Finish Lines and Milestones

SandyBoy Productions

Every runner has a story. Finish Lines and Milestones is a podcast that celebrates the everyday runner. If you run, you’re a runner. Join host, Ally Brettnacher, every week as she shares these runner stories.

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Yesterday · 1 hr 9 min
Episode 169: Bri Qualizza: Pace and Purpose
Bri Qualizza and I have been internet friends for quite a while, probably crossing paths at a lot of local races, but this was the first time we actually got to meet in person. During this episode, sponsored by Athlete Bouquets, we talk about: [2:00] Growing up a competitive dancer since age three, plus a self-described "not good" stint on her middle and high school track team [4:00] How that dance background led to five years cheering for the Indianapolis Colts, including a calendar shoot in Mexico and missing the Super Bowl the year of Deflategate [7:00] Meeting her husband, Ryan, at Howl at the Moon in downtown Indianapolis [9:00] 15 years at Riley Children's Health — from student tech to the sedation team to earning her doctorate this year (yes, you can call her Dr. Qualizza) [12:00] Running her first half marathon, the Indy Mini, in 2013 — and driving straight home afterward without realizing what a big deal it was [14:00] Becoming a Geist Half Marathon ambassador and getting certified as a run coach [15:00] Losing her first pregnancy, Charlie, at the height of the pandemic in 2020, and fighting to get Ryan into the hospital for her surgery [19:00] Coaching group fitness at CycleBar to stay active postpartum, before her daughter Eva was born [20:00] Running the 49th Indy Mini as her first race back after Eva — and the first time Ryan was able to cheer her on at the finish line [25:00] Launching her own run coaching business, Pace and Purpose, after a friend asked her to help train for her first half marathon [31:00] Training for her "redemption marathon" at Carmel — and getting sidelined by two shin stress fractures just weeks before race day [39:00] Her return-to-running plan with coach Sara Farney, starting a run club at Riley Hospital, and her fall race calendar: Geist Half, Indianapolis Monumental, a Disney Princess race, and a return to Carmel [44:00] Supporting her husband Ryan's own Boston Qualifier goal, and her go-to running song ("Immigrant Song" by Led Zeppelin) and mantra — "You get to" Previous Guests Mentioned Christina Cook – Episode 65 Abby Prentice – Episode 168 Gabby Behr – Episode 85 Sara Farney – Episode 30 Sponsor Details Athlete Bouquets - Use PODCAST for 10% off your order Other Links Pace and Purpose - Bri's run coaching business Geist Half Marathon - Use BRI10 for 10% off registration THAT 5K – Tori's Hike for Another Tomorrow - happening Saturday, August 15th Follow me on Instagram @allytbrett_runs Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter This is a SandyBoy Productions podcast.
Wednesday · 30 min
AUGUST: CATCHING UP WITH COACH from Rachel Michelle Running
AUGUST CATCHING UP WITH COACH Rachel and I catch up on a busy July of birthdays, Greece, Colorado training camp, and back-to-school chaos, then look ahead to a strong month of fall races — Prairie On Fire, Monumental — as I kick off Half PR training. The first Wednesday(ish) of every month this year, I bring you a conversation between me and my running coach, Rachel Sinders, of Rachel Michelle Running. We'll talk about my training and running journey while celebrating other members of Team RMR. You don't have to work with Rachel to enjoy these conversations, but if you're looking for a running coach - look no further! Thank you, Rachel, for supporting me and my podcast. Previous Guests Mentioned Alex Baker - Episode 6 Renae Saager - Episode 14 Eileen Poore - Episode 17 Jennifer Nei - Episode 33 Carly Stewart - Episode 53 Christina Cook - Episode 65 Amy Lawless Shinneman - Episode 87 Sponsor Details Rachel Michelle Running - Follow Rachel @rachelmichellerunning on Instagram Other Links THAT 5K (Tori's Hike For Another Tomorrow) - Avon, IN Prairie On Fire Backyard Ultra - September 12, Noblesville, IN CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Half & 5K - November 7 RUN(317) benefiting Ketchup to Cancer - September 24, Carmel, IN Follow me on Instagram @allytbrett_runs Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter This is a SandyBoy Productions podcast.
August 7 · 1 hr 25 min
RERUN of Episode 43 with Gordon Strain
⁠Gordon Strain⁠ — and I recorded this one back in February 2024, but I'm re-running it to celebrate his latest milestone. Gordon's production company, ⁠Pigasus Pictures⁠, is currently filming their new movie Little Five on IU's campus in partnership with Anne Hathaway's production company, and my daughter, Sydney, and I got to be extras in the movie. During this episode, sponsored by ⁠HUUG⁠, we talk about: What's changed since we recorded — Gordon just squeezed in his first ultra-marathon while filming a movie [INTRO] His movie Little Five filming on IU's campus [INTRO] How he got into running through CrossFit in 2012 with his wife Diane [8:00] His first 5K — throwing up 100 yards from the finish [9:00] Choosing the full Dopey Challenge at Disney as his debut marathon, as a 45th birthday gift to himself [12:00] Daughter Josephine's Disney Wine & Dine half marathon [20:00] Running his marathon through torrential rain and 30 mph headwinds [24:00] Getting lost on a 10K that turned into a 15-mile run in Bologna, Italy [36:00] Founding Pigasus Pictures with business partner Zach Spicer in 2016, and their mission to build a film industry inside Indiana [49:00] Filming The Duel in secret during the pandemic at Asherwood Estate, starring Dylan Sprouse [57:00] What it's like to live with a film "for the rest of its life" versus a crew that moves on to the next job [55:00] Gordon's bipolar diagnosis during his divorce, and hiding it for years out of fear of losing custody [1:00:00] Calling roughly 20 therapists before finding the right fit, and using genetic testing to land on the right medication [1:03:00] Why he speaks up about mental health on Running With Bipolar, even when it draws hate mail [1:11:00] Ally's own postpartum anxiety story and the trial-and-error of finding the right antidepressant [1:09:00] His tattoos ("Dreams Aren't Dumb" and an Oscar Wilde quote) and his spring 2024 race lineup — Carmel, the Kentucky Derby half, and the Indy Mini [1:18:00] Previous Guests Mentioned ⁠Christi Dee⁠ - Episode 3 ⁠Tracie Hunter⁠ - Episode 36 ⁠Todd Oliver⁠ - Episode 39 Sponsor Details ⁠HUUG⁠ - Use ALLYB for 15% off, combinable with the buy 3, get 1 free offer Other Links ⁠Sign up to be a Little Five extra⁠ ⁠Pigasus Pictures⁠ Follow me on Instagram ⁠⁠@allytbrett_runs⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter⁠⁠ This is a ⁠⁠SandyBoy Productions⁠⁠ podcast.
July 31 · 1 hr 8 min
Episode 168: Abby Prentice: You Don't Have to Run Alone
Abby Prentice and I met years ago at Monumental's very first Indianapolis 5K, when I saw her running the Monumental Community Mile with her mom. During this episode, sponsored by HUUG and Goodr, we talk about: How the Community Mile has become a family tradition Getting her brother Ryan hooked on running, from spectating her races to signing up for Monumental this fall The trail fall at Avon Town Hall Park that left her covered in blood Fundraising for Team Chicago Run, and how a friend's foundation unexpectedly landed her a New York City Marathon bib Growing up in the small town of Covington, Indiana Being a sprinter and high jumper in high school, and specializing in high jump at Indiana State, including getting to run Division I cross country Meeting her husband, Deshaun, on the high jump squad in college Her first marathon (Chicago, 2023), trained completely solo, versus how much easier her second (Monumental, 2024) felt Founding Indy Social Run Club — weekly run club based out of Athletic Annex Becoming a brand ambassador for Indy Monumental, the Indiana Women's Running Festival, and Lululemon Keystone, and how she got into content creation Running the aid station — a "tiki bar" themed pit stop — at the Full Mo ultramarathon, and just how much work goes into it Her go-to fuel (Tailwind, Never Second, Huma) and current shoe rotation (ASICS Superblast and Novablast, New Balance SC Elite, Nike Vomero+) Her running mantra ("You can do hard things") and go-to running music (Big Booty Mixes) What's next: Fort Ben 5K, Chicago Marathon, New York City Marathon, and the Monumental 5K Previous Guests Mentioned Rachel Sinders - Episode 8 Himanshu Varandani - Episode 28 Gordon Strain - Episode 43 TJ Dailey - Episode 68 Kelvin Quang - Episode 167 Sponsor Details HUUG - Use ALLYB for 15% off, combinable with their buy 3, get 1 free promo Goodr - Use ALLYB for $10 off your first order Other Links Little Five extras signup (Aug 2nd) Abby's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser Indiana Women's Running Festival - Use code ABBYVIP for a discount CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon - Use code ABBY26 for a discount Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben 5K - Use code ABBY26 for a discount Follow Abby on Instagram @abby__prentice Follow Indy Social Run Club on Instagram Follow me on Instagram @allytbrett_runs Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter This is a SandyBoy Productions podcast.
July 24 · 1 hr 10 min
Episode 167: Kelvin Quang: 3RUN7
Kelvin Quang is the co-founder of 3Run7, one of the fastest-growing (and coolest) run clubs in Indianapolis. But even if you're not local, you should listen. During this episode, sponsored by Huug and Goodr, we talk about: How 3Run7 started as a tiny group chat called "Runners Boys Club" Why keeping it free is central to the mission — running as one of the most accessible sports out there The story behind the name 3Run7 (Indianapolis's 317 area code) and designing the brand colors after the Indianapolis flag and the Pacers Someone getting the 3Run7 logo tattooed on their leg The limited monthly sticker drop that gets people showing up every week just to earn one Measuring the club's success by who comes back, not just who shows up once Running cross country and track at Warren Central High School, and his first (and so far only) marathon at Monumental in 2024 Running without tracking time or mileage 🤯 Teaching himself photography, videography, and graphic design from scratch to build the 3Run7 brand His mind-blowing side hustle 🦁 His family's story immigrating from Vietnam as refugees and growing up without plumbing or reliable electricity His running mantra, "This is easy," and why he thinks running without music can be its own form of meditation Previous Guests Mentioned Nicole Linn (@belowaveragerunning) - Episode 124 Trena Roudebush - Episode 31 Sponsor Details Huug - Use ALLYB for 15% off, stacks with their buy 3, get 1 free offer Goodr - Use ALLYB for $10 off your first order Other Links Follow me on Instagram @allytbrett_runs Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter This is a SandyBoy Productions podcast.
July 17 · 1 hr 40 min
RERUN of Episode 17 with Eileen Poore
Eileen Poore and I had been friends over Instagram DMs for a while before this recording — this was actually the first time we ever met in person. This rerun comes to you on July 17th — the same date that, back in 2021, she lined up for the 8 Hour Endurance race just three days after her criminal case closed, and ran the farthest she ever had. This episode discusses sexual assault. During this episode, sponsored by Goodr and HUUG, we talk about: Growing up in New Orleans and starting work at the legendary Brennan's Restaurant at age 15 Her mom contracting polio as an infant on a transatlantic crossing, being paralyzed from the neck down, and regaining partial mobility after a pilgrimage to Lourdes Growing up with an alcoholic, addict father (16 years sober now) and using running as a way to "escape the shit" Being a competitive junior Olympic diver long before she was ever a runner Moving to Indianapolis after Michigan State and meeting her husband Dave at Lockerbie Pub Hurricane Katrina destroying her family's home in 2005 and pushing her to run her first marathon, Columbus, in 2006 — with two stress fractures and, unknowingly, in early pregnancy Nursing her newborn son between the start and finish of the Indianapolis Half a few months after he was born Running a Ragnar relay from Prescott to Tempe in the middle of a bankruptcy and a housing crisis Qualifying for and running her first Boston Marathon in 2011 while training on treadmills between two toddlers in daycare Missing a Boston cutoff by exactly 17 seconds Her first ultra, the Gnaw Bone 50K, run with one gel and no drop bag 2018, her "banner year" — a marathon PR, a new job, a new house, and qualifying for Boston 2019 Being raped by her Uber driver in July 2019, and the hours that followed at the hospital The forensic nurse and the Julian Center advocate who helped her survive the first year afterward Running the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon weeks later in the sweats she was released from the hospital in, dropping "I forgive you" index cards along the course The multi-year criminal process — the DNA warrant, the arrest, three different prosecutors, and reading her victim impact statement on her own birthday Running 8 Hour Endurance three days after her case closed and covering 32.17 miles, the farthest she had ever run Returning to Boston in 2022 and what it meant to cross that finish line Training with PBT under coach Matt Ebersole, and running the Tecumseh Trail Half along the way Her message to anyone in a hard season: "you just have to hold on" Previous Guests Mentioned Matt Ebersole – Episode 89 Sponsor Details Goodr – Use ALLYB for $10 off your first order HUUG – Use ALLYB for 15% off (combinable with buy 3, get 1 free) Other Links Follow Eileen on Instagram @leenie353 Follow me on Instagram @allytbrett_runs Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter This is a SandyBoy Productions podcast.
July 10 · 55 min
JULY: CATCHING UP WITH COACH from Rachel Michelle Running
JULY CATCHING UP WITH COACH We recap our 4th of July races and I interview my daughter, Sydney, about her first 5K! The first Wednesday of every month this year (today is an exception) I'm going to bring you a conversation between me and my running coach, ⁠Rachel Sinders,⁠ of ⁠Rachel Michelle Running.⁠ We'll talk about my training and running journey while celebrating other members of Team RMR. You don't have to work with Rachel to enjoy these conversations, but if you're looking for a running coach - look no further! Thank you, Rachel, for supporting me and my podcast. Previous Guests Mentioned Mary Pittman - Episode 10 Alex Baker - Episode 6 Trena Roudebush - Episode 31 Gordon Strain - Episode 43 Jordan Huffman - Episode 80 Lisa Hurst - Episode 95 Lindsey Hein - Episode 100 Sponsor Details Goodr - Use ALLYB for $10 off your first order HUUG - Use ALLYB for 15% off, combinable with their Buy 3, Get 1 Free offer Other Links Want to be a movie extra in the Little 500 film? Sign up here Follow me on Instagram @allytbrett_runs Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter This is a SandyBoy Productions podcast.
July 3 · 47 min
SPECIAL EPISODE: Relay for America with Mary Pittman and Trena Roudebush
Mary Pittman and Trena Roudebush are two previous guests who are back for a special 4th of July episode to talk about their experience running in the Relay for America — the nation's first-ever cross-country flag relay, founded by Wyatt Moss and Joe Nail, carrying a single American flag from Rodeo Beach in San Francisco to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in honor of the country's 250th birthday. Previous Guests Mentioned ⁠Mary Pittman⁠ - Episode 10 ⁠Trena Roudebush⁠ - Episode 31 ⁠Whitney Bevins⁠ - Episode 4 ⁠Christi Dee⁠ - Episode 3 ⁠Cam Balser⁠ - Episode 75 Sponsor Details Goodr - Use ALLYB for $10 off your first order Other Links Relay for America Cam Balser's 4-hour run on August 15th Follow me on Instagram ⁠@allytbrett_runs⁠ Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter This is a SandyBoy Productions podcast.
June 26 · 1 hr 11 min
Episode 166: Peter Merante - Gritty, Not Pretty
Peter Merante ⁠and I first officially met in person at the 2025 Carmel Marathon Expo. Since then, I've run into him on the Monon Trail, at local races, and at ⁠Athletic Annex⁠, where he's worked for three-plus years. During this episode, sponsored by ⁠Goodr⁠ and ⁠HUUG⁠, we talk about: Growing up in Cold Spring, New York — a Hudson Valley town of 3,500 people right across the Hudson River from West Point Being born in Japan and how his Japanese mother made every effort to acclimate to American life — and why he took Japanese in college as a way of honoring her How he discovered running about 20 years ago, dropped 40-plus pounds doing it, and eventually worked his way through Couch to 5K on an original iPod His one and only marathon — Monumental 2013, just under five hours ⁠Back on My Feet⁠ — a national nonprofit that uses movement to help people experiencing homelessness become independent and self-sufficient — and his years volunteering with the Indianapolis chapter at Wheeler Mission and Progress House The equalizing power of running side by side — and the heartbreak of losing members along the way Running the Selma to Montgomery route (~40 miles from the Edmund Pettus Bridge to the state capital in Alabama) Hood to Coast and a Colorado Ragnar — both fundraisers for Back on My Feet — including a 2 AM leg that had him briefly convinced a train was a UFO, and a van-decorating situation that required polishing compound and a coin-op car wash 31 half marathons, five relays, one full, and one eight-hour endurance race Three-plus years at ⁠Athletic Annex⁠ in Fishers and a deep dive into running shoe foam technology (ATPU, PEBA, dual-density, etc.) His dream of a "Parks and Rec"-style run specialty TV show June being Men's Mental Health Month — and his experience with individual therapy, couples therapy, and ADHD testing (including a surprise: he's Mensa eligible) Being an internal processor and what identifying that has meant for his relationships His mantra: Gritty, Not Pretty — and the song he wants removed from all race playlists His next finish line: the CNO Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon, an entry he won in a social media contest Previous Guests Mentioned ⁠⁠Maury Plambeck⁠⁠ - Episode 105 ⁠⁠Jim Patton⁠⁠ - Episode 71 ⁠⁠Timmy Howard⁠⁠ - Episode 54 ⁠⁠Wes Doty⁠⁠ - Episode 79 ⁠⁠Jason Noel⁠⁠ - Episode 62 ⁠⁠Jennifer Conner⁠⁠ - Episode 57 ⁠⁠Lindsey Hein⁠⁠ - Episode 100 ⁠⁠Eileen Poore⁠⁠ - Episode 17 Sponsor Details ⁠Goodr⁠ - Use ALLYB for $10 off ⁠HUUG⁠ - Use ALLYB for 15% off Other Links Follow me on Instagram ⁠@allytbrett_runs⁠ ⁠Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter⁠ This is a ⁠SandyBoy Productions⁠ podcast.
June 19 · 1 hr 28 min
Episode 165: Tammy Mills - Chin Up, Crown On
Tammy Mills⁠ and I finally met in real life for this interview. Her journey from never being allowed to play sports as a kid to running the New York City Marathon when she turned 60 is one I know you will find inspiring. During this episode, sponsored by ⁠Noogs⁠ and ⁠Batch⁠, we talk about: How she found her coach, Christi Dee, after attempting to train for the New York City Marathon using multiple training apps Growing up in Selma, Indiana and never being allowed to play sports as a kid Finding running in her 30s while getting sober, and running the Indy Mini with Ken Long's training program Her infamous "Jump the Gun" story — and the lady with the purse who passed her Truly finding running in her 50s after realizing she couldn't keep up with her kids at a Tamika Catchings basketball camp Running from mailbox to mailbox until she fell in love with movement Her first marathon at Indianapolis Monumental in 2016 — buying new shoes the day before and swearing she'd never run another one Running five marathons total, including the Kentucky Derby Marathon and Shamrock Marathon Her ultramarathon debut at The Full Mo, finishing despite a serious foot cramping injury Becoming a Peloton devotee through Robin Arzon and the Swagger Society community Running the New York City Marathon with Kathrine Switzer's 261 Fearless team for her 60th birthday Her mantra, "you don't know what you can't do," and how it carried her through training and the race itself Her path to becoming a United Methodist pastor, getting defrocked after coming out, and eventually being "re-frocked" and serving a church in Michigan City Meeting her wife Nancy, their fight to legally adopt their children as a same-sex couple in Indiana, and celebrating Pride Month together as a family 32 years of sobriety and how running and gratitude have transformed her life Her love of building Lego and her Instagram account, mills365lego Heading back to New York City Marathon this fall, running for ⁠Tell Every Amazing Lady⁠ (ovarian cancer research) Previous Guests Mentioned ⁠⁠Whitney Heins⁠⁠ - Episode 163 ⁠⁠Mike Vollmer⁠⁠ - Episode 156 ⁠⁠Christi Dee⁠⁠ - Episode 3 ⁠⁠Mary Pittman⁠⁠ - Episode 10 Sponsor Details ⁠Noogs⁠ - Use ALLYB for 15% off ⁠Batch⁠ - Use FINISH for 30% off Other Links ⁠Support Tammy's Tell Every Amazing Lady NYC Marathon fundraiser⁠ Follow me on Instagram ⁠@allytbrett_runs⁠ ⁠Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter⁠ This is a ⁠SandyBoy Productions⁠ podcast.
June 12 · 1 hr 5 min
Episode 164: Zach Burton - World's Fastest Caterpillar 🐛
⁠Zach Burton⁠ and I have been crossing paths in the Indy running community for a while now, most recently at the ⁠Full Mo 50K⁠, where he ran for the second year in a row. During this episode, sponsored by ⁠Goodr⁠ and ⁠Noogs⁠, we talk about: Running the Full Mo two years in a row — the second time on basically no training 🤣 How ultras flip the script on marathon pressure ("who cares what the time is, can you just run the mileage?") Growing up in Pike Township, playing baseball, and hating golf until he didn't Walking on to the Anderson University cross country team while commuting an hour each way and working nights in radio His rise at WZPL from weekend fill-in to music director and afternoon drive — as a 20-year-old The Two Faces for Radio pandemic podcast and interviewing artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, and Avril Lavigne How boredom + a random Instagram video led to Googling whether there was a world record for running a half marathon in a caterpillar costume (there was) The Guinness World Record process: three-month pre-approval, costume design sign-off, a GoPro-wielding cameraman running all 13.1, and a 3.5-month wait for the certificate 📜 Running the Indy Mini as a five-person caterpillar in 1:30 and getting smoked by the elites anyway Meeting his wife in middle school ("the old-fashioned way — online") and proposing to her center stage at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during a Jingle Jam concert with Lizzo headlining 💍 Blue Bell Cookie Two-Step ice cream, which he describes as "diabetes in a cup and the greatest thing ever" Previous Guests Mentioned ⁠⁠TJ Dailey⁠⁠ - Episode 68 ⁠⁠Mike Cole⁠⁠ - Episode 88 ⁠⁠Larry Coblentz⁠⁠ - Episode 9 Sponsor Details ⁠Goodr⁠ - Use ALLYB for $10 off your first order ⁠Noogs⁠ - Use ALLYB15 for 15% off your order Other Links Follow me on Instagram ⁠@allytbrett_runs⁠ ⁠Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter⁠ This is a ⁠SandyBoy Productions⁠ podcast.
June 5 · 1 hr 9 min
Episode 163: Whitney Heins - The Mother Runners
Whitney Heins is the founder of The Mother Runners, host of The Mother Runners podcast, and a UESCA-certified running coach based in Knoxville, Tennessee. I was recently a guest on Whitney's podcast, and I've been looking forward to having her on here ever since. During this episode, sponsored by HUUG and Batch, we talk about: Pivoting from the Carmel Marathon to the Kentucky Derby Marathon after Carmel was postponed six weeks Running through Churchill Downs and why she does NOT recommend the Kentucky Derby Marathon if you're chasing a PR How her dad — who was told he'd never walk again after being wounded in Vietnam — ran the Marine Corps Marathon every year and is the reason she became a runner Running her first marathon as a senior in college, a 3:29, on a Hal Higdon plan targeting 3:30, powered entirely by not knowing any better 😂 Running Boston a couple of times, including the year her husband qualified, charged through the finish line screaming, and ended up in the medical tent The injury cycle she spent years stuck in — torn hamstrings, a labral tear, and the hard realization that her training wasn't the right fit for her body Misplacing her self-worth on race times and the mental work it took to untangle that Finding her current coach Nick Kostava at Running Explained and finally stacking two healthy marathon cycles back to back Starting The Mother Runners blog in 2019 because she couldn't find answers online that were written by people who had actually lived mom runner life Becoming a running coach because there weren't enough mom coaches who truly understood what mom life looked like What it was really like to be a one-woman-band TV journalist — covering manhunts alone in heels, interviewing governors, and walking into a trailer with 18 Chihuahuas and mounds of poop Why she barely scrolls Instagram and has a golden retriever account called Four Golden Life Her dad, now turning 80, who picked up Krav Maga at 71 and is absolutely crushing it What's next: a speed cycle this summer and the CNO Indianapolis Monumental Marathon in the fall — which means we will finally get to meet in real life! Sponsor Details HUUG – Use code ALLYB for 15% off your order Batch – Use code FINISH for 30% off your first order (good on subscriptions too!) Previous Guests Mentioned Jessica & Johnathan Jones – Episode 159 Eileen Poore – Episode 17 Other Links The Mother Runners podcast Follow Whitney on Instagram @themotherrunners Follow me on Instagram @allytbrett_runs Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter This is a SandyBoy Productions podcast.
June 3 · 1 hr 13 min
JUNE: CATCHING UP WITH COACH from Rachel Michelle Running
JUNE CATCHING UP WITH COACH We recap my first ultramarathon — the Full Mo 50K! The first Wednesday of every month(ish) this year I'm going to bring you a conversation between me and my running coach, Rachel Sinders, of Rachel Michelle Running. We'll talk about my training and running journey while celebrating other members of Team RMR. You don't have to work with Rachel to enjoy these conversations, but if you're looking for a running coach - look no further! Thank you, Rachel, for supporting me and my podcast. Previous Guests Mentioned Christi Dee – Episode 3 Whitney Bevins – Episode 4 Rachel Sinders – Episode 8 Larry Coblentz – Episode 9 Renae Saager – Episode 14 Eileen Poore – Episode 17 Lindsey Welty – Episode 25 Sara Farney – Episode 30 Trena Roudebush – Episode 31 Jennifer Nei – Episode 33 Tracie Hunter – Episode 36 Ashley Haynes – Episode 38 Jay Druba – Episode 46 Timmy Howard – Episode 54 Vince Auten – Episode 56 Jennifer Conner – Episode 57 Shea Aquilano – Episode 60 Jason Noel – Episode 62 Brittany Koether – Episode 63 TJ Dailey – Episode 68 Cam Balser – Episode 75 Margo Baltera – Episode 78 Stephanie Woods – Episode 86 Alan Errichiello – Episode 111 Johanna Kitchell – Episode 114 Logan Turner – Episode 123 Jon Kuhn – Episode 128 Gareth Wilford – Episode 131 Mark Hill (my dad!) – Episode 132 Gretchen Hercamp – Episode 147 Carly Trulock Quinn – Episode 149 Angela Kumar – Episode 151 Tammy Mirante – Episode 154 Other Links Boston Cop Slide (you have to see this 😂) Follow me on Instagram @allytbrett_runs Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter This is a SandyBoy Productions podcast.
May 29 · 1 hr 22 min
Episode 162: Karen Kirkpatrick - Lupus Warrior Princess
⁠Karen Kirkpatrick⁠ and I met originally on Instagram, but we've since met in person for this interview and for a run. During this episode, sponsored by ⁠Goodr⁠, we talk about: Her Flying Pig Half Marathon recap — the hills, the soreness, the soreness going up and down stairs at work, and nearly PR'ing (seven minutes off!) Being a self-proclaimed "one and done" racer — she's done 28 halfs and almost never repeats a race The Disney Princess Half Marathon she did five times when she lived in Fort Myers, Florida — and how she's done nearly every RunDisney race on the calendar Registering for the Disney World Marathon from her laptop during a teaching conference and nearly screaming out loud when she got in Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, going to Bowling Green State University for photography and then education, and — surprise — playing ice hockey for the BGSU women's club team (she learned to skate to join) Her diagnosis journey: five doctors told her it was in her head before the sixth (a woman) took her hands and said "I don't think you're crazy" What it's like to live with lupus — the fatigue, the joint pain, the butterfly rash, the lesions, the immune compromise, and how it affects her every day at school Selena Gomez as a public face of lupus and why her story resonates Her mom being the reason she started running — watching her mom do half marathons for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society in her 60s (with a knee replacement) was the nudge Karen needed Her very first half marathon at Columbus in 2014 Finding ⁠Carmel Runners Club⁠ through a ⁠Run(317)⁠ event in 2019 and the community she's found there ⁠The Rally app⁠ and how messages from her great-niece Evelyn and other family members carried her through the Flying Pig Training for her Disney World Marathon on the Monon — using the Jeff Galloway run/walk method Getting her Mickey marathon finisher ears — the thing she cared about more than anything else Her five dogs (Oreo, Morgan, Zelda, Milo, and Zoe) and one Flerken cat (Blondie from Captain Marvel, obviously) Flying Pig being her 28th half — and why she chose it Doctors now telling her she needs to stop at 10K distances, and what her final three races will be Being tested for multiple sclerosis on top of lupus — tremors, dizziness, balance issues, and what the next steps look like medically SWTHZ as part of her recovery — infrared sauna + 20-minute cold plunges (yes, 20) Her next two finish lines: the Indy Marathon at Fort Ben in October (for the veterans) and the Columbus Half Marathon to close it all out — with her mom hopefully waiting at the finish line to put her final medal on her Previous Guests Mentioned ⁠Alex Baker⁠ - Episode 6 ⁠Abby Anderson⁠ - Episode 133 Rachel Sinders - Episode 8 Sponsor Details ⁠Goodr⁠ - Use code ALLYB for $10 off your first order ⁠Amazfit⁠ - Use code ALLYB for 10% off Other Links Follow Karen on Instagram ⁠@lupuswarriorprincess⁠ Follow me on Instagram ⁠@allytbrett_runs⁠ ⁠Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter⁠ This is a ⁠SandyBoy Productions⁠ podcast.
May 26 · 32 min
RACE RECAP: The 2026 500 Festival Indianapolis Mini-Marathon
This is a special episode of Finish Lines & Milestones where I recap all the details of my ⁠2026 500 Festival Indianapolis Mini-Marathon ⁠experience with Ainsley's Angels. You can also read and see pictures on my blog ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ and other highlights are on my Instagram ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Other Links Follow me on Instagram @allytbrett_runs Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter This is a SandyBoy Productions podcast.
May 22 · 1 hr 14 min
Episode 161: Chikage Windler - Chasing Tornadoes and Marathon PRs
⁠Chikage Windler⁠ and I were connected by mutual friend Rob Rueff. Previously based out of Indy, Chikage is now an award-winning TV meteorologist based in Austin, Texas. During this episode, sponsored by ⁠HUUG⁠ and ⁠Batch⁠, we talk about: Running the canals in Indianapolis on her lunch breaks when she worked at WTHR from 2011–2013 How she got into running after moving to Austin — starting with a jogging stroller and a newborn, and showing up to the Cap 10K dressed as the sun 🌞 Her 18 marathons to date, most of them in Texas, and the "marathon she loves to hate" — the Austin Marathon Finally cracking the sub-four barrier at the Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge on her sixteenth try 🎉 Being the Austin Marathon charity chaser in 2017 — running the race from the very back for Camp Kesem What it's like being a meteorologist who also runs races — knowing too much about the forecast, consulting with race directors, and the Cap 10K this past April where she tracked storms overnight then ran the race on zero sleep Her go-to weather app recommendation (RadarScope) and why your phone's generic weather app isn't cutting it The collarbone she broke getting out of her car after a 13-mile training run, the surgery that followed, and the 200+ miles she walked in a single month because she couldn't run Falling at a trail race on New Year's, falling at mile 25 of the Oklahoma City Marathon, and somehow still worrying about blood on her shoes 👟 Her 80-year-old mom running her first half marathon in 35 years at OKC — and hitting a 15:32 pace right in the middle of her goal window Her breast cancer diagnosis in 2022 — keeping it almost entirely private while continuing to work on-air every day, and how running was the one thing that made her feel like herself again Running a 5K with a mandatory dozen donuts mid-race (and the strategy of smashing them into four stacks 🍩) Her mantra: "I love hills" (borrowed from friend Bill Schroeder — she does not actually love hills) What's ahead: her first Spartan race, the Moonlight Margarita Run, and the Chicago Marathon in October 🌬️ Sponsor Details ⁠HUUG⁠ - Use ALLYB for 15% off ⁠Batch⁠ - Use FINISH for 30% off sitewide Other Links Follow Chikage on Instagram ⁠@chikageweather⁠ Follow me on Instagram ⁠@allytbrett_runs⁠ ⁠Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter⁠ This is a ⁠SandyBoy Productions⁠ podcast.
May 15 · 1 hr 15 min
Episode 160: Steve Gilbert - If You're Not Sure You Can't, You Probably Can
Steve Gilbert is an 80-year-old, two-time Boston Marathon finisher and one of the most inspiring people I've ever had the pleasure of sitting down with. Steve was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2004 — the same year he was forced into early retirement and diagnosed with prostate cancer. He could have accepted the "go home and take your medication" prescription. He didn't - and has since completed seven marathons. Thank you to Alan Errichiello for connection to Steve! During this episode, sponsored by Cure Hydration and Noogs, we talk about: Being told "this is the best you'll ever be" at 59 — and choosing to ignore it How a prosecutor, a Golden Gloves boxer, and a borrowed gym space became Rock Steady Boxing — now a worldwide movement for people with Parkinson's His very first Indy Mini in 1979 — because his wife said so Training through winters, falls, and a fall outside a Kroger on 116th Street (with a DoorDash driver as the first responder) His first marathon finish at the 2011 Monumental — complete with the Rocky theme playing as he turned onto the finish stretch 🎵 "You've got a soggy butt" — the PT diagnosis that changed his running forever Working with coach Matt Ebersole of Personal Best Training since 2014 Why Saturday mornings with the Fishers Running Club get him out the door every week Medals4Mettle — the Indianapolis-born program that gives earned race medals to seriously ill children, and why Steve donated his very first marathon medal Running the Drake Relays 800-meter invitational in Des Moines — his first and only track race, with 10,000 people in the stands How his wife had the idea to celebrate Steve's 80th birthday in Boston 🎉 Running Boston 2025 as a para-athlete (T38), setting a Boston PR at age 80, AND qualifying for 2027 Running a Parkinson's 5K the weekend after Boston and the 50th Indy Mini 12 days later Raising awareness for the Red Tulip Association for Parkinson's — every 24 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed Why age group categories at races need to catch up with the runners who keep showing up His mantra: counting one, two, three — a tip from Coach Matt to keep his gait even and his mind focused Next finish line: the Carmel 10K with his son, who got inspired at Boston and downloaded a training plan that same week 🏅 Previous Guests Mentioned Matt Ebersole - Episode 89 Alan Errichiello - Episode 111 Sponsor Details Cure Hydration - Use ALLYB for 20% off Noogs - Use ALLYB for 15% off your first order + free shipping on 2+ cartons (lower 48 only) Other Links Follow me on Instagram @allytbrett_runs Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter This is a SandyBoy Productions podcast.
May 8 · 1 hr 30 min
Episode 159: The Joneses - Never Settle
Jessica & Johnathon Jones live in Hamilton, Ohio — a city they've tried to leave more than a few times — and are opening a specialty running store this summer. They're both fresh off the Boston Marathon, where Jonathan ran a massive PR and Jess is oh-so-close to cracking three hours. I met Jess through LinkedIn (of all places) — we both went to Miami of Ohio! During this episode, sponsored by Batch and Cure, we talk about: Jonathan's 16-year road to Boston — including a ski accident that exposed his kneecap, emergency surgery, and somehow doing a full Ironman 10 months later Jess running a Boston qualifying marathon while 16 weeks pregnant (her third pregnancy, two kids already at home) How they operate very differently on race morning — one is immediate boarding, one is last call Checking Jonathan's finish time on her phone mid-race and crying happy tears at mile 15 The proposal — racing to the end of Navy Pier in Chicago, all sweaty and mid-run, with both sets of parents hiding in position ~30 marathons each, pacing each other through all of it, and why Jonathan offered to pace Jess to her sub-3 this fall instead of chasing his own goal Their running store, Main Street Running Collective, opening in Hamilton, Ohio this summer — and why they're building it for the 60-year-old with bad knees, not the carbon plate crowd Getting a sitter at 5am on Saturdays so they could do their long run, get coffee, and still have a full family day How Knoxville changed the way they think about running as community Girls on the Run, the Hamilton Run Club's 700+ members, and why a healthy city starts with people on their feet What's next: Berlin in the fall (they both qualified at Boston), sub-3 for Jess, and a grand opening Previous Guests Mentioned ⁠Carly Stewart⁠ - Episode 53 ⁠Mike Vollmer⁠ - Episode 156 Sponsor Details Batch - Use code FINISH for 30% off sitewide Cure - Use code ALLYB for 20% off Other Links Main Street Running Collective on Instagram Follow me on Instagram ⁠@allytbrett_runs⁠ ⁠Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter⁠ This is a ⁠SandyBoy Productions⁠ podcast.
May 6 · 37 min
MAY: CATCHING UP WITH COACH from Rachel Michelle Running
MAY CATCHING UP WITH COACH 🏁 We talk Indy Mini and Full Mo training! The first Wednesday of every month(ish) this year I'm going to bring you a conversation between me and my running coach,⁠⁠⁠⁠ Rachel Sinders,⁠⁠⁠⁠ of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Rachel Michelle Running.⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'll talk about my training and running journey while celebrating other members of Team RMR. You don't have to work with Rachel to enjoy these conversations, but if you're looking for a running coach - look no further! Thank you, Rachel, for supporting me and my podcast. Previous Guests Mentioned Mike Vollmer – Episode 156 Lindsey Hein – Episode 100 Carly Stewart – Episode 53 Carly Trulock Quinn – Episode 149 Jennifer Nei – Episode 33 Alex Baker – Episode 6 Other Links LIVE PODCAST EPISODE Follow me on Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠@allytbrett_runs⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter⁠
May 1 · 1 hr 10 min
Episode 158: Dennis Mullen - The marathon doesn't owe you anything
Dennis Mullen and I met during our shared time on the board for Beyond Monumental, the organization behind the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. During this episode, sponsored by Noogs, Batch, and Huug, we talk about: How Dennis found running in grad school after he couldn't keep up with his wife for even a mile — and how that humbling moment turned into sub-3 marathons 😅 Winning a small half marathon in Noblesville in 2018 (don't look up the time, he says) and walking into his first marathon with way too much confidence Going out in a 1:24 for the first half of his debut marathon and... paying for it dearly in the second half (final time: 3:50) Coming back a year later at Monumental and running 2:59 — his first BQ — with a completely different mindset Qualifying for Boston three times and still not making it to the start line (the buffer zone is a cruel mistress) A herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, two Disney trips in a back brace, and a year lost to injury — and why he still considers that stretch one of his more impressive stretches of life His plan to chase a BQ at a Last Chance race in Geneva, IL this fall — small field, flat course, and they treat you like an elite Carmel Marathon being postponed two years in a row and the Brew City Marathon in Milwaukee saving the day last year Being on the board for Beyond Monumental and what volunteering at a race does for your perspective as a runner Running on the Zionsville Rail Trail (as a card-carrying member of the Zionsville Run Club who has never actually shown up 😂) Nutrition chat: Maurten gels, beet juice, salt tabs, and the nerd gummies pipeline His walkout song: Won't Get Fooled Again by The Who (they play it at Colts games — you know it) Project Hail Mary is going on the audiobook list whether Previous Guests Mentioned Lauren Gaudion - Episode 106 Mike Vollmer - Episode 156 Salvador Escamilla - Episode 77 Johanna Kitchell - Episode 114 Sponsor Details Noogs - Use code ALLYB for 15% off your first order + free shipping on 2+ cartons (lower 48 only) Batch - Use code FINISH for 30% off sitewide Huug - Use code ALLYB for 15% off (combine with buy 3 get 1 free!) Other Links I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein - Live Event Tickets Follow Dennis on Instagram @dmullen11 Follow me on Instagram @allytbrett_runs Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter This is a SandyBoy Productions podcast.

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