The Rambling Runner Podcast

People like Aly Groft was the reason the Rambling Runner Podcast was created. At the Erie Marathon last week Aly got her fourth consecutive Boston qualifying time. Thankfully, it was her first time getting far enough under the qualifying time to run the race. That’s right, she had three straight BQ’s but none fast enough to register. Her commitment and determination are matched only by her optimism. With four kids under the age of eight, and a job as a first grade teacher, Aly is surrounded by little ones begging for her attention. In this episode we talk about maintaining a positive mindset, achieving goals, working with kids while planning training around your own, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Truesdale has gone from a self-described “band geek“ to a sub elite marathoner in five short years. This amazing transformation needs to be heard to be believed. Even with his lightning fast speed, what really moves Aaron is the connection to others that he gets through running in his native San Diego. One of those connections is with his mother. When she was diagnosed breast cancer her goal was to run with her son - and that’s exactly what she did. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it was as a Marine, Spartan Death Race finisher, or an ultra marathoner, Billy Richards is the personification of persistence. In 2019 he embarked on a new mission: Break the world record for most 100-mile races in a calendar year. The current record is 41 and Billy is well on his way. He‘s completed 25 which means he has 17 to go - with 17 weeks left in the year. If you love following David Goggins then you’ll really enjoy listening to Billy‘s story. You can learn more about him in the money he is raising at https://diem.life/billy100. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alison Wade is single-handedly improving the running community. Her Fast Women newsletter is a staple of any running fan’s weekly reading. In this episode we dive into Alison‘s running, coaching, and media history. All of these layers of contributed to the formation of a wonderful person who is doing amazing things. Here is a description of her work in her own words, “As a lifelong fan of women’s distance running, I’ve always wished that I could nerd out with more people over the latest news in the sport. Through this newsletter, I hope to find the existing running nerds, and help convert more of you. (Don’t worry, it’s a good thing, I promise!) When the runners in the pack learn about the runners up front, they can glean information they can apply to their own running, get a big dose of inspiration, and they often learn that they have more in common with the pros than they imagined.” Newsletter: www.fast-women.org. You can support Alison’s great work at https://www.patreon.com/fastwomen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roughly 3,300 days ago Sean Nakamura started running and he‘s still going strong. His 3,200+ day run streak is incredible, as is his transition from two miles a day to owner of one of the most brutal race schedules in the country. This year he will run the Great Eight (the original 100 mile races) plus UTMB, Tahoe 200, and the Big Backyard Ultra. Wow! In addition to this amazing string of races, Sean works full-time as the head of IT in a company where he has worked for 16 years. This guy has mastered the long term power of consistency and positivity. You can follow Sean’s journey at www.instagram.com/ultrarunnersd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I absolutely loved this conversation with Liz Camy. Her running career at Cal St. Northridge was curtailed by persistent race anxiety. Those feelings continued after graduation before she was finally able to put them behind her and begin running marathons. She progressed from a 4:08 marathon to the cusp of an OTQ before the 2016 Olympic Trials. She clocked a 2:46 in the heat of Los Angeles, just missing her goals. She clawed her way back and claimed her OTQ at CIM in 2017 with a 2:43. She got there while raising two young children, working as an educator in elementary special education, and finishing her doctorate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katy Sherratt leads Back on My Feet as Chief Executive Officer. An award winning social innovation leader, Katy has been instrumental in increasing Back on My Feet’s programmatic impact by over 75% and introduced new and important measures to demonstrate the holistic impact of the program. Under her tenure, Back on My Feet has gone from early stage startup to sustainable organization and is now a leader in the homelessness services space nationwide. Funding has increased by over 50% thanks to the growth of existing, and cultivation of new, partnerships and fundraising streams and the geographic expansion of operations along the East and West coasts. Katy has been recognized across multiple media and news outlets including by The Economist’s Philanthrocapitalism program as a leader in social innovation and cutting edge non-profit management. In 2016 she was also named among Women’s Running Magazine’s “Top 20 Gamechangers” and most recently a winner at the Philadelphia Social Innovation Awards. “I’m honored to lead such a unique, dynamic and growing organization,” said Katy. “You don’t have to be a marathoner or even a 5K runner, to feel the power of what we do on the morning runs – the community we build for individuals experiencing homelessness is the critical missing link and the reason why we’ve had such huge success in enabling our members to transition out of homelessness and maintain that transition.