Becoming Body Smart

"I gotta finish this race... I gotta finish this race"

With 2 hours still to go in the USATF 50K National Championship, this phrase came drifting into Preston Johnson's mind. With amazing grit, Preston did just that. And not only did Preston finish, but he earned himself the title of 50k National Champion along with a guaranteed spot on the USA Team in the 50k World Championships. 

Preston is not unfamiliar with the idea of running through trials, injury, and disappointment. In college, he faced many injuries, and eventually fought through surgery. Preston took these trials and developed a running theory that pushed him to be ELITE. 

On this bonus episode of Running Unbroken, Preston shares with us the UNREAL experience of racing and winning the USATF 50K National Championship. His mindset, struggles, excitement, and GRIT with the entire experience is amazing! 

Preston also takes time to share with us more about his running journey, and how he found himself in the elite field. His thoughts, experiences, and advice will help any struggling runner "adapt and push through, rather than wait for the obstacles to move for you".
Keep up with Preston on Instagram!: @presto_runs 

Stock Media provided by jdgehlert /Pond5

Doctor of kinesiology, assistant coach, acting agent, and amazing guy, Kurt Ward shares with us his views, experiences, and his ideas on running and life in general!  Kurt knows from first hand experience that running is ANYTHING but a smooth sailing trip. Full of twists, turns, thrills, terrors, and fun, running  honestly feels more like a roller coaster than that easy going path we all want.
 
While Running at Weber State University, Kurt met his wife Taylor Ward, and together, they have stayed motivated and developed running into an AMAZING lifestyle. 
His 'consistency' mindset shows that hard work pays off, and you can keep running fun along the way! "Movement across a lifetime" keeps Kurt motivated to train, coach, and inspire his younger athletes at Weber State.  
Kurt encourages all athletes to "find their motivator" and use that to push you through all of the upsets that life has to offer. Plan on setbacks, and have plenty of backups for when they arrive! 

Stock Media provided by jdgehlert /Pond5

Davy Crockett is an ultra runner who began his running journey about 15 years ago. After reaching his mid 40s, he thought his fitness was 'over'. Davy decided that was simply not true.
Now, after completing 105 100-mile races, Davy is one of the wisest ultra runners we have ever had the opportunity to interview!
This episode is full of amazing tips and tricks for all levels of ultra-runners, and inspiring to all kinds of athletes.
His story is not only inspiring, but entertaining! Listen in on all of his best advice for Ultra runners from shoes, trails, races, injury, nutrition, and how BACON saved his life...
To learn more about Davy, listen to his very own podcast, follow him on Facebook, and read about him on his blog!
 
Blog: http://www.crockettclan.org/blog/

Podcast: https://ultrarunninghistory.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crockettdr

Stock Media provided by jdgehlert /Pond5

Taylor Ward is a wicked fast runner, professor, and amazing assistant coach at Weber State University. 
Starting out with soccer, Taylor didn't really know what running was all about. After joining cross-country in high school, she fell in love with running. 
After signing on with Weber State University, she suffered a stress fracture freshman year. Getting past that injury, Taylor was virtually injury free. Later in her college career, Taylor discovered her love and talent for longer races. In her words "the 10k was too short". 
Graduation led to pro marathons, the Olympic Trials, and some amazing competition. All was going great until Taylor suffered an injury in her hip that forced her into surgery. 

In this episode, Taylor shares with us her journey through injury, surgery, crutches, and recovery! An amazing mindset has led Taylor in a strong recovery, and allowed for amazing growth along the way. Listen to her inspiring story now!

Stock Media provided by jdgehlert /Pond5

In this episode of Running Unbroken, Bart Williams shares with us his AMAZING triumph of summiting Mount Everest. 

Bart always had a passion for climbing, but Everest always seemed like a dream, never a reality. It wasn't until he noticed others gunning for their dreams that he decided to make his move. Bart realized that his dreams could be made a reality through hard work, determination, and an 'enjoy life' mentality 
Listen to his amazing story now!

Stock Media provided by jdgehlert /Pond5

"Don't be a baby, you're having fun" is the saying that pushed Laurie Murphy through all of her tough workouts during high school and college track. That mantra was put to the test when she found herself facing 3 stress fractures in less than a year. 

In this episode of Running Unbroken, Laurie shares how she has found her grit through months of cross training and injury. With a fractured femur and another season of college track and field gone, Laurie had to find her 'why'. Why keep running? Why do you love the sport? With the amazing support of her parents, team, coaches, and self determination, Laurie was able to gain a level of grit that couldn't be found any other way. 

Stock Media provided by jdgehlert /Pond5

"Can he even run a mile?" This was the comment that started a fire for Jordan Roe. While balancing family and school, Jordan was able to find time for his new running passion. 

Everything changed when he shattered his leg. Pain, grit, uncertainty, and hardware was a constant in his life after that point. Jordan shares with us how he was able to overcome this terrible accident, and how he plans to keep running for years to come.  
Listen to his incredible story now!

Stock Media provided by jdgehlert /Pond5

Riley Cook is an amazing runner who knows from first-hand experience how difficult running can be. His first bunch of marathons did not go as planned, and even in the middle of pure misery, he always said "I gotta do another marathon". 
Listen to his inspirational story now!!

Stock Media provided by jdgehlert /Pond5

Starting out in many different sports, Amy describes how "something woke up in me". She learned to love the amazing world of running. After running in college, she was feeling burned out. A couple years break gave her the desire to get back into doing what she loves. Amy shares awesome advice about getting back into running later in life and starting a family during it all!
Amy believes in setting small and attainable goals that help her reach her full potential.
Listen to her relatable story now!

Stock Media provided by jdgehlert /Pond5

Jill Griffiths, elite Spartan Racer and Personal Trainer, shares how she found herself loving the amazing world of racing, coaching, and living! Everybody has a bad day, and that is what the world of Spartan Racing is all about. Never focus on the bad, but focus on the principles that will keep you moving forward!
Follow Jill on Instagram! @jillgriffiths_

Stock Media provided by jdgehlert /Pond5