#223 Rebecca Schmitt: From first Sub-3 Boston to 2:27 in 2,5 Years

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 KRISTIANSave on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPbKristian sits down with Rebecca Schmitt, the winner of Puma Project 3's Berlin cohort, fresh off a 2:27:38 marathon that made her the first American and 17th overall, just two and a half years after barely breaking three hours in her first Boston.Rebecca shares her late start in competitive running, coming back to the sport at 29 after years away, and how a sub three hour Boston in 2024 became the turning point that pushed her from 40 mile weeks into serious marathon training. She walks through the rapid mileage progression that followed, her experience as part of Puma Project 3 in Berlin, from the gear and nutrition resources to race day itself, and the moment she crossed the finish line not even realizing she'd just run the fastest American time of the race. The conversation closes with her honest, ambitious outlook on what's still ahead in her thirties, including a dream of breaking 2:26:50.In this episode:- Coming back to competitive running at 29 after years away- Running a sub three hour Boston in 2024 and the turning point that followed- Going from 70 mile weeks to 100 mile weeks within a year- Being selected for Puma Project 3 and what the support actually included- Nutrition and gear resources she didn't expect from the program- Race recap: running 2:27:38 and becoming the first American finisher- Not realizing she'd finished first American until after the race- Fueling strategy on race day: gels, electrolytes, and pacing- Why she believes she's still far from her ceiling in her thirties- Chasing a dream of breaking 2:26:50Timestamps00:00 SaySky discount code and podcast sponsorship00:45 Welcome and introducing Rebecca Schmitt02:04 Kristian's own training update03:21 Welcome to Rebecca and congratulations on Berlin04:27 Reflecting on her breakthrough performance05:12 Being part of Puma Project 3's Berlin cohort06:36 Nutrition and gear resources she didn't expect09:32 Rebecca's background as an engineer and late start in running13:12 A sub three hour Boston in 2024 and the turning point13:38 Going from 70 to 100 mile weeks within a year26:46 Crossing the finish line and not realizing she'd finished first American27:42 What it felt like to find out she was the first American43:59 What's next and how fast she can go44:30 Her dream of breaking 2:26:5045:03 Finding inspiration in women racing well into their thirtiesRebecca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaschmitt0/Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwickFull episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@WarwickrunsFollow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runsMusic from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY