Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Weiss. She and her team share her story with us below.
Please kick things off for us with some background on Julie’s story.
Julie Weiss, of Santa Monica, CA., ran 52 marathons in 52 weeks in 2013. In the process, she ran 1,362.4 miles, and to date has raised over $500,000 in the fight against pancreatic cancer through her website Marathongoddess.com. Julie generated considerable pancreatic cancer awareness through high profile media attention on CNN, The TODAY Show, the Los Angeles Times. O Magazine and many other outlets. She is also one of seven featured runners in the inspiring documentary Spirit of the Marathon II.
Following the death of her father, her biggest fan, from Pancreatic Cancer, she was feeling determined to make a difference. Running gave her the answer. Julie decided to turn her passion into a purpose and embarked on this incredible endeavor to raise hope, money, and awareness for Pancreatic Cancer, the 3rd leading cause of cancer death in the United States, also the lowest funded for research. Julie is now running with the Los Angeles based Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Julie chose the name Marathon Goddess but is quick to point out its true meaning that it is not about her, it’s a name that allows Julie to encourage others to embrace their passion and let it shine.
Julie, is there anything you’d like to add?
I’ve now embarked on a year-long running book tour that started at the LA Marathon this past March to coincide with the release of my memoir, “The Miles and Trials of a Marathon Goddess.” Starting with the 2019 Los Angeles Marathon and ending with the 2020 Los Angeles Marathon, I’m running “52 Races for 52 Faces” to personalize the fight for pancreatic cancer. I dedicate every race to someone affected by pancreatic cancer. And to help encourage others, not only to run and how it can change your life like it did mine, but to do it for a cause or someone you love. That is what has truly has defined my running. The run becomes so much bigger than yourself. I always say, when you do something you love, and for me, it was running, for someone you love, that’s where the miracles happen 🙂
Can you talk to us a bit more about the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“52 Weeks, 52 Marathons The Miles and Trials of a Marathon Goddess” chronicles that epic journey and so much more. Following the sudden death of my father to pancreatic cancer, the book chronicles my transformation from an overweight single mother hooked on anti-depressants to an influential role model whose hard-fought tenacity offers powerful lessons for anyone looking to affect lasting changes in their lives. Running legend Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, writes in the foreword to the book, “Julie Weiss was a self-proclaimed bad girl, an in-your-face teenager and out-of-control single mom who transformed herself through running into a beautiful woman who ran many thoughtful miles, found her own identity and took charge of her own destiny.”
However, the challenges I have overcome through this journey were nothing to those who are battling pancreatic cancer. That kept me motivated to keep going and never give up!
What else should our readers know?
Through my memoir, The Miles and Trials of a Marathon Goddess, I specialize in inspiring and motivating others, Showing the world, that the impossible is possible. Everyone can accomplish something great. I love motivating others to do more, because if I can, so can you. You can do what you set out to do!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The social media aspect is huge for business. You first need to create a passionate platform of followers/fans and a brand. You do that by being passionate about something you believe in with all your heart and taking them on that journey with you. Los Angeles is booming with opportunities. It’s up to each and every one of us to create the vision, the plan, the goal and go for it, no matter where you live.
Pricing:
- “52 Weeks, 52 Marathons The Miles and Trials of a Marathon Goddess” (ISBN 978-1-7326927-2-5) $19.95 on Amazon
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marathongoddess.com
- Email: Julie@marathongoddess.com
- Instagram: Marathon Goddess
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marathongoddess
- Twitter: @marathongoddess
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1732692726/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews
Image Credit:
Matt Linker on the cover photo
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
