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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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Would you pop a blister mid-race? Drain a hematoma on the trail? Peel off a black toenail just to keep moving? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we dive into the wild (and sometimes gross) things ultrarunners do to get to the finish line.

We’re talking toenails, vomiting stories, hallucinations, dehydration struggles, and the fine line between being a badass and being reckless. Plus, we throw in a little Michigan accent lesson and a reminder that safety always comes first (even when you're tempted by the communal M&M bowl at an aid station).

🎧 Tune in, laugh with us, and let us know in the comments: What’s the dumbest thing YOU’VE done to finish a race?

👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe, and Happy Running!

#Ultrarunning #TrailRunning #RunningFails #BlackToenails #IDontKnowRunningPodcast

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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis shares how one small heart rate monitor issue spiraled into a full-blown shopping spree—including a new Garmin watch, trail shoes, and more (thanks, Mark 😅).

Then, we break down the ultimate race research checklist—everything you should know before signing up for your next race:
✅ Where to find legit race info
✅ What every race website should include (but often doesn't)
✅ How to avoid race-day surprises (like no bathrooms or mystery start lines)
✅ Course maps, aid stations, crew rules, and more
✅ Swag, finish line vibes, and what really makes a race worth the entry fee

Whether you're running your first 5K or training for your next 100K, this episode is packed with tips, stories, and a few rants to help you prepare smarter and race better.

👇 What do you always look for when researching a race? Drop it in the comments!

📍 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or right here on YouTube.
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Until next time—happy running!

#RunningPodcast #Ultrarunning #RaceDayTips #GarminWatch #TrailRunning #IDontKnowRunning #MarathonTraining

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Boston just shook the running world.

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, Louis and Mitch dive deep into the Boston Marathon’s newly announced qualifying changes for 2027 — specifically targeting net downhill races like those in the REVEL series. From time penalties to outright disqualifications, these rule updates have serious implications for runners on the edge of qualifying.

We unpack:

What the new qualifying tiers mean (5- and 10-minute penalties)

Why races like REVEL Big Bear, Mount Charleston, and CIM are directly impacted

Whether this is a fair move — or just plain petty

How downhill racing really affects performance

Lewis’s own 100K plan to requalify for Western States

Is Boston still worth chasing? Are these changes targeting the very runners that keep the sport alive? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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💬 Drop your take: Fair call or foul play?

#BostonMarathon #BQChanges #RunningPodcast #MarathonTraining #IDontKnowRunning #WesternStates #REVELMarathon #BQGoals #Ultrarunning #RunningTalk

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After a year off from consistent running, Lewis shares the aha moment that reignited his passion—and led him to sign up for the California Fall Classic 100K. From dealing with injury, rediscovering motivation, and booking last-minute flights, to breaking down a 15-week ultra training plan, this episode dives into the mindset, mistakes, and excitement that come with getting back on the trail.

Mitch and Lewis unpack the highs and lows of making a big commitment, discuss race logistics, and reflect on what it takes to balance work, life, and ultra running. Whether you’re thinking of signing up for your first ultra or getting back on your feet, this episode will resonate.

📍 Race Discussed: California Fall Classic 100K
🦵 Topics Covered: Meniscus rehab, training structure, Strava updates, race strategy
📆 Goal: Qualify for Western States

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🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more!

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This week on the I Don't Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into one of the most exciting Western States Endurance Runs in recent memory! 🏃‍♂️🔥 From Caleb Olson's near-record finish and Killian Jornet's incredible comeback, to Mitch’s return to running (kind of) and Lewis’ big plans—this episode is packed with updates, insight, laughs, and just enough cautionary advice about training too hard too soon.

We also talk about:
✅ The top 10 men’s and women’s results
✅ FKTs and what happened with John Kelly
✅ Pacers vs. no pacers at the elite level
✅ That emotional final hour at the finish line
✅ Why running in extreme heat isn’t as crazy as it sounds

👉 Let us know in the comments: What moment from Western States 2025 got you fired up?

🔔 Subscribe for weekly running talk, from marathons to ultramarathons, training tips, and stories from the trail!

#WesternStates100 #UltraRunning #TrailRunning #IDontKnowRunning #RunningPodcast #FKT #JohnKelly #KillianJornet #CalebOlson #WesternStatesRecap #HappyRunning

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Could YOU run 70 miles a day for over a month? 😳 In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, we dive into the world of FKTs (Fastest Known Times), highlighting the legendary Appalachian Trail—2,190+ miles of rugged terrain from Georgia to Maine.

We break down what an FKT actually is, the difference between unsupported, self-supported, and supported runs, and how runners like John Kelly, Scott Jurek, and Jennifer Pharr Davis have etched their names into endurance history. John Kelly is currently on the trail right now attempting to beat the overall supported record—yes, LIVE tracking is available!

We also share our own homeownership woes, why van life sounds more tempting by the day, and how running keeps us grounded through it all.

🏃‍♂️ Featuring stories, data, and even some friendly backyard trail dreams, this episode will inspire ultrarunners and casual joggers alike.

🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your running crew!

🔗 Resources:

FKT Live Tracker: https://fastestknowntime.com/tracking

John Kelly (Random Forest Runner): https://www.facebook.com/RandomForestRunner/



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In this deeply personal episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, Mitch opens up about the mental, emotional, and physical toll of losing something that once defined him—running.

After years of racing, training, and building a lifestyle around the sport, a series of health challenges forced Mitch to face life without running. From walking the neighborhood to battling unknown medical issues, to dealing with the weight of identity loss and emotional burnout—this episode is raw, honest, and incredibly relatable for anyone who's ever had something they love taken away.

We talk about:

Navigating injury and grief

Reframing identity beyond athletic performance

The emotional weight of being on the sidelines

Finding purpose through walking, counseling, and community

Advice for supporting friends going through similar seasons

Whether you're an injured runner, someone facing burnout, or just curious how passion and purpose intersect—this one’s for you.

🎧 Subscribe, like, and share with someone who might need this conversation.
🙏 And as always, happy running… or walking, or simply being.

#RunningInjury #RunnerIdentity #MentalHealth #IDontKnowRunningPodcast #Ultrarunning #RunnerSupport #ComebackStory #RunningLife #FitnessStruggles #PodcastEpisode

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Western States season is here, and we are fired up! In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive deep into what makes the Western States 100 the most iconic ultra of them all—from personal memories to the 2024 race preview.

We talk Killian’s return, Walmsley’s surprising drop, the rise of 70+ age group finishers (including an 80-year-old!), and predictions for the men’s and women’s podiums. Plus, we break down Brian Steinberg’s incredible 5-hour YouTube documentary and share how you could pace Killian Jornet this year. Yes, seriously.

👉 Whether you’ve run it, crewed it, or just dream of the golden ticket, this episode is full of love, laughs, and a whole lot of ultra-nerd energy.

📌 Let us know in the comments:
Who do YOU think is going to win Western States this year?
Got a favorite moment or memory from the race? We’d love to hear it.

—

⛰️ Featured Video: Brian Steinberg’s 5-Hour Western States Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b98DAPHJygc
🎥 Channel: Brian Steinberg Runs Too Much: https://www.youtube.com/@BrianSteinbergrunstoomuch

#WesternStates100 #Ultrarunning #TrailRunning #WSER #IveGotTheFeels #UltraMarathon #RunningPodcast #KillianJornet #JimWalmsley #WesternStatesPreview #TrailCulture

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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, we dive into 10 of the most unique marathons in the world — from sipping wine in France to dodging giraffes in Kenya, running under the midnight sun in Norway, and freezing your toes off in Antarctica.

🏃 Mitch also shares his experience spectating the Bayshore Marathon (and why he didn’t love it), and we celebrate a friend’s epic Boston Qualifier!

Whether you're looking for your next bucket list race or just love hearing about the wildest ways people cover 26.2 miles, this one's for you.

🌍 Races we cover:
• Antarctica Ice Marathon
• Great Wall Marathon
• Midnight Sun Marathon
• Marathon du Médoc
• Lewa Safari Marathon
• Jungfrau Marathon
• Big Sur Marathon
• Comrades Ultra
• Athens Authentic Marathon
• Polar Circle Marathon

Which one would YOU run? Tell us your dream (or craziest) marathon in the comments!
👇👇👇

#IDontKnowRunning #UniqueMarathons #RunningPodcast #MarathonBucketList #AntarcticaMarathon #GreatWallMarathon #WineMarathon #SafariMarathon #BostonQualifying #RunningCommunity

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