Joy, Grit, and Boston Dreams | Fireside Chat Guest: Krissy Murphy
When Krissy Murphy laced up her shoes in 2010, she wasn’t aiming for glory. She just wanted to finish her first 5K. What followed was an unexpected yet powerful evolution—one that took her from beginner apps to 43 marathons. One of those marathons gave her the opportunity to write a Boston Marathon runner story. Her journey is a masterclass in perseverance, perspective, and passion.
Krissy joined host Jason Bahamundi on Fireside Chat to talk about how a love for running grew into something much bigger: a mission to inspire, uplift, and create meaningful change.
Finding Strength in the Stride
Running wasn’t always easy. Krissy’s first half marathon finish time was 2:04. Her second? A swift 1:48. And her first full marathon goal? Sub-4 hours—achieved with a satisfying 3:59. Still, qualifying for Boston didn’t happen overnight. It took nine years, two kids, and plenty of setbacks. But Krissy kept showing up. Her story is a reminder that the road to your goals isn’t always straight—but every mile is worth it.
For Krissy, the journey wasn’t just about getting faster. It was about getting stronger, more resilient, and more connected to the joy of running.
Running With Heart (And Family)
Krissy’s love of running extends beyond race results. It’s about sharing the experience with her daughters, like during a Turkey Trot where pacing lessons were learned the hard way. It’s about finding joy in the process—even when the course is repetitive and the motivation dips, like at the mentally exhausting Three Bridges Marathon.
She encourages her kids to find their own paths, just as she found hers in running. In doing so, Krissy shows us that racing isn’t just an individual sport—it’s a shared experience filled with teachable moments, laughter, and growth.
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Fun, Food, and Full-Perspective Running
One thing’s clear: Krissy doesn’t take herself too seriously. She keeps her training lighthearted with traditions like cutting PB&J sandwiches into four triangles and claiming all four corner of a tray of brownies. Her food takes? Pineapple belongs on pizza, and candy corn deserves love.
Even during marathon training or summer run streaks, Krissy reminds us that running should be fun. Social media might glamorize the perfect race or fastest time, but Krissy stays grounded in what really matters: perspective, balance, and making running an expression of joy.
Running for a Bigger Cause
Off the racecourse, Krissy uses her platform for good. She raises funds and awareness for PFLAG, an organization supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. Her advocacy is driven by love and understanding, aiming to replace fear and judgment with compassion and support.
Running gave Krissy a powerful voice. One that she is using it to uplift others. Her journey is proof that even small contributions can ripple outward and make a meaningful difference.
Inspiration for the Everyday Athlete
Whether you’re chasing a PR, rebuilding after a setback, or simply learning how to enjoy your run again, Krissy’s story resonates. Her message is one we all need: keep it fun, keep it real, and never underestimate the power of showing up.
You don’t have to write a Boston Marathon runner story, but you have to write YOUR story.
Ready To Share your own running story on How It All Started?
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