Tina Muir

Welp. Not the race recap I envisioned.

I was not okay, and it started long before race day. As much as I tried to trust it would work itself out, it didn’t.

I had been dealing with a medical issue for a few weeks, and stubborn as I am, had been refusing to get help. Last week with the race looming, I finally asked my medical provider, who gave me a protocol.

Unfortunately, the supplement that was healing my body sent my stomach into a state of turmoil. I spent the day before the race curled up, bloated, zero appetite to eat (let alone carb load).

I channeled my focus race morning and off I went. I could tell my legs were fresh from taper, and I was hopeful.

But instead of being giddy excited, talking to trees in this idyllic Pacific North West forest, I had to concentrate to not trip (and not because it was technical). I cursed at the overhanging green ferns. What is wrong with me?!

By mile 7 I felt like I was floating above my body, not in it, watching it. I couldn’t ignore the pleading from my inner voice much longer.

By mile 9 I knew I had to stop. I just had to get to Zoë and . When I burst into the aid station as first place woman, everyone expected me to be smiling, having the best time, ready to charge the next section.

Instead I sat on the ground mumbling about how much my stomach hurt and how bad I felt. If yesterday were an 11 mile race, I would have felt proud of the effort. I watched Zoë go from a state of pump to concern as she stared into my tiny pupils and realized it was over.

It took me 25 minutes to finally say, “I’m out”. I watched so many people go by, no desire to go, just a compulsion that I “should”.

I spent the rest of the day working through multiple rounds of hot tears streaming down my face as I processed. But I knew I made the right choice. I lay on the floor curled up, unable to eat more than a few bites for 36 hours after.

Mistakes made. Lessons learned (maybe, we will see). But all part of this messy life. I wish I could have had my day, I also know we don’t get to choose.

I know my fitness is there, I’ll have another moment, and this setback will make that feel even more special. Till then, I hear you, body❤️

Hi!

My bio is below if you want the official. I wanted to start with this instead. I am proud of the work I have done, and love the work that I do. My favorite thing though, is connecting with others. I share about my sustainability work, about juggling being a mother, and my running journey back to competitive running (after a 10 year hiatus). Stay a while (but not too long, go get off the screen and get out in nature!!), I am glad you are here

And the official stuff if you wanna know more about me:

Tina is a climate advocate, former elite marathoner, and founder of Racing for Sustainability, a nonprofit dedicated to driving environmental and social responsibility in the running industry. Through her leadership, Tina works with races (TCS NYC Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, TCS London Marathon, Schneider Electric Paris Marathon, TCS Toronto Marathon, California International Marathon and more), brands, and communities to implement sustainable practices that reduce impact and promote equity in sport.

She is also the CEO of Running For Real, a platform that empowers runners to engage with climate action, mental health, and inclusion. As host of the award-winning Running For Real Podcast (6M+ downloads), Tina brings environmental issues to the forefront through meaningful conversations with athletes, scientists, and changemakers.

A co-author of Becoming a Sustainable Runner and a United Nations collaborator, Tina is recognized globally for helping runners become advocates for a healthier planet. Her work exemplifies how sport can be a powerful tool for environmental and cultural change.