Rebecca Roush: From College Injuries to 2:57 Marathon - Smart Training After Motherhood
Dallas runner Rebecca Roush shares her journey from college injuries to running a 2:57 marathon as a new mom. Discover her low-mileage training approach, cross-training secrets, and how she overcame multiple stress fractures and ACL surgery to achieve consistent marathon PRs. Rebecca reveals why high-mileage training didn't work for her body, how she found her sweet spot at 50 miles per week, and the game-changing role of strength training and cycling. Plus, hear about her dramatic Boston Marathon experience, training with Dallas running groups like Train Pegasus and Completely Sloth, and managing postpartum running with baby George. Essential listening for injury-prone runners, working moms balancing training, and anyone seeking sustainable marathon success
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
Rebecca Roush
Rebecca Roush is a Dallas-area marathon runner who transformed early setbacks into athletic success through smart training and resilience. After breaking her pelvis in high school cheerleading and requiring hip surgery with two screws, Rebecca discovered distance running and went on to compete at Dallas Baptist University. Following a college career marked by both achievements and injuries—including making the NCAA nationals team after ACL surgery—Rebecca found her stride in post-collegiate running. She learned that high-mileage training wasn't sustainable for her injury-prone body and developed a successful low-mileage approach centered around cross-training, strength work, and recovery. Rebecca has consistently improved her marathon times, progressing from a 3:16 debut at the 2019 Dallas Marathon to a personal best of 2:57 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. She's completed marathons at Indianapolis, Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, and Boston, while also representing Dallas in the prestigious Sendai International Half Marathon in Japan. A regular with Dallas running groups Train Pegasus and Completely Sloth, Rebecca trains primarily on four days per week, incorporating cycling and Peloton strength workouts to stay healthy. She's shown that sustainable training can lead to significant improvements, even while navigating major life changes. Currently living in Rockwall with her husband (also a competitive runner) and their son George, Rebecca continues to pursue marathon goals while balancing motherhood and demonstrating that smart training trumps high mileage. Her story resonates with runners seeking injury prevention strategies and parents learning to maintain athletic pursuits alongside family life. Key Achievements: 2:57 marathon PR (2023 Chicago Marathon) NCAA Division II nationals team member Dallas representative at Sendai International Half Marathon (Japan, 2023) Consistent marathon PRs across multiple races Successful postpartum running comeback