Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Orozco
Hi Maria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved to Austin in May 2022 and gradually fell in love with running again. The city brings so much life to living an outdoor healthy lifestyle, which resonated deeply with me. I then decided to take running seriously and promised myself I’d run the Austin Half Marathon in February 2024. After I crossed the finish line I knew it was only the beginning.
I then ran my first full marathon in Long Beach, California in October 2024. However, I was injured and did not feel how I thought I would on race day. I did not let that stop me though. If anything, it showed me how much community and support there is around running. I finished it within 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Once I returned to Austin, I decided to run the Austin Full Marathon in February 2025 and convinced one of my best friends to run it with me (it was her first). I learned from my mistakes from the first time by not neglecting strength training, taking less electrolytes, fueling properly before/during long runs, and hydrating. It was such a different experience training with a friend than training alone.
Her and I both completed a sub 4 marathon. I completed mine in 3 hours and 51 minutes and she was one minute behind me. I was so proud of us!
What do you know.. I am training all over again. Except this time around I got a running coach. I am training to hit a new PR that will help me quality for the Boston, Chicago, or New York Marathon. My goal is to run all 7 majors!
Aside from this. I will be starting my own run club and athletic wear brand this year. What I realized you can’t do it all at once, but you can go off from building blocks (in this case my passion for running and fitness) sharing that with others is important to me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was not a smooth road. I didn’t love running at first, but what I felt and learned about myself is something that I hold close to my heart. Running helps me push through life challenges. It shows me that no matter how difficult things may get, you continue to persevere because the only person to show up for you is yourself and to lean on others who are wanting to support.
One of my challenges happened a week before my first marathon. I was not able to walk properly. My right calf was cramping. Fast forward to race day…by mile 8 my right calf went into complete shock and experienced a painful cramp, then a mile later my left calf did the same. At that time I couldn’t run without feeling like something would tear. I pulled over and tried to extend my legs but they were not giving. I honestly thought to myself I was going to cut my marathon in half. Once I got back on the course I started to pray to God because I knew I wouldn’t make it to the end by myself. All I could think about was my family and friends waiting for me at the end. Then out of nowhere this man comes on my left and says, “Keep up with me” and I held back my tears because I knew that was God sending me an Angel.
I ran with the guy up until mile 17 and then he tapered off. I was then able to run up until mile 22 and that’s when I tripped and caught myself which triggered a worse cramp in my right calf. By then I was dragging myself until I crossed the finish line in tears because I honestly didn’t think I was going to make it.
I love the strength in the running community. Seeing everyone accomplish the goals they set for themselves is incredible! Everyone is on different paths arriving at the same destination with different emotions and
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am passionate about running, strength training, cooking, and learning. I love sharing that with others and little did I know it has inspired those around me. All I want is to be a positive impact in people’s lives, spread the light, and help where I can.
That is why I am in the process of creating a running club, after working on getting my running certification so I can help others achieve their goals, and begin my athletic wear brand beginning Jan 2026.
I am know as someone who encourages others to do something that will add value to their lives. I am not one to say you need to look X kind of way. I am someone who believes in movement so we can live a life in motion to enjoy the things we loves with those around us.
What sets me apart from others is that I am willing to go the extra mile to show others they are also capable of doing what they thought was impossible. I like to believe I am the training wheels. It is so important to believe in others because you never know if that moment of belief was the extra boost in addition to their determination.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Put yourself out there. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, but I also make it a point to do things on my own. This way I can branch out and talk to people even if I am shy. This way you get to know more about yourself and build connections outside of your sphere.
I also am huge on networking via Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: runninwsole
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@runninwsole
