Phily Bowden: How the UK’s 10th Fastest Marathoner Balances Olympic Dreams with Life Beyond Running

Today on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Phily Bowden, an incredible marathon runner with one of the top 10 fastest times ever by a British woman—despite having only run four marathons!

We talked about:
• How a dislike of maths led Phily to running, eventually earning her a sports scholarship in the US
• The mental health challenges she faced during her time in the US and the pressure of figuring out life after university
• Running her first marathon in an astonishing 2:34 and how she improved to 2:29 in just her second race, earning a podium finish for England.
• The importance of staying busy, finding balance, and making a living as a full-time athlete.
• Setting her sights on the LA Olympics and conquering the Marathon Majors.

This episode is an inspiring blend of perseverance, ambition, and insight from a rising star in the marathon world.

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