When Uly Morazan signed up for his first half marathon, he’d never owned a pair of running shoes. Four months later, he crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon, joining the 1% of people who can call themselves marathon runners.
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“I started running because my best friend peer-pressured me into a Disney half marathon,” he laughs. “My first four-mile run was the worst day of my life. But each time I went out, it got a little bit easier - and I just kept going.”
In this episode of The Runna Podcast, Ben sits down with Uly, the comedian who once hated running, to unpack how a beginner’s mindset, a sense of humour, and a willingness to learn can take you all the way from zero miles to 26.2.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Whether you’re lacing up for your first 5K or dreaming of a marathon, Uly’s story is proof that you don’t have to be a lifelong runner to fall in love with the sport.
What it takes to go from “non-runner” to marathon finisher in four months
How to train smart with setbacks - from knee pain to heatwaves
Why mindset and humour matter more than pace or perfection
Gels, salt pills, and fueling - everything Uly learned the hard way
How community, confidence, and small wins build lifelong motivation
Listen or watch the full episode for practical takeaways, training tips, and plenty of laughs from someone discovering running for the first time.
From ‘I Hate Running’ to Marathoner
Uly’s running story began with a challenge from a friend - and a promise to try something new.
“I’d stopped running for years,” he says. “But when my best friend Jazz asked me to do the Disney half marathon, I just said yes. I went out for a four-mile run and thought I was dying - I didn’t even have real running shoes!”
Despite the rough start, Uly stuck with it. He found a beginner training plan online and started running three times a week, balancing short weekday runs with a long run every weekend. Slowly, the impossible became achievable.
“After my first half marathon, I realised: if I can do that, I can probably do a full one,” he says. Two months later, he was standing at the start line of the New York City Marathon.
Learning by Doing: Fuel, Failures, and Firsts
Every new runner has those “what am I doing?” moments, and Uly’s came early.
“I had no idea about gels or fueling,” he laughs. “The first time I took one, I was like - this is disgusting. Sticky hands, nowhere to throw it away. But by mile 20, I didn’t care how it tasted - I just needed it.”
From dehydration during a heatwave to discovering salt tablets, every long run taught him something new.
“People told me to try salt pills, and I was like, ‘What even are those?’ Then I finished a run with white salt streaks on my face and realised, oh - that’s what they meant.”
Finding Balance and Listening to the Body
One of Uly’s biggest lessons was learning when to push - and when to pull back.
“There were runs where I had to walk,” he admits.
“At first I thought that meant I’d failed. But then I realised it’s just practice for race day - sometimes you stop, then you start again. It’s all part of learning how to keep moving.”
That mindset helped him manage his old knee injury and train safely through the summer heat. “I didn’t want to injure myself before the race,” he says. “So I just tried to take it slow - not every day has to be perfect.”
The New York Marathon: A Victory Lap of Joy (and Pain)
When race day came, Uly was ready… sort of.
“I didn’t know New York was basically 90% uphill,” he laughs. “Every time I thought, ‘Okay, downhill next,’ it was another climb. But the crowd made it worth it. The cheering, the music - it carries you the whole way.”
He followed the golden rule: nothing new on race day. No new shoes, no new kit, no new food. “Stick with what you know, and start slow,” he says. “That’s the advice that saved me.”
Crossing the finish line was emotional. “I’m not a crier,” he says, “but I felt this mix of joy and relief. I couldn’t believe I’d done it.”
The Community That Keeps You Going
Running might be a solo sport, but for Uly, community made all the difference.
“Seeing my husband at three points along the course kept me going,” he says. “He was crying, I was crying. And then he said his feet hurt from walking, and I was like, really?” he laughs. “But honestly, the supporters deserve medals too.”
That encouragement, both on the course and online, kept Uly accountable.
“When I posted about bad runs, people messaged to say they’d had the same thing,” he says. “It reminded me that everyone struggles - you just have to keep showing up.”
Why Every Beginner Should Try Running
When asked what advice he’d give to someone who doesn’t think they’re a runner, Uly keeps it simple:
“Take it slow. Don’t go from zero to 100. I started with four miles and built up half a mile at a time. That’s how it becomes fun instead of punishment.”
And for anyone still on the fence?
“Start - or don’t,” he jokes. “Because once you do, you’re hooked. I used to think I’d never run a marathon. Now I’m talking about London.”
Watch the Full Conversation
Hear Uly Morazan’s full post-marathon debrief with Ben on The Runna Podcast.
The conversation includes his funniest training mistakes, first-time fueling tips, and what it really feels like to join the 1% of people in the world who can call themselves marathon runners.
🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts