# 96: Erin Phifer returns to the show: Maple gels, run walk strategy, and a Berlin finish through the Gate

An episode of [My First Marathon](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1740805607), 20 Oct 2025, 1 h 07 min.

Audio: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/audioboom.com/posts/8793620.mp3?modified=1760956606&sid=5128391&source=rss

Our podcast editor, Erin Phifer, is back for her second episode to recap her wild ride at the 2025 Berlin Marathon. What started as a race that just happened to fit her work schedule turned into her hottest, hardest, and most meaningful marathon yet. Erin opens up about juggling a foot injury, getting certified as a run coach mid-training, and learning when to trust herself instead of an app. She shares how she handled the record heat, why her run-walk strategy saved the day, and what it felt like to run through the Brandenburg Gate after wondering if she’d even make it to the start line. It’s an honest, funny, and full-circle conversation about growth, grit, and showing up anyway. Follow along with Erin at @erin.runs.a.marathon on Instagram and follow her Substack at https://substack.com/@notjustaphaserunning?utm_source=global-search Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Join my coaching waitlist! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FPqUiZnVWcXaD-N14Qpcf4YL7zejJqcWEMUslPAAbw4/edit

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