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I will run a marathon before I am 30.” With that drunken assertion, James Dunn eventually changed the course of his life. He transformed himself from 286 lbs. to completing one of the one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, the Marathon des Sables (across the Sahara desert). Last year he was warded “Best Blogs 2018” - Running Awards for www.themorningcoffeerun.com. James has completed six ultras, 20 marathons, and 20 half-marathons. This year, take on a different running adventure. Grab some of your closest friends, grab your running shoes, and take on the challenge and conquer something BIG together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Rossi recently wrote a column for Tempo Journal about dealing with injuries that many people, including me, immediately connected with. Tim is works for Nike as a community manager and has built himself into an accomplished runner after deciding not to run for a college team. Along the way he experienced a myriad of injuries and PR’s, including a 2:31 in the marathon. In this we discuss the high and lows that come with injuries, the nature and characteristics of talent, and the running community he has helped build in the NYC area. You can read his column mentioned above at www.tempojournal.com, follow him at www.instagram.com/timrossi, and his team at www.instagram.com/lostboystrackclub. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you are feeling low-energy or need a spark then this episode with Jessica Dorsey is for you. Jessica is a force of nature who's determination in all areas is remarkable. Whether she is hauling 100 lbs stones, breaking three hours in the marathon, or starting her own EMF blocking sports bra company, Jessica is constantly on the move. We also take a deep dive into how her training has evolved over recent years. You can learn more about Jessica and her company at www.wambas.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to ambitious running challenges there aren't many greater than running across the United States. For Molly Cuevas, an All-American college field hockey player, this challenge was quite literally the beginning of her running career. Molly has been a high level athlete, first in soccer and later in field hockey, since she as little. But, she hadn't started running until she dreamed of running across the country to support others. Motivated by her belief in the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Molly trained for a year before starting her epic run. In this episode you can hear about what drove Molly, how she was able to persist, and all that goes into this challenge. You can learn more about Molly at https://milesbymolly.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Margaret Spring has been a dedicated runner since she was kid chasing after her oldest brother. These days, people are busy trying to chase her. This remarkable woman picked up trail running five years ago. She fell head-over-heals for the sport while trying to make sure she didn't do that, literally, on the rocky and challenging downhills. A few weeks ago Margaret has a breakout performance by finishing third in her age group at the Leadville Marathon, sharing the podium with Kara Goucher. Margaret isn't just fast and tough, she is running for a purpose far greater than herself. Learn more about this, and many other topics, in this episode. You can find Margaret's TransRockies for a cure page at: https://pages.lightthenight.org/rm/DenverL19/TransRockiesforaCure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is with immense excitement and gratitude that I announce the newest addition to the Rambling Runner Podcast Network - the Road to the Olympics Trials podcast. This new show features eight elite runners, four men and four women, who are excited about pulling back the curtain and being open and honest about their training, racing, and goals in their lead-up to the Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta on February 29, 2020. The athletes who will be sharing their journey are Jared Ward, Kellyn Taylor, Roberta Groner, Parker Stinson, Lou Serafini, Sarah Bishop, John Raneri, and Dr. Stefanie Flippin. Their varied experiences, successes, and story lines are sure to make this a podcast that all running fans will enjoy. The first episode will premiere on Monday, July 8th so be sure to subscribe today! Podcast Links Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I am delighted to speak with serial racer and former college basketball player Lindsay Walter. Lindsay has run 36 marathons and 83 half marathons over the last eight years. In fact, she is hoping to run 100 half marathons by this time next year. Amazing. Not only that, Lindsay has alopecia areata universalis, an autoimmune disease that causes total-body hair loss. She struggled with this condition for most of her life. Then, in a moment of of life changing clarity while doing a 20 mile run, Lindsay tore off her wig and started a new life for herself. You can follow Lindsay at www.instagram.com/lindsayhannah3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the podcast I chat with Ben Rosario, coach of the famed NAZ Elite. His team features some of the best men and women runners in the country at various distances. We discuss late bloomers, what he thinks about when he hears the term "running talent", how he approaches coaching youth runners, and what he looks for when identifying runners for his team. You can learn more about Ben and his group at www.nazelite.