From Lockdown to Ultramarathon Merili Freear's story
04/26/25 • 61 min
Merili Freear shares her transformation from someone who hated physical education at school to becoming an ultramarathon runner, coach, and author who completed two 40-mile ultras and wrote a book about her journey.
• Started running during the first COVID lockdown in April 2020 to escape feeling trapped at home with her young son
• Completed her first marathon just five months after beginning running
• Learned to overcome injuries by combining physical rehabilitation with mental resilience techniques
• Discovered that running success depends more on mental strength than physical ability
• Obtained running coach qualifications to better understand proper technique and help others
• Used running as a way to improve mental health rather than for weight loss or external validation
• Published "Just Run: My Love for Running and How the Impossible Becomes Possible" to share her experiences
• Believes celebrating small wins is more important than comparing yourself to others
Don't get overwhelmed with advice - focus on enjoying your runs and improving one aspect at a time. It doesn't matter how slow or fast you go, you own that run.
Merili Freear Book - Just Run
Plus, we have a new feature on the podcast you can now send me a message. Yep you heard it right- Brian's Run Pod has become interactive with the audience. If you look at the top of the Episode description tap on "Send us a Text Message". You can tell me what you think of the episode or alternatively what you would like covered. If your lucky I might even read them out on the podcast.
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Merili Freear shares her transformation from someone who hated physical education at school to becoming an ultramarathon runner, coach, and author who completed two 40-mile ultras and wrote a book about her journey.
• Started running during the first COVID lockdown in April 2020 to escape feeling trapped at home with her young son
• Completed her first marathon just five months after beginning running
• Learned to overcome injuries by combining physical rehabilitation with mental resilience techniques
• Discovered that running success depends more on mental strength than physical ability
• Obtained running coach qualifications to better understand proper technique and help others
• Used running as a way to improve mental health rather than for weight loss or external validation
• Published "Just Run: My Love for Running and How the Impossible Becomes Possible" to share her experiences
• Believes celebrating small wins is more important than comparing yourself to others
Don't get overwhelmed with advice - focus on enjoying your runs and improving one aspect at a time. It doesn't matter how slow or fast you go, you own that run.
Merili Freear Book - Just Run
Plus, we have a new feature on the podcast you can now send me a message. Yep you heard it right- Brian's Run Pod has become interactive with the audience. If you look at the top of the Episode description tap on "Send us a Text Message". You can tell me what you think of the episode or alternatively what you would like covered. If your lucky I might even read them out on the podcast.
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Previous Episode
Strength from Within: Pilates for Runners with Lucy Tomlinson
Discover how Pilates can transform your running performance through improved flexibility, strength, and mobility with expert teacher Lucy Tomlinson, founder of Welcome Pilates.
• Pilates complements running by targeting smaller muscle groups that support your joints
• The ABCs of Pilates: Alignment, Breathing, and Centering form the foundation of practice
• Lucy discovered Pilates during university while experiencing poor mental health
• Just one session per week can produce noticeable benefits for runners
• Key exercises like "The Hundred" build core strength that translates to running efficiency
• Reformer equipment can provide both added resistance and rehabilitation benefits
• Common runner issues like tight hamstrings and hip mobility can be addressed through specific Pilates exercises
• Pilates focuses on moving your spine in all directions to counterbalance the forward motion of running
• Lucy's inclusive approach welcomes all fitness levels and body types
• Online and in-person options make Pilates accessible for busy runners
Visit welcomepilates.com to try your first class free and follow @welcomepilates on Instagram to learn more.
Plus, we have a new feature on the podcast you can now send me a message. Yep you heard it right- Brian's Run Pod has become interactive with the audience. If you look at the top of the Episode description tap on "Send us a Text Message". You can tell me what you think of the episode or alternatively what you would like covered. If your lucky I might even read them out on the podcast.
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Next Episode
Cancer Couldn't Catch Him: Jason's Running Revolution
Jason Noel shares his extraordinary journey from battling two cancer diagnoses to finding healing and purpose through running. Transforming from a sedentary lifestyle to running 1,000 miles in a year, Jason demonstrates how physical movement became crucial to his recovery process both physically and mentally.
• Former high school athlete who abandoned fitness for 25 years after college
• Diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2016 after reaching 253 pounds
• Found running community in 2018 that helped establish consistent exercise habits
• Completed ambitious 1,000-mile running goal with a partner in 2019
• Experienced seizure in 2021 leading to brain cancer (glioblastoma) diagnosis
• Underwent 17-hour brain surgery followed by 42 days of radiation and chemotherapy
• Used walking and gradual movement as key recovery strategies after surgery
• Continued running throughout treatment whenever physically possible
• Now maintains regular medical monitoring while staying active
• Credits faith, family, medical care, and movement as his foundation for recovery
Listen to part two next week to hear the continuation of Jason's inspiring story of resilience and determination.
American Brain Tumor Association
Plus, we have a new feature on the podcast you can now send me a message. Yep you heard it right- Brian's Run Pod has become interactive with the audience. If you look at the top of the Episode description tap on "Send us a Text Message". You can tell me what you think of the episode or alternatively what you would like covered. If your lucky I might even read them out on the podcast.
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Brian's Run Pod - From Lockdown to Ultramarathon Merili Freear's story
Transcript
So you're thinking about running , but not sure how to take the first step . My name is Brian Patterson and I'm here to help . Welcome to Brian's Rompod .
Speaker 1Well , hey there , runners and fitness enthusiasts , welcome back to another exciting episode of Brian's RunPod . I'm your host , brian Patterson , and today we've got a truly inspiring
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