Q&A with Emily LaSalle Whitley

Meet Emily LaSalle, an Atlanta native turned New Yorker who just crossed the finish line at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. What started as a way to find balance during the pandemic quickly grew into a lifelong passion rooted in discipline, healing, and community.

Q1: Give us a little background on yourself

My name is Emily, and I’m from Atlanta, Georgia. My family is originally from up north but moved down before I was born, though deep down, I always knew I’d end up in New York City.

Q2: How did you get into running? Any inspiration or experience that motivated you to start running?

COVID was when I really got serious about fitness, and moving to NYC only amplified that. Here, fitness isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle. Running, especially, feels like such a core part of the city’s energy. It’s the most accessible sport out there, yet one of the most challenging. It constantly pushes you to be a better version of yourself. For me, running became exactly what I needed, a healthy outlet and a way to rebuild my relationship with my body after years of comparison and struggling with anorexia. It’s truly you versus you, and that mindset has changed everything. Now, I just want to share my love of running with anyone who’ll listen, and keep pushing myself to go faster. Because honestly? It’s the best feeling in the world.

Q3: What was your first marathon and what made you commit to running one?

ATL marathon! Marathon’s are a personal goal. It forces you to sit with yourself for 26.2 miles and face all the darkest parts of you while pushing your body to the absolute limit. The only person you’re truly racing against is yourself. “Just one more.” It’s such an incredible accomplishment- no matter how fast you run (but hopefully I’ll PR ;))

Q4: How did you train for the most recent NYC marathon?

A LOT of long runs, lots of carbs, an encouraging athletic community (Shout out More Than Miles), help from Coach Onyx MultiSport, & my PT Skip2Health fitness. Lifesavers!

Q5: What was the most difficult part of the training process, both physically and mentally?

Physically? 

The elements. Marathons are at the mercy of the weather, and sometimes that means running a 15 mile long run in the pouring rain or in the dead of summer. It isn’t always pretty, it’s a challenge that pushes your body to the limit. While it may not always be fun, you’ll feel incredible and stronger after.

Mentally? Sitting with your thoughts for those long runs that you’re not with the run club.... gotta run from the demons.

Q6: How did Wip fit into your running routine to help you perform your best?

I’m all about fueling your body. And although food is important, sometimes you need a little extra BOOST in the moment when running. That’s where Wip comes in. It’s minty, fresh, and so easy to pop into your mouth for a quick boost while you’re in the throes of 26.2.

Q7: If you could pick one perfect route to run on, anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Oh gosh that's hard... the NYC route is amazing (though it’s mad hilly) so probably somewhere flat? However my family is Italian and we go every year, so maybe somewhere in Italy along the coast. Or Hawaii. Or Asia. Honestly, anywhere international. Running is hard, especially for long distances like a marathon.

Q8: Tell us about a time you “Owned the Brink” — a moment when you faced a big challenge, stayed ready under pressure, and proved you could rise to the occasion.

I grew up immersed in intense ballet and musical theatre, which eventually led to developing an eating disorder that took a toll on my life. I found myself stuck in a cycle of unhealthy habits and constant comparison. When the world shut down in 2020, everything slowed down, and for the first time, I was forced to take a hard look at my life. I had to find new ways to fill my time and reconnect with myself. Running became that outlet. I’d always used it to stay in shape for dance and clear my head, but during that time, it became so much more. Running ten miles a day, even slowly, became my therapy, my “me” time. When the world reopened, I realized my true passion had shifted toward fitness and social media. Running and strength training helped heal my relationship with food, and being part of the fitness community completely changed my perspective. I started to see food as fuel, something my body needs to perform and thrive. Inspired by the runners I admired, I wanted to dive deeper into the world of marathons, fitness, and online storytelling. My goal now is to share how powerful and healing the running community can be — because it truly changed my life.

Q9: What is the best piece of advice you could give to someone who either wants to get into running or complete a marathon?

There’s always going to be someone faster than you. Don’t compare your time to someone else’s. Compare it to your last run. Be better than you were the last time. Set your goal, and work towards it. I’m no Olympian, I’m an average runner, but I can run a solid 7:30 race pace, and 5 years ago I couldn’t do that. Just do you, and enjoy the ride (and the attention haha).

Q10: Where can fans and followers connect with you online, and do you have any final words or advice for the Wip affiliates?

IG & Tiktok @ emilylasallew ◡̈

Less than 1% of the worlds population runs marathons- come be part