In addition to being internationally competitive runners, Mary and Lisa also have careers outside of running, and they are moms: Mary is the founder of the Nala Track Club for girls in Kenya, and Lisa is a banking executive. We were excited to explore not only the expertise these athletes possess in running, but also their experiences and perspectives as role models, leaders, and moms.

Among the topics we asked Mary and Lisa about: how their running and non-running careers have influenced each other; how they approach and structure their training while managing obligations outside of running; how they manage stress and expectations, particularly in competitive situations; and much more. We also learned about their running backgrounds and their leadership roles outside of running.

You will be inspired!

Mary Ngugi-Cooper first started running in primary school, and has been competing internationally for 20 years. Among her many accomplishments, Mary earned a bronze medal in the 5000 meter event at the world junior championships in 2006, and then in 2014 she earned silver at the world half marathon championships. In 2016 she won the prestigious Houston Half Marathon, and in 2019 she debuted in the marathon here at Boston. With this year's running, Mary has competed in the Boston Marathon a total of seven times: she has always finished within the top 11 runners, and with this year's 3rd place finish, she's been on the podium for a total of three times: in 2021, 2022, and this year, 2026. These days, Mary, who is now 37, continues to compete at the highest level of the sport, going after her own personal goals and also to inspire the girls she coaches, as well as her daughter.

Lisa Weightman has a long career as a marathon runner: she’s represented Australia at that distance four times at the Olympics—her first Olympics was in 2008. Lisa has won several marathons, including the Melbourne Marathon and Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon, and she’s been on the podium twice at the Commonwealth Games. Lisa continues to compete at the highest level of the sport, now at 47 years old, and she has a passion for, as she says, demonstrating that perseverance leads to real change and leadership is about leaving a lasting legacy.

How to Keep Up with Mary Ngugi-Cooper and Nala Track Club
Mary on Instagram: @maryngugi
Nala Track Club on Instagram: @nalatrackclub
How to Keep Up with Lisa Weightman
Instagram: @lisaweightman
Ways to Connect with Run Farther and Faster
Instagram: @runfartherandfaster
Facebook: facebook.com/RunFartherFaster
Website: runfartherandfaster.com
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
WRS Instagram:⁠⁠ @womensrunningstories⁠⁠
Website:⁠⁠ womensrunningstories.com⁠⁠
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631⁠⁠
Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa⁠⁠

In this episode, I focus on getting back to racing indoor track, a highlight of my year. After a long build back from burnout through a lot of 2025, I was really looking forward to returning to racing strong. As with any season of racing, there were highs and a few lows. Regardless, a steady pulse of curiosity and purpose grounded my training and racing. I continued to learn and grow.

This athlete journey is fundamental to my well being and to staying strong for the rest of life, with whatever challenges and joys present themselves. I get into what's happened over the past few months, and what I have planned looking ahead. Please join me on the journey. Thank you so much for being here.

Mentioned in this Episode

The series of episodes that feature my running and racing journey: https://womensrunningstories.com/episodes/over-50-sub-20-5k-project

To support WRS, please rate and review the show

iTunes/Apple: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631⁠⁠

Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa⁠⁠

Music Credits

Cormac O'Regan, of ⁠⁠Playtoh⁠⁠

⁠⁠penguinmusic⁠⁠, via ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠

Music of the Future, via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠aidanpinsent⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Camila_Noir,⁠⁠ via⁠⁠ Pixabay⁠

Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories

WRS Instagram:⁠⁠ @womensrunningstories⁠⁠

Website:⁠⁠ womensrunningstories.com⁠⁠

Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com