Becoming Body Smart

This was such a fun interview!

Ironman All-world triathlete and run/triathlon coach Lora Erickson dives into what she’s learned over the years as a runner and in nearly 30 years of coaching, 

Better known as “The Blonde Runner”, Lora got into running early. She ran for both the University of Utah and Utah State University and has continued to compete as an athlete since then. 

This podcast was filled with so much good stuff and Lora had some awesome insights!

“If we wait till we want to do it we’ll probably never do it. There’s an element of discipline that comes with doing anything that matters.”

“There are many ways to get to your goal. It doesn’t have to look like someone else’s.”

“When we realize we’re off track, why not fix it now? Why wait? The sooner we get back on track, the better

“People that win races, they put in the work. It’s not just natural talent, it’s talent developed. It’s putting in the time and consistency over years.”

Listen in to hear Lora's story and to get more great advice!

If you want to connect with Lora, you can visit her website: blonderunner.com

 You can also find her on IG: @theblonderunner & @coachloraerickson

And FB: Blonde Runner Health LLC

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Running is more than just the simple motion of one foot in front of the other...

There is so much more to this amazing sport, and the more you know, the more efficient you can become.

On this episode of Running Unbroken, Rod Hansen shares with us a in-depth look into the interesting world behind metabolic testing, V02 max analysis, carbohydrate/fat 'burning', and the changes each runner will go through with time.  

A runner himself, Rod competed for Idaho State University back in his college days, and he hasn't stopped running since. Rod loves to race, stay healthy, and enjoy life with a good old pair of running shoes and his family. 

Rod compares the difference between his 27 year old self to his current self, all while explaining to us the importance of fueling, understanding our bodies, and how all of this will make each of us a better runner. 

Rod loves to discuss and share his amazing knowledge with anyone who is curious! Email Rod at [email protected]

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Running was always a punishment for poor performance in Cam's eyes. You run when you make a mistake, that's it. Then how on Earth did Cam turn that hatred for running into a business? This was the question that  the Body Smart community was asking... so, we sat down with Cameron and his wife, Shannon, to finally get the answers we have all been looking for. 

Listen in on this episode for a 'Run Down' of Cameron and Shannon's differing views on running, how they turned those views into a passion, and why running is such an amazing, complex sport that is a lifelong process. 

"I brought Cam into the world of active lifestyle living, and Cam brought me into the world of metabolic testing training."  

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Julie Hansen is an Amazing Dietitian with the focus on non-dieting lifestyles. Always wanting to be a dietitian, Julie knew from a young age that this was her passion! Suffering from an eating disorder herself at one point, Julie has directed her life towards helping others heal and fuel in order to be their best possible selves. 

Julie always says, "A starved brain can't heal." Mindset is CRITICAL when working through any difficulty, and in order for one to become better, one must make peace with themselves and the idea of food.  Yes, this is a tough task, but with the support of family, friends, and healthy guidance, anyone can push past trials and focus on accepting who they are! 

On this episode of Running Unbroken, Julie gives AMAZING advice to anyone who may be struggling, and she encourages all to reach out for help! The tips, insights, and advice given is perfect for anyone looking to better themselves and live a healthy and happy lifestyle. 

Recommendations: 

Sick Enough: Jennifer Gaudiani

Your Child's Weight: Helping Without Harming : Birth Through Adolescence Book by Ellyn Satter

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Andrea ran her first marathon 20 years ago, and hasn't stopped since. With almost 50 marathons under her belt, Andrea decided to try her hand at Ultras.

The trails were always an escape, somewhere to go to feel free, connected with life, and completely out of control. 
For Andrea, having no control is just part of the process. Whether that means racing in perfect conditions or running through the rain, Andrea faces whatever comes, and come what may. Andrea always remembers to "feel all the things" during a race. Joy, sadness, excitement, disappointment. Running Ultras gives you the opportunity to have your emotions stripped down to their raw base, "so it's ok to focus on the race, but cry, cry for the song."

Andrea has completed one 100 Mile race successfully, but her second was a entirely different story. On this episode of Running Unbroken, Andrea shares the amazing story of that 100 mile race, and how Ultras has taught her to take step back from life, learn from the experiences, and have a great time running through the rain. 

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6,203 miles. 6,203, that's the number to beat for Jarom McPhee. 

Jarom wasn't always a runner. Starting out as a gamer, he always focused on bettering himself in every aspect of the game. With a health and exercise science degree, Jarom was always interested in fitness, but it wasn't until his brother-in-law started signing him up for races that his passion shifted, and running became Jarom's new way of life. 

Never wanting to quit, Jarom lives by the thought that "once you find a passion, you just keep going" and going and going and going. Last year, Jarom ran 6,203 miles, and his eyes are set on breaking that number this year! 

Listen in on some awesome base-building advice, thoughts on the amazing community that is running, and how someone can do anything with the right passion. 

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Speaker, Comedian, ultrarunner, athlete. Jeffrey Binney has a whole lot of titles, but quitter is not one of them. 

Growing up, Jeffrey hated sports. Considering himself a “grade-A indoor kid”, the thought of ultrarunning never even crossed Jeffrey’s mind. It wasn’t until his mom was in the ICU with heart failure that he picked up a trail running magazine in the waiting room and thought “I wonder if I could do this?” Before he knew it, Jeffrey was at the store buying a pair of trainers and heading out for a run. 

After Jeffrey’s mother passed away, he moved to Los Angeles and was in search of writing inspiration and coping methods. The thought came to Jeffrey’s mind, “what if I did something really crazy, like try to run a 100 mile ultra marathon.” Jeffrey landed on the Leadville Trail 100, and his journey to creating the outstanding film ‘Once is Enough’ began. 

On this episode of Running Unbroken, Jeffrey shares with us his adventures of filmmaking, running, and self-discovery. Jeffrey’s “be kind to yourself” attitude and “don’t quit” mentality inspires all to shoot for the moon, and to remember to have a good laugh along the way.

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” -Mae West 

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Running was a punishment for Ben. In fact, Ben never considered that running could do anything more than get you in shape. Oh how wrong he was... 

Running wasn't something that came easy to Ben. After graduating high school, and over 210 pounds, he realized he needed to change his ways and get in shape. Strapping on a pair of running shoes, he pushed though the hardest run of his life.

A little while later, Ben's Mom dared him to run his first marathon, that's when things changed. After a painful first marathon, Ben knew he could do better. Ben singed up for his second in Park City, UT, and after beating his first time, he was HOOKED. 

Running became his way of life. Research, training, healthy habits, and passion fueled Ben to become the amazing runner he is today. 
Awesome training partners like Riley Cook (see Riley's podcast: Episode 18) taught Ben "how to hurt" when times got tough. That grit and determination has lead Ben to a 2:23 personal best!

Riley has turned that running passion into an outstanding coaching philosophy. As the current coach of Weber High's Cross Country Team, Ben teaches his athletes to never make excuses, and treat every day like it's your best. 

Listen to Ben's amazing story now!

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'Living the dream' doesn't always mean that someone is 'living the dream' 100% of the time. Pro athletes are not immune to trials, injury, hardships, and day-to-day stresses that EVERYONE faces at some point in their lives. Many pro athletes put up a strong front, but we have no idea what is going on behind the scenes. 

Riding with friends after school was only the start of an amazing biking career for Kevin. Those fun, after-school rides sparked a flame that developed into a lifetime love for the sport. The love of the ride opened an entire world of competitive racing, connections, and outstanding victories. Confidence, freedom, and self determination developed into natural traits that made Kevin the amazing biker and person he is today. 

It wasn't until later in Kevin's cycling career that he slipped into a rough patch that eventually lead to depression. In Kevin's words, "just because we can't see it" doesn't mean something isn't broken". With help from family, friends, and fellow bikers, Kevin was able to realize the depth of this diagnosis and understand that it was nothing to be ashamed about! 

In this episode, Kevin shares AMAZING insights with the unseen battle that millions face each day. His personal experiences will open your eyes and help you see that depression is a true war that nobody should face alone.   

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A healthy life is something that many take for granted. Amy on the other hand is simply grateful to be here today.

Raised with an athletic lifestyle, softball, swimming, and crew at Wichita State were big foundations in her life. Growing up, Amy never really had many health issues. After getting married, the fall of October 2002 was when her health and her lifestyle changed forever.  

Over the next 18 years, Amy fought through battle after battle, always trying to stay ahead of her sicknesses and health. It wasn't until her fifth child was born that Amy realized she needed to change her lifestyle for the better. With the simple yet AMAZING mindset of "I need to get healthier", Amy sought out a coach that could change her life. After finding a gym and meeting her coach, in Amy's words, "the rest is history". 

Years of hard work and dedication not only drastically increased Amy's health, but slowly turned running into more than a lifestyle, a true passion. Her wise words about health, lifestyle, and mindset is enough to encourage anyone to get out and change for the better. In her words, "It takes a lot of courage to look at your life, see where you're at, and do something about it".

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