Maya Cohn Credits Running With Giving Her Confidence
Today’s guest is someone I’ve chatted with on social media in the past year and I’m excited to dig a little deeper into her story.
Earlier this year, she completed the Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World and there’s no way I’ll pass up a chance to chat all things Disney.
I am looking forward to going a few easy miles with Maya Cohn today!
Maya Cohn
Girls On the Run
Maya Cohn first began running at the age of 9 when she was in third grade.
She was introduced to a local Girls On the Run (GOTR) chapter which she stayed with through 6th grade.
Maya loved learning all about the sport while also being part of a team.
Her years in GOTR helped to build her confidence that she could do hard things.
Maya was adopted from China at 8 years old and GOTR came into her life at just the right time.
Once Maya had aged out of the organization, she took a break from running.
Maya Cohn
Embracing the Online Community
It wasn’t until the pandemic in 2020 that Maya took up running again.
She discovered a running app that had coaches and an online community.
Maya was bolstered by the support and motivation which enabled her to get into longer distances.
During the pandemic, she came across an ad to run a virtual Boston marathon.
Maya had never run a marathon before, but the idea of earning a coveted unicorn medal was too good to pass up.
At the time she signed up, Maya was able to run a 10k distance.
She had some self-doubt as to whether she was capable of going the distance, but ignored the voice and signed up.
Maya found that training her mind was more challenging than training her body.
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Going In Circles
Heading into race day, Maya had planned out all the details.
She mapped out a one-mile loop that she would do 26 times.
The loop idea served two purposes.
Maya was starting her race at 5 am while it was still dark.
A small loop near her house enabled her to feel safer while also giving her easy access to food and water.
Her parents along with some neighbors provided support and cheered her on along the way.
Maya successfully completed her first marathon virtually while also earning the prized unicorn medal.
Run Disney
Maya didn’t stop at one marathon.
After completing her first 26.2, she began to look ahead at what else she could do.
Being an avid Disney fan made the choice easy.
Maya has completed the Walt Disney World Marathon twice, with one of those times being part of the Goofy Challenge.
The Goofy Challenge is a two-day event where the participants run a half marathon on Saturday and then a marathon on Sunday.
Maya loved the entire experience, except maybe the early wake-ups.
She claims she is one and done when it comes to this particular challenge.
Maya Cohn
Motivation To Run
Maya is over day 150 of her first-ever run streak.
She first started the run streak so that she had a reason to get out on a daily basis.
Along with her streak of at least one mile a day, Maya has also just begun training again.
Her next race will be on Princess weekend at Disney.
She will be doing another challenge, but this one will be a 10k with a half-marathon the following day.
Maya prefers to focus on having fun rather than having strict time goals.
She graduated high school during the pandemic which is part of the reason she loves the community running gives her.
Maya is looking ahead to more in-person races that will absolutely include Disney.
Mentioned In This Episode:
Stay connected with Maya Cohn by following her on Instagram.
Maya Cohn credits running with giving her both confidence and a community. Click To Tweet
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