The Rambling Runner Podcast

Matt Chittim

A podcast about dedicated and motivated amateur runners who are working hard to get better and achieving inspirational results.

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750 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes750

Newest first

Friday · 59 min
#749 - Jared Ewing: From Nearly Losing a Leg and Being Told He'd Never Run Again to a 3:01 Marathon and the Grand Slam of Ultra's
In this episode, I talk with Jared Ewing about one of the most remarkable comeback stories I’ve ever heard. Jared shares how a devastating accident changed his life, and how he went from wondering whether he would ever run again to becoming an elite adaptive endurance athlete. What stands out most to me about Jared’s story is his mindset. He walks me through the darkest moments after the accident, the long rehab process, and the daily discipline it took to rebuild his body and confidence one small win at a time. I love how honest he is about the pain, the uncertainty, and the mental grind that came with every step forward. We also talk about how he kept pushing himself beyond what anyone expected, from returning to marathons to taking on ultras and now the Grand Slam of Ultra Running. Jared explains what it’s like to run without calf muscles or an Achilles tendon, how he manages training and racing, and why he wants adaptive athletes to get more visibility in the sport. He shares why he’s documenting this chapter of his life, what it means to represent adaptive athletes on race results and podiums, and how important it is for people with disabilities to see themselves reflected in endurance sports. If you want to follow Jared’s journey or support his documentary project, you can find him on social media and contribute through his GoFundMe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 17 · 53 min
#748 - Sue Reynolds: From 60 Years Old and 335 lbs to World Champion
In this episode, Sue Reynolds describes her surreal and amazing journey from a 60 year old 335 pound new athlete to two-time World Champion triathlete. Sue's athletic life is detailed in her two books: The Athlete Inside and Across the Line. You won't want to miss Sue's amazing story from non-athlete, to World Champ, and the cost that journey can take. You can buy Sue's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B081HVS38M Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 16 · 37 min
#747 - The State of Endurance Sports and Race Trends with Bob Bickel from RunSignup
In this episode, I dive into the latest insights from RunSignup’s midyear report on the endurance race industry and how demographic shifts along with marketing strategies are shaping running events today. Bob Bickel shares comprehensive data on race registration patterns, growth sectors, and innovative marketing approaches, offering valuable lessons for race directors, marketers, and enthusiasts alike. Main Topics: Demographic shifts in race participation, especially younger runners and under-18 registration The influence of race size, timing, and marketing strategies on registration patterns How travel, community engagement, and youth programs are driving growth Effective marketing tactics: team building, referral programs, and community connections Gender and age participation trends, highlighting increased female participation and younger demographics Race categorization and the importance of timely registration data for planning RunSignup’s Knowledge Base and Industry Reports - https://runsignup.com/knowledge-base Read the 2026 Midyear Race Trends Report - https://info.runsignup.com/2026/06/22/2026-midyear-race-trends-update/ Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 1 · 41 min
#746 - Building Strength for Running Performance with Brodie Sharpe
In this episode, I dive into the importance of strength training for runners with Brodie Sharpe. We explore how strength training can enhance running performance and discuss the balance between injury prevention and performance improvement. Brodie shares insights from research and personal experience, emphasizing the role of strength training in improving running economy and efficiency. Brodie Sharpe is a runner and a physiotherapist based in Australia who helps injured runners get healthy and stay that way. He is the host of The Run Smarter Podcast and has certifications from The Running Clinic, the Running Repairs Course, Sports Medicine Australia, and Athletics Victoria Run as a running coach. Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 30 · 33 min
#745 - Empowerment and Freedom: The Story of The Aruna Project
In this episode, April Berg of The Aruna Project shares her inspiring journey from college athlete to activist fighting human trafficking. Discover the impactful work of transforming lives through ethical fashion manufacturing and holistic rescue programs. Main Topics The mission and holistic approach of The Aruna Project in combating human trafficking Personal background: college sports, nursing, and how personal experiences shaped April's advocacy The journey from witnessing human trafficking firsthand to relocating to hotspots for outreach Building trust and engaging with women in red-light districts to offer hope and employment Challenges of rescuing women and navigating cultural and safety concerns Strategies for co-creating sustainable employment for survivors of trafficking The importance of partnerships with corporate and athletic organizations How ethical athleisure competes in the global sportswear market Practical ways individuals and organizations can support and collaborate April has generously offered a discount for listers of 20% off of an order at www.arunaproject.com by using code RUNNER20 at checkout. Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 27 · 55 min
#744 - Justin Hetherington: From No Running to Ultramarathon Success
In this episode, Justin Hetherington shares his inspiring journey from childhood struggles and a fear of sports to becoming a dedicated ultra runner. Dive into his insights on mental resilience, race variety, and why pushing limits is a personal growth catalyst. Main topics: Justin's transformation from a non-athlete to ultramarathon enthusiast The psychological aspects of endurance running and overcoming self-doubt Race diversity: trail, ultra, backyard ultras, and their strategic importance The significance of community, mindset, and the influence of role models How perseverance and consistent effort can redefine perceived limits Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 20 · 39 min
#743 - Claire Bartholic: How a Goal Oriented Athlete Can Put Running in the "Friend Zone"
In this episode, Claire Bartholic shares her inspiring journey from running a sub-3:00 marathon despite starting her running journey later in life to redefining her relationship with running, emphasizing the importance of joy, adaptability, and perspective as athletes age. We explore how athletes can find fulfillment beyond peak performance and embrace new goals at any stage of life. Main topics covered: Claire's transition from competitive running to a more relaxed, enjoyable approach The significance of redefining success and setting micro-goals in later years The mental and emotional aspects of aging as an athlete How to maintain motivation when peak performance is no longer the focus The role of physical activity as a vehicle for overall health and happiness Comparing athletic identity and dealing with the loss of former self Strategies for staying in love with running and avoiding pressure and burnout The value of trying new sports and activities for variety and fun The concept of running as a lifelong, adaptable journey, not just a race to the finish Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 17 · 45 min
#742 - Dr. Kathryn Zioto: Double Boston, Grit, and Finding Joy in the Process
Prepare to be inspired by Dr. Kathryn Zioto, a remarkable athlete balancing a busy medical career, motherhood, and ultra-distance running. In this episode, she shares her incredible journey, including running the double Boston Marathon, her insights on mental resilience, and how her diverse background in figure skating, road, and trail running shapes her approach to challenges. Discover how prioritizing joy, process, and support keeps her motivated to pursue ambitious goals. Main topics: Kathryn’s journey from figure skating to ultra running The wild story involving a airplane emergency that led to her first trail race Her experience running the double Boston Balancing athletic pursuits with a demanding career and family life Mental toughness and the role of patience and delayed gratification The group dynamics and pacing during her ultramarathon efforts How her professional background informs her resilience and self-talk The importance of love for the process in long-term consistency Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 1 · 38 min
#741 - Hildee Weiss - Embracing My Inner Athlete: A Mom's Journey from Couch Potato to Runner at 46
Discover Hildee Weiss's inspiring story of late-life fitness, self-belief, and overcoming self-doubt to become an active runner and author. In this episode, Hildee shares her candid journey from a sedentary lifestyle to embracing health, all while balancing a large family and personal challenges. Main Topics Covered: Hildee Weiss's motivation to write her memoir about her fitness transformation How self-belief and confidence evolve through the physical activity journey The challenges of starting fitness in midlife, especially after pregnancy and raising five kids Overcoming setbacks, including surgery and re-engaging with running and cross-training The importance of mindset shifts: from "I have to" to "I get to" in fitness routines Strategies for cultivating self-confidence and resilience as a parent and individual The role of community, coaching, and persistence in achieving fitness goals Future plans for trail running, races, and personal redemption Embracing My Inner Athlete - Hildee Weiss’s memoir, out June 9th Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 29 · 51 min
#740 - Kelsey Boyer: Competitive Snowboarder to Endurance - Overcoming Serious Brain Injury and Running a Marathon
In this episode, Kelsey Boyer shares her inspiring journey from competitive snowboarding and traumatic brain injury to embracing marathon running and advocacy. Her story highlights resilience, self-advocacy, and the power of neuro-recovery. Key Topics Kelsey's background as a competitive snowboarder and early involvement in the sport The severity and impact of her brain injury, including the emergency surgery The challenges of navigating medical diagnoses and the importance of self-advocacy Recovery journey from initial hospital release to intensive brain rehab The emotional and physical toll of sustaining a brain injury at age 23 Debunking misconceptions around traumatic brain injuries and "mild" concussions The significance of education, prevention, and safety gear in brain health Transitioning back to snowboarding and coaching after recovery Setting the goal to run her first marathon, driven by a desire for challenge and community impact The process of training with a brain injury and managing stress and nutrition Developing a new relationship with endurance sports and embracing the beginner mindset The importance of vulnerability, community support, and redefining athletic identity Advocacy work through the nonprofit Save a Brain and the Running for Brains campaign The role of neuroplasticity and dedicated rehab in her journey to regain athletic ability Links: Save a Brain Website — Learn more about brain injury advocacy and helmets Save a Brain Instagram — Follow updates and campaigns Cognitive FX Brain Rehabilitation — Innovative neurotherapeutic facility Podcast: The Save a Brain Headquarters — Neuroscience insights and recovery stories Running for Brains Campaign — Donate and support helmet safety for children Kelsey's Instagram Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 26 · 45 min
#739 - Amy Crain: 3rd Overall and Top American in the 45-49 Age Group at the Boston Marathon
In this episode, Amy Crain shares her inspiring journey as a master marathon runner, highlighting how mental shifts, smart training, and a love for the sport propel her to consistent high-level performances well into her 40s. Last month Amy finished third in the 45-49 age group, and first American, at the Boston Marathon! Whether you're an aspiring master runner or simply love running, Amy’s insights reveal how to enjoy the process while competing fiercely. Main topics: Amy’s memorable Boston Marathon and the mindset shift that unlocked her potential Balancing competitiveness with fun and mental preparedness in training and racing How aging has influenced her approach to running and training strategies The role of external environment awareness and community support during races Transitioning from college to lifelong running, with stories from cross-country in Scotland and Ireland Practical tips on training, nutrition, sleep, and race-day tactics for master runners The importance of curiosity, consistency, and joy in sustaining marathon performance over decades Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 2 · 52 min
#738 - Laura Pifer: 3rd Masters Woman at the Boston Marathon Behind Sara Hall and Des Linden
In this episode, Laura Pifer shares her remarkable journey from her early days of national record performances in high school to running her first marathon at age 40, culminating in a third-place finish at the Masters Division at the Boston Marathon. We delve into her life balancing family, her creative endeavors with sewing and upcycling, and her fresh approach to running in her 40s. Also, Laura shares the remarkable story of her husband offering up his gps watch to Sharon Lokedi on the bus to the Boston starting line! Key Topics: Laura Pifer’s high school running success, including a national 5K record Transition from collegiate athletics at Colorado to family life and less structured running Her late start in marathon training, debuting at age 40 with a 2:45 finish Recovery from illness during taper week leading to her Boston race Boston marathon race strategy: conservative start, feeling great in the second half, negative splits The mental and emotional boost from passing runners late in the race Unique story of her husband's watch being borrowed by Sharon Lokedi on race day Perspectives on aging in running and the importance of health, nutrition, and consistency Laura's entrepreneurial journey: founding and growing Trash to Couture, her upcycling fashion blog Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 28 · 1 hr 4 min
#737 - Esteban Trujillo: From Oregon Walk-On, to Quitting Running and Moving to Alaska, to an OTQ and Second Masters Runner at Boston
