On this episode of The Lucie Beatrix podcast, Lucie talks with friend Dan Meinhardt, a full-time musician living in NYC about living the dream and training for marathons. They discuss their time together altitude training in Park City, Utah as well as how Dan paced Lucie to win the Orchard Street Runners Prototype Half in NYC last fall. 

This episode was filmed at Floored Media in Long Island, NY.

Jerry Francois, known as Coach J, is known in the New York running scene for creating diverse, empowering spaces for communities of color and runners of all abilities as the founder of Gold Finger Track Club.

• Started running in high school at age 17 after his mother passed away, finding it provided mental clarity and an emotional outlet
• Created Goldfinger Track Club from a clothing brand, establishing a team where everyone belongs regardless of pace
• Embraced the team's mottos "Gold Vibes" and "Diverse but not divided" to foster inclusion and community
• Founded Black Miles Matter after Ahmaud Arbery's murder, organizing solidarity runs including the Juneteenth 5K
• Transitioned from being a 400-800 meter runner to achieving a 2:42 marathon at Boston 2023 despite injury
• Worked with PYNRS, the only Black-owned running apparel company in the US, as creative director
• Credits his son Jaxx for inspiring his running success and giving him "superpowers" to chase his dreams
• Focuses on building family and expanding his brand while planning to complete his sixth marathon major in Tokyo
• Plans to run New York City Marathon aiming for a comfortable 2:50 finish while enjoying the experience
• Emphasizes faith as the foundation of his journey: "Faith makes things possible, not easy"

Follow Jerry on social media @kingparkergold2001 or @hirecoachj, and follow the team @gftc_brooklyn.

Experiencing the holiday season sober may seem like a daunting challenge, but rest assured, it's one that you can face successfully. Join me, a former fashion model and now a competitive athlete. I will provide pragmatic advice on tackling triggering situations that could potentially interfere with your path to sobriety.

These are my secret weapons to maintain sobriety: laying out a robust plan and having a non-alcoholic drink at your disposal, always. I also talk about "playing the tape", a mental exercise to visualize the possible outcomes before succumbing to temptation. I also open up about my personal experience of choosing sobriety during a particularly taxing holiday season, which led to healing old wounds and strengthening relationships. 

Finally, remember that choosing sobriety doesn't equate to missing out on holiday cheer; it's about celebrating the season in a healthier, more fulfilling way. So let's hold steadfast to our commitment to sobriety and make this holiday season worth remembering.

He's a firefighting triathlete with a 2:43 marathon PR as well as host of the Personal Record podcast. 

I talk about God, my higher power, and learning the bible thanks to Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. 

I’ve lived in New York City for a dozen years of my life, and one of the best things about that is crossing paths with so many different kinds of striving, determined people going after their dreams. 

When I first moved here, I literally had nothing except the clothes on my back but I knew I had the drive to get me to where I want to go. I crashed on couches and found a way to get in front of the right people at the right time to end up being able to actually live here, which was a dream come true.

So on today’s show, I’m going to have a conversation with my friend Sallie who I met years ago when we both worked at the same place. I was on a break from my modeling career where I picked up a job working in a coffee shop where Sallie showed me how to steam milk and make the perfect cappuccino. 

When I started working there I looked up her Instagram before I actually knew her, and saw she does all these stand-up comedy shows around the city. Which is a pretty crazy side hustle. So today we are gonna talk about the stand-up scene as well as just what motivates us to go after our dreams. 

In this episode, I lay it all out on what my sobriety means. 

How over a decade of fashion modeling prepared me to go after big marathon goals with Nike's Project Moonshot. 

I talk about the last few weeks of project moonshot training as well as falling at the start of Team Champs this weekend. 

The true story of being targeted and impersonated as a model. 

Our first group workout, a fashion modeling shoot, my team's annual track meet, and more. 

Gearing up for Project Moonshot as I train for my big running goal. 

I'm fresh off competing in 3 races in the past 30 days. This includes winning twice: a half marathon and a 5k. But let me break down why these races are significant and what they represent for the big picture of my running goals. 

I, Lucie Beatrix, invite you to join me on an adventure that started with a spontaneous decision to leave the winter chill of New York City behind and start a fresh life in sunny Austin, Texas. This change wasn't just a shift in location, but a complete transformation of my life, my approach to physical fitness, and my perception of myself. From working behind the scenes at a photo shoot, to training with a competitive team, and eventually falling in love, this journey has been full of surprises. 

In this transformative phase of my life, I not only learnt how to be a girlfriend but also how to let go of the many identities I had accumulated over the years in the bustling city of New York. As I navigated the world of competitive running, my focus gradually shifted from qualifying for the 2024 US Olympic Marathon Trials to prioritizing my well-being over my physical appearance. I'll share how this new perspective led to breakthroughs in races and changed my relationship with food, sobriety, and my body. Reflect with me on the importance of flexibility, trust, and not setting too many expectations in life as we approach a new year filled with endless possibilities.

This is my race recap of the USATF 10k Champs + Mini 10k on June 8th, 2019 starring Deena Kastor, Jordan Hasay, Stephanie Bruce, Sara Hall amongst several others.  

I train diligently and put in the work with my running. But so much of my fitness starts in the kitchen. After trial and error, I know what works for me nutritionally. In this episode, I break my approach to food since what I eat fuels me to go fast.

But a few weeks ago, I couldn't race. This is the story of figuring out how to get out there and do it! 

In this episode I get into the aftermath of dealing with grief from losing my dad. 

First I quit and then I came back. 

If you've let yourself get lost in the nerdy underworld of online running forums surely you've seen the term "Hobby Jogger" thrown around. It's not meant to be nice, but as of now we are taking ownership of our Hobby Jogger ways. Either way, a real runner is the one who is trying to improve themselves. 

What can I say, I read some random blog online about some fringe health hack and I try it. But then, I get a ton of cavities and paranoid over nothing. These are some of the ways I went down the rabbit hole and tried all these weird methods in the name of self-experimentation. 

I've lived in NYC for 12+ years. This is why I call it home. 

Read my article on Runnerclick.com here: https://runnerclick.com/how-to-win-at-being-injured/
Injuries are the worst. Especially when you are seeing so much progress with your running. But, having to put your training on ice while you figure out what got you hurt in the first place can make you much stronger. I talk to my running teammate and the person who paced me to place 3rd overall in the Central Park Half about what we do to get through an injury.

I go live on Instagram Live answering questions that cover my career shift and what my running goals are. 

As runners, we often hit bumps in the road, but what if these bumps could lead us to discover new horizons in our athletic journeys? Drawing from personal experience, I'm sharing my story of injury and how it led me to explore other avenues, tapping into an energy that feels just as rewarding and invigorating as running. It's an honest conversation about turning disappointment into discovery, and how the same determination that fuels our runs can be channeled into other exciting forms of physical exertion.

The road to recovery isn't just about physical healing though, it's also about fostering a resilient mindset. From cross-training to creative expressions, I'll be unfolding the various strategies I've adopted to keep the spirits high and maintain an active lifestyle. You'll hear about how diversifying my diet contributed to becoming a stronger athlete, and how these experiences have ultimately shaped me into a better runner. As the Olympic Trials draw closer, I'll also be sharing my anticipation to cheer on fellow athletes, a testament to the incredible resilience and dedication of our sports community. Join me and let's celebrate the power of embracing challenges with open arms.

Between the Fyre Festival Scandal and this Theranos biotech story, both cases seem to represent similar themes. And that is that there’s an aspect of our generation that’s too focused on the image of what something could be before it is properly executed. It’s the concept of “branding” an idea instead of giving all the attention to the craft— The hyper focus on marketing and aesthetic over execution. 

Being an athlete, stripped of all makeup or hair styling or lights and beautiful clothing, is how I feel the most like myself. I'll take sweat and speed over hairspray and concealer any day. 

How do you know when it's time to leave your dream behind? That's what I talk about with my guest, a former rock star. "The closer you get to winning, the harder it can be to lose." My guest and I share the experience of getting close to the dream, but not having it actualized in the way we thought. 

Instagram went silent, but I learned some stuff. 

I didn't go the traditional route and get a college degree-- But that doesn't mean I'm not obsessed with learning. 

When my ex dumped me I learned about love and who I am. 

Not my race, but learned a few things! 

Watch this video about who I am as a runner: https://vimeo.com/319684187

In this episode I expose the reality of tumultuous rivalry between this girl whose name I don't even know at my gym. She's just so fit. In any case, I get into what's happened since I wrote this article about us, originally published on RunnerClick.com.

Anorexia, bulimia, EDNOS, and BED... where do they come from? I have some theories, along with how food shaming contributes to the problem. I get into my own story as well as how I approach avoiding diet culture now. 

Remember in 2005 when a local charity fashion show awarded ME with first place? If you peep the photos of the other contestants, you'll see a little Karlie Kloss-- the REAL supermodel. Alas, I wasn't a total flop... And I navigated my way towards finding what I really wanted to be doing with my life: running and writing. 

What if the toughest run of your life wasn't a marathon, but a personal journey of transformation? That's precisely the epic saga of my life as a former fashion model turned competitive runner. In this episode I uncover my struggle with disordered eating and alcohol abuse, and how I used running as a life-saving tool. My journey is a stark reminder that real success is not always reflected in glossy magazine covers but often lies hidden in the strenuous run of life.

My transformational journey is a testament to the power of human spirit and discipline. Come with my as I navigate through the challenging world of fashion modeling, battles her self-destructive habits, and discovers her salvation in running. My story navigates beyond physical transformation, delving into mental resilience and the art of setting goals. As I share valuable insights on living a healthy lifestyle and the transformative power of running, you'll be inspired and motivated to embark on your own journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. 

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/luciebeatrix/

I read an article I wrote about processing my dad’s passing last year.

Have you ever wondered what really goes on behind the glamorous façade of the modeling industry? I reveal the good, the bad, and the downright ugly in this candid episode. I take you back to the 2000s, a wild west era in modeling, before the Me Too movement or social media had any influence. It was a time when control came from adults who dictated my body, my diet, and even my hair. Listen as I recount the harsh reality of having my weight discussed in cold, objective terms, and the lasting impact this has had on my self-perception. I hope things have changed, but it's important to reflect on these experiences.

The journey continues into the body image struggles that were all too common amongst models in the industry. Hear how the pressure to conform to a certain size dominated conversations, discouraged exercise, and even exempted me from PE classes. It was an era where drastic weight loss was celebrated, and I found myself on the cover of a magazine despite being over my agency's 'desired' size. Brace yourself as we delve into the challenges of navigating this world, from bracing for body shaming comments, to dealing with creepy individuals. This episode is not just a trip down memory lane, it's a call for a healthier, more inclusive industry, where success isn't measured by the number on the scale.

You're about to step behind the camera and explore the unvarnished truth of my early years in the world of fashion modeling. Imagine a shared living space in Athens, Greece, a small apartment in New York City, and a myriad of experiences and emotions tied up in each. The struggles, the loneliness, and the sheer effort of figuring out basic life skills on my own. This episode takes you through a world of castings, nightlife, and pressure, but also the lesser-known reality of model apartments and club promoters.

But this journey isn't just about glitz and glamour - there's a darker side to it all. As we move deeper into my experiences, I recount unsettling encounters with club promoters and reveal a chaotic lifestyle that often left me questioning my place in it all. I share stories that might surprise you - of young girls I met, of introduction to harmful behaviors like drugs, alcohol, depression, and starvation. This is a raw and honest account of my modeling journey, breaking down the facade of glamour and laying bare the reality of what goes on behind the scenes. Come, walk through this journey with me.

Tune in as I share my personal journey with amenorrhea and how it led me to a newfound appreciation for that time of the month. We'll also discuss sustainable period products like menstrual discs and cups, which can be game-changers for women who love to exercise and run.

Ever wondered about the pros and cons of running every day or the world of ultra marathons? Join us as we explore the growing popularity of my YouTube video on running 10 miles a day for three years, and how ultra marathoning can challenge our mental and physical limits. Plus, discover the unique experience of listening to audiobooks while running these incredible distances and my personal plans for future ultra marathon endeavors. 

Ever find yourself missing old friends and training partners after a big move? I recently moved to Texas and have been feeling the same way - but an inspiring conversation with one of my former New York training partners reignited my motivation for the upcoming Berlin Marathon. In this candid "dear diary" episode, I share his words of wisdom and how they reminded me of the importance of focusing on the process, the quiet morning miles, and the burning legs and lungs on the track, rather than just the finish lines and PRs.

As I continue to prepare for the Berlin Marathon, I also explore my current media diet, including an array of memoirs I've been listening to on Audible. From Lauren Fleshman's Good for a Girl to Desiree Linden's Choosing to Run, these audiobooks have provided me with companionship during my solo runs and walks. Join me in this episode as I discuss the impact these stories have had on my training, as well as my thoughts on potentially registering for a back-up race and the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people during the marathon journey.

What do a former Nickelodeon star, an A-list actress, and a renowned author have in common? They've each fought their personal battles with eating disorders and bravely shared their stories in their memoirs. Join me as I delve into the lives of Jeanette McCurdy, Demi Moore, and Marya Hornbacher in their respective books: I'm Glad My Mom Died, Inside Out, and Wasted. As a former fashion model, I can relate to their struggles and will share my insights on the need for control and the desire to fix what we can.

