Karen Liu - From Crash to New York Marathon Finisher

Eight years ago, I shattered my pelvis in a bike crash. 🚴

Years passed, and my return to marathon running seemed daunting as I contended with changes in biomechanics from a large titanium screw in my pelvis and from aging, perimenopause, and resulting tendinopathies.

Physical therapists counseled me to give up marathons and long runs, which I did for a while.

When I received acceptance into the New York City Marathon via lottery 🎟️, I could barely jog-walk two miles. I suffered severe foot pain, as well as knee and hamstring pain. Unsure if I could complete a full marathon, I hired Scott Browning to coach me to the finish.

After an initial assessment with Scott, we had a follow-up conversation about expectations. My goal was simply to finish the marathon. Scott wanted it to be a positive and joyful experience.

I was filled with excitement, uncertainty, and self-doubt, fearful to hope for the unknown: what my aging body could endure. Towards the end of our meeting, Scott expressed what he needed from me:

👉 “Trust me. Trust me in this process. Trust me as your coach.”

His words struck me, and throughout the many months of training, whenever I questioned assigned distances or paces (too fast, too slow, too much distance, not enough distance), when I worked through old injury flare-ups, or when I was uncertain if I could overcome mental challenges, I heard his words in my head: “Trust me as your coach.”

Trusting Scott’s expertise allowed me to work hard, navigate safely through tendinopathies, grow stronger, and improve my self-confidence in being a “runner” again. Scott’s coaching skills helped me grow from barely able to jog-walk two miles in pain to running joyfully through all five boroughs of New York City to the finish line.

Race week came, and I felt physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared. Everything went smoothly. Weekly discussions and consistent communication with my coach prepared me for whatever I could potentially encounter. Scott’s travel and race lists helped eliminate stress and anxiety. 🏃

The day before the race, I enjoyed a shakeout run with Scott and his wife, Micaela. I then picked up my packet and spent the evening relaxed and ready to go.

Race morning felt incredibly easy, allowing me to focus on being present without worry.

👉 Running the New York City Marathon was one of the greatest experiences of my life. 

It was more than I had dreamed of, with 2 million people lining the streets, cheering for us. As I turned into Central Park, I was overcome with emotion. Scott and I discussed visualizing the finish and what it would look and feel like. Running past roaring crowds and the flags of nations was better than anything I had imagined.

I wept happy tears as I crossed that finish line. 🏅

I had run the entire marathon with a consistent pace from months of training and coaching. I had run injury-free and relatively pain-free. It seemed like a miracle, but it was a combination of my hard work and thoughtful, personalized coaching from Scott. I genuinely believe I couldn’t have run the race so successfully without Scott’s help.

Afterward, I walked an additional 26,000 and 13,000 steps on Monday and Tuesday, post-marathon, while sightseeing with my husband.

I was physically the healthiest and strongest I’ve been in many years, which is a testament to the training I’d received from Scott. Throughout this journey, I learned to believe in myself and my ability to run again. I also gained a coach and mentor who gave me guidance, encouragement, and hope.

👉 Race day was an incredible memory I will forever cherish.

Thank you, Scott, for helping me realize my dream of running the New York City Marathon.

We did it! 🎊