Stephen Havard - "Accept there will be discomfort and accept the challenge."

On the podcast, Allison interviews Steven (“Big Papa”), a fast, humble runner and new dad, about how he started running after high school to stay in shape and to eventually beat his older brother in races.

Steven describes shifting from mostly trail running in Georgia (especially 2017–2021) to more road running after moving to Mobile in July 2021, noting differences in pacing, muscle strain, anxiety, passing on single-track trails, and the need for more cushioned shoes on pavement.

He shares lessons from running—discipline, consistency, focusing on your own race, negative splits, and not overthinking—plus favorite races like the Mobile Half, War Eagle Half, Bayou Half, and Tunnel Vision 5K, and worst experiences dropping from marathons (Nashville 2012, Savannah 2012, Big Beach 2023) and a tough Duncan Ridge 50K attempt.

Steven details his pre-race routine (early wake-up, coffee, eggs, warm-up), his suitcase-and-backup-gear habits (including wearing three socks and carrying multiple shoes), minimal fueling for halves, and marathon fueling with dates for his upcoming Knoxville Marathon (April 12).

He emphasizes gratitude, faith, community, sleep as recovery, and advice to new runners to get properly fitted shoes, accept discomfort, and build mental fortitude.

Stephen Havard - https://www.facebook.com/shavard6132


Races Mentioned
Cheaha 50k
War Eagle Half Marathon
Mobile Half Marathon
Bayou Half Marathon
Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
Huntsville Marathon
Double Tunnel Vision 5k
Big Beach Marathon
Nashville Marathon
Savannah Marathon
Boston Marathon
Knoxville Marathon
Duncan Ridge 50k

Shout Outs
Jordy
Valerie Guy
Justin Guy
Port City Pacers
Emily Havard
Pierre
Scott Thornhill
Dave McDonald
Lily Havard