Sara Vaughn on Running Pro at 40, Navigating NCAA Pregnancy, and Purpose Beyond Sport

Professional marathoner, CU Boulder alum, and two-time World Team member Sara Vaughn joins Austen Dalquist on The HAX Show for a deep dive into her unconventional 20-year career in distance running. Sara shares her journey from an accidental start in high school cross country to winning state titles in Nebraska and ultimately finding her home at the University of Colorado. She shares an candid look at the early days of her career, including becoming a mother at age 20 alongside her husband, Brent, navigating college athletics before official pregnancy policies existed, and relying on a village of teammates and coaches to raise their daughter Kiki while still qualifying for championships and competing at the highest level. Beyond her athletic progression and career in professional running, Sara discusses the heart behind the Vaughn Childcare Foundation, an organization she founded to provide direct financial aid to collegiate student-athletes balancing parenthood and degree completion. She also reflects on how her faith in Jesus has served as the ultimate anchor through the highs and lows of sport, marriage, and family life.01:22 Nebraska to Boulder Journey09:48 Transfer to CU and Meeting Brent12:24 College Parenthood and Team Support17:48 Growing Up Fast as Young Parents18:54 Vaughn Childcare Foundation Mission20:44 Faith as the Steady Anchor23:39 Post College Pro Pursuit and Policy Gaps26:31 Portland Years and Real Estate Pivot31:38 World Teams and Sponsorship Rejections36:59 Racing for Team USA38:53 Balancing Two Careers40:54 Raising Runner Daughters43:07 Advice for Young Runners44:33 Fueling and Health Talk46:01 Tech vs Basics Debate52:00 NCAA and NIL Changes55:47 Becoming a Marathoner01:00:38 Running Past 4001:03:58 Chicago Build and Injuries01:07:15 Longevity and Wrap UpIf you enjoyed this conversation, please like the video and subscribe for more episodes of The HAX Show!_____________________________________________We're grateful to partner with LifeQuotes to bring you this episode.LifeQuotesProtect the long run.Get your free quote today: https://lifequotes.com or call 800-955-6618____________________________________________⚒️ About Hammer & Axe TrainingOur coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.1:1 Coaching | Take our quiz to find your coach: https://haxtraining.com/take-the-coaches-quizTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.com