Peloton’s Marathon Training Program Got This Member Ready For the NYC Marathon

Peloton Member Jessica Ciardullo never considered herself a “real” runner. “I would run half marathons and never think I could do a full,” she says. Even after accomplishing multiple distance runs and triathlons, it was never a title she gave herself. While training over the summer with her local female running group, a friend planning to run the 2019 NYC marathon convinced her to take the leap and join her on the 26.2-mile journey. Her running group, full of several inspiring women and fellow moms from her community, would meet regularly in their favorite scenic spots around Long Island where they set out on some of their toughest but most rewarding workouts.

Shortly after she made the decision to run the NYC Marathon, Jessica realized that her training timeline coincided perfectly with the schedule of the recently released Marathon Training Program on the Peloton app--a tool that she says has been key for prepping for this race. “If my running partner wasn’t available on the days that I could train, the Marathon Program would always be there, providing an expert instructor in my ear coaching me through it all,” says Jessica. In addition to using the Marathon Training Program, Jessica supplemented her race training by clipping into rides on the Peloton Bike with Peloton instructor Robin Arzon where she was reminded to “adjust her crown,” and laced up for Robin’s recently released Marathon Simulation class on the Peloton Tread. “This class brought me to tears!,” says Jessica. “Robin just really hits home for me when she’s teaching.”

This year has symbolized a shift for Jessica and with every move she’s made her intent was to reach for more. “I turned 40 in February, I went back to school, I’m making a huge career change from floral designer to social worker and I decided to run the NYC Marathon,” she says. “It’s important to me to not only do this for myself but to also set an example for my girls because I know they’re watching me with everything I do.” As race day approaches, she notes that she’s feeling ‘scared but excited’ to cross her first marathon finish line but that she’ll feel the love from the family and friends who have supported all of her transitions this year throughout every step on the course. And another change Jessica embraced this year was an important one to her mindset as an athlete. “I’m proud to say that I now officially call myself a ‘runner.’”