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This Marathoner Turned Her Love of Running Into a Social Media Business

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This Marathoner Turned Her Love of Running Into a Social Media Business

Name: Kate Mackz
Age: 27
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Occupation: Content creator and host of The Running Interview Show
Reason for Running: I’ve always loved running. I took to it early on, and it quickly became a big part of my life.

At 14, I was a freshman starter on the varsity lacrosse team—a dream I’d had since I was a kid. At the end of the spring season, I jumped to intercept a pass, landed wrong, and felt my knee give out. I had torn my ACL, MCL, and meniscus in an instant.

Before I knew it, I was having reconstructive surgery on my right knee and then started a year of grueling rehab. It was like my world turned upside down. I went from being a three-sport varsity athlete to learning how to walk and run again.

It was tough on my mental health, so I decided to turn it into something positive. I started a blog and created videos about every step of my recovery—from pre-surgery doctor visits to every little milestone. The blog became a space for other young athletes going through ACL rehab to connect and support each other.

Just a month after I was cleared to play again—and of course, after sharing my excitement with my followers—I tore my ACL a second time. Same knee, same sport. The graft from the first surgery had completely torn, and I was devastated all over again.

At 15, I made the hard call to let go of my dream to play lacrosse in college, which all of my friends and siblings went on to do. I just didn’t have it in me to face another surgery and another year of rehab.

But, in that year of recovery, I found something new to love: running. It’s funny how you learn to appreciate something even more when it’s almost taken away from you.

Initially, I ran about five to six times a week, gradually increasing my distance and learning what worked best for me without relying on formal training plans or apps.

Running gave me a sense of purpose and something to focus on outside of my physical limitations. It allowed me to connect with myself on a deeper level and find strength I didn’t know I had. It became a therapeutic outlet, helping me process and move forward from the setbacks I faced.

Over the years, I’ve participated in many races to stay motivated. I’ve completed many half marathons, with the More Women’s Half Marathon in Central Park being a favorite. I’ve also tackled three marathons: the New York City Marathon two times and the Philadelphia marathon one time.

The idea for The Running Interview Show, a social media account, came from my passion for running and my love for storytelling. I realized that running provides a unique backdrop for open and heartfelt conversations.

My fiancé, Jeremy, and I brainstormed a social media framework for the running interview show and crafted my go-to pick up-line: “Hey, how many miles are you running today?” I got after it and started my Running Interview TikTok in April 2023.

To get the show off the ground, I initially approached strangers on the street, offering them a pair of shoes to join me for a run and share their stories. This grassroots approach was a bit of a financial strain, and I even went into debt in the early stages to support it. I was working a job at an advertising agency, and let’s just say that my salary was definitely not supporting my need to buy and give away more than 20 pairs of sneakers a month.

I would film episodes every day before heading to my day job, which meant balancing a tight schedule and financial strain. Despite these hurdles, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how running fosters genuine connections and meaningful dialogues with a diverse range of guests.

I run with guests almost every day. After the runs, we sit down while we’re still buzzing for my new podcast, Post Run High. The new show allows us to dive even deeper into the conversations we started during our runs.

In my free time, I’ve also leaned into Pilates and yoga to complement my running routine and support overall flexibility and strength. I’m looking forward to continuing to explore new running routes with different guests and further integrating cross-training practices into my routine. It’s an exciting balance of maintaining endurance while enhancing my overall fitness.

I want other runners to know that my journey hasn’t been a straight line—it’s been filled with ups and downs, injuries, and detours. But through it all, running has been a constant source of joy and self-discovery.

My advice to those looking to start running is simple: just start. Don’t worry about your pace or distance at first. Find joy in the movement, listen to your body, and remember that every step you take is a step forward. Running is a personal journey, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it.

These three tips have made my running journey a success:

1. Listen to your body

Trusting your body and knowing when to push or rest is key to staying injury-free and enjoying running long-term. It’s important to be mindful and adapt your training based on how you feel.

2. Stay consistent

Regular practice, even when motivation is low, builds endurance and strengthens the mind-body connection. Small, consistent efforts lead to big gains over time.

3. Make it social

One tip I always emphasize is to run with a friend. Having a running buddy not only makes the miles go by faster but also keeps you motivated and accountable. It’s a great way to make running more enjoyable and stick to your routine!

Kate’s Must-Have Gear

→ Adidas Ultraboost 5x Shoe: I’m currently loving these as my everyday trainers.

→ Adizero Prime x 2.0 Strung Running Shoes: These are fun sneakers that provide a little extra spring on the days you need it

→ Nuun Sport Electrolyte Powder Packets in Pink Lemonade Flavor: We all know the importance of staying hydrated whether you are a runner or not, and these taste amazing. I love anything lemonade flavored, especially pink lemonade.

→ Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: I had no idea how much of a game changer these would be for running. They connect to your phone through bluetooth and are simply amazing. I use them everyday to listen to music and make calls on my runs. Other perks are you can take pictures and videos with them and they have some AI features.

Emily Shiffer has worked as a writer for over 10 years, covering everything from health and wellness to entertainment and celebrities. She previously was on staff at SUCCESS, Men’s Health, and Prevention magazines. Her freelance writing has been featured in Women’s Health, Runner’s World, PEOPLE, and more. Emily is a graduate of Northwestern University, where she majored in magazine journalism at the Medill School of Journalism and minored in musicology. Currently residing in Charleston, South Carolina, Emily enjoys instructing barre, surfing, and long walks on the beach with her miniature Dachshund, Gertrude.

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