Join us as Esteban Trujillo shares his inspiring story of returning to marathon running after a seven-year break, fueled by a passion for pushing limits and defying age. From his Oregon cross country days to ultra-competitive Masters racing, Esteban's journey highlights resilience, strategic training, and living the sport authentically. In this episode: Esteban's early days at Oregon with stars like Galen Rupp and Matthew Centrowitz The dramatic story of quitting running at age 27 and living in Alaska How he rediscovered his love for racing and transitioned back into competitive marathon running His approach to training, injury prevention, and mental toughness as a master's athlete Insights on his recent performances, including CIM sub-2:15 and Boston Masters placement The role of coaching with Brad Hudson and the significance of athlete-supported programs like Puma Project 3 Future goals leading to the 2028 Olympic Trials and beyond Unique perspectives on balancing passion, health, and ambition in master’s athletics Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 24 · 48 min
#736 - Damian Hall: The Secrets to Becoming an Ageless Athlete
Discover how top ultra runner Damian Hall challenges age-related decline in his new book Run Forever: The Secrets to Becoming an Ageless Athlete. Damian's book includes exhaustive research into many topics that can help runners of all abilities and ages. This episode dives into science-backed strategies for runners looking to stay strong and motivated. In this episode: Damian Hall's journey from late start to ultra legend The role of adventure and curiosity in building endurance Critical insights from Damian’s new book, Run Forever The importance of strength training, sleep, and nutrition for longevity Examples of athletes thriving into their 60s and beyond Practical tips for incorporating speed work on safe platforms The mental side of aging and how perception impacts performance Personal stories of late bloomers achieving competitive success Run Forever: The Secrets of Becoming an Ageless Athlete by Damian Hall Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠curranzusa.com⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 22 · 38 min
#735 - Finding Joy and Purpose in Running – Jess Sikorski's Inspirational Journey
In this episode we learn how to unlock the power of running as a source of joy, community, and meaningful impact. Jess Sikorski shares her personal transformation of using running in a way that negatively affected her health to running with purpose for charity and mental health. Key Topics: Jess's journey from health struggles to joyful running The evolution of her big "why" for running The importance of community, social running, and making fitness accessible Inspiring stories of fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Tips for integrating enjoyment with health and performance goals The role of therapy and self-redefinition in overcoming food and body image issues Collaboration between run clubs and local fitness communities Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 14 · 44 min
#734 - Martin Dugard - The Long Run: Steve Prefontaine, Frank Shorter, Joan Benoit, Grete Waitz, and the Decade That Made the Marathon Cool
In his newest book, The Long Run: Steve Prefontaine, Frank Shorter, Joan Benoit, Grete Waitz, and the Decade That Made the Marathon Cool, U.S. Track & Field Foundation board member, life-long runner, high school track coach, and bestselling author Martin Dugard takes us through the historical moments that sparked the running boom across America, including Frank Shorter’s Olympic marathon win in 1972, Steve Prefontaine’s career that ended too soon—and not to mention Greta Waitz and Joan Benoit, both with their own historic marathon wins that inspired women all over. Along the way, Dugard shares the history of the sport—from the myth that originated the modern marathon, to how it became 26.2 miles (and how the British Royal family had a hand in it), how the sport saved NYC from bankruptcy, and more! Martin's perspective and research into the race we love is awe inspiring and worth a read (or listen if you're an Audible fan like me). Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 9 · 47 min
#733 - Bill Volpe: From Novice to Nationally Ranked Runner at 60
Catch the remarkable story of Bill Volpe, who at age 60, achieved a Boston Marathon qualifying time and 3:11 marathon, after starting his running journey at 52. His disciplined approach to training, nutrition, and mental resilience exemplifies that age is just a number when it comes to athletic achievement. In this episode: Bill’s initial foray into running and how he transitioned from no running to marathon success How disciplined routines and strategic pacing contributed to a marathon PR at 60 How hiring a coach helped him step up his training and confidence The evolution of his competitive mindset and his goals for the future Discussions on aging, motivation, and staying injury-free The importance of mindset, consistency, and seizing opportunities in athletic growth Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to curranzusa.com to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 3 · 39 min
#732 - Dan Montgomery: A 15 Min. PR and 3:11 Marathon at 51
