Today's podcast is with one of the most inspiring people I've even met. I first met Kallup McCoy II at the Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando and was immediately taken by his energy and passion. Little did I know that there was much more to this man than the glowing first impressions suggested. Starting at the age of 11, Kallup began his battle with drug addiction. What started as doctor prescribed cure for his migraine escalated during his teenage years in hard drugs. As Kallup entered his 20's, deep in the throws of addiction and with two children, his life continued to unravel. He overdosed six times, was brought back from edge of death on a few of those occasions, and was incarcerated. While in prison, Kallup laid the groundwork for the man he wanted to become and the shift was dramatic. In this episode, Kallup shares his remarkable story that is one of the best turnarounds we've ever chronicled. Not only has Kallup been in recovery for the last seven years, his athletic achievements during that time boggle the mind. He is also committed to lifting up the lives of other Native Americans and members of Cherokee Nation who are battling addiction. You can follow Kallup at www.instagram.com/_recoverylion86. Sponsors ASICS - Check out my favorite footwear brand, and the new Metaspeed Sky and Edge Paris racers that are about to be released, at www.asics.com. V.02 - Become a faster runner and/or better coach in 2024 with V.O2. Download V.O2 in the app stores or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vdoto2.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more about leveraging the world-renowned VDOT training paces in your running. Use code "rambling" to get 20% off the product of your choice and get a free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Races are upon us and there is no better way to prepare for the mental rigors that come with pushing our ourselves to the limit than to learn from Roisin “Ro” McGettigan-Dumas (LMHC)! Ro is a sports psychology coach, licensed mental health counselor and Olympian from Wicklow, Ireland (now based in Providence, RI). She competed at Providence College and then professionally with the "RunProvidence" group under the tutelage of Ray Treacy. Ro is an Olympic finalist ('08) and is the Irish record holder in the steeplechase as well as a European Medallist in the 1500m. Her two passions are track & field and psychology and, since retiring from professional running, she is focusing on helping athletes achieve their goals in sport and life. Ro knows first hand the powerful effect of mental preparation for performance, overcoming disappointments, and life beyond sport. She’s the co-author of the Believe Training Journal series (Velopress), is piloting a goal-setting workshop for athletes to use in schools called "Dare to Believe," and co-hosts the popular Keeping Track, A Women in Sport Podcast with Alysia Montano, and Molly Huddle. Sponsors: Vacation Races is a running and travel company that helps people explore and enjoy the most scenic places on earth. They host half marathons, ultramarathons and trail running festivals at national parks around the country and multi-day running adventures all over the world! Use our codes to save serious money at www.vacationraces.com on these incredible adventures: rambling15 - New customers can use this code for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon that is not currently sold out (excludes Trailfest events and Global Adventures). rambling200 - New customers can use this code for $200 off any Global Adventures trip that is not currently sold out (code is only good for Global Adventures events and cannot be used toward half marathons, ultra marathons or Trailfest events) --- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Fitzgerald is back on the pod! Jason is a good friend and we had a blast chopping it up about several running topics that have been at the top of our minds recently (with plenty of diversions as we went along). 1. How your nutrtion/fueling has changed over time (I've finally come to the realization that I have a gluten sensitivity and it's changed a lot). 2. Grayson Murphy: An outlier who is simply one of the best of all time or a model for a potential paradigm shift in training/racing theory? 3. Can pushing the pace on technical/challenging trail runs improve fitness for runners who plan to race primarily on the roads? We have a new segment called "5 Questions presented by Running Warehouse." Here are links to a few of the shoes Jason mentioned: ASICS Noosa Tri 14 ASICS Magic Speed 2 Brooks Catamount HOKA Zinal You can visit Jason's website at https://strengthrunning.com and buy his Performance Training Journal on Amazon. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by UCAN nutrition which is powered to deliver steady, long lasting energy without the spike and crash. Add in UCAN Hydrate to get those electrolytes that you need to stay hydrated. Finally, you've got to try the award winning Edge energy gels - they are my go-to on the run. You will get 20% of all of your orders at ucan.co with code RAMBLING. _ _ _ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holy cow - 500 episodes!!!! For the last five and a half years I've been bringing you the Rambling Runner podcast and it's been one of the greatest joys of my life. In this episode I'm joined by my friend and fellow media member Dylan Bowman. We take a deep dive into everything that goes into the work, the joys, the challenges, and plenty of things that happen behind the scenes in our fun and interesting industry. Dylan is the founder of Freetrail - the best place for trail running media. You can visit their new and exciting website at www.freetrail.com. Sponsor: Thank you to Lagoon for sponsoring this episode and for their truly amazing pillows! Take their two minute quiz and learn which pillow is perfect for you and the way you sleep at https://lagoonsleep.com/rambling and save 15% by using code RAMBLING at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many runners mini-breaks in training can happen at any moment. They can be caused by job requirements, injury, family situations, and illness. These mini-breaks of 2-4 weeks do not complete derail training but they can cause a runner to rethink races and short-term goals. Especially if they are training for a marathon or ultramarathon. In this episode we talk about the decision matrix that stems from these break, making the most of them, and working through them in a way that leaves us excited for the future instead of regretting things that were out of our control. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever worked for years to achieve a goal and found yourself wondering if it was ever going to happen? Well, Jen is proof that if you keep working hard, and team up with the right people, you can breakthrough. It took her several years to break the 1:40 barrier in the half marathon but she finally did it this month with blazing fast 1:37. In this episode, Jen talks about what she changed in her training to finally get over the hump, why she makes a point to run with local running clubs/groups, and, of course, desserts! You can follow Jen at www.instagram.com/fueledbyfrosting. This episode is sponsored by Mercury Mile. You can learn more about this amazing box service that provides top of the line gear and accessories at www.mercurymile.com and save $10 by using promo code "ramblingrunner10" at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By the age of 29, Brooke Adams achieved an almost unbelievable feet. She completed all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors! Not only that, she did it with an average time of 2:59. This incredible runner did not come from a traditional running background. The daughter and sister dairy farmers, Brooke is now an assistant principal while pursuing her running dreams. In this episode she details her emergence from good high school runner to one of the only women to ever complete all six majors before the age of 30. We also discussed how she has drawn strength from her father who lost his ability to walk 20 years ago due to his battle with multiple sclerosis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heather Szuba is living the amateur running lifestyle to a “T.” She has whittled down her marathon time from 4:00 hours to 3:12 while working as an engineer and starting a coaching practice. At the age of 24 she came to the realization that she needed to become a healthier person. She started with the elliptical before introducing 10 minute running segments into her routine. Then one day at the gym she was inspired by the goal of running for an hour. From there, her running journey took off. We had a great conversation about all of these things and how to live a balanced life while trying to achieve big running goals. You can follow Heather at www.instagram.com/itsheathersturn or inquire about her coaching services at www.mckirdytrained.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All Ralph Peterson had to do was change everything. Severely overweight, struggling with addiction, and unhappy in almost every area of his life, Ralph knew he was capable of much more. His conversion into a dedicated marathoner is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, Ralph details his running and dietary journey that was the foundation of his book “Adventures in Dietland: How to Win at the Game of Dieting from a Former Fat Guy.” We take a deep dive into some of the many tips he has for those of us who struggle with our food choices. You can get “Adventures in Dietland: How to Win at the Game of Dieting from a Former Fat Guy” here: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Dietland-Game-Dieting-Former/dp/0998926809 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity,” - Albert Schweitzer. Jessica Hadley’s running origin story is one that should be familiar to many people. She was a young mom of two, working a full-time job, and just couldn’t take it anymore. She felt like her life was too crazy and she just needed something to calm the noise. So, she took up running. Three years later she is an accomplished runner in spite of her hectic schedule. In this episode, we talk about our shared experiences in pre-5:00 a.m. runs, balancing running with young kids, and our love of 90s rap. Jessica also details her recent half marathon PR in Phoenix which included a crazy schedule that only parents of little kids can truly appreciate. You can follow Jessica at www.instagram.com/jessbug1122. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it." — Helen Keller. A common saying in the running community is "run to overcome." That is exactly what Elizabeth Jansen has done. From the shocking death of her older brother, to her struggles with binge eating disorder, Elizabeth has used running to help her overcome what ails her mind, body, and soul. Along the way she has grown to love the sport for its own sake and not only for it therapeutic effects. In this candid and open conversation, Elizabeth details her struggles, running progression, and what's next for her and the sport she loves. You can learn more about Elizabeth on her website www.runningforrobert.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/elizabeth_healthy_life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I am joined by the amazing Bethany Davis. Bethany is an accomplished marathoner, coach, mother of four, and former CrossFit athlete. We talk at length about her varied experiences running and lifting before and after child birth. Including this current rendition that has allowed her to bounce back quicker than ever. We also touch on overcoming mental obstacles in races and talking big goals into existence - including her own goal of sub-3 hour marathon. You can follow Bethany at www.instagram.com/be.fit.davis and visit her website at www.befitdavis.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, he turned into a butterfly.” – Proverb At first glance it looks like Mark Bottenhorn has it all. An ultra marathon winner, a former college soccer player, and a body that belongs on the cover of Men’s Health magazine. However, there is more to Mark than meets the eye. For a good part of his life he has been battling anxiety that has brought him to his knees. In this episode, Mark talks about his struggles in an open and honest way that illuminates a topic that is too often left in the dark. We also discuss his fantastic running exploits that are only getting better and better. You can follow Mark at www.instagram.com/bottenhornrunning and visit his website at www.markbottenhorn.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.” - Norman Vincent Peale When I grow-up I want to be Rhandi Orme. Ultra marathon winner, OCR racer, 3:13 marathoner, Ironman finisher, and trail runner extraordinaire. Did I mention she is also a mother of four kids under the age of 12? Her athletic accomplishments are the result of good genes and a super-human enthusiasm for life. Learn how she has accomplished so much while balancing her athletic endeavors with a rich home life. You can follow Rhandi at www.instagram.com/run_rhandi_run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tyler Underwood is a beast! How else can you describe someone who went from a 4:12 marathon to a 2:18 - which is an Olympic Trials qualifier? His journey to that elite status included a lot of help from friends and family, but not a coach. We talk a lot about who he relies on, and who he doesn’t. Tyler also discusses the right mindset that he acquired about five years ago that helped to unleash his potential. As successful as he has been, the future is even brighter for this dedicated amateur runner. In fact, he might not be an amateur for much longer! You can learn more about Tyler at www.thecarboload.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The average person puts only 25% of his energy and ability into his work. The world takes off its hat to those who put in more than 50% of their capacity, and stands on its head for those few and far between souls who devote 100%.” - Andrew Carnegie The best way to describe Lindsey Welter is to say that she is pure energy. She has transformed herself from a competitive dancer who hated running high school cross country into an amazing endurance athlete. In less than 10 years since she started running seriously she has completed eight half-marathons, six full marathons, five Ironman 70.3 triathlons, and three full Ironman triathlons. She has done all of this while holding down a job and starting a coaching business. Her infectious energy and positivity are on full display in this episode. You can learn more about Lindsey on Instagram at www.instagram.com/Linzanityfit or on her website www.linzanityfit.wordpress.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Toni DiRenzo is a former college soccer player turned dedicated amateur runner and coach. In this episode, we dive into her conversion to running and her current running successes and struggles. After running the Chicago Marathon last fall she has been dealing with plantar fasciitis. This is an issue that confronts many runners and we discuss it at length. We finish up the episode with a segment of Coach’s Corner. Toni and I really hit it off in this episode and I hope you enjoy what you hear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” - C.S. Lewis Melissa Becker (@motherrunnermel) is one of the toughest and most inspirational people I know. She dedicated herself to running five years ago and has set PR’s year after year. But, there is far more to Melissa than mere races times. She has, and continues to, overcome health issues that have affected her and her young daughter. Her story is one that has gained an incredible following, and it is easy to see why so many people are rooting for Melissa in every aspect of her life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 3, 2017 Molly Friel did something that many would call impossible: she qualified for the Olympic Trrials in the marathon at age 50. At the California International Marathon she completed the race in a blistering time 2:43:57, averaging a 6:15/mi pace. Not only that, she almost even-split the course after a first-half time of 1:21:54. In this episode of the Rambling Runner Podcast, we talk about how she approached this race, executed it to perfection, and her injury plagued build-up to race day. We also discuss her amazing career, including a ten year stretch of injuries that separated her first Olympic Trials Qualifier from her latest that would have ended many athlete’s professional careers. I hope you enjoy this episode with one of America’s best, and most interesting, elite runners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Rambling Runner Podcast, I speak with professional runner Kaitlin Gregg Goodman. Kaitlin set her 10K, half marathon, and marathon personal records in 2017. We dive into those experiences as well as how she bounced back from her disappointing performance at the USATF Outdoor Track Championships. Lastly, we also talk about Kaitlin’s rise to prominence as a runner. She did not have the traditional accomplishments that many of her contemporaries did, like high school championships and all-american honors. Instead, Kaitlin improved year-after-year and eventually earned her place as one of the best American runners. We introduce a new feature on the podcast called “Coach’s Corner” in which I ask Kaitlin three questions that affect many dedicated amateur runners. I hope you enjoy this episode and happy running! You can learn more about Kaitlin, her blog, and her coaching services at www.trainingjoyfully.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“When you are enthusiastic about what you do, you feel this positive energy. It’s very simple.” - Paulo Coelho Tiffany James progressed from a 4:29 marathon in 2014 to a Boston Marathon qualifying time of 3:27 in 2017. Not bad for someone who used to skip-out on high school gym class. In this episode, Tiffany talks about her progression from occasional athlete, to runner, to running enthusiast and professional running marketer. She also details how she bounced back from barely missing her goal of qualifying for Boston, and all of the emotions wrapped up in that near miss, to set a PR in her next marathon. Finally, Tiffany, whose website is www.runningforcarbs.com, and I talk about our favorite thing - carbs! I hope you enjoy this episode and happy running! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2017, Nick Symmonds chose to transform from one of running's most recognizable professionals (with two Olympic appearances and a silver medal at the World Championships in the 800m) to an amatuer attempting his first marathon. Not only that, but he did it in typical Nick Symmonds fashion - by being as transparent as possible every step of the way. In this episode of the Rambling Running Podcast, we talk about Nick's recent announcement that he will be running the Eugene Marathon, his previous and upcoming marathon training, and how he'd compare the pain of a marathon to the agony of a lactic acid producing 800m race. Nick also details how and why he started Run Gum and what his role as CEO entails. Enter to win a 4-Day, 3-Night Ultimate Running Experience capped with running the 2018 Eugene Marathon with Nick Symmonds by going to www.rungum.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Stay true to yourself. An original is worth more than a copy.” - Suzy Kassem Patrick Cutter may be the most unique dedicated amateur runner I have interviewed on the show. Last week at the Chevron Houston Marathon he set a personal record by running to 2:35.23. However, if you ever see a picture of Patrick during that race you would never guess he was that level of runner. At 5’10” and 180 pounds he looks more like a star football player than a sub-elite marathoner. In this episode, we break down his most recent performance and talk about how his training has evolved in recent years - including how he prepared for 16 marathons in the last five years despite having a limited running background prior to 2012. Patrick also discusses his weightlifting routine and why he prioritizes strength training in a way that is at odds with conventional wisdom. You can follow Patrick’s running updates at www.instagram.com/irun26point2__. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” - Napoleon Hill   As the owner the Strength2Run and the Athlete Factory, Christina Wood lives the words of her business. However, as physically strong as she is, her mental and emotional strength is what allows her to do amazing things. In this episode, Christina talks about overcoming her father’s cancer diagnosis, and passing, in her early 20’s. She turned to running in the midst of that pain and sorrow and has never looked back. Today she is marathoner, triathlete, and coach. Beyond that, she has shown that by continually moving forward you can overcome and achieve. Learn more about Christina’s coaching service at www.strength2run.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2013 Natalie Hopkins was hit by a car while riding her bike. This accident left her with numerous screws, and a couple of plates, in her leg as well as a significant brain injury. Yet, exactly one year later she was at the starting line of the Boston Marathon and ran it 12 seconds faster than she had two years earlier. In this episode, Natalie talks about that experience as well as her background as a Division I swimmer at Syracuse and how she overcame depression through running after her swimming career came to an end. 2017 was a breakout year for Natalie. We discuss her unique training methods that allowed her to run the 2017 Marine Corps marathon in 3:05 and how self-reflection put her in the right state of mind to capitalize on her increased fitness. As you’ll here, Natalie is a ball of energy and it’s easy to see why she can balance her training with her career as a fitness professional. You can learn more about Natalie on her website www.betterstrongertougher.