From Beginner to 100 Miles: How Michelle Schroff Started Running at 44 and Changed Her Life

Send us Fan MailWhat if you started running at 44 and ended up completing 100 miles?In this inspiring episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, I sit down with Michelle Schroff, better known on Instagram as Waddell Running Lady. Michelle shares her incredible journey from reluctant beginner runner to ultra marathon finisher, proving that it's never too late to start and that running can transform far more than your fitness.A note about this episode: This conversation was originally recorded in February 2025. During our discussion, Michelle briefly talks about her son, Austin, who was battling leukemia at the time. Sadly, Austin passed away in June 2025. As this episode is being released, Michelle is now more than a year into navigating the profound grief of losing her son.While much has changed since this conversation was recorded, Michelle's words about resilience, courage, perspective, and perseverance are more powerful than ever.In this episode, we discuss:• How Michelle started running at age 44• The mindset shift from weight loss to self-discovery• Balancing running with motherhood and caregiving• Why pace and body size don't define a runner• Building mental toughness through life's challenges• Completing a 100-mile race and what it taught her• Navigating social media criticism and staying true to yourself• Why it's never too late to begin your running journeyI had the privilege of meeting Michelle in person at Every Woman's Marathon in Scottsdale, Arizona, in November 2025, and she is exactly who she appears to be online—authentic, kind, encouraging, and deeply inspiring.Whether you're training for your first 5K or dreaming about bigger goals, Michelle's story will remind you that extraordinary things can happen when you simply take the first step.All runners count.Listen now.RELATED LINKSFollow Michelle - Instagram: Waddell Running LadyEmail Michelle: [email protected] to Michelle’s podcast: Fun of the Run PodcastExplore more from Run Strong Run: https://runstrongrun.comGrab my Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Running: Everything You Need to Get Started todayWatch this episode on YouTubeSupport the showWelcome to the Run Strong Run Podcast! The show where I, Stephanie Dunlap, empower runners of all levels to lace up, chase their dreams, and cross every finish line stronger than ever. To join the discussion live, follow me on Instagram @runstrongrun, TikTok @runstrongrun, Facebook @runstephstrongrun or on my website at runstrongrun.comAbout Stephanie:Stephanie is a beginner run coach, marathon pacer, and your number-one cheerleader! Stephanie went from couch potato to marathoner in 2012 and "Run Strong Run" was born. Since running her first marathon, she's run over 60 full marathons! Stephanie believes that ALL runners count from the fast to the back of the pack. In Stephanie's words, "If you run, you are a runner!"