The Power Of Average Running

For years, the running world has celebrated finish times, podiums, and personal records. Yet some of the most meaningful stories happen far from the front of the pack. Average Athlete Running Community isn’t about being the fastest. It’s about showing up, embracing where you are today, and believing you belong. That’s exactly what Mary Pittman represents. From running cross country as a teenager to becoming a mother, entrepreneur, and founder of Average Athlete, Mary has discovered that success isn’t measured by a watch. It’s measured by confidence, connection, and the courage to keep taking the next step. Her story reminds us that the strongest runners aren’t always the fastest.….they’re the ones who continue to say yes to the journey.

Odd Duck Running Co. Athlete Spotlight Questionnaire

The Basics

Name: Mary Pittman

Hometown / Where you are currently running:
I grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, and now live and run in Carmel, Indiana.

Occupation or side hustle:
I stepped away from my career in global health after having my second child in 2024. These days, I’m a stay-at-home mom and the founder of Average Athlete.

Your Running Story

How did you get into running?
I’ve been running since high school cross country. I originally tried soccer, but it turned out I was much better at the running part than the soccer part. Running has always been something I’ve genuinely enjoyed. I’ve never won races or been the star runner, but I’ve always loved getting out there.

What keeps you coming back to it?
Running has followed me through every stage of life. I’ve run after late nights in college, to explore new cities while traveling and living abroad, and now to carve out time for myself during motherhood. No matter where I am or what season of life I’m in, running has always been there. I love the people, the race-day energy, and the fact that the barrier to entry is fairly low. All you really need is a pair of shoes and the willingness to take the first step.

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The “Odd Duck” Section

What makes you a little different as a runner?
I embrace my averageness—in fact, I celebrate it.

I also couldn’t tell you most of my race times if you asked. Once I cross the finish line, I’m just happy to be done. I’m usually more interested in the people I met, the experience I had, and where we’re getting food afterward than what my watch says.

A quirky habit, superstition, or pre-race ritual:
My worst running habit is arriving at races at the absolute last minute. Not intentionally… but somehow I’m always one of the last people checking in or jogging toward the start while still tying my shoes. I’ve even shown up to a race on the wrong day before. Maybe I should develop an actual pre-race ritual…that might be helpful.

Favorite weird or unexpected running snack:
Nothing too adventurous—just give me an ice-cold Coca-Cola during a long run and I’m happy.

Life Beyond the Miles

What does running give you outside of fitness?
Running gives me space to reset. As a mom of two young kids, time for myself is rare, and running is where I usually find it. Whether my kids are riding in the stroller or I’m out on my own, I always come home feeling like a better version of myself—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

How has running changed you as a person?
I’m not sure running has changed me as much as it’s grown alongside me. In college, it kept me active. After graduation, it helped me explore new places around the world. Now, in motherhood, it’s become my reset button.

As I’ve gotten older, I like to think I’m getting a little wiser – like I’m learning to run my own race—literally and figuratively. I’m spending less time comparing myself to what I see online and more time focusing on consistent habits and steady progress. At Average Athlete, I say, “Everyone has their own average. I’m just trying to beat mine.” That’s become a mindset I try to live by.

Something you’re proud of that has nothing to do with running:
Starting Average Athlete and watching it grow into a welcoming community. Seeing people realize they belong in sports—whether they’re running, walking, lifting, swimming, or just getting started—is something I’m incredibly proud of.

I also did a lot of great work in public health informatics around the world. While I don’t actively work my 9-5 in that field anymore, I’m proud of all the work I did.

Community & Connection

How has the running community impacted you?
When I moved to Indiana, I hardly knew anyone outside of my husband’s family. I started showing up to group runs and introducing myself to people. Those friendships have made Indiana feel like home.

I’ve also learned that nobody really cares what your pace is. We all have different goals, but this community will cheer you on anyway. The best thing you can do is show up and say hi.

Advice for someone just starting out:
Run your race at your pace. Comparison steals the joy. We all have different goals, different starting points, and different versions of “average.” The only person you need to compare yourself to is who you were yesterday.

Shoutout to someone who’s inspired you:
Honestly, the Average Athletes I meet every day inspire me the most. The people who discover running later in life, the parents squeezing in miles between soccer practices, the people chasing better health, and the people carrying heavy things in life who still choose to show up—that’s who inspires me.

But I also have to give a shoutout to two women who have had a huge impact on my running journey in Indiana: Ally Brettnacher and Christi Dee.

Ally was one of the very first people to welcome me into Indiana’s running community. As a fellow mom, entrepreneur, Miami graduate, and runner, she immediately made me feel like I belonged. If someone asks, “How do you know this runner?” there’s a good chance the answer is, “Ally.” She’s the queen of connecting people.

Christi has impacted me in a different way. I remember showing up completely unprepared for my first 8-hour endurance race, Hustle in the Heartland, and she invited me to put my folding chair under her tent and encouraged me all day long. It reminded me how much one welcoming person can change someone’s race-day experience.

This year she also became my coach. She’s helped me build an entirely new level of confidence in myself as a runner. I never thought an average athlete could have a coach, but she’s taught me so much—and helped me realize that having big goals isn’t reserved for elite runners.

Looking ahead 

Current goals (races, adventures, or personal growth):
Right now I’m training for Prairie on Fire, my first backyard ultra, and I’m excited to see just how many yards I can string together.

Beyond running, I want Average Athlete to become the most approachable athletic brand out there. If it helps someone smile, meet a new friend, or finally say, “I signed up for that race because of Average Athlete,” then I know it’s doing something right.

A dream race or challenge:
I’d love to run the New York City Marathon someday. I grew up in New Jersey, just outside Manhattan, and spent years watching the marathon from the sidelines.

I’d also love redemption at the Crater Lake Marathon—the race I accidentally showed up for on the wrong day. Looking back, it was probably for the best because I was wildly undertrained.

Closer to home, I spend much of my summer at Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana. One of these days, I’d love to swim the entire 2.5-mile length of the lake and then run the 10-mile loop around it. Anyone want to join me?

I also really want to do 1 real pushup and 1 real push up. Level up that mom strength!

What “success” in running looks like to you right now:
Success is staying healthy and staying in “I’m ready” shape. I want to be the person who gets a text saying, “Want to run a half marathon this weekend?” and can confidently reply, “Yep. I’m in.”

Last but not least

A mantra, phrase, or mindset you lean on:
My husband and I are big fans of saying, “Send it.” It usually leads us to saying yes to adventures we probably would’ve overthought otherwise.

And on the really hard runs, I remind myself, “I made it through pregnancy and childbirth—I can do this.” Mom strength is real.

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