Show Notes
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Kristian sits down with JaQuavious "JQ" Harris, a professional runner for Saucony who ran a 2:13 in his marathon debut, for what became one of the most emotional and important conversations in the podcast's history.
JQ opens up about being an openly gay Black runner navigating BYU's religious community, a mental health crisis and suicide attempt in 2020, and the extraordinary support of his coach, Ed Eyestone, who tracked down his new phone number after JQ isolated himself and told him simply: I need you alive. JQ shares what it's actually like to live publicly after coming out, the criticism he still receives from strangers online, and how grace, faith, and his relationship with his coach carried him through. The conversation closes with his running story: junior college success, turning pro with Saucony, battling injuries, and the strategy behind his breakthrough 2:13 marathon debut in California.
In this episode: - Being an openly gay Black professional runner - Navigating a religious college environment while coming out - A mental health crisis and suicide attempt in 2020 - The phone call from his coach that helped save his life - What life actually looks like after coming out publicly - Facing criticism and unsolicited opinions from strangers online - Junior college success and turning pro with Saucony - Battling injuries through his first two pro seasons - Race recap: executing a 2:13 marathon debut in California - What's next: chasing an Olympic Trials qualifying time
Content note: this episode includes an open, detailed discussion of a suicide attempt and mental health crisis, as well as experiences of religious and social discrimination. Please take care while listening. If you are struggling yourself, please know that support is available and you don't have to go through it alone.
Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and why this episode is different 02:10 Introducing JQ: professional runner, content creator, introvert 05:31 Being seen as an extrovert while feeling like an introvert 16:21 His start in running and a coach who almost turned him away 17:26 A qualifying race that changed everything 33:54 Introducing Coach Ed Eyestone and what he means to JQ 35:19 Being gay in a religious school and community 38:32 What actually happens after you come out 40:14 Facing criticism and unsolicited opinions from strangers 44:12 Losing his middle school coach and learning to forgive 1:29:44 Being welcomed into Coach Eyestone's family every Thanksgiving 1:30:44 Being gay at BYU and reaching an all time low 1:31:14 A suicide attempt in 2020 and the isolation of the pandemic 1:32:06 The phone call: "I need you alive" 1:52:18 Turning pro and setting national records in college 1:53:52 Two years, two six month injuries as a pro 1:56:00 Building toward his first marathon 2:28:59 Race strategy and executing his 2:13 marathon debut 2:32:20 Crossing the finish line and celebrating with friends 2:34:04 Closing thoughts and where to follow JQ
JQ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrisjaquavious/
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The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.
The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.
The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com. Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb How does a winter Olympian become a 1:09 half marathoner in two years? Sofie Karoline Haugen skated for Norway at the 2022 Olympics, retired from speed skating in 2024, and has since run 10K in 31:57 and a 1:09 half marathon at the Copenhagen half, just a year after running 1:18 in the same city. Kristian and Sofie have known each other for around 17 years and both come from speed skating. In this conversation, Sofie looks back on her career: the years without progress, the decision to move to Stavanger and rebuild her training, the 2019 breakthrough that took her to ninth in the world, and the Olympic Games. She explains why she walked away when she was still skating well, and how a casual 3K on the track turned into a running career. Then the conversation turns to training. Sofie takes us through her week at 170 to 180 kilometers, including double threshold days, how she keeps her easy days easy, why consistency matters most, how she chooses shoes for different days as someone who works at the running store Löplabbet, and what she has learned about bicarbonate. She also reveals that her first marathon is coming up in November. In this episode: From speed skating to a 1:09 half marathon The years of hard work before the breakthrough Moving to Stavanger and rebuilding her training Qualifying for the Olympics Why she quit skating in 2024 Her first races as a runner Racing the Copenhagen half Shoes for different days, including the Alphafly 4 A full week at 170 to 180 kilometers Building strength without getting injured Her first marathon
Content note: This episode includes open discussion of drug addiction, homelessness, violence, mental health and suicidal thoughts (mainly between 05:00 and 12:00). Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use in the US, the SAMHSA National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-4357.
The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.