What if you didn’t start running until adulthood… and still went Pro?

In this episode of the Running Explained Podcast, we sit down with Nike Professional runner Gabi Rooker to unpack her unconventional journey from lifelong gymnast to elite marathoner. Gabi didn’t grow up running, didn’t follow the traditional path, and didn’t have it all figured out early on. Instead, she found running later, leaned into the process, and built her way to the top.

We talk about what it really takes to go from beginner to professional, how community (like Mill City Running) can shape your trajectory, and why being a “late bloomer” might actually be your biggest advantage.

Gabi also opens up about the realities behind the scenes of elite running, including balancing a career as a physician assistant, navigating injuries, undergoing IVF and surgery during a training cycle, and managing the pressure of competing at the highest level.

This conversation goes beyond training and performance. It’s about identity, resilience, and redefining what’s possible in your running journey.

If you’ve ever felt like you started too late, this episode will change how you see your potential.

This episode is sponsored by Wahoo and their hit KICKR RUN TREADMILL the link to learn more about this revolutionary rethink of treadmills from:

Dynamic Pacing (no controls just run)

Terrain simulation (even side to side)

Unmatch Connectivity (simulate routes from Strava and other third party apps).

Go ahead and use code EXPLAINED and Run you Run!

(00:00) Introduction to Gabi Rooker

(01:36) Gabi's Athletic Journey: From Gymnastics to Running

(05:21) Finding Community in Running

(10:35) Impact of ICE on the Running Community

(19:52) Challenges in Competitive Running

(23:41) The Nike Dreamweaver Program and Its Impact

(30:42) Navigating Injury and Embracing Curiosity in Training

(35:48) The Journey of a Late Bloomer in Running

(37:56) Balancing Professional Life and Athletic Aspirations

(45:57) Facing Health Challenges and Future Family Planning

(50:02) Preparing for the Boston Marathon: Lessons Learned

(53:44) Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Surprises

Gabi Rooker is a professional marathoner for Nike and a physician assistant. She holds a personal best of 2:24:29 set at the Chicago Marathon in 2024. Gabi is part of the Mill City Running race team. She is coached by her husband, Alex Rooker. They live in Minneapolis, MN with their two dogs, Naot and Felix. Gabi works at M Health Fairview at the University of Minnesota in the department of internal medicine.

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Email - Hello@runningexplained.com

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In this special Women’s History Month episode of the Running Explained Podcast, Coach Nick and Coach Amanda sit down with Ashley Mateo (RunHer Magazine) and Olivia Witherite (OnBase Collective) to explore the evolving landscape of women’s running and sports media.

They dive into storytelling in the sport, the rise of women-led platforms, and why representation, fair pay, and media coverage still need major progress. From building brands to navigating the influencer era, this conversation unpacks what’s working, what’s broken, and where women’s sports are headed next.

Are you part of a Run Club that has helped you feel included. One that is giving back to it's community and making it a better place. One that has helped you love running more? We want to feature some of the run clubs who are doing just that, making running a better place in their communities. So submit your run club here at this link Run Club Submission

(00:00) Introduction to Women in Sports

(03:33) Personal Journeys in Running

(06:14) The Shift from Participation to Influence

(09:19) The Importance of Print Media

(12:14) Building OnBase Collective

(15:07) Creating and Controlling the Narrative

(18:03) Financial Independence in Women's Sports

(20:50) The Role of Community Support

(23:47) The Popularity of Women's Running

(26:52) Camaraderie in Women's Running

(29:34) Frustrations in Running Media

(32:34) The Future of Women's Sports

(41:20) Media Literacy in Sports Content

(44:24) Gender Representation in Sports Media

(47:38) The Role of Influencers in Running Media

(50:19) Brand Responsibility in Sports Marketing

(51:04) Addressing Online Harassment in Sports

(54:29) Empowering Women in Sports Media

Olivia Witherite is an amateur runner and social media marketer in the running space based in Brooklyn. She took up running in her late 20s and hasn't looked back since. Currently, she runs with both the Brooks Running Collective and Dashing Whippets Running Team. She is the owner of On-Base Collective, a social media strategy and brand marketing agency, and currently is the head of content at ATHLOS, an innovative women's Track & Field league.

Olivia Instagram -

Ashley Mateo is the founder and editor of RUNHER Magazine. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Runner's World, and TIME. She is also a certified running coach based in Denver, CO.

Ashley Instagram

Nick's Instagram

Amanda's Instagram

Email - Hello@runningexplained.com

🚨 1:1 COACHING SPOTS OPEN NOW

🚨Ready to finally train with a plan that’s built around YOU

✅ Personalized training

✅ Weekly support + adjustments

✅ Strategy, structure, and accountability

✅ Expert coaching to help you actually hit your goals

Not ready for a 1:1 Coach

📝PDF Training Plan Templates available

🤝Group Coaching, Strength Training and Unlimited access to

all Training Plans available in The Run Club App

Learn more about all of this at RunningExplained.com

Check out our Free 8 Week 5k Guide! - https://runningexplained.myflodesk.com/l5xeag2tjn

In this episode, Coach Amanda and Coach Nick have Dr. Vicky Sekely on the Running Explained Podcast as she shares expert insights on running injuries, physical therapy, gait analysis, and the impact of social media on running culture. Discover practical advice for injury prevention, effective rehab strategies, and how to navigate the running industry responsibly.This episode is sponsored by Wahoo and their KICKR Run Treadmill. hit the link to learn more about this revolutionary rethink of treadmills from:

Dynamic Pacing (no controls just run)

Terrain simulation (even side to side)

Unmatch Connectivity (simulate routes from Strava and other third party apps).

Go ahead and use code EXPLAINED and Run you Run!

(00:00) Introduction to Guest(06:21) The Role of Physical Therapy in Running(18:19) Understanding Running Gait and Its Misconceptions(31:45) The Epidemic of Running Injuries(36:22) The Influence of Social Media on Running Practices(36:51) The Reality Behind Viral Content(40:02) The Importance of Community and Identity(41:14) Responsibility in the Running Community(47:20) Navigating Injury Rehabilitation(53:01) Progressing Beyond Physical Therapy(01:01:44) Understanding the Healthcare System(01:07:00) Personal Insights and AdviceVictoria Sekely is a Physical Therapist with a passion for all things running. Victoria graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University and went on to complete her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from New York University. Victoria is also a USATF Level 1 and RRCA certified run coach. She is dedicated to helping runners of all levels by using her skills and knowledge to assist runners who are rehabbing from an injury, interested in injury prevention, and/or looking to improve their training with custom running programs. Vicky's IG

Amanda's Instagram

Nick's Instagram

Email - Hello@runningexplained.com

🚨 1:1 COACHING SPOTS OPEN NOW

🚨Ready to finally train with a plan that’s built around YOU

✅ Personalized training

✅ Weekly support + adjustments

✅ Strategy, structure, and accountability

✅ Expert coaching to help you actually hit your goals

Not ready for a 1:1 Coach

📝PDF Training Plan Templates available

🤝Group Coaching, Strength Training and Unlimited access to

all Training Plans available in The Run Club App

Learn more about all of this at RunningExplained.com