Today on the show marks the return of Michael Maiorano.

Michael holds PRs of 4:06 (Mile), 8:14 (3000m), 14:01 (5000m), 29:51 (10,000m)

Last time I had him on the show was in early September, right before he started his cross country season at Salt Lake Community College, an NCJAA School. Now, y’all might be thinking:

"JUCO? Who would want to run for a JUCO school?”

I will tell you straight up before getting into the conversation, not enough people take Salt Lake and JUCO in general seriously. Many of the guys who run there are sub 4 guys, 60 minutes in the half marathon. JUCO is no joke, and especially a team like Salt Lake, that won a national title. In fact, in today’s conversation, Michael talks about how just this past weekend, the team went up to UW and beat 5 or 6 D1 squads. So, JUCO demands respect.

Michael ran at Gonzaga for a bit so he’s the real deal.

Aside from that, Michael and I had an awesome conversation today. We talk all about the vibrant running culture in Utah, the personal journey for Michael transitioning to JUCO, and some of the experiences and valuable lessons he has learned, what it means for him to find purpose in the sport, and so many other things.

Michael is such a wise dude. He has so many amazing things to say and is very intentional with his life and how he carries himself. It would be a disservice to yourself if you clicked away from our chat because there is something for everyone in our conversation.

Please, wherever you are, in your car, at work, on a run, give this podcast a follow and a five-star review on whatever platform you are listening on. That goes a long way in supporting the growth of The Sunday Shakeout so that I can keeping bringing to you some of the greatest stories in the sport of running and in that process, share love and passion for track and field and distance running.