Four Months Postpartum and an OTQ: Carter Norbo’s Long Road to 2:36

Carter Norbo joins Road to the Trials after earning her first Olympic Trials qualifying time at the Marathon Project, running 2:36:25 just over four months postpartum. It is a breakthrough years in the making, built on persistence, patience, and a deep love for the marathon.Carter ran her first marathon in 2015 at the Chicago Marathon, clocking 2:56, and has since completed more than a dozen marathons. Along the way, she has come heartbreakingly close to the OTQ standard more than once. In 2023, she missed the mark by just 73 seconds at the Dismal Swamp Marathon, running much of the race alone and doing so only four months postpartum after having twins. She followed that with a 2:37:29 at the Chicago Marathon in 2024 before finally breaking through in 2025 with her 2:36:25 performance.In this conversation, Carter shares what it has looked like to stay committed to long-term goals through multiple postpartum returns, how she has continued to get faster well beyond her college years, and what it means to chase big dreams while raising three kids. This episode is a powerful look at resilience and consistency, and a reminder that progress does not always follow a straight line. Carter’s story highlights how the Marathon Project continues to provide meaningful opportunities for athletes to pursue their goals and how perseverance can eventually turn near-misses into defining moments.We want to thank NOOGS for supporting this episode. NOOGS are sports nutrition chews created by a registered dietitian who wanted a fueling option that actually tasted good and delivered the electrolytes runners need. Designed to fuel both training and race day, NOOGS combine fast carbs, salt, and great flavors that make fueling something to look forward to. Learn more and save 15 percent on your order at noogsnutrition.com with the code RTT15.