GMEP anchor to run full marathon

A familiar face will be among the throng of runners at the starting line of the Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon on Feb. 17, 2019.

ABC-7 and race organizers have teamed up to train “Good Morning El Paso” anchor Stephanie Valle for the full 26.2 mile race. The announcement was made official on Tuesday, nearly seven months before the marathon.

“I can’t believe I’m agreeing to run 26.2 miles,” Valle said. She continued, tongue firmly in her cheek, saying, “But after running the half marathon twice over two years, why not try running that total amount at one time, right?”

Of course, most runners consider the marathon much harder than a half marathon because of the strain it puts on the body, which tends to run out of glycogen after about 20 miles, making the last six miles of the marathon extra strenuous.

Still, marathoners come to love the challenge of pushing their bodies beyond its normal limits, race organizers said in a news release announcing Valle’s commitment.

“I’m nervous and excited about the challenge and am eager to learn what exactly I’m capable of doing,” Valle said.

Generally, running experts recommend that those who commit to run a marathon have a good base of 20-25 miles a week of running before beginning a four-month program leading up to the race.

Although this will be her first marathon, Valle is no newbie to running, having run the El Paso Half Marathon two times already.

“One of the exciting things about working with the El Paso Marathon is seeing people accomplish their goals,” said Mike Coulter, race director of the Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon, Half Marathon and Up and Running 5K. “Stephanie will surely be an inspiration for many, being a mom, wife, career woman and runner committed to getting it done.”

Valle, who is married with two children, ages 6 and 8, will bring viewers along for the journey with an periodic check-in on her training both on air and on her social media accounts. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Sign up for the marathon, half marathon or 5K here.