Join us as Dan Montgomery shares his remarkable evolution from casual runner to competitive marathoner over 25 years - including a blistering 3:11:53 at the McKirdy Micro Marathon at 51 years old! Discover how disciplined training, strategic nutrition, and unwavering commitment transformed his body and performance. This episode offers valuable insights for runners of all levels aiming for continuous improvement. Main Topics: Dan's unlikely start in running and early marathon experiences His journey through injuries, nutrition adjustments, and body composition changes How working with a nutritionist and focusing on macros improved his marathon times The mental shift from health to performance goals The discipline and routines behind his race day success Strategies for sodium management and fueling in cold weather His ambitious long-term goals, including chasing the marathon majors record The importance of mindset, consistency, and trusting the process Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 31 · 57 min
#731 - Jesse Gauf's Inspiring Journey from 340 Pounds to Endurance Racing
Discover how Jesse Gauf turned his life around within a year, shedding over 100 pounds and conquering marathon distances, all while sharing his progress openly online. This episode explores the mental shifts, practical strategies, and community support behind his transformation. In this episode: Jesse recounts his fitness journey starting from Navy days to weight ballooning over 340 pounds Emphasis on focusing on personal versus comparative progress as a key motivator The importance of consistent habits like walking, training, and strategic goal setting Overcoming mental hurdles related to masculinity and body image, especially for men How social sharing has fueled Jesse’s accountability and inspired others The role of rest, recovery, and strategic nutrition in sustainable progress Setting ambitious goals like Ironman 70.3 while embracing the process The power of embracing discomfort and pushing through adversity in endurance events Recognizing that ordinary stories of perseverance resonate more deeply than superhero tales Practical tips for beginners on starting with walking, mindset shifts, and setting intentional goals Follow Jesse at www.instagram.com/jesse.in.motion. Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. The Marathon Project returns December 11–13, 2026 in Chandler, Arizona, offering one of the fastest, most athlete-focused marathon experiences in the country. The event features a Gold Wave amateur race on Saturday and the professional race on Sunday, giving runners the chance to race fast and then watch some of the best athletes in the sport compete the next day. The course is flat and criteria-style with pacers every five minutes from 2:20 to 3:30, bottle service, bag drop, and a top-tier race experience designed for performance. The Gold Wave is open to runners who have run under 3:30 since 2022, and last year 81% of finishers hit their Boston Qualifier. Registration is currently $400 but increases to $500 on April 1. Visit ⁠themarathonproject.com⁠ and use code roadtothetrials (all lowercase, no spaces) to save $25 on your entry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 27 · 49 min
#730 - Mindset, Marathon, and Nutrition: Lottie Bildirici's Winning Formula
In this episode, we explore Lottie Bildirici’s inspiring journey from battling stress fractures and bone health issues to smashing personal marathon records. She shares her insights on injury prevention, mental resilience, and how purposeful nutrition fuels peak performance. Main Topics: Lottie's background in endurance sports and overcoming stress fractures The impact of nutrition and strength training on injury recovery and bone health Her evolution from a 5-hour marathoner to a sub-3:40 The role of mindset, confidence, and mental health in running success Practical nutrition tips, especially for race week and everyday sustainability How professional athlete insights shape her approach for amateurs The importance of community and authenticity in athletic growth Visit Lottie's website Running on Veggies Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Fooster - Check out the player in the online sports nutrition retail world - Fooster! While you're at it, you can pick up the new Rambling Runner Pack to try a variety of sports nutrition options and use code "Runner" to save 15% on your order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefooster.com/products/rambling-runner-pack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Marathon Project returns December 11–13, 2026 in Chandler, Arizona, offering one of the fastest, most athlete-focused marathon experiences in the country. The event features a Gold Wave amateur race on Saturday and the professional race on Sunday, giving runners the chance to race fast and then watch some of the best athletes in the sport compete the next day. The course is flat and criteria-style with pacers every five minutes from 2:20 to 3:30, bottle service, bag drop, and a top-tier race experience designed for performance. The Gold Wave is open to runners who have run under 3:30 since 2022, and last year 81% of finishers hit their Boston Qualifier. Registration is currently $400 but increases to $500 on April 1. Visit ⁠themarathonproject.com⁠ and use code roadtothetrials (all lowercase, no spaces) to save $25 on your entry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices