Breaking Down to Break Through: How Julie Rembold Overcame 4 Years of Health Issues to Return to Elite Running
In this compelling episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Julie Rembold for an in-depth look at one of the most remarkable running journeys you'll ever hear. Julie's story begins at age 37 when she started marathon training with virtually no running background, quickly dropping from a 3:47 debut at Houston Marathon to a 2:51 Boston qualifier in just two years.
But this isn't just a story about fast times. Julie's journey takes a dramatic turn when mysterious health issues began affecting her performance and quality of life. Despite running impressive marathon times, she experienced symptoms ranging from severe fatigue and heart rate irregularities to neurological issues that made her leg feel "disconnected" during runs. For four years, she battled through these challenges while doctors struggled to provide answers.
What makes Julie's story truly extraordinary is how she took her health into her own hands. Using her engineering background and relentless research, she discovered that mineral imbalances—particularly copper and iron deficiency stemming from five pregnancies and breastfeeding—were at the root of her problems. Her recovery involved switching from synthetic supplements to natural nutrition sources, ultimately healing her body completely.
Julie opens up about the challenges of balancing marathon training with raising five children, the support system that made her running possible, and how her husband's leukemia diagnosis affected her first marathon. She also discusses her transition into health coaching, helping others who face similar struggles.
Now at 45, Julie has returned to form with recent marathons under 3 hours and ambitious goals ahead, including a 2:45 target at the Marathon Project in December. Her story is a testament to the power of listening to your body, advocating for your health, and never giving up on your goals.
This episode offers valuable insights for runners dealing with unexplained performance issues, parents trying to balance training with family life, and anyone interested in the connection between nutrition and athletic performance.
Creators and Guests
Host
Chris Detzel
As a seasoned technology leader with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in building and nurturing thriving communities both running and technical
Guest
Julie Rembold
Julie Rembold is a Dallas-based distance runner who began her marathon journey at age 37 and quickly established herself as a formidable competitor. Despite having no background in track or cross country, Julie's natural speed and endurance abilities propelled her from a 3:47 marathon debut in 2017 to a 2:51 Boston qualifier just two years later. A mother of five children, Julie balances her running pursuits with family life and has become an advocate for showing children the importance of pursuing personal passions. Her athletic journey began somewhat accidentally when she joined a friend's half marathon training group as a way to meet other moms after relocating to North Carolina with her first child. Julie's running story took a dramatic turn when she experienced a four-year period of mysterious health issues that affected both her performance and daily life. Using her engineering background and determination to find answers, she extensively researched nutrition and physiology, ultimately discovering that mineral imbalances stemming from multiple pregnancies were at the root of her problems. Her self-directed recovery approach, focusing on natural nutrition sources over synthetic supplements, has made her a passionate advocate for holistic health approaches. After completing her recovery, Julie has transitioned into health coaching, helping others who face similar unexplained health challenges. She also taught chemistry and coaches cross country at her children's school, sharing her love of both science and running with the next generation. Now 45, Julie continues to pursue competitive marathon goals while maintaining her focus on balanced health and family priorities. She trains under coach Roy Linkletter and remains active in the growing Dallas-Fort Worth running community. Her story demonstrates the power of self-advocacy in health matters and the possibility of achieving athletic goals at any stage of life. Julie's personal records include a 2:51 marathon (Boston 2019) and she continues to target sub-2:45 performances in upcoming races.