#145 Polly Cunes: from casual running to the Boston pro field (how to run Boston Marathon)
From The Marathon Podcast by Kristian Warwick/Wiild Studio
April 12, 2026 · 1h 14m · Season 1 · Episode 145
About this episode
Polly Cunes shares her journey from casual running to competing in the Boston Marathon pro field at age 42.
20% off STRAVA annual subscription with code "KRISTIAN" Get a discount on FlexBeam by using the link below or use discount code "WARWICKRUNS": https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb Start your free Musicbed trial today: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick Polly Cunes is lining up in the pro field in Boston in just a week, and she made her first pro field at the age of 42! We are chatting about her running journey, and she gives her best advice on how to run the Boston Marathon. Time stamps: 00:00:00 – Host's Welcome, Boston Shakeout, and Guest Introduction 00:03:06 – Polly's Boston Excitement and Calgary's Altitude Advantage 00:11:01 – Polly's Personal Story and Marathon Potential Realized 00:21:13 – Career Highs, Lows, and Inspiring Injury Comeback 00:32:54 – Juggling Motherhood, Elite Running, and Sponsorships 00:39:22 – Boston Marathon Training Adjustments and Pacing Strategies 00:50:56 – Optimizing Pacing and Fueling for Boston Race Day 01:05:20 – Balancing Boston Festivities with Race Day Readiness 01:10:08 – Kristian's Final Long Run and Podcast Wrap-up Polly: https://www.instagram.com/mommytosubthree Full video + the Boston 2025 documentary…
People in this episode
Host: Kristian Warwick
Guest: Polly Cunes
Topics covered
- running journey
- Boston Marathon
- elite running
- training strategies
- motherhood
- sponsorships
Keywords
- Boston Marathon
- Polly Cunes
- running advice
- marathon training
- elite running
- sponsorship
- fueling strategies
Sponsors
STRAVA, FlexBeam, Musicbed
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Boston, Calgary
More episodes of The Marathon Podcast
- #178 Relisten: Herm Runs: making running less intimidating & dealing with insecurities · June 11, 2026 · 1h 42m
- #177 Relisten: Felicia Pasadyn: 2:35 in NY with 50 miles per week! (OTQ & 14th female) · June 9, 2026 · 1h 13m
- #176 Emma Grace Hurley: From underdog to on everyone's lips · June 7, 2026 · 1h 5m
- #175 Relisten: Matt Fox - 2:18, stuck in Japan & the secret workout for marathoners · June 5, 2026 · 1h 35m
- #174 Relisten: Jimmy Whelan - From Pro Cycling to Elite Running & His First Marathon · June 3, 2026 · 1h 23m
- #173 Kristine Eikrem Engeset: from big talent to 2:28 marathon debut in Tokyo · June 1, 2026 · 1h 8m
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Marathon Podcast podcast page.