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Rambling Runner Podcast I am privileged to be joined by the best endurance sport author of this generation - Matt Fitzgerald. Matt has written dozens of influential books including two of my favorites “How Bad Do You Want It“ and “Iron War.“ We dive into each of those books as well as his fascinating experience training full-time with the NAZ Elite running team before setting a PR, and finishing top-5 in his age group, at the Chicago Marathon. You can read his blog detailing that experience and his current training at http://finalsurge.com/seriouslyamateur. Also check out Matt’s new home on the internet http://8020endurance.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which [s]he has overcome.” - Booker T. Washington I can’t think of a better quote that encapsulates Liz Ferro’s rise and her impact on others. After going through the foster care system as a toddler Liz was sexually assaulted as an 8 year old. The trauma she experienced led her to create the non-profit Girls With Sole. This wonderful organization, which has been chronicled by USA Today and the Today Show, helps girls ages 9-18 overcome abuse through exercise and community. Liz has completed marathons in all 50 states, completed four Ironman triathlons, and run on the Great Wall of China. In other words, she walks-the-walk. I hope you enjoy this inspiring episode with one of the most special people I have ever met. Learn more about Liz and Girls With Sole at www.girlswithsole.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,” according to Roman philosopher Seneca. If you want to know the meaning of bad luck ask Scott Littleton (www.instagram.com/chaoticscott). Scott took up running three years ago and quickly progressed to a borderline Boston Marathon qualifier, despite the fact that he made every rookie mistake in his first six months. With enviable persistence, and some high-quality coaching, he made rapid improvements. During his marathon build-up this fall, Scott PR’d at several distances and appeared to have a BQ in sight. Then it all came crashing down. Learn how Scott persevered by showing superhuman grit and determination. Many of us runners have had the rug pulled out from under us at crucial times - listen to how Scott dealt with that challenge and came out the other side better for the experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“If your goals don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough!“ Those words are the foundation on which Amanda Cruise (www.instagram.com/run2pr) has built her running career. After giving birth to her twin boys a little over five years ago, Amanda started her running journey with a 35:00 5K. Since then, her amazing progression enabled her to run an Olympic trials qualifying time of 2:44 at the California international Marathon. This inspiring and motivating episode with Amanda illustrates that if you work hard enough, and want something bad enough, you can achieve great things. Learn more about Amanda on her website: www.run2pr.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’ve never met anyone with as many captivating running stories as Lori Mitchener (www.instagram.com/flatlori). Her stories range from the incredible to the irreverent to the tragic. In this episode, Lori details a running career that you will not believe – and she is just getting started. From being badly injured in her early 20’s, running a marathon with multiple lower-leg and foot fractures, running to the hospital to give birth, and being at the finish line during the Boston Marathon bombing – Lori tells each story with endearing humbleness and honesty. If you have ever fought through pain or struggles you’ll want to listen to this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever run across a country? Esther Park has, and she's about to do it again! (www.instagram.com/estherp1e) After losing her mom to cancer when she was in her early 20s, Esther turned to running. Since then she has become an ultramarathoner and devoted her running life to improving the lives of others (in addition to being a mom and a doctor). I hope you enjoy this inspirational episode. If you do, please consider supporting Esther by visiting her donation page here: https://www.crowdrise.com/esthers-run-across-haiti-2018/fundraiser/estherpark26 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I am joined by marathoner Alissa Coffman (www.instagram.com/alissamwc). Alissa set a 15 minute PR by running 3:04 at the California International Marathon on December 3! She accomplished this amazing feat after running the New York City Marathon five weeks earlier - setting another personal best in the process. 