We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Mccorkle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, how do you think about risk?
When it comes to risk-taking, I like to think of it as the experience of running a marathon. Picture this: every marathon starts with a leap of faith. You commit to the grueling training, embrace the uncertainty of the race day, and face the risk of not finishing. But it’s in that commitment and the willingness to face potential challenges where the true growth happens. In running, growth blossoms in the depths of discomfort.

In my career, I’ve approached risk similarly. Just as a runner might push past their comfort zone to reach a goal time or take on a tougher course, I’ve taken calculated risks to propel my career forward. I took the ultimate career risk by leaving my very comfortable corporate marketing job to pursue life as a full-time marathon coach. In that transition and in my leadership role today, I’ve learned that the stretch beyond familiar territory often yields the biggest wins.

Just as every runner faces moments of doubt and physical pain, the risks in my career have sometimes come with setbacks or failures. But these are just like miles 17-20 in a marathon—each one pushes you to tap into your resilience, adaptability, and determination. And just as crossing the finish line after a challenging race brings an unparalleled sense of accomplishment, taking professional risks often leads to personal and career growth that’s deeply fulfilling.

In essence, embracing risk is like running a marathon with an ever-changing course. It’s about preparing rigorously, facing the unknown with courage, and knowing that the journey, though unpredictable, will ultimately shape you into a better human.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After college, I was a tech-obsessed, entrepreneurial marketer with a running habit that kept me on my toes—literally! Juggling a 60-hour work week with over 60 miles of running each week wasn’t easy, but I loved the hustle.

When I lost my job at a cool startup in 2018, I found myself in a bit of a career scramble. I threw myself into job hunting while bringing in the bacon any way I could: I wrote training plans, copyedited resumes, and even worked part-time at a charming furniture store. That’s where I met Kasey, who was also figuring out her next move. We’d meet before the store opened to chat about our 5 year-dreams and goals. Kasey wanted to own her own interior design business, and I wanted to turn my running passion into a career. We made a pact to align our choices with our ambitions.

Fast forward five years, and Kasey’s interior design business is thriving, and I’m now the head coach and director of MIT (Marathoner-in-Training), leading one of the largest half and full marathon programs in the country with over 700 athletes.

From this journey, I’ve learned two key lessons: 1) Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you, and 2) Your career is shaped by the small choices you make every day—much like training for a marathon. It’s all about commitment and taking those steps toward your goals!

I want everyone reading this to know that no matter where you are in your career, YOU have the power to change your life. Show up for yourself every day, and don’t be afraid to say a big NO to anything that doesn’t align with your goals or values. You’ve got this!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would love to show them what Columbus has to offer in terms of running, eating, and relaxing! For a fun Saturday, we would kick the morning off with a long run with MIT on the Olentangy Trail, of course! 😉 After the run, we’d stop by Understory, a trendy brunch & cocktail spot right on the trail, to cool down, refresh, and refuel. After a fun evening enjoying one of Columbus’s many community festivals, we’d grab ice cream at Jeni’s!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a special shoutout to MIT (Marathoner-in-Training). When I joined as a runner seven years ago, MIT’s slogan, “Change Your Life, One Mile At A Time,” truly resonated with me. The program not only helped me gain confidence, grit, and community, but also played a crucial role in shifting me from a job I hated to a career I’m passionate about. Now, as the Director and Head Coach of MIT, I am SO grateful for the profound impact it has had on my life and the opportunity to help others discover the transformative power of running and walking,

Website: https://www.marathonerintraining.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellofromhannie/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahmlawrence/

Image Credits
Ryan Garcia, Andy Wilhelm.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutOhio is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.