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Running at an elite level is hard enough when everything goes right and luck is on your side. Very few people get to that level even in the best of circumstances. For Molly Bookmyer, her running career could never be described in those terms. She has undergone two brain surgeries, hospitalized after having a seizure on a treadmill, and helped nurse her husband back to health after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer a week after they returned from their honeymoon. In the face of all that, Molly has earned an Olympic Trials qualifying time in the marathon and placed third this spring in the U.S. 25k championships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Natalie finished with college soccer she needed something to stay active and provide a competitive outlet. On a whim, she ran a local 5k mud run and placed 2nd female overall. From there, she was hooked. Natalie PR’d every marathon she ran over a four year period (with a best time of 3:11) before the 2019 Boston Marathon. On that day, however, her dream race became a nightmare. In this episode she details how she dealt with that disappointment, how she overcame an eating disorder that exacerbated a pre-existing heart condition causing her to have heart surgery, and how she uses her own experiences to help influence others as an active club soccer coach in Southern California. You can learn more about Natalie at www.runnergirlnatalie.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hayley Carruthers was launched into the consciousness of most running fans when she collapsed at the finish line of the 2019 London Marathon with 2:33 on the clock. While that was an indelible moment, it does not define this remarkable woman. Hayley works full-time as a cancer research radiographer while also training full-time. She is now competing with the best runners in the world, which is an amazing feat for anyone - especially someone who ran for the first time (since grade school) in May, 2016. In this episode, Hayley breaks down the entire journey with her customary insight, candor, and humor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever met one of those people who seem to have endless energy and optimism? Tanya Carrier is one of those people. She has run 39 half marathons (PR-1:32), 14 marathons (PR-3:11), teaches first grade, and is a mom and wife. We had a great conversation about how she has improved as a runner and maintained such an energetic and positive outlook. Tanya also revealed some of the struggles that she endured as a child that led her to being there for so many others. You can learn more about Tanya at www.instagram.com/track.tanya.run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Often times running around on a track can serve as a metaphor for our own training. At first it may seem novel and result in fitness gains, but it can also become tiringly monotonous. Beyond that, we can also fall into a repetitive rut that finds us craving PR‘s while disengaging from the beauty of our pursuits. This is exactly what happened to Jenny Donnelly after four years of running in college and a few more working hard for new records while working 80 hour work weeks. At the prodding of her boyfriend, she set out on a new adventure that changed everything. Running 155 miles in five days over 30,000 feet of elevation gain in New Zealand, Jenny rediscovered her love running through a paradigm shifting experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Greg Macken began running he was close to 250 pounds. He started that run by saying to himself, “Just jog to the stop sign, once you get there you can walk.” Later that year, Greg finally made the decision to get sober and, in doing so, reversed the trajectory of his life which was headed towards “prison, a psych ward, or death.” Since then, he has completed countless road races including 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and a handful of marathons. Greg recently set a new marathon PR with a smoking 3:00:50! In this episode, Greg takes a deep dive into the depths of his life and how he got himself out, all with the help of running. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When runners get injured we often hear that we should cross train to maintain fitness. Sarah Bishop, an Olympic Trials qualifier in the marathon, took it to the extreme. After racing nearly every weekend in the fall she was sidelined with leg injuries. True to her personality, she dove into cross training with both feet. Not long after, she signed up for her first triathlon - IRONMAN Chattanooga 70.3. Sarah proceeded to finish second overall and earn her pro card. In this episode we talk about how somebody with little to no biking and swimming experience achieved such a remarkable result. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Floris is an elite whose love of the sport was first sparked watching the start of the Boston Marathon every spring in her hometown of Hopkinton, MA. Lauren ran four years of Division I Cross Country & Track for Pepperdine University. During her time as a Wave, Lauren set 5 school records in the 1500m, 3000, 3000m steeplechase, 5000m, and DMR - all 5 records still stand today. Since college, Lauren has shifted her focus to the roads, but she still makes appearances on the track every once in a while. She currently runs for rabbitELITE and holds personal bests of 16:50 5k, 35:16 10k, 1:18:39 half marathon, and 2:44:16 in the marathon, which qualified her for the USA Olympic Marathon Trials, which she will be running in February 2020. Lauren lives in Southern California with her husband and two daughters Lavinia and Marigold (born January, 2019). Lauren is a full-time coach with Lift, Run, Perform (www.liftrunperform.com) and has a Masters in Kinesiology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was an honor and a privilege to speak with Katie Arnold, one of the best writers and runners in the country, for this episode. Her new book Running Home: A Memoir had an immediate and profound effect on me in many ways. An elite ultra runner, Katie is the 2018 women's champion of Leadville Trail 100 Run, where she finished 11th overall in field of more than 700 runners. She won the 2018 Jemez Mountains 50 Mile, 2014 TransRockies 3-Day Trail Run, Jemez Mountains 50K, the Mount Taylor 50K. She is two-time overall champion and course record holder at the Angel Fire 100K. Katie is a sponsored athlete for GU Energy Labs and Balega Socks. Katie is a contributing editor and former managing editor at Outside Magazine, where she worked on staff for 12 years. She created and launched the popular Raising Rippers column, about bringing up adventurous kids, which appears monthly on Outside Online and has grown to become one of the site’s most popular blogs. Her 2014 story "Don't Let Youth Sports Hijack Your Life" was one of the most-read posts on Outside Online. Her 2018 essay in Outside Magazine, “Want a Strong Kid? Encourage Play, Not Competition,” was nominated for a National Magazine Award in service journalism. In addition to Outside, her stories have appeared in The New York Times, Men’s Journal, ESPN the Magazine, Marie Claire, Runner’s World, Elle, and Sunset, among others. Her essays have been anthologized in Woman’s Best Friend, Another Mother Runner, and P.S. What I Didn’t Tell you. You can learn more about Katie at https://katiearnold.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ron Romano may be the happiest guy in running. Not only that, he’s worked hard to become one heck of a runner. He’s run 42 marathons (with a PR of 2:40) and is a veritable wealth of knowledge on all things running. After taking a nine year break from racing he roared back with abandon and is now one of the best runners in the country for his age (58). You can learn more about Ron at www.instagram.com/ronrunsnyc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to comeback stories, there aren't many better than Alys DiMercurio's. From 2011-15 Alys lived a life consumed by drug and alcohol addiction with trips to the ER, mental hospital, and jail. After all of that Alys transformed her life. Now, instead of being the patient she has focused her life on being a healer. She works as a medical assistant while studying to be a physician assistant and is also a trained EMT. She is also a newly dedicated marathoner who set a new PR of 3:45 at the Eugene Marathon a mere 13 days after running the Boston Marathon. Here about this amazing journey, and much more, in this episode. You can learn more about Alys at www.runwithalys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, my friend Carrie Tollefson and I talk about some of the topics in the running community that have really drawn our attention. This is a slight departure from the normal episode that I do but I was excited to speak with Carrie given her expertise in so many areas of the sport. We touch on pressures and eating disorders that affect high school and college runners, the state of female coaching at the college and elite level, the road to the Olympic Marathon Trials, her recent broadcast of the Hoka One One Project Carbon X, and much more. You can learn more about Carrie, and her amazing podcast, at www.ctollerun.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Daniel ran the 2019 Boston Marathon she competed for far more than PR or a time goal. Jordan had 26 names in her prayers, and paint on her face and legs, to bring attention to the violence that indigenous woman are facing on a daily basis. For each mile of the marathon, she said a prayer for an indigenous woman who is either missing or was murdered. Jordan was also running for Wings of America, which helps native youth to become the next generation of leaders. In this episode, Jordan discusses this vital topics as well as the her family's dynastic running background, how she fell in love with running in college after she dealt with her eating disorder, and her vision, both running and socially, for the future. You can learn more about Jordan at www.instagram.com/nativein_la. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Special education teacher, mother of three, and consistent marathoner, Lisa Etter sets a great example for what can be accomplished in the short and long term. In this episode, Lisa talk about how and why she started going full-time into running in late-2015, successfully and unsuccessfully balancing training with the other areas of her life, setting marathon PR's from 3:52 to 3:25, and much more. You can learn more about Lisa at www.instagram.com/running_lisa_3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Boston Marathon can be a brutal race, especially when the weather takes an unexpected turn. That is why I am excited to have Teri Hutcheon on the show. She recently negatively split the course, and set a 10 minute marathon PR, on her way to a time of 3:17:50. Not only that, she endured a devastating 24 hours before her race started. You can learn more about Teri at www.afoodiestaysfit.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Several years ago Michelle Roos was convinced that she would never break 3:40 minutes in the marathon. She had tried three times without success. In this episode, Michelle recounts how she became a 3:05 marathoner, how she dealt with the body pressures of the NYC fashion industry, the highs-and-lows that come with months of dedicated training, and balancing that training with a demanding job. Michelle does all of this with wonderful openness and honesty. You can follow Michelle at www.instagram.com/elleroos. While attending NYU, Michelle penned an article for Runner's World detailing her decision not to join an NCAA running program: www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a20787477/the-decision-to-run-in-college-is-not-easy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are few people, if any, more plugged into the running scene than Mario Fraioli. It was a pleasure to have him on the show to talk about his background in running media and his recent running resurgence. We also talk about how the elite runners fared at the 2019 Boston Marathon and what the future looks like for those runners looking to be at their best for the 2020 Olympic marathon trials. You can learn about Mario and subscribe to his newsletter at www.the morningshakeout.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What an incredible Boston marathon we had this year. Not only did the winners of the race do so in an incredible manner, the race was enthralling for runners of all abilities. In this episode, James McKirdy and I take a deep dive into things that we learned about the race, and race prep, that we can use for future Boston Marathons (and plenty of other races, as well). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is an honor to welcome the great American runner Ryan Hall to the show. This week Ryan releases “Run the Mile You're In: Finding God in Every Step.“ A tremendous book sheds light on so much of Ryan’s life. In this episode, Ryan really opens up about the vision that started his running journey, how his faith has helped him through the ups-and-downs of his career, and how he continues to become the best version of himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who better to talk to in a lead-up to the Boston Marathon than Bronson Venable? This native New England-er set his marathon PR of 2:37 in the brutal 2018 race (finishing 84th) and has experienced everything that running in this area has to offer. In this episode he provides great tips for anyone looking to do well in Boston. Bronson's other PR's, 5k (Road) = 14:48, 5k (Track) - 14:28, 5 Miles = 24:54, and 13.1 = 1:10:19, illustrate the just how well-rounded he has become in recent years. Not only that, New Balance recently made plastered his face on billboards all along the course. I've gotten to know Bronson well over the years, as we've raced together over a dozen times, and I truly appreciate his wonderful perspective on the sport he loves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan Loken is who I want to be when I grow-up. Susan started running at the age of 35, after having three kids, and was striving for the Olympic Trials just a few years later. Not bad for someone who used to skip gym class. She has now qualified for the Olympic Trials three times and is a four time masters champion. With that said, she is far from done setting and achieving goals. Susan is currently aiming for the World Marathon Major’s Age Group World Championship in the 55-59 division. With a recent 2:55 at the Los Angeles Marathon, she is well on her way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Funny Running Stories are back! My co-host for this episode is Colleen Quigley. Colleen is a 2016 Olympian in the 3,000 meter steeplechase and the reigning U.S Indoor Track Champion in the mile. We read through dozens of hilarious stories (a big thank you to everyone who submitted one) before providing our commentary on the best of the bunch while also sharing some of our own experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura Pierce is back and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Laura just smashed her long-standing goal of breaking 90 minutes in the half marathon and was willing to discuss every aspect of the preceding 16 months that led to this performance. Laura transitioned from a burnt out runner in need of recovery to an athlete who is no longer beholden to positive workouts and races in order to appreciate the sport the loves. Along the way she started working with a therapist who helped her manage the anxiety that held her back in the past. We also discussed the benefits of leaving the typical spring marathon training cycle and opting to make the half marathon her “A” race. Laura talks about all of this, and more, with her fabulous humor and insight. You can learn more about Laura at www.instagram.com/nebraskarunner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tamarynn Bennett is one of the most requested guests we‘ve ever had, and she exceeded even those lofty expectations. Tam has PR’d both the marathon and the 10k this year, but that isn‘t what makes her story remarkable. It was the twists and turns that led to those performances, coupled with her amazing spirit, that makes her success story so much fun to dive into. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The title of this episode says It all: 7 days, 7 marathons, 7 continents. Eric Tozer conquered the amazingly difficult World Marathon Challenge, a historic feat under any circumstances, while managing his type 1 diabetes. Eric‘s story is filled with inspiration, achievement, and the understanding that our potential is far greater than we imagine. Learn more about Eric at www.erictozer.