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This week on the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch are soaking in race week vibes — the California Fall Classic 100K is here, and Lewis hopes he’s celebrating a finish by the time you hear this one!

Between healthy-eating jokes, beet salad debates, and a surprise virtual 100-miler signup attempt 🤣, the guys dive into something we all need more of: getting off the pavement and finding peace on the trails.

Join them as they unpack:
🌲 Why trail running (and time in nature) is proven to lower stress and boost mental health
🏙️ How city life quietly drains us — and what to do about it
👣 Real stories from the trail — including close encounters with deer, snow runs, and mental resets
📱 The surprising impact of blue light and screen time on sleep and recovery

Whether you’re training for your next ultra, stuck in the city grind, or just need a reason to get outside — this episode will remind you why the trails call us back again and again.

🎧 Listen, laugh, and maybe even challenge yourself to a screen-free night before bed.

👉 Subscribe, like, and share this episode to help other runners find peace beyond the pavement.
📍 Follow the California Fall Classic 100K tracking/results here: https://www.ultralive.net/cfc100k#tracking/info

#IDontKnowRunningPodcast #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #CaliforniaFallClassic100K #MentalHealth #NatureTherapy #RunningPodcast #GetOutside

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This week’s episode takes a very real — and unexpected — turn.
Lewis and Mitch dive into the chaos of everyday running life, from impatient drivers to moments of pure kindness on the road. But what starts as a lighthearted chat quickly becomes a powerful conversation when Mitch opens up about a sudden stroke that changed everything.

🎙️ In This Episode:

The growing rush of drivers — and how runners can stay safe.

The surprising kindness of strangers (and how we sometimes react).

Mitch’s frightening stroke experience while on vacation — and his incredible recovery story.

What it means to slow down, reevaluate, and find gratitude in the everyday.

A look ahead to the California Fall Classic 100K — training updates, gear talk, and realistic race goals.

A shoutout to Laura for crushing the Mammoth 200 and showing what true endurance looks like.

Check out  @TheAthleteSpecial   YouTube channel and THIS video for an amazing Half Marathon performance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq1G6ViSEHc

It’s an emotional, funny, and deeply human episode — one that reminds us all that life (and running) can change in an instant, and how community helps us through it.

💬 Join the Conversation:
Have you ever had a health scare that changed your perspective on running or life? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

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📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@IDontKnowRunning

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Race registrations used to be simple — mail in a form, get a cotton T-shirt, and go run. But today? It’s a maze of add-ons, cancellation policies, and sneaky fees.

In this episode, Lewis and Mitch break down the true cost of racing — from marathon entry fees that have doubled, to $50 5Ks, to whether those “insurance” and “VIP” packages are even worth it.

We’ll dig into:

How registration sites and convenience fees quietly add up

Why cancellation and deferral policies are so strict

What happens when life (or injury) cancels your race plans

The psychology of “early bird” discounts and upsells

Tips to protect your wallet and still enjoy race day

Whether you’re a first-time racer or a seasoned marathoner, this episode will open your eyes to how much that finish line really costs.

🎧 Listen, laugh, and learn — and maybe think twice before clicking that next “add to cart.”

👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes where we make running fun (and sometimes not so fun).
📱 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: I Don’t Know Running Podcast
🎙️ Support us on Patreon to keep the miles and laughs coming.

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In this week’s episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive deep into a topic every runner struggles with: recovery. From mixing up training with walk/run intervals to recognizing when slowing down actually makes you stronger, they share honest stories, laughs, and research-backed insights about the importance of rest.

We cover:

Why active recovery beats complete rest 🏃‍♂️

The dangers of the “no days off” mentality

How even elites like Kipchoge use slow miles to recover

Practical ways to add recovery into your training without losing fitness

Real experiences with overtraining, numb feet, and the struggle of slowing down

Whether you’re training for your first race or grinding through ultras, this conversation will remind you that recovery isn’t weakness—it’s unseen training.

📊 Did you know? Studies show up to 30% of endurance athletes experience overtraining symptoms at some point, and structured recovery can reduce injury rates by 12–20%.

💬 What’s your go-to recovery method? Share your recovery stories in the comments or on Strava—we’d love to hear them!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow runner who needs the reminder that rest is part of the plan.

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Virtual races exploded during the pandemic, but do they still have a place in the running world today? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Louis and Mitch dive into the debate: Are virtual races just glorified training runs with medals—or do they provide real value, accessibility, and motivation for runners everywhere?

We share our own experiences with virtual marathons, discuss programs like the NYRR Virtual 6 and runDisney’s virtual series, and explore how these events can serve as gateways to in-person races, fundraising opportunities, and community building.

You’ll hear:

The pros and cons of virtual races

Why some runners love the flexibility and inclusivity

Why others say nothing compares to lining up on race day

Whether virtual events are just a fad—or here to stay

👉 What do you think? Are virtual races the future of running, or are they best left in the past? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

📌 Follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Patreon, or your favorite podcast platform.

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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the question: Is running addicting—or is it just part of who we are?

From the joy of small wins (like stringing together three miles after a long layoff) to the deep lows of injury, we explore how running can shape identity, regulate mood, and even become a coping mechanism. We also talk about:

📚 Ryan Hall’s book Run the Mile You’re In and the connection between faith and running

🤯 The science behind the “runner’s high” (endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and more)

🏃‍♂️ The psychological and social drivers that keep us lacing up

⚖️ Healthy balance vs. unhealthy obsession when it comes to training

💬 How we talk to new runners and why every mile matters

Whether you’re chasing PRs, rebuilding after injury, or just starting out, this episode is a reminder that running can be life-giving—but it’s all about perspective.

👉 Tune in, subscribe, and join the conversation!

#RunningPodcast #IDontKnowRunning #RunnersHigh #AddictedToRunning #RyanHall

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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into a hot topic in the running world—AI training plans vs. hiring a coach. Can artificial intelligence really guide you through a 100K ultra, or is the wisdom and accountability of a human coach irreplaceable?

Along the way, Lewis shares updates from his California Fall Classic 100K training cycle, including how he’s handling knee flare-ups, back-to-back long runs, and even practicing “aid station” strategies with peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. Mitch opens up about his walk/run comeback approach, what the data is showing him, and why slowing down to recover is harder than it seems.

Oh, and we can’t forget the rant—Lewis is not a fan of the UTMB website (but he is a big fan of how the California Fall Classic makes race info so clear).

Whether you’re curious about AI tools for running, thinking about hiring a coach, or just want to hear real stories about training highs and lows, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and a dose of runner honesty.

👉 Subscribe and follow us for more episodes that make running fun… and sometimes not so fun.

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This week on the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Mitch shares his journey back from injury using a run-walk approach and the lessons he’s learning along the way. Meanwhile, Lewis dives into his 100K training, the grind of running in the summer heat, and why Zone 2 training has become the key to staying healthy.

We also cover:

Injury recovery, knee pain, and learning when to actually rest

How slowing down can make running more enjoyable (and social!)

Stretching & recovery routines that fit into real life

Fueling & hydration mistakes (and fixes) for long runs

The thrill of watching athletes push through at the final hours of an Ironman

Jeff Garmire’s unsupported Appalachian Trail FKT attempt

Whether you’re new to running or a seasoned ultra veteran, this conversation is packed with relatable stories, lessons learned, and reminders that—no matter how long you’ve been running—we’re all still figuring it out.

👉 Who do you think this podcast is for—beginners, veterans, or both? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

#Running #TrailRunning #Zone2Training #Ultrarunning #Podcast

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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the unspoken (and sometimes ignored) rules of trail running. From yielding to uphill runners and bikers, to respecting horses, hikers, and even wildlife, we unpack what it means to be a good steward of the trails.

We also share stories of surprising encounters, muddy mistakes, headphone mishaps, and why respecting closures is so important for preserving the spaces we love. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or just hitting the dirt for the first time, these trail etiquette tips will help you stay safe, show respect, and keep the running community strong.

👉 Topics we cover:

Yielding: who goes first (uphill runners, hikers, equestrian, bikers)

Passing safely and avoiding surprises on singletrack

Headphone and dog etiquette on the trails

Protecting trails from erosion and respecting closures

Practicing Leave No Trace and giving back to the trail community

📢 Share in the comments: What trail etiquette rules drive you crazy—or which ones do you wish more people followed?

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support the show. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Spotify, and Patreon to keep the conversation going.

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In this episode of I Don’t Know Running, Lewis and Mitch sit down with Nick, who’s about to tackle his very first full Ironman after starting from ZERO just a year ago, and Susan, a legendary triathlete with over 130 full-distance races under her belt (and 400+ triathlons total!).

We talk training highs and lows, race-day nerves, unexpected challenges, and why the “witching hour” at the finish line is pure magic. Susan shares wild and hilarious stories from two decades of racing (including racing in heels!) and Nick reveals how he went from a 5K runner to preparing for 140.6 miles.

Whether you’re a triathlon veteran, a first-timer, or just love inspiring endurance stories, this episode is packed with laughs, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome & Guest Introductions
6:12 – Susan’s Journey to 130 Ironmans
16:47 – Nick’s First Year of Triathlon Training
29:03 – Race-Day Nerves & Unknowns
41:55 – The Magic of the Witching Hour Finish
55:20 – Nutrition Wins & Fails
1:10:00 – Goals Beyond Sunday’s Race

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