The Rambling Runner Podcast

I love following Natacha Scherf's running journey. She is pure excitement and enthusiasm. For running. For others. For the running community at large. For the possibility of improvement and continuing to get better and better. Natacha started running three years ago and promptly fell in love with a sport that she used to hate. She didn't merely love running but also the feeling of accomplishment that running gave her. In this episode Natacha puts her enthusiasm on display. We talk about how she approached running with an open mind and how she grew to love it, finding joy in celebrating others, attaching goals with energy, and much more. You can follow Natacha at www.instagram.com/runningfrenchipino. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Podcast Community Corner private Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/125544686229661 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With running on the shelf since February 9 (except for a brief two week return that was quickly discontinued) it is time to do a full review of the first 10 months of Mastering 40. I didn't pull any punches in this solo episode. Fist we go through things that I feel good about that happened this year. Then we dive into the many things that I don't feel good about. I'm categorizing them that way on purpose. I don't want to say things went well or poorly - no need to judge, just here for the learning and growing. Lord knows, there is plenty of growing and learning that needs to be done. The genesis of this episode started on February 22 when I received a message from a listener that really struck a chord with me. She asked point blank, "(A)re you just interested in your goals or committed? It seems like the former. To an outsider following the podcasts of course." This quote put me on my heals. I returned to it nearly every day for three months but didn't reply with an answer. Until last week. I wrote her back and thanked her for her candor and insight. What else did I say? You'll have to listen to find out. Mastering 40: I had just completed the worst athletic year of my life. One beset by injuries and a 25 lb. weight gain. Finally, I decided enough was enough. With the help of a professional coach - James McKirdy and sport psychologist - Adrienne Langelier, I am determined to have the best athletic year of my life. One that will end, hopefully, with a sub-40:00 10k. This is a huge stretch goal and I am determined to get it done. Over the course of this year I will also be turning 40 years old and become a masters runner. Hence the “Mastering 40.” We will be documenting the journey with a podcast every three weeks. The podcasts, like this one, will include calls with the experts I will be leaning on, and learning from, throughout the process. Hopefully you enjoy and learn from my year of reclaiming my fitness and pursuing an entirely new level of performance while trying to maximize my schedule as a dedicated amateur runner. Thank you to the Mastering 40 partners: - Supplements/Protein: Previnex - code: RUNNER15 for 15% off - Health Analysis: InsideTracker - Go to www.insidetracker/ramblingrunner to save 25% on their Ultimate Package by using code GIFTFROMRAMBLINGRUN - Attire: Tracksmith - code RAMBLINGRUNNER for 15% off first purchase over $75 Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sleep. We all need and most of want (read: need) more of it. That's why I was eager to speak with Dr. Shelby Harris. She is board certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (BSM) by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and treats a wide variety of sleep disorders (insomnia, nightmares, circadian rhythm disorders, narcolepsy, apnea treatment noncompliance) using evidence-based non-pharmacological treatments. Before going into private practice, Dr. Harris was the longstanding director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center at Montefiore Medical Center. Dr. Harris currently holds a dual academic senior-level appointment as Clinical Associate Professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in both the Neurology and Psychiatry Departments. Dr. Harris has published and presented research on the neuropsychological effects of insomnia in older adults as well as behavioral treatments for insomnia, parasomnias, narcolepsy, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Dr. Harris has been an invited columnist for the New York Times "Consults Blog," Dr. Oz's website "You Beauty," and Psychology Today and is frequently quoted in the media, including such publications as The New York Times, The Huffington Post, The New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, O Magazine, and New York Magazine. She has appeared on the Today Show, World News with Diane Sawyer, Good Morning America, ABC7-NY's Eyewitness News, CBS News and ABC's Primetime: Live. She is also a marathoner who got involved in running after her college years and immediately started hunting down marathon-based goals. You can learn more about Dr. Shelby Harris at www.drshelbyharris.com. Sponsors: Are you looking to reach your short-term and long-term running goals while enjoying the sport you love? Then McKirdy Trained is for you. As a coach on this esteemed roster I'd love to work with you as you set the biggest goals you can imagine and have fun doing it. Learn more at https://mckirdytrained.com/get-trained/. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Podcast Community Corner private Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/125544686229661 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm elated to welcome elite professional runner Taylor Ward to the show. One of the main reasons I love having pro's on the show is when they can share info about topics that directly relate to amateur runners. With that in mind, I was eager to speak with Taylor about her recovery from hip surgery that sidelined her for months something she continues to rehabilitate. Recovering from injury is something that nearly every runner has, or will, experience. The road back to health is almost never a straight line. In addition to twists and turns there can be plenty of dead-ends and cul-de-sacs that can test a person's will, confidence, and optimism. A little about Taylor. She is: 2:30:14 Marathoner 3 x Top 10 at Chicago Marathon 2 x Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier Winner of the Philadelphia Marathon In a addition to her impressive running resume, Taylor is also an assistant professor of radiologic science at Weber State University. Sponsors: Are you looking to reach your short-term and long-term running goals while enjoying the sport you love? Then McKirdy Trained is for you. As a coach on this esteemed roster I'd love to work with you as you set the biggest goals you can imagine and have fun doing it. Learn more at https://mckirdytrained.com/get-trained/. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Podcast Community Corner private Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/125544686229661 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rhandi Orme is back. Get your pen and pad out and be ready to take plenty of notes. As you may have heard in Rhandi's previous appearances on the show (episodes 35 and 112) she is a serious badass with five kids in tow. A year ago Rhandi gave birth to baby number five. After deliberately progressing through her post-partum life Rhandi was ready to try one of the only challenges she had yet to tackle - a 100 mile race. She had already completed an IRONMAN, a 24 OCR race, marathons, ultras, and so much more. So how did the 100 miler go? Unbelievably well. Rhandi dipped under the 24 hour mark and finished on the podium. In this episode Rhandi let's loose an hour's worth of tips for anyone looking to return from injury, pregnancy, and achieve the remarkable no matter the circumstances. You can follow Rhandi at www.instagram.com/run_rhandi_run/ and visit her website at www.rhandi.com. Sponsors: Are you looking to reach your short-term and long-term running goals while enjoying the sport you love? Then McKirdy Trained is for you. As a coach on this esteemed roster I'd love to work with you as you set the biggest goals you can imagine and have fun doing it. Learn more at https://mckirdytrained.com/get-trained/. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Podcast Community Corner private Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/125544686229661 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you imagine turning your 5K racing speed into your half marathon speed? How about finally mastering the marathon after you’ve given birth to two kids? What about becoming the runner you always wanted to become despite having a family and a challenging full-time job? Katie Rey has been able to all of this, and more. Not only that, she is one of the most supportive members of the running community that I’ve ever met. Today I’m so excited to share this conversation with a person I’ve admired for some time. You can follow Katie on Instagram at www.instagram.com/babiestoboston. Sponsors: Are you looking to reach your short-term and long-term running goals while enjoying the sport you love? Then McKirdy Trained is for you. As a coach on this esteemed roster I'd love to work with you as you set the biggest goals you can imagine and have fun doing it. Learn more at https://mckirdytrained.com/get-trained/. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Podcast Community Corner private Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/125544686229661 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Antonucci, RDN, CSSD, CDE, CDN, is the owner and director of Nutrition Energy, where she creates individualized plans that fit the lifestyle of each client, helps them develop a healthy relationship with food and their bodies, and guides them to reach their nutrition and health goals. She is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), is certified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a specialist in sports dietetics (CSSD), and is certified by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators as a diabetes educator (CDE). Antonucci has been running, swimming, and cycling for as long as she can remember and has completed 13 marathons (PR 3:09), three Ironman Triathlons, and countless other running and triathlon races. She is a sought-after presenter on the topic of sports nutrition and hydration, and she has presented at many professional conferences, including American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), USA Triathlon International Coaching Symposium, the Greater New York Dietetic Association (GNYDA), and many New York Road Runners (NYRR) events and New York City Marathon Expos. She has also presented to numerous collegiate athletic teams, most running and triathlon teams and clubs in New York City, and many corporate organizations. Prior to writing the wonderfully comprehensive High-Performance Nutrition for Masters Athletes, Antonucci wrote a nutrition column for Triathlete magazine for three years and wrote for New York Road Runners magazine for over a decade. She has appeared on several television programs to provide practical advice on a wide array of nutrition and health topics, and her advice has also been featured in Runner’s World, Ironmanlive.com, NYTimes.com, Diabetes Self-Management, Time Out New York, Metrosports, and many other publications. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychobiology from Binghamton University, was awarded a fellowship in nutritional biochemistry at University of California at Berkeley, and earned a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from New York University. She lives in New York City with her husband and three children and is a proud Masters athlete. Sponsors: Are you looking to reach your short-term and long-term running goals while enjoying the sport you love? Then McKirdy Trained is for you. As a coach on this esteemed roster I'd love to work with you as you set the biggest goals you can imagine and have fun doing it. Learn more at https://mckirdytrained.com/get-trained/. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Podcast Community Corner private Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/125544686229661 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Claire Bartholic wasn’t always a runner. She started running in her mid-30s simply to get in shape for her high school reunion. It wasn’t about getting faster or racing; it was, to be honest, mainly about vanity. But something changed in her as the miles slowly added up. The reunion came and went and she kept running. Already plant based, she finished her first marathon at age 38 in 4:02 and was immediately hooked. She became a student of the marathon using Jeff Gaudette’s training philosophy and RunnersConnect coaching. With dedicated coaching and training, she successfully shaved more than 30 minutes off her half marathon time and lowered her marathon PR to 2:58, remarkably without injury, and entirely plant-based. Claire is a multiple-time Boston Marathon qualifier and competitive Master’s athlete. Claire is also the host of one of the most popular running podcasts, The Run to the Top. With over 5 million downloads, thousands of runners listen to Claire interview the best in the sport each week! Learn more about Claire at https://theplantedrunner.com/. Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Four Sigmatic, a wellness company that mixes mushrooms and adaptogens with coffee, cacao, latte, protein powder. They have a special offer for the Rambling Runner audience. Receive 10% off your Four Sigmatic order. Just go to www.foursigmatic.com/RAMBLINGRUNNER or enter code RAMBLINGRUNNER at checkout. Are you looking to reach your short-term and long-term running goals while enjoying the sport you love? Then McKirdy Trained is for you. As a coach on this esteemed roster I'd love to work with you as you set the biggest goals you can imagine and have fun doing it. Learn more at https://mckirdytrained.com/get-trained/. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Podcast Community Corner private Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/125544686229661 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our last Mastering 40 episode (ep. 12) my conversation with my running coach and sports psychologist were overwhelmingly positive. It appeared as though I had finally gotten my left knee healthy and was running again. All that changed a few days after that episode was published. The knee pain returned just as suddenly as it mysteriously arrived in the first place. In this episode Adrienne Langelier and I have a full therapy session on dealing with my worst inner dialogue and where I go from here mentally and emotionally. Mastering 40: I had just completed the worst athletic year of my life. One beset by injuries and a 25 lb. weight gain. Finally, I decided enough was enough. With the help of a professional coach - James McKirdy and sport psychologist - Adrienne Langelier, I am determined to have the best athletic year of my life. One that will end, hopefully, with a sub-40:00 10k. This is a huge stretch goal and I am determined to get it done. Over the course of this year I will also be turning 40 years old and become a masters runner. Hence the “Mastering 40.” We will be documenting the journey with a podcast every three weeks. The podcasts, like this one, will include calls with the experts I will be leaning on, and learning from, throughout the process. Hopefully you enjoy and learn from my year of reclaiming my fitness and pursuing an entirely new level of performance while trying to maximize my schedule as a dedicated amateur runner. Thank you to the Mastering 40 partners: - Supplements/Protein: Previnex - code: RUNNER15 for 15% off - Health Analysis: InsideTracker - Go to www.insidetracker/ramblingrunner to save 25% on their Ultimate Package by using code GIFTFROMRAMBLINGRUN - Attire: Tracksmith - code RAMBLINGRUNNER for 15% off first purchase over $75 Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefanie Flippin is back and, my goodness, what a return. I'll simply quote her Strava page as it says it all: Going home with the US 100 Mile National Title! 14:35:21: 1st woman, 3rd OA, 40 minute CR, 6th fastest all-time 100 mile for an American woman and the race of a lifetime. This was an hour and twenty minute PR for me, with 20 minute 50 mile and 100k PRs along the way. The field was the deepest pro field I've ever had the honor of lining up with. I got the absolute best out of myself by putting myself in the arena and that was the goal all along. The win was icing on the cake. So grateful!! Thank you for all the cheers!! The day was truly electrifying and I had the time of my life. It's an honor to get to know Stefanie over the last few years and this is a conversation I will never forget. You can follow Stefanie at www.instagram.com/stefanieannflippin. In our Friday "Running Between the Lines" segment we are joined by Ashley Mateo. She wrote a great piece for Women's Running entitled, "All Runners Should Walk More—Here’s Why, and How to Include It In Your Training." www.womensrunning.com/training/cross-training/benefits-of-walking-more-runners/ Sponsors: Do you want to run further and faster -- and recover quicker and easier? Do you want to feel healthier than you’ve ever felt before? Then give InsideTracker a try. First, InsideTracker uses its patented algorithm to analyze your body’s data and offer you a clearer picture than you’ve ever had before of what’s going on inside you. Then, they provide a concrete, science-backed, trackable action plan for reaching your performance goals and being your healthy best. InsideTracker is offering my listeners 25% off at www.insidetracker.com/ramblingrunner with code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Podcast Community Corner private Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/125544686229661 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, you read that title correctly. As a teenager John Verhagen was a 300lb high school football player with an eye on playing in college. After getting recruited to several small schools in the Upper-Midwest, John was forced to give up his dream. His health was in jeopardy due to his weight and diet. Football was gone - as was the soda, pop, and many of John's staple foods. And, that's when running entered the picture. John's first marathon turned into a bit of a ordeal. He crossed the line in 5:50 and shortly thereafter made an audacious decision - "I will qualify for Boston." In order to do that John would have to cross the line in nearly half the time of his first effort. As you'll hear in this one-of-a-kind episode, that is exactly what he proceeded to do. And much, much more. Last weekend John won the McKirdy Trained Micro Marathon on Connecticut with a blazing fast 2:49:30. This eight minute PR came after a mammoth 300 mile March and a secret injury that even John's coach, Patrick Cutter, was kept in the dark about. Sponsors: Do you want to run further and faster -- and recover quicker and easier? Do you want to feel healthier than you’ve ever felt before? Then give InsideTracker a try. First, InsideTracker uses its patented algorithm to analyze your body’s data and offer you a clearer picture than you’ve ever had before of what’s going on inside you. Then, they provide a concrete, science-backed, trackable action plan for reaching your performance goals and being your healthy best. InsideTracker is offering my listeners 25% off at www.insidetracker.com/ramblingrunner with code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cheryl Miller is one the most interesting people we've had on the show with an absolutely fascinating story. Cheryl grew up in a challenging situation with almost all of her family members dying when she was young for a variety of reasons. After relocating to Long Island to live with her grandparents she started to excel at running just when her life needed to be put on the right track. After several New York state titles she decided to run at Georgetown. She quickly moved on from running while there and decided to focus elsewhere. She graduated, entered law school, and has had a remarkably successful professional career. She is now back to running and doing so with abandon and with unique goals and challenges in mind. In our regular Friday "Running Between the Lines" segment we are joined by Matt Fitzgerald. Last week he wrote a piece entitled, "Ethiopian Runners Train Differently. Or Do They?" for Podium Runner. It is a synthesis and brief analysis of Michael Crawley's book "Out of Thin Air" in which Crawley details the training of some of Ethiopia's finest runners while he was imbedded with one of their elite teams www.podiumrunner.com/training/ethiopian-runners-train-differently-or-do-they Sponsors: Do you want to run further and faster -- and recover quicker and easier? Do you want to feel healthier than you’ve ever felt before? Then give InsideTracker a try. First, InsideTracker uses its patented algorithm to analyze your body’s data and offer you a clearer picture than you’ve ever had before of what’s going on inside you. Then, they provide a concrete, science-backed, trackable action plan for reaching your performance goals and being your healthy best. InsideTracker is offering my listeners 25% off at www.insidetracker.com/ramblingrunner with code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica Dorsey in back on the show and my goodness, she is a force of nature. When she was first on the pod, episode 181, her toughness, endurance, raw athleticism, and grit made her a listener favorite. She brought all of that, and more, to this episode mixed in with an equal amount of humility and pragmatism. Jessica is a 2:53 marathoner who worked through some significant injuries and life changes over the past year. She rebounded and attacked a new challenge - obstacle course racing (OCR). As you'll hear. she attacked her new hobby with a fierce determination that quickly led to top five finishes in her new sport. Her quick rise is even more incredible when you consider that she is a mother of two little one while she and her husband work as entrepreneurs in their respective fields. You can follow Jessica at www.instagram.com/mamainthefastlane. Sponsors: Do you want to run further and faster -- and recover quicker and easier? Do you want to feel healthier than you’ve ever felt before? Then give InsideTracker a try. First, InsideTracker uses its patented algorithm to analyze your body’s data and offer you a clearer picture than you’ve ever had before of what’s going on inside you. Then, they provide a concrete, science-backed, trackable action plan for reaching your performance goals and being your healthy best. InsideTracker is offering my listeners 25% off at www.insidetracker.com/ramblingrunner with code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As nearly everyone in the running world knows by now, we saw history in the making this week. Des Linden broke the world record and Nicholas Thompson set the 45-49 American record in the 50k. In addition, Adriana Nelson and Chirine Njeim raced the marathon along the semi-secret Oregon ground that has seen many top runners in the COVID era. Peter Bromka was invited to be a part of history less than 24 hours before the starting gun went off and made the most of the invite. In this episode, Peter gives us the full download what it was like to be witness history and how it felt to go from blissfully unaware to marathon pacer in less than a week. In our regular Friday "Running Between the Lines" segment we are joined by Emilia Benton. Emilia published "Here’s Why You, As a Runner, Should Sign Up to Be a Living Organ Donor" for Runner's World online and it was a fascinating read. Emilia discusses how this story came about, how it evolved into a running story, and about how so many preconceived notions regarding organ donation just aren't so. www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/a36063923/why-runners-should-sign-up-for-living-organ-donation/ Sponsors: Do you want to run further and faster -- and recover quicker and easier? Do you want to feel healthier than you’ve ever felt before? Then give InsideTracker a try. First, InsideTracker uses its patented algorithm to analyze your body’s data and offer you a clearer picture than you’ve ever had before of what’s going on inside you. Then, they provide a concrete, science-backed, trackable action plan for reaching your performance goals and being your healthy best. InsideTracker is offering my listeners 25% off at www.insidetracker.com/ramblingrunner with code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melissa is back on the show and it is a delight hear about what she has been able to do over the past year. Like so many of us, her professional and personal life was thrown upside down. Melissa is a woman of many talents, and just as many jobs, and having to re-work them into the new paradigm was a significant challenge. Even with all of that on her plate she still managed to keep running. At first her miles were for mental and emotional preservation. Then they slowly returned to marathon building workouts. After months of slowly building she decided to enter the McKirdy Micro Marathon in South Carolina. What happened next was a shock that she could not have predicted a year earlier. You can follow Melissa at www.instagram.com/isamarathoner. Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Do you want to run further and faster -- and recover quicker and easier? Do you want to feel healthier than you’ve ever felt before? Then give InsideTracker a try. First, InsideTracker uses its patented algorithm to analyze your body’s data and offer you a clearer picture than you’ve ever had before of what’s going on inside you. Then, they provide a concrete, science-backed, trackable action plan for reaching your performance goals and being your healthy best. InsideTracker is offering my listeners 25% off at www.insidetracker.com/ramblingrunner with code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first part of this episode we from Alex Elizabeth about her story of finding identity and healing from trauma, through running. Alex penned an extraordinarily powerful essay for Runner's World and hearing her speak about these topics made her writing even more powerful. Alex is a dedicated and successful ultra trail runner. She is also a shoe reviewer for Believe in the Run so, of course, we had to end our conversation with some shoe talk. After Years of Trauma, Running Is My Home. Here's What I'm Doing to Make It Safer - www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a35867367/how-i-make-running-safer In our new and regular Friday "Running Between the Lines" segment we talk with elite runner and writer Becky Wade Firth about her recent article in Runner,s World about how folks are approaching their return to racing in 2021. Thinking About Racing Again? Here’s How to Approach Your Big Comeback - www.runnersworld.com/training/a36015738/how-to-return-to-racing-covid-19/ Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Do you want to run further and faster -- and recover quicker and easier? Do you want to feel healthier than you’ve ever felt before? Then give InsideTracker a try. First, InsideTracker uses its patented algorithm to analyze your body’s data and offer you a clearer picture than you’ve ever had before of what’s going on inside you. Then, they provide a concrete, science-backed, trackable action plan for reaching your performance goals and being your healthy best. InsideTracker is offering my listeners 25% off at www.insidetracker.com/ramblingrunner with code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Theresa Hailey, a runner for Oiselle, is well known for her positivity and strength as a runner and person. In the lead-up to the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials she fell just one second short of qualifying. Then, after a successful build-up to Boston in 2019, her race that didn't live-up to her training nor fitness. A feeling so many of us have experienced. In preparation for the 2020 Olympic Trials she prepared her body with strength training like never before. Her Marathon Olympic Trials race took her to a new level. She was ranked 375th heading into the race, PR'd by 1:26 and finished 77th in 2:42:49, smiling, pumping her arms, and making heart symbols every time she ran through cowbell corner. This is a remarkable achievement on a rugged course in challenging conditions. In addition to being a running badass, Theresa is one in the professional world as well. She is a Tooling Engineer - Lead, for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. In this episode we discuss all of this and plenty more. You can follow Theresa at www.instagram.com/runninggingerly. Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Do you want to run further and faster -- and recover quicker and easier? Do you want to feel healthier than you’ve ever felt before? Then give InsideTracker a try. First, InsideTracker uses its patented algorithm to analyze your body’s data and offer you a clearer picture than you’ve ever had before of what’s going on inside you. Then, they provide a concrete, science-backed, trackable action plan for reaching your performance goals and being your healthy best. InsideTracker is offering my listeners 25% off at www.insidetracker.com/ramblingrunner with code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this two-part episode we have a feature story with official badass Gabby Wennerstrom and we catch-up with writer/runner/coach David Roche to learn more about a recent article he wrote for Trail Runner Mag. Gabby Wennerstrom has steadily worked her way down from a 5:40 marathon all the way down to a 3:23. A remarkable feet that required nearly a decade of work and a boat-load of optimism. Gabby was committed to her goal of getting a BQ and, as she proved, it was simply a matter of when and not if. In the second part of the episode David Roche breaks down his recent piece, "Why Downtime May Lead To Breakthroughs: Fitness can seem to follow unpredictable patterns, with some of the biggest breakthroughs coming after layoffs. Why?" - https://trailrunnermag.com/training/why-downtime-may-lead-to-breakthroughs.html Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Four Sigmatic, a wellness company that mixes mushrooms and adaptogens with coffee, cacao, latte, protein powder. They have a special offer for the Rambling Runner audience. Receive 10% off your Four Sigmatic order. Just go to www.foursigmatic.com/RAMBLINGRUNNER or enter code RAMBLINGRUNNER at checkout. OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Do you want to run further and faster -- and recover quicker and easier? Do you want to feel healthier than you’ve ever felt before? Then give InsideTracker a try. First, InsideTracker uses its patented algorithm to analyze your body’s data and offer you a clearer picture than you’ve ever had before of what’s going on inside you. Then, they provide a concrete, science-backed, trackable action plan for reaching your performance goals and being your healthy best. InsideTracker is offering my listeners 25% off at www.insidetracker.com/ramblingrunner with code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Five week after my last pain free run my knee is finally in working order. It took a couple weeks of no running nor cross-training followed by three days of easy run/walks. Now I've run three days in a row and it appears as though my knee has turned the corner. Next up, doing the same thing with my training. In this episode, coach James McKirdy details what's next and addresses my concern that maybe my goal of breaking 40:00 is too tall a task. Adrienne Langelier and I talk about how the recent time away affected my mindset and general mental health. Mastering 40: I had just completed the worst athletic year of my life. One beset by injuries and a 25 lb. weight gain. Finally, I decided enough was enough. With the help of a professional coach - James McKirdy and sport psychologist - Adrienne Langelier, I am determined to have the best athletic year of my life. One that will end, hopefully, with a sub-40:00 10k. This is a huge stretch goal and I am determined to get it done. Over the course of this year I will also be turning 40 years old and become a masters runner. Hence the “Mastering 40.” We will be documenting the journey with a podcast every three weeks. The podcasts, like this one, will include calls with the experts I will be leaning on, and learning from, throughout the process. Hopefully you enjoy and learn from my year of reclaiming my fitness and pursuing an entirely new level of performance while trying to maximize my schedule as a dedicated amateur runner. Thank you to the Mastering 40 partners: - Supplements/Protein: Previnex - code: RUNNER15 for 15% off - Health Analysis: InsideTracker - Go to www.insidetracker/ramblingrunner to save 25% on their Ultimate Package by using code GIFTFROMRAMBLINGRUN - Attire: Tracksmith - code RAMBLINGRUNNER for 15% off first purchase over $75 Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michelle Baxter is a dedicated runner from Anchorage, Alaska with two young kids a drive to go sub-3:00 in the marathon. She has run 10 marathons including the Boston Marathon in 2013 and the NYC Marathon in 2018. Michelle has come a long way in just a few years, working her way up to 100 miles in a week, winning the 2013 Kenai River Marathon, placing 19th at the Twin Cities Marathon where she ran her current PR of 3:02, and placing 1st at the Moose’s Tooth Marathon at 9.5 months postpartum. You can learn more about Michelle at www.therunnersplate.com. Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Do you want to run further and faster -- and recover quicker and easier? Do you want to feel healthier than you’ve ever felt before? Then give InsideTracker a try. First, InsideTracker uses its patented algorithm to analyze your body’s data and offer you a clearer picture than you’ve ever had before of what’s going on inside you. Then, they provide a concrete, science-backed, trackable action plan for reaching your performance goals and being your healthy best. InsideTracker is offering my listeners 25% off at www.insidetracker.com/ramblingrunner with code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Paper Trails Greeting Co. is a small business was created by a dedicated amateur runner with a passion for snail mail and the running community, and a frustration with lack of options for greeting cards appropriate for runners. Their online shop of 35+ greeting cards, all with messages specifically for runners. There’s never been a better time to connect with your people via handwritten note. Visit www.papertrailsgreetingco.com and use code RAMBLING will get you 15% off any order (besides the monthly subscription). Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this two part episode we meet Kevin Duffy and speak with Sarah Lorge Butler about her recent article for Runner's World entitled Why Aren't More Female Coaches in Charge of Pro Teams? Kevin is Fireman in Yonkers, NY, 5 x Ironman, 50 miler finisher, plant-based athlete and cook. Here's a intro to Kevin in his own words: "For most of my life I ate the standard American diet. This typical days, weeks and years full of meat, cow’s milk, eggs, cheese, sugary cereals, too much pizza (like 3 days a week too much) and processed junk food. I live this way for 33 years. It wasn’t until 2015, when I learned what plant-based meant and decided to give it a try. I switched over to a lifestyle and a daily routine that is rich in fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains. These are the sources of energy that the earth has provided. Everything I eat started as a seed. I've lost a total of 40 lbs. and my workouts are more effective because of an increase in energy and stamina. I also sleep more soundly because my body is not loaded with toxins and doesn’t have to expend energy tossing and turning throughout the night trying to figure out how to process those old harmful toxins, when all it wants to do is rest. I noticed that I recover quicker from workouts, therefore I can train more often. This resulted in me racing faster and improving my performance in all sports and activities. The benefits to this lifestyle change seem endless. I am constantly learning and trying to better the person from yesterday. Life is more enjoyable when you feel better. We weren’t put on this earth to get fat, sick, achy and slow, so don’t settle for that." In the second part of the episode I speak with Sarah Lorge Butler from Runner's World (54:40 mark). We take a deep dive into her recent article how it came together. You can read Why Aren’t More Female Coaches in Charge of Pro Teams? at www.runnersworld.com/news/a35810575/female-coaches-for-pro-jobs Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Beam is a CBD company founded by two ex-professional athletes and they just launched their first ever non-CBD product line called elevate hydration. Elevate hydration powders give your body the electrolytes it craves and more. They have powders for digestive balance, enhanced energy, and supportive recovery. Try elevate hydration from beam for 15% off with code RAMBLINGRUNNER www.beamtlc.com. Paper Trails Greeting Co. is a small business was created by a dedicated amateur runner with a passion for snail mail and the running community, and a frustration with lack of options for greeting cards appropriate for runners. Their online shop of 35+ greeting cards, all with messages specifically for runners. There’s never been a better time to connect with your people via handwritten note. Visit www.papertrailsgreetingco.com and use code RAMBLING will get you 15% off any order (besides the monthly subscription). Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever had a goal that you worked for years to accomplish only to fall short by the slimmest of margins time and time again? It takes a strong person with a sense of mission to keep getting up and striving for that goal instead of giving in. That is exactly what Meaghan Murray-Neuberger did when she broke the 3:00 at the Woodlands Marathon two weeks ago. Meaghan is a three-time marathon winner with a previous marathon PR of 3:00:19. At Woodlands she ran a blistering fast 2:56:33 - 6:44 pace per mile. Besides being as tough as leather, Meaghan is also an extraordinary business woman and entrepreneur. She is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Big Run Media and Believe in the Run. Meaghan applies her vision for meaningful action and provides detailed analytics to measure marketing ROI at her companies and also at other brands including Sony Pictures, A&E, Warner Brothers and Viacom, as well as several start-up small businesses. In this episode Meaghan walks us through what she changed in this marathon training cycle that helped her get her over the top. We also talk about running shoes, of course, considering her background as one of the foremost individuals in the running show review space. You can visit Believe in the Run at www.believeintherun.com. Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Do you want to run further and faster -- and recover quicker and easier? Do you want to feel healthier than you’ve ever felt before? Then give InsideTracker a try. First, InsideTracker uses its patented algorithm to analyze your body’s data and offer you a clearer picture than you’ve ever had before of what’s going on inside you. Then, they provide a concrete, science-backed, trackable action plan for reaching your performance goals and being your healthy best. InsideTracker is offering my listeners 25% off at https://hubs.ly/H0HQpX50 with code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Paper Trails Greeting Co. is a small business was created by a dedicated amateur runner with a passion for snail mail and the running community, and a frustration with lack of options for greeting cards appropriate for runners. Their online shop of 35+ greeting cards, all with messages specifically for runners. There’s never been a better time to connect with your people via handwritten note. Visit www.papertrailsgreetingco.com and use code RAMBLING will get you 15% off any order (besides the monthly subscription). Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kim Sundling is an avid marathoner, cross-trainer, pharmacist with a focus on mental health, a bundle of energy - and someone who continues to work through depression and lupus. Not only that, but she is back on the show to detail her completion of the brutal Goggins Challenge. She ran four miles every four hours for 48 hours. Kim didn't merely complete this amazing test of endurance she nearly set a 5k PR over the final three miles. I've had the privilege of coaching Kim through my work with McKirdy Trained and she is one of the most inspiring people I've every met. Kim's first appearance on the show was little over a year ago. In episode 216, Kim detailed the various aspects of her life and how she ran two marathons in the fall of 2019 before doing the Goofy Challenge in early January, 2020. You can follow Kim at www.instagram.com/pharmdpositive. Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Beam is a CBD company founded by two ex-professional athletes and they just launched their first ever non-CBD product line called elevate hydration. Elevate hydration powders give your body the electrolytes it craves and more. They have powders for digestive balance, enhanced energy, and supportive recovery. Try elevate hydration from beam for 15% off with code RAMBLINGRUNNER www.beamtlc.com. Paper Trails Greeting Co. is a small business was created by a dedicated amateur runner with a passion for snail mail and the running community, and a frustration with lack of options for greeting cards appropriate for runners. Their online shop of 35+ greeting cards, all with messages specifically for runners. There’s never been a better time to connect with your people via handwritten note. Visit www.papertrailsgreetingco.com and use code RAMBLING will get you 15% off any order (besides the monthly subscription). Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When I first had the idea for Mastering 40 I knew that one of the major steps I would need to take was a detailed blood analysis. A mirror, scale, and workout data can provide insight but it doesn’t tell the whole story. I needed to know my exact starting point then track my biomarkers throughout the year. I reached out to InsideTracker, the leader in this space, and they agreed to help me out. Stevie Smith MS, RDN, CSSD, CDN, a registered dietitian at InsideTracker, and ten time IRONMAN finisher, dove into my most recent tests, just like she did after my first round of testing in September, and provided loads of feedback. I have lots to work on, especially my lipid profile, and a few positive points as well. One new feature is the Inner Age metric. I am 40.1 years old - how old is my inner age? Find out in this episode. Mastering 40: I had just completed the worst athletic year of my life. One beset by injuries and a 25 lb. weight gain. Finally, I decided enough was enough. With the help of a professional coach - James McKirdy and sport psychologist - Adrienne Langelier, I am determined to have the best athletic year of my life. One that will end, hopefully, with a sub-40:00 10k. This is a huge stretch goal and I am determined to get it done. Over the course of this year I will also be turning 40 years old and become a masters runner. Hence the “Mastering 40.” We will be documenting the journey with a podcast every three weeks. The podcasts, like this one, will include calls with the experts I will be leaning on, and learning from, throughout the process. Hopefully you enjoy and learn from my year of reclaiming my fitness and pursuing an entirely new level of performance while trying to maximize my schedule as a dedicated amateur runner. Thank you to the Mastering 40 partners: - Supplements/Protein: Previnex - code: RUNNER15 for 15% off - Health Analysis: InsideTracker - Enroll in their giveaway of an Ultimate Package and 1:1 session with registered dietician or go to https://hubs.ly/H0HQpX50 to save 25% on their Ultimate Package by using code GIFTFROMRAMBLINGRUN - Attire: Tracksmith - code RAMBLINGRUNNER for 15% off first purchase over $75 Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tommie Runz is making big moves with his own running and within the broader running community. Several years back Tommie was the picture of ill-health. He had an alcohol problem, was eating poorly, and was doing little exercise. They one-by-one he addressed all of these issues until he became the man and runner he is today - fast, fit, vegan, host of the Run Eat Sleep Show, and owner of Chip Time Running. A truly magnificent transformation for a man who's an even better person than he is a runner. Follow Tommie - www.instagram.com/tommie_runz Chip Time Running and Run Eat Sleep Show - https://linktr.ee/ChipTimeRunning Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Do you want to run further and faster -- and recover quicker and easier? Do you want to feel healthier than you’ve ever felt before? Then give InsideTracker a try. First, InsideTracker uses its patented algorithm to analyze your body’s data and offer you a clearer picture than you’ve ever had before of what’s going on inside you. Then, they provide a concrete, science-backed, trackable action plan for reaching your performance goals and being your healthy best. InsideTracker is offering my listeners 25% off at insidetracker.com/ramblingrunner. Paper Trails Greeting Co. is a small business was created by a dedicated amateur runner with a passion for snail mail and the running community, and a frustration with lack of options for greeting cards appropriate for runners. Their online shop of 35+ greeting cards, all with messages specifically for runners. There’s never been a better time to connect with your people via handwritten note. Visit www.papertrailsgreetingco.com and use code RAMBLING will get you 15% off any order (besides the monthly subscription). Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erica Sara discovered her passion for jewelry design at just 10 years old, using scraps of leather to craft fabulous leather pins, earrings, and hair pieces for her family and friends. Two decades later, all grown up and armed with a degree in business and years of fashion experience from Barneys NY and Coach, Erica set out to design a jewelry line for today’s modern, driven, fashion savvy, and influential woman. Erica Sara Designs was born out of a dream to help others wear their dreams. The line offers chic, luxurious, and classic pieces, semi-precious gemstones and metals, and personal engravings. All at realistic prices. Since launching, ESD has graced the pages of Shape, Women’s Health, Better Homes & Gardens, and US Weekly, just to name a few. Unique, universal and timeless, Erica’s pieces are sought out by everyone from bridal parties to marathoners, new moms, old friends, and some of the best runners in the world. When she’s not creating jewelry, Erica spends her time running, cooking, and hanging with her husband Robert and their two kids. Follow Erica Sara on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for behind the scenes glimpses, new design announcements, and giveaways. Sponsors: Have you guys heard of beam? beam is a CBD company founded by two ex-professional athletes and they just launched their first ever non-CBD product line called elevate hydration. Elevate hydration powders give your body the electrolytes it craves and more. They have powders for digestive balance, enhanced energy, and supportive recovery. Try elevate hydration from beam for 15% off with code RAMBLINGRUNNER www.beamtlc.com. OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Paper Trails Greeting Co. is a small business was created by a dedicated amateur runner with a passion for snail mail and the running community, and a frustration with lack of options for greeting cards appropriate for runners. Their online shop of 35+ greeting cards, all with messages specifically for runners. There’s never been a better time to connect with your people via handwritten note. Visit www.papertrailsgreetingco.com and use code RAMBLING will get you 15% off any order (besides the monthly subscription). Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Several years ago Kim had two lives. One during the day where she helped athletes reach their full potential. Another that consisted of living the kind of life that was the polar opposite of the one she preached. Then she decided enough was enough. Today she is an accomplished multisport athlete, marathoner, lifter, and all-around badass. Kim is certified physical trainers with masters degree in kinesiology. She currently the Head Athletic Trainer for a high school in Hollywood, FL and the owner of Uplift Performance Training. Her vision is to bridge the gap between performance and rehabilitative systems to provide both athletes and the general population an integrated approach to training. In this episode we dive into her all of the areas of her transformation. We also discuss her recent marathon that she was primed to crush but that didn't quite go her way - a feeling that so many of us have experienced. You can follow Kim at www.instagram.com/kimurmaza. Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Four Sigmatic, a wellness company that mixes mushrooms and adaptogens with coffee, cacao, latte, protein powder. They have a special offer for the Rambling Runner audience. Receive 10% off your Four Sigmatic order. Just go to www.foursigmatic.com/RAMBLINGRUNNER or enter code RAMBLINGRUNNER at checkout. OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Do you want to run further and faster -- and recover quicker and easier? Do you want to feel healthier than you’ve ever felt before? Then give InsideTracker a try. First, InsideTracker uses its patented algorithm to analyze your body’s data and offer you a clearer picture than you’ve ever had before of what’s going on inside you. Then, they provide a concrete, science-backed, trackable action plan for reaching your performance goals and being your healthy best. InsideTracker is offering my listeners 25% off at insidetracker.com/ramblingrunner. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are back with Ramblings on the Run with Ali Feller and what a fun conversation this was. Per our usual conversation Ali, host of the amazing Ali on the Run podcast, and I start the show by discussing our current life on the run, what we are loving, and what we are excited about. In the second half of the show we try something new that we both were super excited about sharing. We each chose three TV shows that love and created a scenario for each if the cast were a running team instead of there actual fictional setting. We had a blast doing this and we'd love to hear your own creations! You can email them to me at [email protected] and we will share some of our favorites. Also, here are some links that we promised we'd share. - The Well+Good article that Ali mentions: www.wellandgood.com/adults-living-at-home - Subscribe to Trail Mix by Emily Halnon: www.emilyhalnon.substack.com/ Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, Plantar Fasciitis, shin splints and more. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Sports Backers is excited to bring you a custom race experience with our first ‘Sports Backers Marathon,’ in Richmond, Virginia, featuring a marathon, half marathon, and 5k. From Friday, March 12th through Sunday, March 14th the experienced team at Sports Backers will take care of the rest, with onsite packet pick up, measured courses, touchless bottle refill stations, timing, and of course great swag! Register now at www.sportsbackers.org and save $10 by using code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Have you guys heard of beam? beam is a CBD company founded by two ex-professional athletes and they just launched their first ever non-CBD product line called elevate hydration. Elevate hydration powders give your body the electrolytes it craves and more. They have powders for digestive balance, enhanced energy, and supportive recovery. Try elevate hydration from beam for 15% off with code RAMBLINGRUNNER www.beamtlc.com. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Man, lot's of stuff going on this edition of Mastering 40. The last three weeks have seen some strong workouts, a few skipped miles, and a minor knee injury. In this episode, run coach James McKirdy and I have a blunt conversation on my need to step up the miles from the mid to high 30's well into the 40's. In his words, "if you aren't able to do this then you will not reach your goals." Then I speak with sport psychologist Adrienne Langelier about how I have been doing the "classic Matt Chittim." By this I mean skipping cooldowns and a mile here and there. We talk discuss how to take my training up a notch and get out of the groove that has been my happy normal in previous training cycles. To paraphrase, if I want to accomplish something I never have, I need to work harder than before to reach that new level. Mastering 40: I had just completed the worst athletic year of my life. One beset by injuries and a 25 lb. weight gain. Finally, I decided enough was enough. With the help of a professional coach - James McKirdy and sport psychologist - Adrienne Langelier, I am determined to have the best athletic year of my life. One that will end, hopefully, with a sub-40:00 10k. This is a huge stretch goal and I am determined to get it done. Over the course of this year I will also be turning 40 years old and become a masters runner. Hence the “Mastering 40.” We will be documenting the journey with a podcast every three weeks. The podcasts, like this one, will include calls with the experts I will be leaning on, and learning from, throughout the process. Hopefully you enjoy and learn from my year of reclaiming my fitness and pursuing an entirely new level of performance while trying to maximize my schedule as a dedicated amateur runner. Thank you to the Mastering 40 partners: - Supplements/Protein: Previnex - code: RUNNER15 for 15% off - Health Analysis: InsideTracker - Go to www.insidetracker.com/qr/onboarding/SUPERRECIPES/ to save $200 on their Ultimate Package by using code GIFTFROMRAMBLINGRUN - Attire: Tracksmith - code RAMBLINGRUNNER for 15% off first purchase over $75 Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Road to the Trials has returned for season two and we are fired up! We will be bringing you a behind the scenes look at the training and racing of some of America's best track athletes as they prepare for the Olympic Track Trials in June. Specifically, we will be following Keira D'Amato, Dana Giordano, Olivia Baker, Frank Lara, Tyler Day, and Abe Alvarado. In this episode we are joined by Lindsey Hein and Mario Fraioli, hosts of the highly rated I'll Have Another and Morning Shakeout podcasts, and we set the stage for the lead-up to the trials. We discuss the year long gap between now and the Olympic Marathon Trials, whether we thought the Olympics would even happen, our favorite Olympic track & field memories, the events and athletes we are most excited to follow this spring, and we discuss where the six athletes we will be following this season compare to their peers in the lead-up to what will be an extremely entertaining track season. Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, Plantar Fasciitis, shin splints and more. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Spring will be here before you know it, and the best way to get through the winter months of running is to have your next finish line in sight! That’s why Sports Backers is excited to bring you a custom race experience with our first ‘Sports Backers Marathon,’ in Richmond, Virginia, featuring a marathon, half marathon, and 5k. From Friday, March 12th through Sunday, March 14th the experienced team at Sports Backers will take care of the rest, with onsite packet pick up, measured courses, touchless bottle refill stations, timing, and of course great swag! Register now at www.sportsbackers.org and save $10 by using code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are certain people who choose to be a bright shining light and their impact on others becomes exponential because of that decision. That is exactly who Melissa Danehey has become. Melissa is a champion-level trail and ultra runner who started running in college and quickly grew to love the sport. Her evolution into a high-level runner took a turn when she was sexually assaulted over ten years ago. Running became an outlet for her and a way to help her deal with her pain and PTSD. Melissa continued to run, and run, and run until she was running at a near elite level. She proceeded to win the Angeles Crest 100 and place well at many other west coast trail and ultra races. While running helped Melissa deal with her trauma, she was able to fully come to terms with her assault when she embraced therapy in recent years in conjunction with running. Today, Melissa is now on the Board of Directors at Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA) and helping others who have experienced a similar trauma that she endured years ago. She is also on the Rabbit Elite trail team and sponsored by Fluid Nutrition. Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Have you guys heard of beam? beam is a CBD company founded by two ex-professional athletes and they just launched their first ever non-CBD product line called elevate hydration. Elevate hydration powders give your body the electrolytes it craves and more. They have powders for digestive balance, enhanced energy, and supportive recovery. Try elevate hydration from beam for 15% off with code RAMBLINGRUNNER www.beamtlc.com. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Fitzgerald is back for his third appearance on the Rambling Runner Podcast and this time he discusses his new book. A good comeback makes a great story. In The Comeback Quotient, sports journalist Matt Fitzgerald shares the stories of top athletic comebacks, to give you inspiration and tools for your own comeback in sport or life. Every sports fan loves a great comeback. Is there a special quality shared by top athletes who triumph over great challenges? And can anyone acquire it? In The Comeback Quotient, celebrated sportswriter Matt Fitzgerald supplies the answer to both questions. He identifies these mega-achievers of astounding athletic comebacks as “ultrarealists,” men and women who succeed where others fail by fully accepting, embracing, and addressing the reality of their situations. From ultrarunners like Rob Krar to triathletes like Mirinda Carfrae to rowers, skiers, cyclists, and runners all over the world, Fitzgerald highlights and speculates on just what makes these comebacks so compelling. As for whether anyone can stage his or her own great comeback, the answer is a resounding yes: Anyone can become an ultrarealist to some degree. In the tradition of his best-selling How Bad Do You Want It?, The Comeback Quotient combines gripping sports stories with mind-blowing science to deliver a book that will forever change how you perceive the challenges you face, giving you the inspiration and the tools to make the next great comeback you witness your own. Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. McKirdy Trained is an online coaching service working with runners of all ages, all abilities, all over the world. Our coaches have helped thousands of runners achieve goals they never thought possible, from running their first 5K without stopping to qualifying for the Olympic Trials in the marathon. Join us and find out what a personalized running coach can do for your own athletic journey at www.mckirdytrained.com. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is a widely held belief that runners get slower with age. Ingrid Walters, an actress and elite masters runner, has turned that belief on its head. At the age of 47 Ingrid won the female open division of the Los Angeles Marathon in a scorching fast 2:48 - 22 minutes faster than her first marathon nearly a decade earlier. Shortly after that race, as she was preparing for Grandma's Marathon, Ingrid was diagnosed with breast cancer. She attacked this new challenge with vigor and focus. After undergoing a double mastectomy, she continued to run while undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy as well as radiation. Many weeks she even ran between 50-70 miles, the to amazement of her attending physicians.⁠ In addition to running, Ingrid has a passion for acting. She’s done over 40 national commercials, numerous television shows and films. We talk about all of this in this episode as well as her high level swimming background, and her hope to be an example for others who are facing similar challenges in the sport or with cancer that she has faced. PERSONAL BESTS 5K - 18:02 10K - 37:55 Marathon - 2:48.03 Half Marathon - 1:22.28 RUNNING CAREER HIGHLIGHTS 2014 3rd Place Masters Female Chicago Marathon 2014 2nd Place Female Overall Orange County Marathon 2016 USATF Masters Half Marathon Championship: 5th place Masters Woman Overall 2017 1st Place Female Open Division Los Angeles Marathon Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wow, things are getting real. In this episode we dive into the last three weeks which in which the workouts have been altered significantly. The mileage will stay in the 40-45 mile range for the next couple months but the workouts have were switched to longer segments and it has thrown me for a loop. In addition, day-after longer easy runs have been added to the weekend routine. In this episode, coach James McKirdy details why he made the changes and offers valuable advice about race shoes on workout days. Then I speak with Adrienne Langelier about how I can wrap my head around this shift in training that has proved difficult physically and mentally. Mastering 40: I had just completed the worst athletic year of my life. One beset by injuries and a 25 lb. weight gain. Finally, I decided enough was enough. With the help of a professional coach - James McKirdy and sports psychologist - Adrienne Langelier, I am determined to have the best athletic year of my life. One that will end, hopefully, with a sub-40:00 10k. This is a huge stretch goal and I am determined to get it done. Over the course of this year I will also be turning 40 years old and become a masters runner. Hence the “Mastering 40.” We will be documenting the journey with a podcast every three weeks. The podcasts, like this one, will include calls with the experts I will be leaning on, and learning from, throughout the process. Hopefully you enjoy and learn from my year of reclaiming my fitness and pursuing an entirely new level of performance while trying to maximize my schedule as a dedicated amateur runner. Thank you to the Mastering 40 partners: - Supplements/Protein: Previnex - code: RUNNER15 for 15% off - Health Analysis: InsideTracker - Go to www.insidetracker.com/qr/onboarding/SUPERRECIPES/ to save $200 on their Ultimate Package by using code GIFTFROMRAMBLINGRUN - Attire: Tracksmith - code RAMBLINGRUNNER for 15% off first purchase over $75 Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Virtual Summit - https://www.theramblingrunner.com/summit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kara Hepp is a mother of three, working full-time, taking an active role in her community, and training for a marathon in the freezing weather of a Minnesota winter. For these reasons, and several more, I've looked up to Kara for some time. In this episode, first dive into how she prepares herself to train during sub-zero temps at 5:00 a.m. and how she has worked with a running friend to ensure mutual success. Kara also discusses how she has had to adapt with her kids doing distance learning and that how affects her running schedule (read: hyper early runs) and nighttime routine. You can follow Kara at www.instagram.com/khepp14. Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Four Sigmatic, a wellness company that mixes mushrooms and adaptogens with coffee, cacao, latte, protein powder. They have a special offer for the Rambling Runner audience. Receive 10% off your Four Sigmatic order. Just go to www.foursigmatic.com/RAMBLINGRUNNER or enter code RAMBLINGRUNNER at checkout. OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sabrina Little is a renaissance woman nearly every way. She runs at an elite level and has been selected to represent the United States on five national teams. She is also a full-time instructor of Philosophy and the Humanities at Morehead State University where she lives with her husband David and daughter Lucy. In 2020, she completed her PhD in Philosophy at Baylor University. Before Baylor, she studied Philosophy of Religion at Yale Divinity School and Philosophy and Psychology at The College of William & Mary. Sabrina's main areas of interest are virtue ethics, moral psychology, and ancient philosophy and she is currently writing about the nature of moral habituation and exploring emotional precursors to moral virtues. Career Running Highlights: – 5-time US National Champion – 5-time US National Team Member – World Silver Medalist, Team Gold Medalist (2013) – She previously held both the 24-Hour American Record (152.03 miles) and the 200K American Record (19 hours, 30 minutes). When she set those in 2013, Sabrina was ranked 6th in World History for the 24-Hour Run. – 12th Place in the 2018 Trail World Championships in Spain to score for Team USA’s Bronze Medal – In 2019, she ran the fastest 100K and 50-mile times for women in the U.S. Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, Plantar Fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Spring will be here before you know it, and the best way to get through the winter months of running is to have your next finish line in sight! That’s why Sports Backers is excited to bring you a custom race experience with our first ‘Sports Backers Marathon,’ in Richmond, Virginia, featuring a marathon, half marathon, and 5k. From Friday, March 12th through Sunday, March 14th the experienced team at Sports Backers will take care of the rest, with onsite packet pick up, measured courses, touchless bottle refill stations, timing, and of course great swag! Register now at www.sportsbackers.org and save $10 by using code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Mariana Maldonado, 2020 was a year of amazing improvements in fitness with no races to test them. Several of her marathons were postponed and cancelled throughout the yeas as she continually altered her training and remained optimistic. It was a learning experience that she is hoping to capitalize on in 2021. As Mari continued to improve, she started to reach whole new levels of speed and fitness. As exciting as this was, it became hard for her to embrace those new levels. In this episode we dive into matching her confidence with her fitness, juggling an ever-changing schedule, and how she is planning on taking the next step in 2021. Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, Plantar Fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Spring will be here before you know it, and the best way to get through the winter months of running is to have your next finish line in sight! That’s why Sports Backers is excited to bring you a custom race experience with our first ‘Sports Backers Marathon,’ in Richmond, Virginia, featuring a marathon, half marathon, and 5k. From Friday, March 12th through Sunday, March 14th the experienced team at Sports Backers will take care of the rest, with onsite packet pick up, measured courses, touchless bottle refill stations, timing, and of course great swag! Register now at www.sportsbackers.org and save $10 by using code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So many runners are passionate about their running while also working hard to advocate for a cause/mission they believe in. When we combine these two passions to help raise awareness and philanthropic support it can be a remarkable experience. It can also change how we connect to our running. No one knows this better than Jordan Marie Daniel. Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Daniel – Kul Wičasa Lakota, a citizen of Kul Wicasa Oyate (Lower Brule Sioux Tribe) as well as a passionate and devoted advocate for Indian Country and all people. Nationally known for her advocacy and grassroots organization for anti-pipelines/climate justice efforts, change the name/not your mascot, the epidemic and crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW), and native youth initiatives. Now, she is continuing this running journey and advocacy, as a professional runner with Altra Team Elite. Rising Hearts: www.risinghearts.org Running on Native Lands virtual 5k, 10k, Half Marathon: https://events.elitefeats.com/nativelands21 INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/nativein_la / www.instagram.com/rising_hearts Bonfire Campaign: Rising Hearts swag - https://www.bonfire.com/rising-hearts/ Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, Plantar Fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Spring will be here before you know it, and the best way to get through the winter months of running is to have your next finish line in sight! That’s why Sports Backers is excited to bring you a custom race experience with our first ‘Sports Backers Marathon,’ in Richmond, Virginia, featuring a marathon, half marathon, and 5k. From Friday, March 12th through Sunday, March 14th the experienced team at Sports Backers will take care of the rest, with onsite packet pick up, measured courses, touchless bottle refill stations, timing, and of course great swag! Register now at www.sportsbackers.org and save $10 by using code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2020, with road races all over being cancelled, many runners decided to transition to trail running where races were much more prevalent and easier to align with COVID restrictions. But many of these folks weren't quite sure where to start. This is exactly why I was excited to speak with elite coach and podcast host Mario Fraioli. Mario coaches some of the best trail runners in the country in addition to making this same transition when he moved to the Bay Area. In this conversation Mario covers gear, volume, intensity, strength and athleticism, hills, and so much more. If you want to learn more about Mario head over to https://mariofraioli.com/. Sponsor: OS1st is a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. There’s a lot of compression out there, but this is the real deal – no one else uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, Plantar Fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While I have been chronicling my own Mastering 40 journey, I was excited to talk with Brian White who has been actively pursuing his own. Brian, who turned 40 last spring, has big goals for the marathon, 10k, and un-broken pull-ups. So far he is crushing it but don't let that fool you - he hasn't always been a runner extraordinaire. He was big into lifting for years before starting running in his late 30's. Now, Brian is on the cusp of doing amazing things and It was a pleasure to hear him talk all about it. You can follow Brian at www.instagram.com/ka2lyst. Sponsor: OS1st is a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. There’s a lot of compression out there, but this is the real deal – no one else uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, Plantar Fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett, Sabrina Stanley) and new runners alike. Shop at your local independently owned running or at www.OS1st.com where you can use code RAMBLING for 15% off your first purchase. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Virtual Summit - https://www.theramblingrunner.com/summit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we dive into the last three weeks which were supposed to be include an elevation of mileage into the 40's but turned out to be quite the opposite. As most of us know, craziness in our lives can sometimes supersede our running goals and require an even larger chunk of time and energy. With all of that coming to fruition, fortunately my fitness has continued to improve at a rapid rate and I am excited to test myself again in the near future. Mastering 40: I just completed the worst athletic year of my life. One beset by injuries and a 25 lb. weight gain. Finally, I decided enough was enough. With the help of a professional coach - James McKirdy and sports psychologist - Adrienne Langelier, I am determined to have the best athletic year of my life. One that will end, hopefully, with a sub-40:00 10k. This is a huge stretch goal and I am determined to get it done. Over the course of this year I will also be turning 40 years old and become a masters runner. Hence the “Mastering 40.” I will be documenting the journey with a podcast every three weeks. The podcasts, like this one, will include calls with the experts I will be leaning on, and learning from, throughout the process. I hope you enjoy and learn from my year of reclaiming my fitness and pursuing an entirely new level of performance while trying to maximize my schedule as a dedicated amateur runner. Thank you to the Mastering 40 partners: - Supplements/Protein: Previnex - code: RUNNER15 for 15% off - Health Analysis: InsideTracker - Go to www.insidetracker.com/qr/onboarding/SUPERRECIPES/ to save $200 on their Ultimate Package by using code GIFTFROMRAMBLINGRUN - Attire: Tracksmith - code RAMBLINGRUNNER for 15% off first purchase over $75 Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Virtual Summit - https://www.theramblingrunner.com/summit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are back with Ramblings on the Run with Ali Feller and what a fun conversation this was. While 2021 is officially here, Ali and I decided to indulge ourselves in several of the off-beat things we enjoyed in 2020. Here are the categories we went with: Favorite podcast episode we listened to (sports and a non-sports) Favorite running performance Favorite person to follow on IG Favorite binge watch Surprising binge watch Favorite running shoe Favorite guilty pleasure Proudest Personal Running Accomplishment Proudest Professional Accomplishment Best Use of Creativity During a Pandemic As you can see, there is a lot here and we had a blast diving into all of it. Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Four Sigmatic, a wellness company that mixes mushrooms and adaptogens with coffee, cacao, latte, protein powder. They have a special offer for the Rambling Runner audience. Receive 10% off your Four Sigmatic order. Just go to www.foursigmatic.com/RAMBLINGRUNNER or enter code RAMBLINGRUNNER at checkout. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Virtual Summit - https://www.theramblingrunner.com/summit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meghan Matejka has had the kind of improvement and progression as a marathoner that so many strive for. Her first race after playing soccer and lacrosse in high school and college was a marathon. A huge challenge to say the least. From there, Meghan didn't formally engage with running for another six years, or so. Once she did, Meghan was able to bring her times down and qualify for the Boston Marathon - then just kept on improving. With the help of her coach, Heather McKirdy of McKirdy Trained, she was able to reach a new level by implementing speed work sessions and dedicated work on her mental outlook when she faced difficulties in workouts and races. Meghan had a habit beating herself up for days if workouts didn't go well. Something so many of us can relate to. Once she was able to start working through that feeling she was able to bounce back and not get bogged down in her training. As a full-time occupational therapist in school-based and adult rehab settings, Meghan understands the delicate balance of work, family, and commitment to training. She has been able to help others reach their potential as a certified running coach for McKirdy Trained. In this episode we touch on all this and, as a fellow Parks and Recreation mega-fan, we also talk about Meghan's top 5 funniest Parks and Rec scenes. You can follow Meghan at www.instagram.com/megatronrunning. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Virtual Summit - https://www.theramblingrunner.com/summit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the year comes to a close I am excited to bring you seven of the best and most impactful moments of the Rambling Runner Podcast in 2020. This was an incredibly hard episode to create. We have been blessed with so many amazing guests this year. Choosing a select few was incredibly difficult. Once that happened, selecting only one part of their episodes was no picnic, either. Here are the folks who are featured in the 2020 Best of... Mitch Ammons (ep. 207) Kiese Laymon (ep. 234) Bart Yasso (ep. 245) Sarah Bishop (ep. 261) Marquis Bowden (ep. 270) Jay Hewitt (ep. 286) Leah Jantzen (ep. 290) Sponsors: Previnex is a supplement brand that I trust, use, and have greatly benefited from. They source the highest quality ingredients in the most clinically effective and beneficial forms. Previnex manufactures to the highest standards possible, testing every ingredient, every step of production and every finished product. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order. Spring will be here before you know it, and the best way to get through the winter months of running is to have your next finish line in sight! That’s why Sports Backers is excited to bring you a custom race experience with our first ‘Sports Backers Marathon,’ in Richmond, Virginia, featuring a marathon, half marathon, and 5k. From Friday, March 12th through Sunday, March 14th the experienced team at Sports Backers will take care of the rest, with onsite packet pick up, measured courses, touchless bottle refill stations, timing, and of course great swag! Register now at www.sportsbackers.org. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Virtual Summit - https://www.theramblingrunner.com/summit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you meet someone who goes after what they want with passion, energy, grace, and optimism is it beyond infectious. It is awe inspiring. There is no other way to describe Kristen Doornbos. This force of nature is an athlete, artist, entrepreneur, and defeater of challenges. After having little to no experience in athletics growing up, Kristen started running five years ago as a social outlet from a job that left her lonely and wanting more. Shortly thereafter she was told that her exocrine pancreatic insufficiency would require her to have a feeding tube inserted into her abdomen or she could stop running. She chose the tube. That wouldn't be the last time she chose running. Over the coming years she battled her disease while diving deeper into running and triathlon. Because of her disease, nutrition was tough. Kristen was tougher. This summer, with COVID ravaging the massage industry in which she worked, Kristen decided to pursue her passion for snail mail and created Paper Trails Greeting Co. A niche company focused on greeting cards for dedicated amateur runners. Kristen's "Pandemic Pivot" went from lark, to interesting, to brilliant in short order. You can learn more about this amazing company at www.papertrailsgreetingco.com. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Virtual Summit - https://www.theramblingrunner.com/summit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m am so excited to talk all things running shoes with the amazing Emily Heller of the Run Like Heller running show review channel on YouTube. We went deep into the running shoe game and it was a blast: • First favorite running shoe? • Favorite shoe that most people weren’t a fan of? • Shoe that people love that you just couldn’t get into? • Personal preferences versus reviewing for a broad audience? • Review of her favorite tempo day shoes and daily trainers of 2020. • What she is excited for in 2021. You can check out her awesome work at www.youtube.com/RunLikeHeller and follow her at www.instagram.com/runlikeheller. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Virtual Summit - https://www.theramblingrunner.com/summit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the amazing Corey Joyner: The only thing separating you from the goals you set is the work in between. I do not know who said that, but I know it rings true. The time frame of how long it takes to achieve the goal will vary, but the work has to be done. I started out as a 5 hour marathoner. You learn quickly to respect the 26.2mi distance! I worked a little harder for the 2nd attempt and was rewarded with a 32min improvement, but there was still more work to be done. Two weeks ago I was finally able to breakthrough and not only smash the sub 4 goal but get it down to 3:18. All aboard the momentum train! When big Mo’ shows up, get ready to hang on for the ride and go with it. This sport rewards those who are willing to do the work in between. Very grateful I was able to put my fitness to the test at Space Coast, and looking forward to starting out 2021 with a solid fitness foundation. Keep working, keep learning, and have fun with it most importantly - smile. We don’t have to run...WE GET TO! Learn more about Corey at www.instagram.com/cjtherunner. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Virtual Summit - https://www.theramblingrunner.com/summit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new Mastering 40 episode is out and we break down the first four months and what the next season of the journey has in store. First, coach James McKirdy explains how he was framing the fall season, the primary focus of that time, how my relative fitness level matters (and doesn't), and TONS of treadmill tips. In the second half of the episode, Adrienne Langelier, my sport psychologist, and I talk through talk through many of the things I discussed with James but from a psychological point of view. Per usual, I open up and share all the things that I've been thinking about including how I can make my kids new distance learning work with running, coaching, and podcasting. Thank you to the Mastering 40 partners: - Supplements/Protein: Previnex - code: RUNNER15 for 15% off - Health Analysis: InsideTracker - Go to www.insidetracker.com/qr/onboarding/SUPERRECIPES/ to save $200 on their Ultimate Package by using code GIFTFROMRAMBLINGRUN - Attire: Tracksmith - code RAMBLINGRUNNER for 15% off first purchase over $75 Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Virtual Summit - https://www.theramblingrunner.com/summit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leah Jantzen is a self-help author, speaker, triathlete and performance coach living on Long Island. Leah is a firm believer in the infinite potential residing in every one of us, and has dedicated her life to helping others realize it. The creator of Train Your Brain—a system for boosting mental fitness—Leah instructs her clients to clearly see an athletic goal in their mind, then guides them through the process of training their bodies to achieve that goal, utilizing the same principles she used to build a successful business. “At any given time, two of these facets of the self are prioritized while the third takes a back seat,” Leah explains. “For most of us, those are the family and career facets. That’s normal, but if you’re going to find balance and pursue the third facet with all your dreams and goals, then you need tools to block out distractions—to weed out anything non-essential in your life.” The discipline and mental toughness required to root out trivial nonsense can be developed—if you know how to train your mind. Proving the maxim that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, Leah ran her first marathon at the age of 42. Upon crossing the finish line, the mother of four was immediately hooked, spring-boarding from one marathon to the next, and going on to compete in triathlons. After consistently finishing in the top 2% of her age group, she ultimately qualified for the Iron Man World Championships in Kona, Hawaii in 2020, an unthinkable feat just a few short years ago. “If you can combine visualization, action, and positivity, then there’s really nothing that’s off-limits,” says Leah. “But even as a long-time believer in this principle, I subconsciously allowed self-limiting beliefs to creep into my psyche. Identifying those beliefs, figuring out why they were there, and then proving them to be untrue is one of the most immensely satisfying experiences of my life. Everyone has these limiting beliefs, and I want everyone whose life I touch to experience that same incredible feeling of overcoming them—and realizing that they’re capable of anything.” Learn more about Leah at www.leahjantzen.com. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Virtual Summit - https://www.theramblingrunner.com/summit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was an honor to speak with the wonderous Lisa Mueller for this episode of the Rambling Runner Podcast. A year ago she listened to Mary Johnson and Lauren Floris detail their "Project: Breaking 3" women's program in episode 199. It inspired her to chase her own sub-3 goal. But, she was a bit unsure as the women in that program had already run close to 3:00, making her wonder whether a bigger improvement was possible. Lisa is a 35 years old political science professor at Macalester College. One of the best liberal arts colleges in America. Before she got seriously into sports she was a champion debater. A few years later Lisa "flunked out" of cross country in both high school and college, due to crippling race anxiety and toxic teams that fueled depression and eating disorders. A male coach told her when she quit that "running just isn't for everyone." She then made it my mission to show him! Lisa switched from running to bike racing in grad school and found a fun and supportive community. She broke too many bones and moved from California to snowy Minnesota, prompting her return to running. After swearing that she'd never run a marathon she fell into a marathon-centered club in the Twin Cities and caught the bug. Lisa proceeded to run three marathons between 2018 and now (3:24, 3:14, 2:57). Going from being an cyclist to being a runner was her biggest challenge . It turns out running was way more complicated than just putting one foot in front of another! A stress fracture last year taught her the importance of form. Since then, she has gone all-in on form analysis, drills, mobility, etc. Her philosophy is to train like a pro, just a bit slower. Sponsors: InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals. InsideTracker’s patented system will transform your body's data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. Go to www.insidetracker.com/qr/onboarding/SUPERRECIPES/ and use code GIFTFROMRAMBLINGRUN to save $200 on their Ultimate Plan! Paper Trails Greeting Co. is a small business was created by a dedicated amateur runner with a passion for snail mail and the running community, and a frustration with lack of options for greeting cards appropriate for runners. Their online shop of 35+ greeting cards, all with messages specifically for runners. There’s never been a better time to connect with your people via handwritten note. Visit www.papertrailsgreetingco.com and use code RAMBLING will get you 15% off any order. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Virtual Summit - https://www.theramblingrunner.com/summit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices