Episode 9: From Piano Keys to Trail Miles: Brian Murphy’s Endurance Journey

On this inspiring episode, we sit down with Brian Murphy—classical pianist, professor of music at William Carey University, and newly-minted ultramarathoner. Brian shares how his endurance journey began not on a racecourse, but during a deeply personal season of struggle as a father navigating his son’s diagnosis with PANDAS, a rare autoimmune disorder. What started as a desperate run for clarity transformed into a passion for running marathons, embracing suffering, and building resilience. From hitting rock bottom to finishing the Chicago Marathon with walking pneumonia, Brian’s story blends artistry, grit, and grace in a way that will move every listener. Tune in as we explore the harmony between music and miles, fatherhood and fortitude. takeaways Brian Murphy transitioned from a classical pianist to a runner. His journey into running began during the 2020 shutdown. Running became a coping mechanism during his son's health crisis. He emphasizes the importance of community in running. Brian's first significant race was the Hattiesburg Half Marathon. He faced and overcame a serious injury (plantar fasciitis). The Chicago Marathon was a challenging experience due to illness. He learned valuable lessons about resilience and determination. Brian's training philosophy includes a balance of speed and endurance. He draws parallels between music practice and running training. Chapters Introduction to Brian Murphy's Journey 03:38 The Transition from Music to Endurance Sports 06:34 Facing Challenges: Brian's Son and PANDAS 09:27 The Emotional Catalyst for Running 12:25 Discovering the Runner Within 15:14 The Role of Running in Mental Clarity 18:24 Understanding PANDAS and Caretaking 21:16 Balancing Caretaking and Personal Life 24:21 The Shift to Endurance Racing 27:04 Setting Goals: From Half Marathons to Full Marathons 30:17 The Journey of Becoming a Faster Runner 33:52 The Journey of Injury and Recovery 39:49 Finding Strength in Community 44:20 The Chicago Marathon Experience 54:17 Post-Marathon Reflections and Future Goals 57:21 The Intersection of Music and Running https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu