EPISODE 49
NOTE: This episode was originally recorded in September 2024
Becky Briggs ran a 2:29 marathon aged just 22 - but the more shocking journey is that she even made it to the start line.
Sectioned as a teenager, and training like an olympian on a student budget, Becky’s story is a rebellion against the glamorous facade that most of us see on our TV screens.
We step inside the reality of an elite marathon performer overcoming stress fractures, setbacks and body image trolling to achieve feats that most of us would deem unthinkable.
Becky joins Ty Temel on episode 49 of the Off Script podcast to share:
The reality of training for a 2:29 marathon on a student budget
When running stops being a hobby and starts being a coping mechanism
Being sectioned as a teenager and the moment she decided not to give up
Body image, trolling and redefining what a “real” runner looks like
Olympic dreams, identity and why “it’s not over until you decide it’s over”
Watch on YouTube or listen on all major podcasting platforms 🎙️
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
“People say to me, ‘You don’t look like a marathon runner,’ and I just want to look them in the eye and say, ‘What do you want me to look like? What does a marathon runner look like?’”
- Becky Briggs - 32:35
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“Running became more of a coping mechanism than just a hobby. I was good at it. Did I enjoy it? No. Did I enjoy the feeling that it gave me when I had absolutely nothing left? Yeah – and that was the coping mechanism.” - Becky Briggs - 15:30
“I know that the only person who got me out of that situation was me. It was me who got me into that situation, but… I’m glad that she didn’t give up.” - Becky Briggs - 24:50
“People say to me, ‘You don’t look like a marathon runner,’ and I just want to look them in the eye and say, ‘What do you want me to look like? What does a marathon runner look like?’” - Becky Briggs - 32:35
“I was living in a uni house with six other boys, in my third year, setting up my coaching business, nannying four days a week - as well as doing between 90 and 100 miles. That’s not the life of an elite athlete… but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.” - Becky Briggs - 44:25
“A big part of the marathon is being able to endure something that is uncomfortable for a really long time – just being okay with not being okay. And I think I’ve done a lot of that in my life.” - Becky Briggs - 50:10