A Runner’s Life

By Marcus BrownSports Running

A Runner’s Life episodes

August 30, 2023Does speed define running success? Boston Marathoners Round Table - #172
Corey, Phillip and Rob, join me in the second Boston Marathoners Round Table. As sub 3-hour marathoners with different aspirations, we dive beyond speed to explore the essence of the runner's life that all can relate to. Join us for candid conversations that capture the universal runner experience.

Episode 2 Highlights:
Goal vs. Process: What's the winning mindset?

Long-term running aspirations: From personal growth to athletic achievements.

Training turning points: Moments that push us to the next level.

The Need for Speed: Debunking the importance of running fast.

Current Inspirations: Who's lighting up our running paths?
57 min
August 29, 2023Balancing Goals and Fun: Boston Marathoners Round Table - #171
Meet Corey, Phillip, Rob, and myself in the first Boston Marathoners Round Table. As sub 3-hour marathoners with different aspirations, we dive beyond speed to explore the essence of the runner's life that all can relate to. Join us for candid conversations that capture the universal runner experience.

Episode 1 Highlights:
Setting sights on our future marathons and overcoming training obstacles.

Unveiling our rituals that fuel marathon race days.

Inner reflections, what's your self-talk pre marathon?

Mastering the balance between striving for your goals and having fun.

Don't miss Episode 172, arriving immediately after Episode 171, as we tackle the question: Does speed truly define running success?
47 min
August 05, 2023 #170 - Chasing Olympic Dreams: From Autism to 2:27 Boston Marathon Triumph - Meet Ryan Gehman
In episode 170, we dive into the incredible journey of Ryan Gehman, a 30-year-old post-collegiate runner and the 103rd finisher at the 2023 Boston Marathon, with an impressive time of 2:27 (PR).
Join us as Ryan shares his inspiring mantra that drives him forward and how it all came to be. "You can let it fuel you, or you can let it fall off you,"
Ryan, reveals how running helps him navigate life on the autistic spectrum and is propelling him to pursue an Olympic Trials Qualifier in the marathon.
With an impressive track record, including being the 2014 NCAA DIII South/South East Region Champion and Regional Runner of the Year, he's shown his resilience in racing.
We'll explore the impact of Peter Bromka's written pieces on Ryan's Boston Marathon preparation, leading to his extraordinary PR of 2:27 in 2023.
Beyond personal achievement, Ryan uses running to navigate life on the spectrum and inspire hope for other neurodiverse individuals. Join us as we rewind the clock to Ryan's formative years, from being nonverbal to thriving with the support of his parents.
Discover how he's now gearing up for the Chicago Marathon in Fall 2023, where he'll run for a cause close to his heart - raising funds for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). To donate click here. https://support.researchautism.org/Chicago2023/FlyinRyan
Listen now to be inspired by Ryan Gehman's incredible journey, and support his mission to make a difference!
1 hr 10 min
July 21, 2023 #169 - Unlocking Your Fast with Matt Fox & Peter Bromka (Ep. 2)
Join hosts Peter and Marcus as they welcome special guest Matt Fox, Marcus's coach and the Content Director at Sweat Elite, as well as a coach at the Sweat Elite Coaching Academy.
In this episode (originally published on the Relay platform) we delve deeper into the topic introduced in our previous episode, where we explored how marathoners strive to enhance their speed in shorter distances after completing their respective marathon blocks. Peter shares his latest experiences in racing the mile, while Marcus reflects on his recent 10K race. Together, they provide insights into their training routines and offer a comprehensive analysis of their respective races.
Additionally, Matt provides valuable insight into Marcus's training for the 10K leading up to the Berlin Marathon block, and shares his training style and the influences that have shaped it.
As the episode unfolds, the trio delves into the mental aspects of running, particularly the differences in the mental game required during intense workouts and shorter distance races. Expect a fun discussion that goes beyond the physical challenges of running.
So, whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting your journey, join us for Episode 2 of "Unlocking Your Fast" as we explore how to unlocking your speed potential.
59 min
July 14, 2023 #168 - Unlocking Your Fast with Peter Bromka
Join us, Peter and Marcus, as we embark on this podcast series dedicated to marathoners seeking to develop fast speed in shorter distances after completing a marathon block. This episode was original published on the Relay platform.

As runners ourselves, we understand the common quest to find speed beyond the marathon. In this episode, we share our personal experiences and insights, shedding light on the well-trodden path that many runners embark upon.

Fresh off our experiences at the 2023 Boston and London marathons, we delve into our training methods and share strategies we've used to unlock speed during the summer months. And what we’ll be doing differently or the same this time round.

In this series we will candidly discuss the highs and lows of this challenging training phase, aiming to bridge the gap between middle distance running and marathon training.

Whether you're currently on this journey or contemplating taking the leap, this podcast series can provide pointers that will help you on your personal path to training to find speed.
50 min
July 03, 2023 #167 - Mastering the Elite Marathon Mindset: Insider Tips from Pro Runner Phily Bowden
Welcome to episode #167, where we reconnect Phily Bowden, following our previous conversation in episode #121. Phily is an elite runner representing the professional team New Balance Manchester.

We revisit her impressive debut marathon in Sevilla, where she clocked a great time of 2:34. In our second conversation, we unravel the mental preparation behind her recent marathon triumph in Copenhagen. Phily shares the techniques and strategies that led her to achieve a remarkable personal best of 2:29:16, securing an outstanding 3rd place finish. These valuable insights are not exclusive to elites; amateur runners can benefit from them too.

We dive into your submitted questions for the listener Q&A section with Phily. Gain exclusive insights into her future race plans, learn how she conquers pre-race anxiety, and explore her battle with impostor syndrome.

Be sure to follow her incredible journey on Instagram @philybowden. And don't forget to check out her awesome merchandise at https://philybowdenmerch.com/

We also discuss a lot more. If this conversation resonates with you, please do share with your community.

A special thank you to our amazing patreons who continuously support the show. If you appreciate the content, join our Patreon community by clicking the link below:
www.patreon.com/ARunnersLife
1 hr 8 min
June 21, 2023 #166 - Capturing the Flow: Unleashing the Power of Running with Photographer Jerry Sun
Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of running, photography, and the flow state with the incredible Jerry Sun. From being a cofounder of Curated For Runners, to collaborating with top running brands and races etc, Jerry has mastered the art of capturing stunning moments that inspire and motivate runners everywhere.

In this fully-packed conversation, we explore a range of fascinating topics, including the profound influence of sneaker culture on Jerry's journey, his serendipitous discovery of running later in life, and his remarkable transformation in overcoming anxiety through photography. As a self-taught photographer, Jerry shares the secrets behind his craft and paints a vivid picture of what it means to be in the zone or flow state.

But that's not all—we go even deeper, delving into the dynamic intersection of running groups and running brands, and how Jerry envisions the future of this rapidly evolving space. We discuss the secrets to staying relevant in a competitive industry while preserving your artistic integrity and unwavering creativity.

Don't miss out on this captivating episode that will leave you inspired, motivated, and ready to hit the ground running.

Follow Jerry Sun on Instagram @jerry_sun and explore his visionary ventures as the co-founder of @CuratedForRunners, @VaporflyWorldwide, and @CarbonPlateRun.

A special thank you to our amazing patreons who continuously support the show. If you appreciate the content, join our Patreon community by clicking the link below:
www.patreon.com/ARunnersLife

1 hr 28 min
June 12, 2023#165 - Tim Soar, Founder of SOAR Running
In episode 165, I speak with Tim Soar, a designer, runner and the founder at SOAR running which was established in 2013.

We cover a number of topics including:
How the identity of SOAR running has developed from 2013 to 2023;

The culture of the brand and the development of the Proto lab products;

Product development, the challenges that consumers aren’t necessarily aware of;

Where does he think running culture is moving towards;

Plus much more.

You can follow Tim on Instagram @tim_soar_london

Thank you to Soar Running (www.soarrunning.com) who supported this episode and series.

Thank you to my patreons who support the show. If you value the content you can become a patreon by clicking the following link.
www.patreon.com/ARunnersLife

Photo credit - from SOAR Running.
51 min
June 03, 2023 #164 - Robert Jackson - Lessons from a 2:42 Boston Marathoner
In episode 164, I speak with Robert Jackson. He is married and a father of three girls.
We talk about the Boston marathon where he recently ran his marathon PR. This is where I met him at the Black Unicorn Marathoners Event.
In this podcast crucially Rob talks about the importance that his network, from his wife, coach, training partners etc. has in his life.
We also discuss the challenges he is facing with disordered eating and the impact it had on his mental wellbeing. If this is an issue that impacts you please reach out to someone who can support you, including a Doctor, a suitably qualified professional or someone that you trust.
We also highlight what his running dreams and aspirations are, and why running is important to him.
Plus we cover so much more.
You can follow Rob on Instagram @robjack15
Thank you to Soar Running (www.soarrunning.com) who supported this episode.

Thank you to my patreons who support the show. If you value the content you can become a patreon by clicking the following link.
www.patreon.com/ARunnersLife
1 hr 25 min
May 30, 2023 #163 - Clare Elms - British Masters Title Holder of 20+ World & UK Records
In episode 163 I speak with Clare Elms who only realised her talent for running after the birth of her triplets in 2000 but now features at the very top of the national age group rankings from 800m to Marathon. Holder of over 20 GB age group records, she’ll be coming for all the VW60 records soon. Perhaps most impressive is Clare’s parkrun record, she has been fastest female finisher in every one of the 158 parkruns she's completed. Her proudest achievements include winning the Kent County cross country Champs at the age of 47, and the South of England 3000m Champs twice.

You can follow Clare on Instagram @clareelms

Thank you to Soar Running (www.soarrunning.com) who supported this episode.

Thank you to my patreons who support the show. If you value the content you can become a patreon by clicking the following link.
www.patreon.com/ARunnersLife
1 hr 6 min