May 23, 2025
Defying the Odds, One Marathon at a Time with Annie Kalter
For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind RunningAbout this episode
What does it mean to show up with joy even in the midst of the hardest seasons? Annie Kalter is a 15-time Boston Marathoner, a mom, a school culture professional, and a woman with an extraordinary story of resilience. After surviving a heart attack that required her to be revived four times, Annie defied the odds to complete her 15th Boston Marathon just five months later. Listen to hear about: Annie’s entry into running and how she unexpectedly discovered the marathon was her distance Building a 15-year Boston streak and what it means to be a streaker Missing a sub-3-hour marathon by just one second and how she found peace with it Surviving a spontaneous coronary artery dissection and learning to run again afterward The mental shift from chasing times to embracing the journey and helping others How joy, gratitude, and rest are now central to Annie’s version of success The healing power of community and movement—even when you have to slow down Whether you’re a runner or not, Annie’s story is a powerful reminder of what it means to keep going, to adapt, and to lead with love. Stay connected: Follow Annie Kalter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniek259/ For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com This episode is supported by: Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org . GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES —the essential outdoor app created by wilderness medicine doctors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or handling a backcountry emergency, GOES gives you expert medical guidance—even without cell service. Tap a body part, assess the risk, and get clear next steps. It’s like having a backcountry medic in your pocket—and it’s an absolute must-have in our kit. 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! Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.