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The People Run Podcast

Fitz Mayi

The People Run Podcast is about the lives behind the miles.


Hosted by Fitz Mayi, this show features real conversations with runners at every level from pros to parents, coaches to community builders about training, identity, discipline, setbacks, ambition, and what the sport gives back.


Every runner has their own world. This is where we step into it.

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  • 37 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 51 min
  • English

Episodes 37

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  • S5 · E78
    Yesterday · 55 min

    #78 How Seb Hansen Ran a 2:27 Marathon

    Seb Hansen broke three hours in his tenth marathon. A little over two years later, he ran 2:27:15 in Berlin. In this episode, we explore what changed: his ambition, his training, and how much of his life he was willing to dedicate to getting faster. Seb breaks down weeks reaching 170 kilometers, adding double threshold sessions, and fitting the work around a full-time job. We discuss fueling, recovery, and why he’s become more comfortable adjusting workouts instead of forcing every target pace. He also shares what he learned training in Iten, Kenya, how he fought through Boston to finish in 2:30:14, and what being selected for Puma Project3 meant to him. Then we get into Berlin: controlled pacing, a strong second half, and finally breaking 2:30 before looking ahead to another marathon in Valencia and a sub 2:25 goal. Chapters 00:00 Breaking Three Hours and Discovering His Potential 05:28 The Mileage and Mindset Behind His Progress 11:22 Fitting 100-Mile Weeks Around a Full-Time Job 16:01 Training, Fueling, and Recovering 20:05 Double Threshold and Learning When to Back Off 26:06 Training in Kenya: Lessons From Iten 30:53 Boston: Hanging On for 2:30:14 35:27 Puma Project3 and Breaking 2:30 in Berlin 47:41 Valencia, Recovery, and Chasing Sub 2:25 Follow Seb: instagram.com/sebaruns/ The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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  • S5 · E77
    Thursday · 46 min

    #77 Building Lauderdale Run Club with Punk on the Run

    What are run clubs really building? Chris, known as Punk on the Run, moved from Canada to Fort Lauderdale without knowing anyone. He wanted people to run with and a place where the connection continued after the miles. That idea became Lauderdale Run Club. In this episode, we talk about building a club’s identity, bringing brands into the community, and what giving back actually looks like. Chris shares his perspective on gatekeeping, running influencers, and the motivations behind the run club boom. We also get into his background in fashion photography, a 100 mile relay through the Florida Keys with strangers, and how becoming a father has changed what he wants from running. Every runner has a story. Chapters 00:00 Starting Lauderdale Run Club 05:11 Creating Races and Events 07:11 A 100 Mile Relay with Strangers 15:20 Photography and Brand Relationships 19:51 Building the Club’s Identity 22:43 Giving Back to the Community 29:59 Punk on the Run: The Name and His Running Start 34:20 Racing and Preparing for a 50K 36:25 Fatherhood and Changing Priorities 41:59 Gatekeeping, Starting Over, and Opening Doors Follow Punk on The Run: instagram.com/punkontherun/ Lauderdale Run Club: instagram.com/lauderdalerunclub/ The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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  • S5 · E76
    October 24 · 49 min

    #76 How an Olympian Balances a Full-Time Job and High-Mileage Training | Ruben Sança

    Olympian Ruben Sança has spent nearly three decades competing at a high level, all while balancing a full-time career, family, and demanding training. Originally from Cape Verde, Ruben shares his journey from a childhood marked by asthma to representing his country at the Olympics. We discuss how he manages high-mileage training alongside his role as an executive director, the importance of patience and consistency, adapting as he approaches 40, and why he believes his best running may still be ahead. We also look ahead to the New York City Marathon, his ambitions for another Olympics, and the work he's doing to support the next generation of runners in Cape Verde. Every runner has a story. Chapters 00:00 Balancing Olympic-Level Training and a Full-Time Job 06:18 Cape Verde to the Olympics 10:38 Building Fitness and Finding What Works 17:50 High Mileage, Treadmills, and Injury Management 20:28 UMass Lowell: Coaching and Untapped Potential 25:30 Competing and Improving With Age 31:16 Balancing Career, Family, and Running 36:25 Why He's Running the NYC Marathon 42:06 Olympic Dreams and Inspiring the Next Generation Follow Ruben: instagram.com/rubenpsanca/ The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/ Photo Credit: Emily Maye

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  • S5 · E75
    October 20 · 46 min

    #75 He's a Double Amputee Who Ran a 2:58 Marathon and First to Finish Leadville 100 | Brian Reynolds

    From hiding his prosthetics growing up to running a 2:58 marathon and finishing the Leadville 100, Brian Reynolds has spent years discovering what he's capable of. After losing both legs below the knee to meningitis at age four, Brian never imagined endurance running would become part of his life. In this episode of The People Run Podcast, we talk about his first steps into endurance sports, the challenges of running with prosthetics, and the years of training, fueling, and adaptation it took to break three hours in the marathon. We also get into his four attempts at Leadville 100, the technical challenges of Hope Pass, and the community of friends and family who helped him finally reach the finish line. Beyond the accomplishments, Brian shares how running changed his relationship with himself, why access to adaptive sports equipment matters, and what he hopes other athletes can take from his journey. Chapters 00:00 Life Before Running: Brian's Transformation 03:18 Finding Endurance Through the Grand Canyon 07:44 Learning to Run and His First Marathon 14:11 The Long Road to a Sub-3 Marathon 21:00 Records, Training, and the Work Nobody Sees 27:27 Leadville 100: Four Attempts to Finish 33:16 The Final Miles and His Crew 39:54 Inspiration, Family, and What's Next Every runner has a story. Follow Brian: instagram.com/brianreynoldsrunner/ The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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  • S5 · E74
    October 15 · 1 hr 11 min

    #74 Army Ranger Dylan Truesdale Lost an Eye in a Crash. Then He Started Running Ultras.

    Dylan Truesdale served as an Army Ranger before eventually leaving the military. Later, a devastating car crash changed the course of his life. He lost his right eye, suffered lasting damage to his remaining vision, and had to rebuild from a point where even basic movement looked completely different. What followed wasn’t a straight-line comeback. It was a decision to find out what he was still capable of. That decision eventually led Dylan to ultramarathons, a 3:03 marathon, HYROX, heavy strength training, and a life built around doing difficult things with purpose. In this conversation, he talks about becoming an Army Ranger, the crash and recovery, running his first ultra with limited vision, why he wakes up at 3:30 AM, how he balances strength and endurance, and the mindset behind “nobody’s coming.” Pasted text Pasted text Pasted text The conversation also turns to the mission behind his next challenge: attempting to ruck 100 miles in 24 hours to raise money for veterans. Dylan opens up about PTSD, his own mental-health crisis after leaving the military, the veterans he has lost, and why carrying that weight has become about far more than completing another endurance event. Content Note: This episode includes discussions of PTSD, mental health struggles, suicidal thoughts, and suicide loss. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Chapters 00:00 Perseverance 01:14 Why He Joined the Army 04:26 Becoming an Army Ranger 14:39 The Crash That Changed Everything 22:22 “The Baddest Motherfer Ever”* 28:03 From Recovery to Ultra Running 35:42 His First Ultra: Heat, Falls & Getting Lost 41:30 “Nobody’s Coming” 43:00 How He Trains, Works & Lives at 3:30 AM 49:05 6'5", 200 Pounds & a 3:03 Marathon 58:40 100 Miles in 24 Hours for Veterans 1:01:16 PTSD, Suicide & Why the Mission Matters 1:08:42 What Comes Next SUPPORT DYLAN'S 100-MILE RUCK FOR VETERANS Dylan Truesdale is taking on a 100-mile ruck in under 24 hours, with a goal of raising $100,000 to support veterans. If you'd like to support his mission or learn more about the fundraiser, you can find the link below. Donate or learn more: donate.mission22.org/campaign/814545/donate Follow Dylan: instagram.com/dylanctruesdale/ The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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  • S5 · E73
    October 13 · 48 min

    #73 What Does It Take to Become One of the World's Best Marathoners? | Zouhair Talbi

