How I went from a 4:34 to 2:34 marathon

In this episode of the Runners World Podcast, hosts Jen Bazan and Rachel Boswell welcome Anya Culling, an impressive 2:34 marathoner and Lululemon athlete. Anya recounts her running journey, starting with an initial marathon experience at the 2019 London Marathon, which she completed with a time of 4:34. Feeling lost and without direction at the time, Anya joined the marathon as a way to find purpose, despite the challenging experience.

During the pandemic lockdown, Anya rediscovered her love for running, using it as a means to boost her mental health. By joining running clubs and developing a consistent training regimen, she significantly improved her times, culminating in a sub-three-hour marathon in Manchester in 2021. Anya attributes her success to support from the running community and the importance of discipline, including taking necessary rest days.

As her confidence grew, Anya earned the chance to run for England, tackling marathons in Rome and London with remarkable success. Wearing the England vest in Copenhagen marked a pivotal moment in her journey, solidifying her identity as a marathon runner. With a structured approach to training and a newfound enjoyment, she emphasizes the benefits of a balanced life beyond just running.

The conversation touches on managing self-doubt, setting goals, and the community aspect of running. Anya encourages listeners to embrace their unique journeys and reminds them that hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements. Finally, she shares her aspirations in triathlons alongside her marathon goals, showing her continuous pursuit of growth and challenge in the sport.