Stephen Havard - "Accept there will be discomfort and accept the challenge."

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text!On the podcast, Allison interviews Steven (“Big Papa”), a fast, humble runner and new dad, about how he started running after high school to stay in shape and to eventually beat his older brother in races.Steven describes shifting from mostly trail running in Georgia (especially 2017–2021) to more road running after moving to Mobile in July 2021, noting differences in pacing, muscle strain, anxiety, passing on single-track trails, and the need for more cushioned shoes on pavement.He shares lessons from running—discipline, consistency, focusing on your own race, negative splits, and not overthinking—plus favorite races like the Mobile Half, War Eagle Half, Bayou Half, and Tunnel Vision 5K, and worst experiences dropping from marathons (Nashville 2012, Savannah 2012, Big Beach 2023) and a tough Duncan Ridge 50K attempt.Steven details his pre-race routine (early wake-up, coffee, eggs, warm-up), his suitcase-and-backup-gear habits (including wearing three socks and carrying multiple shoes), minimal fueling for halves, and marathon fueling with dates for his upcoming Knoxville Marathon (April 12).He emphasizes gratitude, faith, community, sleep as recovery, and advice to new runners to get properly fitted shoes, accept discomfort, and build mental fortitude.Stephen Havard - https://www.facebook.com/shavard6132Races MentionedCheaha 50kWar Eagle Half MarathonMobile Half MarathonBayou Half MarathonMississippi Gulf Coast MarathonHuntsville MarathonDouble Tunnel Vision 5kBig Beach MarathonNashville MarathonSavannah MarathonBoston MarathonKnoxville MarathonDuncan Ridge 50kShout OutsJordyValerie GuyJustin GuyPort City PacersEmily HavardPierreScott ThornhillDave McDonaldLily HavardSupport the showFor more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support me on Patreon!Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters!Kristen RatherSteve TaylorMary TrufantSuzanne CristSuzanne ClarkAnna SzymanskiDave McDonaldKarla McInnisJames ContrattoJordan DuBoseCristy EvansSharonda ShulaNell GustavsonMeredith NationsAllyson SwannChris StrayhornKaren SaldivarStefan ClaytonRachael McRaeScott Thornhill