Through the emotional journeys of these three remarkable women, we explore the common threads in their eating disorder struggles, from the pressures of their careers to their complicated relationships with their mothers. I discuss McCurdy's cathartic process of finding peace after her mother's passing, Moore's battle with addiction and identity, and Hornbacher's harrowing experience with anorexia and bulimia. These inspiring memoirs shed light on the complexities of eating disorders and stress the importance of seeking support and understanding. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking and heartfelt episode.

It's been a week of self-discovery and firsts, including giving up caffeine and redefining my identity. Join me as I share the ups and downs of taking a tiny break from running and battling caffeine withdrawals, while learning the importance of truly listening to my body.

We also talk about setting intentions for the full moon, reading from my personal diary, and creating a "cool mom life." I open up about my past roles as a fashion model, runner, and sober person, and how I'm embracing all aspects of myself without letting any one identity define me. Don't miss this honest and raw exploration of self-growth, and let's manifest our goals and dreams together.

David Alm shares his journey of becoming an award-winning journalist and running as a form of meditation, revealing how his punk rock roots and rebellious spirit shaped both his writing and running.

• Starting with a one-way ticket to NYC and a few thousand dollars at age 24
• Living in the Lower East Side, NYC in the late 90s/eary 00s
• Beginning running on his 23rd birthday after smoking cigarettes for a decade
• Running a 2:49 marathon in only his second race (without even knowing what Boston qualifying meant)
• Writing award-winning features on subjects like Sha'Carri Richardson and Rachael Rapinoe
• Creating the East River 5000 race series as an alternative to commercialized running events
• Developing deep connections with subjects through extended conversations that reveal intimate details
• Finding stories in unexpected places, often dark
• Covering stories of marginalized communities 
• Starting banjo playing in his late 40s and building instruments with his father

Talking about how I improved athletic ability outside of the actual training. 

Women’s running literature is having a moment. With memoirs penned by the fastest names in the sport, today’s show is unpacking these incredible stories from the latest books on running and my input and review of what I got out of these top running autobiographies.

 The books I will be discussing are:

 Bravey by Alexi Pappas, The Longest Race by Kara Goucher, Choosing To Run by Desiree Linden, Good For A Girl by Lauren Fleshman and Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor. 

Topics include: eating disorders, grief, depression, training, doping, and mindset. 

In this episode, we are catching up on the latest running stories I find particularly noteworthy right now. We’re talking about Sifan Hassan heroically winning the London Marathon, Emma bates crushing it at Boston as the first American female finisher, as well as some of the other stories you should check out if you haven’t already.

1:02 - Sifan Hassan Wins London in 2:18: Fasting for Ramadan, Stopping Twice, Making History

7:08 - Emma Bates 1st American in Boston Marathon 2:22: Run Fearlessly, Remember Your "Why," and American Marathon Record Goals

10:45 - Puma Women Are Going Places: Fresh off a training block in Kenya, Natosha Rogers, Fiona O’keefe, and Konstanze "Koko" Klosterhalfen form the Dream Team 

12:30 - Addis Fouche Tells Us How College Coaches Can Best Support Their Black Athletes for Runner's World Magazine

Read: How College Coaches Can Best Support Their Black Athletes

IG: https://www.instagram.com/luciebeatrix/

What caused marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge to slow down in the Boston marathon? How do we feel about Olympian Alexi Pappas and her partnership with Playboy magazine? What kind of exciting updates do we know about the Paris Olympic marathon in 2024?

NOTES:
What Really Happened to Eliud Kipchoge:

Rambling Runner Podcast:
Cheering While Black

Runner's World:
Black Spectators Say Police Targeted Cheer Zone In Boston Marathon

It’s no secret that Hollywood is infested with creeps. And for every young, wide-eyed actress/model/musician/dancer looking to make it big, these predators have mastered the art of luring naive talent into their sticky webs.

I’ve had my run-ins with a few of them. These encounters have been fewer and further between as I've grown apart from my career in the fashion industry, but they’ve put a significant dent in my opinion of many of the men running the show in Hollywood.

In this episode I tell the horror story of an A-List producer and why I ran fast & far from the alleged opportunity of a lifetime.

Diplo ran a marathon on LSD. Here are my thoughts on running under the influence of psychedelics. 

Read my story about getting sober and getting serious as an athlete: