69. Sarah Sellers, 2nd Female at the 2018 Boston Marathon

“I think that’s what unites us as runners — we’re all trying to overcome excuses and doubts to get out there.” —Sarah Sellers “Who is Sarah Sellers?” That’s the question everyone was asking after the Tucson, AZ runner finished second at the 2018 Boston Marathon. Sarah isn’t a professional runner. She doesn’t have a sponsor. And she paid her own Boston Marathon entry fee. But on a brutally rainy and windy day in Boston, the 26-year-old nurse anesthetist ran a 2:44.04 — good enough to land her in the spot behind winner Desi Linden. Sarah had no idea she finished second (and, in doing so, nabbed a cool $75,000 prize), and when we recorded this episode just 48 hours after the race, she was still processing the results. Enjoy as she breaks down every detail from before, during, and after the race — including the surreal moment when she passed Shalane Flanagan! (And fun fact: Boston was only Sarah’s second marathon ever!)   What you’ll get on this episode: Sarah shares how she’s feeling 48 hours after placing second at the Boston Marathon (1:30) What Sarah’s Boston buildup was like, and how she balances high-mileage training with a demanding full-time job (4:20) The very cute story of how Sarah met her husband, Blake (8:00) How working long days helped prepare Sarah for Marathon Monday (8:45) Whether Sarah ever considered dropping out on race day (9:45) Sarah’s unexpected pre-race detour (10:00) Sarah shares her pre-race goals and the weather factors she dreads the most (11:35) What it was like starting with the elite field (13:00) Sarah breaks down the race from the soaking start to that triumphant finish (16:10) What it was like passing Shalane Flanagan (19:00) How Sarah found out she finished in second place (20:45) How Sarah plans to spend her $75,000 winnings (26:00) The moment that stands out as the ultimate high point from Sarah’s Boston Marathon experience (27:00) What’s next? (30:30) What we mention on this episode: Boston Marathon Deena Kastor Acadia National Park Boston Athletic Association Desi Linden Shalane Flanagan Kara Goucher Gwen Jorgensen Jordan Hasay Meb Keflezighi Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!