listen. Support our Sponsors: Previnex — Gut & Green Superfoods with clinically studied ingredients for digestion, immunity, longevity, and energy; also protein, joint supplements, multivitamins, Muscle Health. Codes you can use: LINDSEYSUPERFOODS when Gut & Green is in cart; otherwise ANOTHER or LINDSEYSTRENGTH for Muscle Health at previnex.com. Lagoon — Personalized pillows designed for optimal rest and recovery. Try their new cooling pillow, “The Otter.” Visit lagoonSleep.com/lindsey and enjoy their Black Friday sale (early access now!) to enjoy: $25 off every pillow, $60 off two pillows, $160 off four pillows (so $40 off each), 50% off pillowcases with the purchase of a pillow Aletheia Run lets you see what your body is actually doing with every step by using a lightweight sensor that creates a unique force portrait of your movement. It gives personalized feedback, targeted drills, and science-backed insights to improve performance and help prevent injuries, bringing the running lab right to your everyday training. CURE Hydration — No added sugar or dyes; electrolyte mix for adults and kids; non-GMO; FSA/HSA eligible. Use ANOTHER for 15% off at curehydration.com/another.