How to Chase Fast Marathon Times Without Burning Out (with Olivia Garcia)

About this episode

This episode discusses how to pursue ambitious marathon goals without experiencing burnout, featuring insights from coach Olivia Garcia.

Many runners believe chasing big goals means pushing harder, racing more, and constantly comparing themselves to everyone else online. But that mindset can lead to burnout fast. In this episode of Dear Runner Bod, I’m joined by marathoner, mom of two, and run coach Olivia Garcia. Olivia started her running journey with no competitive background and has since transformed into an incredibly fast marathoner while balancing motherhood and life outside the sport. We talk about how she rebuilt her fitness after pregnancy and postpartum, why nursing can be an incredibly depleting phase for the body, and how she’s learned to pursue ambitious running goals without losing the joy of the sport. If you’ve ever felt pressure to keep up with other runners on social media or struggled with mom guilt while prioritizing your training, this conversation will feel incredibly validating. This episode is a reminder that your journey is your own and that the most sustainable progress often comes from tuning out the noise and trusting your body. You can follow Olivia on Instagram at @watch_Oliviarun Want to try Go Guarded? Use my code serena10 at checkout! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram…

People in this episode

Host: Serena Marie RD

Guest: Olivia Garcia

Topics covered

• marathon training
• burnout prevention
• postpartum fitness
• running goals
• social media pressure

Keywords

• marathon
• fitness
• burnout
• postpartum
• running goals
• mom guilt
• social media

Sponsors

Go Guarded

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Instagram

Products: Go Guarded

More episodes of Dear Runner Bod,

• Might Delete Later: When Life Derails Your Running · June 8, 2026 · 31 min
• BMI is bullsh*t & why you should care · June 1, 2026 · 31 min
• From Burnout to Strong Again: Tamsey Smith on RED-S, Running & Rebuilding in Your 40s · May 25, 2026 · 50 min
• Pelvic Floor Therapy is for MORE THAN just Mother Runners with Dr Victoria Clement · May 18, 2026 · 43 min
• Strong Through Every Season: Running & Motherhood with Alex Morelli of the Stronger Season · May 11, 2026 · 50 min
• Zero Fcks Given with Amanda Katz, NASM, Run Coach · May 4, 2026 · 40 min