Marcus Brown - A journey of self discovery through running
"The brain's an amazing thing. Once you tell it you can do something, you'll find ways to do it."
We're thrilled to welcome Marcus Brown, a runner probably most know for his impactful work in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the sport. Marcus shares his journey from a casual runner to completing the six World Marathon Majors and achieving multiple sub-three-hour marathon times, illustrating the transformative power of running in his life.
Marcus delves into the significant role running has played in his personal development, revealing how the discipline, challenges, and community within running have contributed to his growth as a runner and in life beyond running. He discusses the inception and evolution of his podcast, "A Runner's Life," highlighting how it serves as a platform for deep conversations that transcend running, touching on themes of mental health, diversity, and personal growth.
Additionally, Marcus opens up about his late diagnosis of being autistic, a discovery that offered him profound insights into his identity and how he navigates the world. This revelation has not only influenced his approach to running and coaching but also empowered him to advocate for greater awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity within the running community and beyond.
Through his coaching, Marcus is committed to fostering a more inclusive environment in running, aiming to inspire a broader demographic to pursue their running goals, regardless of pace or background. His vision extends to seeing more diverse start lines and finish pens, challenging the stereotypes and barriers that can deter potential runners from embracing the sport.
Join us as Marcus Brown shares his inspiring story, offering valuable lessons on resilience, identity, and the unifying power of running.
Go Do:
Marcus says “the brain is an amazing thing” so we’re asking you to consider what you’re going to tell yourself the next big, exciting and scary goal is. Set that as an outcome, install it in your mind and set out to go get it.
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Show Notes:
Marcus Brown on the RunAlive Podcast
In this episode of the RunAlive Podcast, we sit down with Marcus Brown, an avid runner, coach, podcaster, and advocate for diversity and neurodiversity in running. Marcus shares his transformative journey from a casual runner to a six-star World Marathon Majors finisher, and how running has become a pivotal part of his life, shaping his personal and professional endeavors.
Key Highlights:
Introduction to Marcus Brown: Marcus introduces himself and outlines his multifaceted relationship with running, from competitive achievements to its impact on his personal growth.
The Allure of Marathons: Marcus recounts his initial inspiration to run marathons, his first marathon experience, and the progression to completing all six World Marathon Majors. He emphasizes the sense of accomplishment and the unique experiences each marathon offered.
Running as a Path to Personal Development: Discussing the significant role running has played in his life, Marcus touches on how it has fostered discipline, resilience, and a deeper understanding of himself.
Discovery of Neurodiversity: A pivotal moment in Marcus's life was the realization and late diagnosis of his autism. He shares how this discovery has influenced his perspective on running, coaching, and communication, offering a fresh outlook on embracing one's identity.
Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion: Marcus discusses his efforts to promote diversity within the running community. He highlights the importance of inclusive start lines and providing platforms for underrepresented runners to pursue their goals.
Coaching Philosophy: As a coach, Marcus is committed to adapting his approach to meet the diverse needs of his athletes. He stresses the importance of understanding each runner's unique journey and tailoring training to align with their personal goals.
Upcoming Projects and How to Connect: Marcus outlines his upcoming engagements, including a special event at the Boston Marathon Expo and his endeavors to further diversity in running. He also shares how listeners can connect with him through social media and his podcast, "A Runner's Life".
Connect with Marcus Brown:
Instagram: @marcus_runs
Podcast: A Runner's Life
Special Mention:
Marcus will be participating in a live podcast session at the Boston Marathon Expo and honoring Meb Keflezighi for his contributions to running.