Julie Weiss – The Marathon Goddess: 52 Marathons in 52 Weeks for Pancreatic Cancer & a Legacy of Hope

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Julie Weiss — also known as The Marathon Goddess. Julie’s story is one of resilience, healing, and purpose. After losing her father to pancreatic cancer, she set out on an extraordinary mission: to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks, raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research along the way.
Her journey captured hearts around the world — from the Today Show and O Magazine to countless finish lines across the US. But behind the medals and media attention is a woman who found strength, joy, and hope through running.
Now in her fifties, Julie has completed over 118 marathons, raised more than $1 million for research, and continues to inspire others with her message that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, honour your loved ones, and find purpose in every step.
In this conversation, Julie opens up about:
 How running helped her heal from grief and depression  The challenges and triumphs of running 52 marathons in 52 weeks  What it takes to stay motivated and injury-free through massive goals  Her empowering “7 C’s to Defy Your Limits” — Create, Certainty, Connect, Commit, Consistent, Cause, and Courage
Julie’s story is a beautiful reminder that transformation begins with one small step — and that every mile can make a difference.
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Show notes
Who is Julie
Living in Santa Monica,  California, USA
Being known as the Marathon Goddess - Running 52 marathon in 52 weeks
Raising over $1 million for charity 
Being excited to share the wisdom she has leaned from running marathons
Her childhood and early years 
Being tall with long legs
Starting running at 37 years
Not being at athlete at school
Taking a different path
Becoming a mother at 18 
Not doing a lot of exercise in her younger years 
Feeling at a very low point in her life
Going for that first run on the beach 
Wanting to feel good
Keeping on running 
Coming off anti-depressants 
Fitting running into her life and making it work for her
Joining a running group LA Road Runners
Connecting with other people 
Training for a triathlon first 
Running her first marathon in March 2008
How running makes her feel 
Her relationship with her dad
Raising funds for Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
Taking 10 years to raise the funds 
Project Purple
Deciding to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks
The Marathon Guy
Being determined 
Feeling overwhelmed at the start of the goal
The start and the different steps involved
Reaching out to charities, speaking to her boss
The power of having purpose 
The physicality of the challenge
Protein, stretching, foam rolling, strength training, rest, compression tights, physio 
The standout marathons from the challenge 
The Leadville Marathon and the challenges of running at altitude  
The Lake Tahoe Marathon
The New York Marathon in 2012 - being cancelled  
Marathon proposal!
Being coached by her husband
Qualifying for the Boston Marathon
Losing her dad
19th attempt of getting into Boston Marathon
Making the decision to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks
Not giving up 
The mental side of the challenge
The importance of creating a goal that is important to you
The 7Cs - Create, Certainty, Connect, Commit, Consistent, Cause, Courage 
Enjoying what you’ve accomplished
Writing her book 
BOOK: The Miles and Trials of a Marathon Goddess: 52 Weeks, 52 Marathons
Advice for deciding what to do?
The importance of fun
Chasing speed and wanting to quality for Boston again
Running during peri-menopause and menopause
Struggling with the lack of sleep and dealing with a lack of iron
Compassion
Reaching her 100th Marathon at the LA Marathon 
Needing to keep on going 
Being supported by her friends
The importance of enjoying the journey and finding the joy
How to connect with Julie 
Words by ― CS Lewis “You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.”
 
Social Media
Website: www.julie-weiss.com 
Instagram: @marathongoddess 
Facebook: @Julie-WeissMarathonGoddess