Finding Joy in the Process: Makena Morley on Racing, Recovery, and Redefining Success

When you’ve built your identity around being a runner, injuries can rock everything. But for Makena Morley, a professional marathoner, coach, and community builder, the process of coming back has been just as meaningful as the race results.

In Episode 374 of For The Long Run, Makena shares what it’s like to rebuild, reset, and refocus. From fueling tweaks to coaching revelations, she’s learning to value every step, even when it’s not fast or flashy.

Rebuilding After Injury

After struggling with injury over the past two years, Makena is focused on racing consistently, even when it means getting her “butt kicked.” Her current goal? Show up. Learn. Keep going.

“Nothing’s been stellar, but I think just standing on the start line has been a huge focus—and eventually, it’s going to catch up.”

She’s currently preparing for Grandma’s Marathon after racing the BOLDERBoulder 10K, using each race as a stepping stone in her comeback process.

Coaching for Fun (and Progress)

Makena coaches runners through Run Free Training and works with athletes chasing everything from BQs to first marathons. Her approach is grounded in one core value: fun.

“If a race you’re signed up for isn’t fun anymore, let’s not do it. Let’s find what sounds fun.”

She encourages process-based goals, joy-first training plans, and building a schedule that works with your life, not against it.

Mixing Trails, Roads, and Science Experiments

Makena is blending trail and road running into her current marathon prep—a move inspired by watching athletes like Grayson Murphy, Adam Peterman, and her partner Zach Perrin balance different terrains.

This “science experiment” has given her a mental and physical edge as she adds strength from trail runs into long road efforts.

Fueling and Recovery: The Game Changers

Makena shares openly about learning from her past marathon bonks and now aims for 90–100g of carbs per hour in long runs and races.

“After I started fueling better, it wasn’t just physical. I felt better mentally, clearer, sharper, happier.”

She’s also started fueling on easy 10–11 mile runs and encourages athletes to train their stomachs with gels like Science in Sport’s Tutti Frutti (her favorite).

What You’ll Learn Listening to This Episode:

• How to rebuild motivation and performance post-injury

• Why Makena blends trail and road training for marathon prep

• The surprising benefits of better fueling (and how to do it)

• Her philosophy as a coach for everyday athletes

• What success means beyond time goals or pro contracts

What does success in running mean to you? Reply to this email and let me know!

The Adventure Buddy You Need 👇

GOES is your essential outdoor guide that keeps you informed and ready, no matter where the trail takes you. Created by wilderness medicine doctors, this app helps you level up your knowledge, plan smarter trips, and handle medical emergencies with more confidence, even when you're far off the grid.

Let’s say you’re out in the backcountry on a long trail run, out of cell service, and something goes wrong. With GOES, you can literally tap on a body part, and the app will walk you through how to triage the situation, assess the level of risk, and take the right next steps. It’s like having a wilderness first responder in your pocket. 🤯

Honestly, it’s an absolutely essential piece of my adventure gear—and one I won’t head out on trails without. Download yours today! Use code 25FTLR30 for 30% off an annual GOES+ plan. GOES+ gives you access to the rewards program plus much more additional medical content and our emergency assessment tool.

About Jon Levitt and For The Long Run

Jon is a runner, cyclist, and podcast host from Boston, MA, who now lives in Boulder, CO. For The Long Run is aimed at exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated.

Follow Jon on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.