Athlete Spotlight: Emily Leniart
Coach's Note
From the streets of Manhattan to the starting lines of many big races, Emily has continued to show what resilience and joy in the sport really look like. Training while managing epilepsy hasn’t always been easy, for the both of us, and there have been moments that were pretty scary, but she’s met every challenge with courage and a mindset that refuses to give up. Watching her trust the training process and continuing to show up when things are tough has been nothing short of inspiring.
Her breakthrough moment came at the Chicago Marathon where she threw down a massive 3:24 PR. A performance that felt like everything finally came together. What makes Emily special though isn’t just race day. It’s the training. She constantly surprises me with the paces she can hit, especially during speed sessions…she’s got some serious wheels and isn’t afraid to use them. And if you know Emily, you know she brings energy everywhere she goes. High spirited, always joking, and somehow turning even the most nerve wrecking race mornings into a party.
Next up, she’s heading to the London Marathon this spring alongside her close friend Maria Carroll, and the training block has been strong so far. Another breakthrough could very well be on the horizon. No matter what the clock says, Emily can remind us that running is about heart and embracing every moment of the journey. Let’s cheer her on as she takes on London! 🇬🇧
Athlete Profile
Name:
Emily Leniart
Hometown / Current City:
Middletown, NJ / Current: NYC
Why I Run:
I run because other people with Epilepsy can't. I’ve lived with epilepsy since I was 14, and at 27, it’s still part of my life. Running has become one of the ways I live with it—not something that defines my limits, but something that helps me push past them. RunnersFix couldn’t cure my epilepsy, but it gave me a coach who truly cared. When I joined, Jon took it upon himself to learn about epilepsy and understand how it could affect my training. He adapted my schedule when needed, always prioritizing my health while still helping me move forward. I’ve had seizures during training blocks, often triggered by stress, but they haven’t stopped me—and they won’t. My neurologist knows about my running and fully supports it, recognizing it as a healthy outlet and an escape from reality during my runs. Running gives me control in a body that doesn’t always cooperate. It gives me structure, purpose, and peace. Has epilepsy been a hurdle in training? Yes. If I didn’t have seizures, would I be a better runner? Also yes—maybe even running alongside Helen Obiri. But I don’t run for comparisons. I run because I keep getting stronger, healthier, and faster. I run because progress is possible, even when the path isn’t perfect. And most of all, I run because this is my journey—and I choose to keep showing up.
Current PR:
3:23:38 (Chicago)
Proudest PR:
The PR I am most proud of is the first marathon I ran as a RunnersFix athlete. I am a BIG fan of the Chicago Marathon, and in 2021 I ran it in 4:24:47. After a friend told me I needed more guidance, I hired a coach who lived overseas, but it felt like I didn’t have an actual coach who truly cared or was invested in my progress. After further encouragement from Miss Maria Carroll, I finally joined RunnersFix. After about 3–4 months of hard training with Jon, I decided to run the 2023 Chicago Marathon again. With Jon’s guidance, I ran a 3:47:47 marathon. Needless to say, having a great coach helped me shave 37 minutes off my marathon time.
Wake-Up Time:
6:30 am to take 9 anti-seizure pills.
Pre-Run Ritual:
Texting Jon about my anxiety and listening to his plan for me throughout the race.
Favorite Workout:
Speed/ Track workouts
Least Favorite Workout:
Easy runs are my least favorite.
Race-Day Breakfast:
Plain cheerios (because I know it will be at every hotel)
Go-To Running Shoes:
Novablast 5
Current Goal:
To inspire others
