597. Anoush Arakelian, 3:07 Marathoner

"I went all-in. So if I failed, I could say I tried everything."

Anoush Arakelian is a full-time director of product marketing, a running coach, and a coach at MYSTRYDE in her hometown of Boston, MA. And as of a few weeks ago, she's a 3:07 marathoner. ("I think I'm still processing that that's my new time," she says.) Anoush ran a four-minute personal best at the California International Marathon earlier this month. Her first marathon, in 2014, was a 3:55. Now, 13 marathons later, she's learned a bit about running 26.2 miles. In this conversation, Anoush talks about what it has taken to slowly chip away at her marathon time, reflecting on the personal bests and personal worsts along the way. (Reminder: The road to that oh-so-rewarding finish line isn't always linear!)

SPONSORS:

• UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.
• Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend: Register today for the marathon, half marathon, 5K, and youth races, taking place February 25–26, 2023. Use code ONTHERUN for 10% off your race registration!

What you'll get on this episode:

• How Anoush is feeling post-CIM (2:20)
• What Anoush's first marathon experience was like (4:15)
• How Anoush's relationship with running data has evolved over the years, and what her first experience working with a coach was like (13:20)
• Why Anoush decided to run CIM, and how she was feeling heading into training (19:10)
• How Anoush was feeling a few weeks out from race day (29:15)
• How Anoush has changed as a runner since her previous attempts at going sub-3:10 (34:30)
• All about Anoush's experience running the 2022 California International Marathon (47:15)
• The moment when Anoush knew her goal was within reach (57:00)
• What's next for Anoush? (1:06:00)
• Anoush's coaching advice for aspiring spring marathoners (1:07:30)
• Anoush's highlight — and lowlight — reel from 2022 (1:09:25)

For more from Anoush, check out her previous appearances on the Ali on the Run Show:

• Everything You Need to Know About the New York City Marathon
• Live at the 2022 Boston Marathon with Anoush Arakelian and Emily Saul
• Girl Talk with Molly Seidel and Anoush Arakelian

Follow Anoush:

• Instagram @noushy14
• Twitter @AArakelian14

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