    What does it really take to become one of the best Marathoners in the world? Zouhair Talbi joins The People Run Podcast for a conversation about the years of work, belief, sacrifice, and environment behind competing at the highest level of distance running. Fresh off winning the Great North Run in 59:47, Zouhair reflects on his journey from Morocco to becoming one of America's top distance runners, and why his ambitions now extend far beyond his accomplishments so far. We talk about the mindset required to compete against the world's best, how training alongside Olympians changed his perspective, and the Boston Marathon performance that helped him see what was possible. Zouhair also opens up about the difficult years of training alone, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why his current training is the product of 17 years of consistent work rather than one breakthrough season. With the New York City Marathon ahead, he shares what he's chasing next, what success means at this stage of his career, and the legacy he hopes to leave for the next generation of runners. A conversation about running, ambition, and everything that goes into pursuing something bigger. Every runner has a story. Chapters 00:00 Winning the Great North Run 06:46 Learning How to Race the World's Best 12:44 From American Elite to World-Class Ambitions 15:26 What Separates the World's Best Runners? 22:13 Boston Marathon: The Fight Through Mile 23 25:00 What Boston Taught Him About Belief 28:28 17 Years Behind a 130-Mile Week 32:00 Consistency, Recovery & Training Around Life 34:42 Why You Need People Around You 36:54 New York City Marathon & the Bigger Picture 44:58 The Legacy He Wants to Leave Follow Zouhair Talbi: instagram.com/zouhairathle/ The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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  • S4 · E72
    October 6 · 25 min

    #72 1:11 in His First Half Marathon | João’s Copenhagen Follow Up

    João returns to The People Run after making his half marathon debut at the Copenhagen Half Marathon, running 1:11:58. We talk about why the race became the hardest effort of his life, fighting through the final kilometers, losing his bib mid-race, finishing second in his age group, and what he learned about himself when things started to hurt. João also shares what life has been like since moving to the UK to study sports science at St. Mary’s, why he chose recovery over another race, and what comes next as he turns his focus back toward the shorter distances. Chapters 00:00 Running 1:11:58 in His First Half 03:26 How Long Can I Hurt For? 06:12 The Result and What Made Him Proud 09:54 Losing His Bib & Copenhagen Atmosphere 15:00 Recovery, Restraint & the Next Training Block 18:50 Life at St. Mary’s & What Comes Next Follow João: instagram.com/joao._runs/ Follow The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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  • S4 · E71
    October 2 · 39 min

    #71 “I Am A Runner”: Living and Racing With Cystic Fibrosis | Katie O' Grady

    “I Am a Runner”: Living and Racing With Cystic Fibrosis | Katie Katie O’Grady has spent much of her life trying to answer one question: How far can she go? Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at six years old, Katie found running alongside her dad and discovered a talent that would eventually earn her a college scholarship. But repeated infections, pneumonia, hospital stays, and the loss of her mother continually interrupted the running career she wanted to pursue. Through it all, Katie never stopped seeing herself as a runner. In this conversation, Katie shares what it felt like to repeatedly lose fitness and start again, the doctor who saw her as an athlete while she was hospitalized, and the medication that allowed her to take a deep breath in a way she hadn't before. We also talk about her journey to the Boston Marathon, training under Nell Rojas, her 3:19 marathon and recent half-marathon PR, learning when to back off, and the voice of her late mother that she still hears during difficult miles. At the heart of it all is Katie's pursuit of her potential not simply a number on the clock, but the opportunity to keep discovering what her body can do. Every runner has a story. This is Katie's. Chapters 00:00 The Question of Potential 01:20 Finding Running and Discovering Her Talent 05:15 Losing Her Mother and Rebuilding in College 08:49 The Cycle of Illness and Starting Over 10:17 “I Am a Runner” 11:55 A Doctor Who Saw the Runner 14:41 Taking a Deep Breath for the First Time 19:33 Racing, Training, and Recovery 25:51 A 3:19 Marathon and the Joy of Running 29:02 Potential, Indianapolis, and the Future 37:04 Why Katie Wants to Keep Running Forever Follow Katie: instagram.com/katies_race_to_breathe/ Follow The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats

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  • S4 · E70
    September 29 · 1 hr 12 min

    #70 Going All In Hyrox Elite 15 | Fran Kilinski

    Fran Kilinski is all in on the pursuit of HYROX Elite 15. At 32, Fran is chasing a place among the sport’s elite while navigating the demands of training, racing, and life outside competition. He’s even left his second job to give himself more room to pursue that goal. In this episode of The People Run Podcast, we get into his journey through running and HYROX, what it takes to compete at this level, the decisions he’s made along the way, and what he’s learning as he pushes toward Elite 15. Every runner has a story. Chapters 00:00 Going All In on HYROX Elite 15 04:04 Balancing Work, Training & Recovery 08:49 Where Fran Needs to Improve 12:54 Zone 2, Speed Work & Running Training 20:02 Are We Too Afraid of Fatigue? 26:00 HYROX Growth & the Future of the Sport 43:46 Finding Community Through Fitness 48:09 HYROX World Championships in Sweden 58:00 Race Goals & the Next Challenge 01:03:53 Running PRs & Life Beyond Racing Follow Fran: instagram.com/fran_kilinski/ Follow The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats

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  • S4 · E69
    September 22 · 57 min

    #69 How a Middle School Teacher Became a 2:54 Marathoner | Adriana Prince

    Adriana Prince is a full time middle school teacher, a 2:54 marathoner, and a runner who regularly logs 70-90 miles a week. But what makes her story interesting isn't just how much she runs. It's how much she loves doing it. In this episode of The People Run Podcast, Adriana shares how she found her way into running, stepped away from competitive racing, and rediscovered the joy that eventually led her to a sub three hour marathon. We get into her early morning routine, balancing training with teaching, learning when to back off, and the role faith and community play in her life. Now, with the Chicago Marathon approaching, Adriana is preparing to chase a new personal best. We talk about what's changed in her training, what she's learned from previous races, and what she hopes to take away from Chicago beyond the finish time. Chapters 00:00 Why Adriana Loves Running 04:20 From Casual Runner to Competitor 10:05 From 3:14 to 2:54 19:43 What the 2:54 Finish Meant 21:55 13 Miles Before Teaching 31:00 Workouts, Treadmills & Tough Days 40:04 Running as Worship 43:12 When Running Stops Being Fun 48:19 Chicago Marathon: Chasing Sub-2:50 52:52 What Makes a Successful Race Weekend? Follow Adriana: https://wwwinstagram.com/runningthelife_/ Follow The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats

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  • S4 · E68
    September 15 · 45 min

    #68 He's Only 19 and Runs a 32-Minute 10K | João Souza

    At 16 years old, João Guilherme left Brazil for the UK and found himself navigating a new country, school, training, and stretches of living on his own. Running had only recently entered his life. What started as 20-minute treadmill runs eventually became something much bigger. Three years later, João is 19, has run 32:17 for 10K, is preparing for his first half marathon in Copenhagen, and is about to begin studying sports science at St Mary’s University surrounded by one of the strongest running environments in the UK. João shares how running gave him confidence and community, the early coach who saw his willingness to suffer before she saw his talent, learning the hard way that every workout shouldn’t be a race, and how a more science-based approach to training has changed his development. With his first half marathon ahead and ambitions of one day representing Brazil, João still has no idea where his ceiling is. He just knows he wants to find out. Chapters 00:00 From Brazil to a 32:17 10K 02:09 Finding Running & Breaking 17 Minutes 04:22 Moving to the UK & Breaking 16 Minutes 05:42 St Mary’s, Coaching & a New Environment 10:17 How Running Changed João’s Life 13:20 Inside João’s Science-Based Training 18:03 Racing the Brazilian U23 Championships 19:13 The Hardest Race He’s Ever Run 22:14 Winning a 32:17 10K & Chasing More 31:48 Preparing for His First Half Marathon Follow João: instagram.com/joao._runs/ Follow The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats

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  • S4 · E67
    September 12 · 54 min

    #67 70 Mile Weeks, 5AM Runs & Fatherhood | Gio Cerisier

    At 25, Gio Cerisier is balancing 70 mile weeks, 5AM runs, a full-time job, marriage, and fatherhood all while chasing the fastest times of his life. Gio shares how a self-funded trip to Flagstaff changed what he believed was possible, his progression from a 17-minute 5K runner to running 69:50 in his first half marathon, and how he rebuilt after hernia surgery. He also breaks down his approach to double-threshold training, fast long runs, and why he refuses to prove his fitness in workouts. But running is only part of the story. Gio opens up about becoming a father while still competing in college, breaking his school steeplechase record just days after his daughter was born, the role faith plays in his life, and his dream of one day representing Haiti. Now, with even bigger goals ahead, Gio is finding out just how far he can take it without losing sight of what matters most. Chapters 00:00 Meet Gio Cerisier 02:00 5AM Runs, Work & Fatherhood 06:03 The Flagstaff Trip That Changed Everything 09:58 From 17-Minute 5K to College Running 15:02 The Breakthrough 20:01 Why Your Environment Matters 25:04 Hernia Surgery & the Comeback 29:50 Double Threshold & Fast Long Runs 35:03 Save It for Race Day 40:00 How Far Can Gio Take This? 45:00 Fatherhood, Faith & Running Follow Gio: instagram.com/gio_venchy/ Follow The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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  • S4 · E66
    September 8 · 56 min

    #66 4 Olympics. 2 Sports. What’s Next? | Chirine Njeim

    Chirine Njeim spent most of her life as a ski racer, representing Lebanon at three Winter Olympic Games before eventually walking away from the sport that had defined her. Then she found running. What started as a new challenge quickly became something much bigger, eventually taking Chirine back to the Olympics this time as a marathoner. Chirine joins Fitz to talk about starting over in a new sport, chasing the Rio Olympics, representing Lebanon, taking on seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, and why after four Olympics she’s still asking: what’s next? Chapters 00:00 Chirine’s Athletic Journey 01:13 From Olympic Skiing to Marathon Running 02:38 Growing Up Skiing in Lebanon 04:11 Moving to France at 13 to Chase Skiing 07:00 Her First Olympics & Overcoming Setbacks 11:24 Walking Away From Skiing & Starting Over 13:36 Learning to Train Like a Runner 18:17 The Unexpected Road to the Rio Olympics 24:11 Favorite Races & Marathon Memories 31:45 Fear, Pressure & the Mental Side of Sport 38:32 Seven Marathons, Seven Continents, Seven Days 43:47 What’s Next After Four Olympics? Follow Chirine: instagram.com/chirine.njeim/ Follow The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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  • S4 · E65
    September 5 · 46 min

    #65 Behind the Lens: The Side of Sport We Don’t See | Audrey Helle

    What does a photographer see that the rest of us miss? Fitz sits down with Audrey Helle, a Sport editorial photographer, to talk about the way she sees athletes through her lens from HYROX and track to boxing and other high-intensity sports. Audrey shares why she shoots primarily in black and white, how she uses harsh light to her advantage, why she scouts venues before shooting, and how she looks for the vulnerable, emotional moments athletes don’t always want people to see. They also talk about how street photography shaped her eye, the people who pushed her to take photography seriously, why so much sports photography can start to look the same, and why she believes an athlete’s story exists far beyond the finish line. From documenting training and injuries to capturing the moments before warm-up and after recovery, Audrey explains why the unseen parts of sport are often the most important to photograph. A conversation about sports photography, HYROX, visual storytelling, emotion, and seeing the moments everyone else misses. Chapters 00:00 Seeing What Athletes Don’t See 03:02 Composition, Light & Planning the Shot 06:57 Why Audrey Shoots in Black & White 12:07 Finding the Perfect Shot 17:23 Becoming a Photographer 19:54 Telling an Athlete’s Story 25:29 Anticipating the Moment 33:43 Gear, Preparation & Photographing New Athletes 40:11 Beyond the Finish Line: The Full Athlete Story Follow Audrey: instagram.com/audrey_elle.h/ audreyhelle.myportfolio.com Follow The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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  • S4 · E64
    September 1 · 48 min

    #64 A Brain Aneurysm Nearly Took His Life. Now He’s Running NYC | Polow Lynn

    In 2023, Polow suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm while out on a run. He woke up in the hospital days later, spent weeks in the ICU, and had to relearn how to walk before he could even think about running again. The first attempts back were brutal tears, panic, fear that it could happen again, and the question of whether he would ever feel like himself as a runner again. Eventually, he kept showing up. Polow talks about the emotional side of recovery, survivor’s guilt, therapy, the first runs he couldn’t finish, and the moment running finally started to feel normal again. He also shares how the experience completely changed his relationship with training, ego, sleep, recovery, and what it means to actually take care of himself. We also get into Run N Brunch, the Atlanta running community he built around making sure nobody feels left behind, his return to 13.1 at SeaWheeze, and why his next challenge means more than any race he has done before. Now, Polow is training for the New York City Marathon in support of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. For him, getting to that start line is about much more than 26.2 miles. “It means I made it.” Chapters 00:00 Surviving a Brain Aneurysm & Returning to Running 01:57 The Fear of Running Again 03:58 The Day Everything Changed 08:00 Waking Up in the ICU 11:56 Learning to Walk Again 16:07 When Running Finally Felt Normal Again 19:59 Working From a Place of Rest 24:03 Building Run N Brunch & Running for the Back of the Pack 28:08 Leaving Ego Behind & Returning to Racing 33:04 The Road to the NYC Marathon Follow Polow: instagram.com/polizzy/ Support Polow’s NYC Marathon: Polow is running the NYC Marathon in support of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. You can support his fundraising efforts here: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/polow-lynn Follow The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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  • S4 · E63
    August 25 · 45 min

    #63 100 Mile Weeks, 12-Hour Shifts & Running a 2:28 Marathon | Madey Dickson

    Madey is a 2:28 marathoner chasing even bigger goals while working full time as a nurse and regularly training up to 100 miles per week. In this episode, we talk about how she balances 12 hour hospital shifts with high level marathon training, 4 a.m. runs, and the discipline required to make it all work. Madey shares how working in healthcare has changed her perspective on running, why she refuses to take her health for granted, and how she’s learned to race more aggressively and “close the gap.” Fueling 100 mile weeks, body image in distance running, recovery, relationships, the sacrifices behind chasing big goals, and why she wants other nurses and everyday runners to see that a demanding career doesn’t mean giving up the things you love. A conversation about running fast, making time, and appreciating the opportunity to do both. Chapters 00:00 Meet Madey: Nurse, Runner & 100-Mile Weeks 03:51 Managing Fatigue, Recovery & Fueling 09:18 Mental Toughness & Race-Day Mindset 16:22 From the Mile to a 2:28 Marathon 22:23 How Working in Healthcare Changed Her Running 24:42 4 A.M. Runs, Friends & Strength Training 28:57 Getting Faster & Building Confidence 36:50 Chasing the Olympic Trials & Staying Healthy 39:52 Two Full-Time Jobs: Work, Running & Sacrifice 43:33 The Bigger Why Behind Her Running Follow Madey: instagram.com/madeydickson/ Follow The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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  • S4 · E62
    August 22 · 57 min

    #62 He Quit His Job to Chase Sub-2:10 & Race the Best | Joey Whelan

    Joey Whelan was running 2:13 - 2:15 marathons while balancing running with work when he decided he had one more shot to see how good he could become. With the support of his wife, he quit his job, went all in on running, and eventually broke 2:10. Joey talks about what changed when running became his full time pursuit, racing multiple marathons a year, recovering quickly enough to keep coming back, and what each race has taught him. We get into Berlin's brutal heat, winning and setting course records, representing Team USA, training at 100+ miles per week, and the small details he's learning as he tries to close the gap to the next level. Now, after winning 11 marathons, running under 2:10 and holding five course records, Joey isn't interested in staying where he knows he can win. He's headed to Chicago to find out how he stacks up against some of the best runners in the country and he's not finished yet. This one is about betting on yourself, finding another level, and seeing what happens when you go all in. Chapters 00:00 Going All In on Running 09:21 Chasing Sub-2:10: Berlin, CIM & Going Full-Time 16:16 Learning to Race Like the Elites 21:17 Racing the Best & Chasing the Majors 28:30 What Every Marathon Has Taught Him 35:54 What Separates a 2:09 Marathoner? 44:46 Recovery, Fueling & Life as a Pro 52:34 Nothing to Lose: What Comes Next Follow Joey: instagram.com/jpwhelan23/ Follow The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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  • S4 · E61
    August 18 · 50 min

    #61 Emily Durgin: When Will I Feel Like Myself Again? | Injury, Recovery & 2028

    Emily Durgin has been a U.S. champion, finished ninth at the 2024 Olympic Trials, and spent years consistently improving and competing at the highest level. Then an injury changed the rhythm of everything. Emily opens up about the past year and a half of trying to feel like herself again. She shares what it was like racing at 85%, questioning whether her best years were behind her, and eventually deciding that continuing to push through wasn't worth sacrificing a full recovery. We talk about the mistakes she's made returning from injury, learning when to stop forcing fitness, rebuilding from the ground up, and separating her identity from running while still believing deeply in what she can accomplish. Emily also looks ahead to 2027 and 2028, why she believes her fastest running may still be ahead of her, and what it means to give herself the chance to go all in one more time. Chapters 00:00 – Emily’s comeback and injury reset 01:04 – Why she stopped racing through pain 05:23 – The hardest part: being away from competition 07:12 – Starting fresh in Boulder 10:59 – The lesson: stop running through it 12:21 – Why racing means so much more than workouts 17:39 – Redefining success and choosing joy 27:13 – Hill strides and rebuilding form 30:32 – The biggest mistake runners make after injury 34:12 – Faith, friendship, and joy outside running 43:15 – December marathons and the road back 47:41 – Why 2028 is the main goal 50:55 – What she’ll appreciate most when she’s back Follow Emily: instagram.com/em_durgin/ Follow The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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  • S4 · E60
    August 11 · 54 min

    #60 She Qualified For Hyrox Worlds In Under A Year | Courtney Hayre

    Less than a year after signing up for her first HYROX, Courtney qualified for the HYROX World Championships. In this episode, Courtney shares how she balances a full-time career, family life, and training while chasing her potential. We talk about qualifying for Worlds, running a sub 40 10K, training 15+ hours a week, fueling, recovery, and the mindset that's helped her improve so quickly. Whether you're training for HYROX, running your next race, or simply trying to fit big goals into a busy life, there's something in this conversation for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: From First HYROX to Worlds 02:11 Signing Up for Her First HYROX 03:57 Training, Mindset & Finding Her Potential 07:10 The Mental Side of Racing 10:11 The Road to HYROX Worlds 15:46 Race Day at Worlds 19:01 Lessons From HYROX Worlds 23:02 Running, HYROX & Getting Faster 29:07 Balancing Work, Family & Training 33:04 Fueling, Recovery & Community 44:02 What's Next? Hong Kong & Future Goals Follow Courtney: instagram.com/courtney.hybrid.fit/ Follow The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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  • S4 · E59
    August 4 · 46 min

    #59 Why Running Never Leaves You | Deena Kastor

    Olympic medalist, author, and lifelong runner Deena Kastor joins The People Run Podcast. We talk about how her relationship with running has evolved, why joy matters more than chasing personal bests, what keeps her running today, the growth of the running community, writing Let Your Mind Run, and the lessons running continues to teach her decades after standing on the Olympic podium. If you’ve ever wondered why we keep coming back to running, this conversation is for you. Enjoy the episode. Chapters 00:00 Why Running Never Leaves You 02:58 Deena's Current Running Routine and Goals 06:59 Evolving Relationship with Running and Aging 12:00 The Impact of Community and Environment on Running 17:02 The Growth of the Sport and New Major Races 22:05 Deena's Reflection on Her Marathon Journey 26:53 The Mental and Emotional Benefits of Running 33:50 Writing Let Your Mind Run 42:00 The Power of Inspiration and Quotes in Running 45:06 Kindness, Community, and the Future of Running Follow Deena: instagram.com/deenakastor/ Follow The People Run Podcast: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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