The Moth Podcast: "On Your Mark, Get Set, Go"
Release Date: October 31, 2017

Introduction

In the episode titled "On Your Mark, Get Set, Go," hosted by Dan Kennedy, listeners are immersed in the exhilarating and often grueling world of marathon running. Set against the backdrop of the New York City Marathon—a global event where over 50,000 participants converge—this episode presents two compelling true stories that explore themes of perseverance, personal struggle, and triumph.

Story 1: Steve Clark's Endurance Journey

Speaker: Steve Clark
Event: Philadelphia Marathon Grand Slam
Told At: [03:15]

Steve Clark, a third-grade teacher and high school slam poetry coach from Philadelphia, shares his inspiring journey of training for and completing the Philadelphia Marathon. Despite facing significant personal challenges, including asthma and financial constraints, Steve's determination leads him to participate in the marathon, a feat that few accomplish.

Key Highlights:

• Sibling Inspiration:
  Steve attributes much of his motivation to his twin brother, who not only excelled in sports but also ran several marathons despite battling mono. Steve reflects, “I think when we were sperm, like, there's no way I was gonna beat him to the egg. So I think I must have kind of latched onto one of his flagella and rode him to victory” (03:25).

• Training Challenges:
  Balancing his role as a sixth-grade teacher with marathon training proved difficult. Steve candidly shares the obstacles he faced: “I have asthma... the marathon day came in November, late November 2015. And I didn't know if I was going to be able to make it” (07:00).

• Race Day Struggles:
  On the day of the marathon, Steve confronts physical and mental barriers. Early optimism gives way to fatigue and doubts as he approaches mile 13.1, where he encounters a pivotal moment: “At mile 13.2, there's no one else with me. I am by myself... so I decided I'm going to keep going and do my best” (06:30).

• Final Stretch Heroics:
  Approaching the home stretch, Steve faces the grim reality of finishing last. A fellow runner’s encouragement propels him forward: “The guy in the van behind me pulls up next to me, and he says, just keep going as fast as you can. I'll take care of them” (07:50). Ultimately, Steve crosses the finish line as the last official finisher, greeted by Mayor Nutter, marking his achievement as heroic despite not being a "Greek hero."

Notable Quote:

“I'm never going to be in a world where I'm a Greek hero. But in Philadelphia today, finishing in last place felt pretty darn heroic.” – Steve Clark (08:50)

Aftermath:
Following the marathon, Steve receives overwhelming support from the local running community. His perseverance not only earns him a medal but also the respect and camaraderie of fellow runners. Currently, Steve is seeking his next big race, hinting at his ongoing passion for running.

Story 2: Megan McNally's Marathon of Resilience

Speaker: Megan McNally
Event: Paris Marathon
Told At: [10:30]

Megan McNally narrates her deeply personal and physically demanding experience running the Paris Marathon. At 19, Megan made the heart-wrenching decision to give birth and place her baby up for adoption. Driven by years of doubt and seeking closure, she embarked on a marathon as a metaphor for her journey towards making peace with her past.

Key Highlights:

• Emotional Motivation:
  Megan explains her long-term coping mechanism: “I believed that if I survived to her 18th birthday and if she survived to her 18th birthday, that would be the definitive proof that I had made the right decision” (10:45).

• Training and Preparation:
  Life circumstances—law school and executive responsibilities—interrupted her marathon training. Despite these setbacks, Megan commits to running the Paris Marathon, aligning the race date with her daughter's 18th birthday.

• Race Day Challenges:
  On the day of the marathon, Megan faces unexpected physical hurdles, including illness and a back injury. However, her determination leads her to the starting line: “I went to the start line, and it was the fucking Paris marathon... I just run as far as I can and then I'll stop” (12:15).

• Critical Incident:
  Struggling with the need to urinate and inadequate race infrastructure, Megan makes the risky decision to find a secluded spot to relieve herself. This leads to a severe fall, resulting in a concussion and a broken finger: “I launched myself airborne... I knocked myself out cold” (14:10).

• Pushing Through Pain:
  Despite her injuries, Megan's resolve drives her to continue. She describes the excruciating pain and the mental fortitude required to keep moving: “My head was throbbing, my knees hurt... but I kept going” (15:30).

• Completion and Reflection:
  Megan crosses the finish line battered but victorious, receiving her medal out of pity by those who witnessed her struggle. She reflects on the day's events, recognizing that while it wasn't what she envisioned, it mirrored her 18-year journey: “It had perfectly reflected 18 years of staggering forward, broken, bloody, sometimes alone, but usually with people who loved me, not very far away” (16:20).

Notable Quote:

“This day was not anything like I'd expected. It's not what I'd planned... and yet it had perfectly reflected 18 years of staggering forward, broken, bloody, sometimes alone, but usually with people who loved me, not very far away.” – Megan McNally (16:00)

Aftermath:
A month after the marathon, Megan reconnected with her birth daughter through Facebook, fostering a relationship that had been absent for years. Her resilience didn't stop at the marathon; Megan went on to complete a half Ironman triathlon and founded Diana, the first streaming network dedicated to women's sports. Balancing law school and her executive role, Megan’s achievements exemplify her unwavering determination and commitment to empowering women and girls in sports.

Conclusion

"On Your Mark, Get Set, Go" delves into the profound personal narratives of Steve Clark and Megan McNally, showcasing how marathon running becomes a vessel for overcoming personal adversities and seeking redemption. Through their stories, The Moth underscores the universal themes of resilience, the support of community, and the relentless pursuit of personal goals, regardless of the obstacles faced.

Final Reflections by Host Dan Kennedy: Dan commends both Steve and Megan for their remarkable accomplishments and encourages listeners to celebrate their own stories of perseverance. He extends congratulations and well wishes to all runners participating in upcoming marathons, encapsulating the episode's spirit of endurance and shared human experience.

Additional Information

• For Photos of Steve and Megan with Their Medals: Visit themoth.org.
• Acknowledgments:
  • Production: Timothy Lou Lee
  • Presented by: PRX, the Public Radio Exchange

This summary captures the essence of "On Your Mark, Get Set, Go," providing insights into the profound journeys of two individuals who transformed the challenge of marathon running into powerful narratives of personal growth and triumph.