2017 wasn't always as kind to Alissa. After a great marathon build-up she endured a femoral stress fracture that left her hobbled for the Boston Marathon and forced her into a two month break over the summer. Listen to how she recovered from that disappointment to come back stronger than before and show the kind of toughness that all runners aspire to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kim Chanelle Clark Underwood (www. Instagram.com/trackclubbabe) has had remarkable ups-and-downs in her 15 year running career - including a 10 year hiatus. In this episode, we talk about her PR breaking build-up to the California International Marathon, her early struggles with maintaining running consistency, and all of the things she continues to learn, and share, about her running. Some of these include falling into the "comparison trap," overcoming celiac disease, and what she learned from her four experiences at the Kara Goucher Podium Retreat. I hope you enjoy this episode with Kim as much as I did recording it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all marvel at the amateur runners who compete with some of the best in the sport. How do these runners who start competing in their twenties reach that level so quickly? In this episode, Maria Betancourth (www.instagram.com/negativesplitspositivevibes) talks about how she did just that. She also gives a detailed description of her training leading up to the California International Marathon on December 3, including her 1:23 half marathon PR that she set in October without a taper, where she will compete with many of the best marathoners in the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is easy to get swept up in the exploits of Shalane Flanagan, Ben True, and other elite runners, but the triumphs and struggles of everyday runners can be just as inspirational. In thiIt is easy to get swept up in the exploits of Shalane Flanagan, Ben True, and other elite runners, but the triumphs and struggles of everyday runners can be just as inspirational. In this episode of the Rambling Runner Podcast, Kristen D'Almeida (www.instagram.com/kdalmeida) talks about her journey from trying to avoid the mile run in high school gym class to running 35 races, including seven half marathons, in three short years. Along the way she discovered the positive mental and emotional effects of running as she dealt with her father's cancer diagnosis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Sheehy makes the extraordinary sound so simple. He has set the world record for most miles run in a week (408 miles), run 500 miles from San Diego to Phoenix, completed all six Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2017, was on pace to do the same in 2012 before the New York Marathon was cancelled to due Hurricane Sandy, survived Army Ranger School, attended West Point, and run races of all distances. But, as you'll hear in this episode, Mike considers himself an ordinary guy with the simple gift of being able to persevere through pain. I think he is far more gifted than that - but you can judge for yourself in this episode of the Rambling Runner Podcast. You can follow Mike's running exploits at www.instagram.com/mikewmm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maurice Lowman, www.instagram.com/marathonpandamaurice, channeled his alcohol and drug addiction into running with amazing results. 20 marathons and a 655 day run streak, and counting, are among them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In three years Alana Kopelson (IG: @alanaruns26.2) went from occasional runner to a sub-3:00 marathoner. In this episode, we talk about her path from a 3:35 marathon at age 20 to her 2:59 at Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian set the World Record for fastest marathon while dribbling a soccer ball on October 8, 2017! We talk about his prep, race day logistics, and why would someone want to do this? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David is an elite amateur runner (2:42 marathon, 1:16 half-marathon, 17:02 5k) and the father of one of the best H.S. runners in the class of 2017. We discussed his training and parenting styles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jen Rhines discusses how she went from reluctant HS miler to 2x NY State Champ, how fast elite runners do mile repeats/tempo runs/easy runs, low-carb dieting, and her burgeoning coaching career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amber Schriner is a woman of many talents. Endurance athlete (despite starting only nine years ago), high school principal, wife, and mother of two teenagers. www.instagram.com/runningwithmoxie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Schaad is a Rhode Island road running legend. I first heard about Dave while in middle school! Hear about his incredible quest to run in 1,000 races and what he has learned along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In five years Jeff Fairbanks (www.instagram.com/thetriumphproject) went from first-time triathlete to completing 21 half Ironman triathlons, in 21 days, in 21 different cities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cruz Figueroa (www.instagram.com/in_cruz_control) started racing in 2012 at the request of her sister. Since then, she has qualified for the Boston Marathon three times and run five half marathons! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Kelso (www.instagram.com/matt_runs_atl) picked up running, on a whim, after college. Now he is working towards his goal of being a Boston Marathon qualifier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we are joined by marathoner, and aspiring Olympic trials qualifier, Shawanna White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all had those days, or workouts, when unexpected weather conditions throw a wrench into our plans. In this episode I talk about how an early morning rain storm affected my workout and mindset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices