Friends In Training Podcast with Marcela Todd: Life is A Marathon

Part 2: Making Badwater History at 80 with Bob Becker

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0000

In this follow-up episode of Friends in Training: Life is a Marathon, Marcela reconnects with legendary ultrarunner Bob Becker to hear the story behind his long-awaited Badwater 135 finish.

After several attempts that ended in disappointment or came just short of the official cutoff, Bob returned to one of the world’s most demanding ultramarathons at age 80 with a powerful goal: to become the oldest finisher in Badwater 135 history. This time, he crossed the finish line in 45 hours, breaking Jack Denness’s long-standing record and proving that determination, preparation, and the right support can carry us through even the hardest miles.

Throughout their conversation, Bob reflects on the crew, coaching, and community that helped make the finish possible, while also looking ahead to future races and adventures around the world.

00:00 Welcome and Podcast Introduction
01:27 The Badwater 135 Challenge
02:38 Chasing Jack Dennis's Record
03:25 Three Attempts at History
04:58 Breaking the Record at Age 80
07:29 The Power of Your Crew and Community
09:06 Return to China: A Special Journey
11:21 Race Director Life and Keys 100
11:55 Alaska Calling: Denali 135
15:20 Race Details and Registration Info
21:34 Advice for Aspiring Ultrarunners
23:43 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Learn more about Marcela, and the FIT community, at https://friendsintraining.net/

Part 1: Inside the World of Ultrarunning with Bob Becker

Tue, 26 May 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, Marcela sits down with legendary ultramarathon runner and race director Bob Becker for an inspiring conversation about endurance, resilience, and continuing to move forward at every stage of life.

Bob introduces listeners to the world of ultrarunning, sharing what it takes to go beyond the marathon distance and complete races that demand intense preparation, both physical and mental. He reflects on remarkable milestones from his running journey, including Badwater 135, the Badwater “double,” fixed-time ultramarathons, a 48-hour age-group world record, and running 230 miles in 74 hours.

Beyond the miles, Bob shares how running reshaped his life, leading him from mortgage banking into race directing and the founding of the Keys 100. He also opens up about family, surviving prostate cancer through early detection, and the importance of staying active and focused on what lies ahead.

(00:07) Meet Bob Becker and the World of Ultrarunning
(02:45) Badwater 135, Fixed-Time Racing, and Bob’s Longest Run
(04:18) Records, 48-Hour Racing, and the Badwater Double
(06:27) Bob’s Early Life, Career, and Becoming a Race Director
(08:46) Starting Late, Joining Friends in Training, and Qualifying for Boston
(11:50) Family, Community, and Bob’s Best Life Miles
(14:44) Prostate Cancer, Early Detection, and Preventive Health
(16:55) How the Keys 100 Began
(19:50) Relays, Community, and Introducing Others to Ultras
(25:35) Favorite Races, Memorable Challenges, and Lessons Learned
(32:10) Advice for Runners: Do Your Homework, Prepare Well, and Stay Realistic

Learn more about Marcela, and the FIT community, at https://friendsintraining.net/

Premiere Episode: Stronger Than You Think - Life Is A Marathon

Sat, 16 May 2026 13:18:34 -0000

In this debut episode, host Marcela Todd is joined by Brian Boyd to introduce the heart behind Friends in Training and the powerful community that has grown from it.

What began as a marathon and half-marathon training programme in Broward County, Florida, has become a family built on encouragement, perseverance, and helping people achieve goals they once thought were far out of reach. Marcela reflects on her own running journey—spanning 81 marathons and more than 200 half marathons to ultramarathons and international races—and shares the lessons running has taught her about resilience and gratitude, and the importance of embracing the journey. Together, Marcela and Brian explore the idea that life is a marathon, filled with challenging miles, meaningful victories, and moments when we need others to help us keep going.

Be sure to subscribe, follow and share!

(00:06) Welcome to the Friends in Training Podcast
(02:30) Brian’s Running Journey with FIT
(03:04) 81 Marathons, 200 Half Marathons, and the Myth of “The Wall”
(05:10) Why Life Is a Marathon
(08:10) Running the Geneva Marathon After 11 Days of Biking
(09:26) Stepping Into Leadership at Friends in Training
(12:18) Why FIT Is for Everyday People
(13:13) What Friends in Training Taught Marcella About Life
(15:25) Marathon Training, Discipline, and Starting Small
(19:32) Don’t Do Life Alone
(23:04) Remembering Veronica and Living with Gratitude
(27:31) Seeing the World Through Running
(30:52) You Are Stronger Than You Think

Learn more about Marcela, and the FIT community, at https://friendsintraining.net/

Friends In Training Podcast with Marcela Todd: Life is A Marathon - The Trailer

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:08:58 -0000

Welcome to The Friends In Training Podcast with Marcela Todd: Life is A Marathon. This podcast is your ultimate companion for staying motivated and inspired on your fitness and life journey. Join Marcela each week as she shares uplifting stories, hosts insightful interviews with experts and everyday heroes, and offers practical tips to help you tackle challenges, celebrate victories, and keep moving forward—one step at a time. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a first-time walker, or simply seeking inspiration, this podcast offers encouragement and community for everyone. Tune in, subscribe, and let’s run this marathon of life together!

Visit https://friendsintraining.net for more infrormation and resources.