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have consumed any running-related content in the last three years then you probably know Chris Chavez. An elite running and track writer for Sports Illustrated, co-creator of Citius Mag, host of the Citius Mag podcast, and co-host of the Runners of New York City podcast, Chris is literally everywhere in the running community. Not only that, he just set a marathon PR of 3:16 at Tokyo while earning his sixth, and final, Abbott World Marathon Major star. We talk about all of this, and plenty more, in this wide-ranging episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Wright is a mother, run-lover, and co-founder & director of Arete Women’s Running Club: an all-women’s running team geared toward intermediate and advanced runners, with chapters all over the country. She’s a 2:57 marathoner with aspirations of getting faster while having fun and spreading her love of women’s running community near and far. In this episode we talk about creating and maintaining culture, the benefits of community for runners, and the entrepreneurial spirit she, and her co-founder, have used to grow Arete. You can learn more at www.runarete.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Roche is the Renaissance man of the running world. An elite runner, writer, and coach, David has a wealth of knowledge on nearly every area of the sport. The running community/coaching business that he formed with his wife Megan, called “Some Work, All Play,” is the home of elite athletes, and everyday runners, looking to perform at a high level while also improving their lives. In this episode we discuss achieving happiness and high performance simultaneously, why belief is the most important thing a runner can have, Big Harry Audacious Goals, understanding what talent is and is not, mental health, and many other fascinating topics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefanie Flippin is back on the show, and back with a vengeance. This amazing runner just rocked a 36:32 in the rain at the Birmingham Wine 10k. Her effort helped McKirdy Trained to a team title. This huge PR came in the midst of a huge Boston Marathon training block that has brought her running to new levels. We also discussed her years of training that set the stage for her recent success. If you want to learn more about Stefanie check out episode #101 and www.instagam.com/stefanieannflippin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many people, me included, race anxiety is a real thing. During a conversation last week, my coach, James McKirdy, mentioned that after two solid months of running he wants to get me on a starting line. Those words made me tighten up and fill with dread. In this Coach’s Corner episode, James and I discuss all types of race anxiety, not only my own, and ways to cope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the podcast I had the privilege of speaking with mental health professional, runner, and mother of quadruplets, Sherri Armitage. Sherri has personally dealt with eating disorders after developing one early in her teenage years. All told, she is able to speak on this important topic in a way that few can. This was one of the most impactful episodes we’ve done in the show’s history. You can follow Sherri at www.instagram.com/quadmom.running. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I was honored to have 2:30 marathoner, OTQ hopeful, and Rabbit Elite team member Nick Klastava on the show. In spite of his blazing speed, Nick and I dove into topics on mindset, mental and emotional framing, and effort-focused training with an openness and relatability that can be appreciated by runners of all abilities. You can learn more about wonderful guy at www.instagram.com/nklastava. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Connie Shieh’s childhood introduction to running wasn‘t what you’d expect for a 2:58 “hobby jogger” who balances running with being the mother of two and working a full-time job. Her parents, who came to the U.S, from Taiwan for graduate school, discouraged Connie from pursuing athletics. Sports were seen as such a luxury and her parent’s emphasis was on education to a profitable career path. She was told to, at most, do dance and that running would ruin her muscles, bones, and give her muscle tone that would make her look unattractive. Connie managed to find joy in running and continues to do so 15 years later. In this episode we also discuss her level-headed approach to training, the importance of community, and cultivating a joyful hobby while also pursuing goals. You can follow her at www.instagram.com/connosaurusrex. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last year Kimberlie McBride came on the show after the Fargo Marathon. She had an almost perfect build-up and was ready to roll. Then, it all came crumbling down in disappointment. The following five months were chock full of doctor’s visits and dreams deferred. Then, Kimberlie was finally able to get back at it and she sure made the most of it. She rocked a marathon best at the Phoenix Marathon in a fantastic comeback story. You can follow her at www.instagram.com/my.runstagram.life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we flip the script. I have a pre-race conversation with a runner I am coaching. Seth Baird is a gifted athlete with an effervescent personality. We discuss his race strategy heading into the Charlotte 10 miler with a focus on uphill racing, starting under control, and settling into threshold pace. At the end of the episode I give a race recap of what Seth was able to do. Follow Seth’s journey at www.instagram.com/mindfulrunz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices