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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we dig into a question a lot of long-distance runners quietly wonder about:

What does ultrarunning actually do to your body over the long term?

This isn’t an episode meant to scare anyone away from endurance sports. Instead, we talk honestly about what science does know, what it doesn’t, and how real runners experience these things in real life.

We discuss:

• How long-term endurance training reshapes the heart and cardiovascular system
• Why some adaptations may be neutral, beneficial, or still poorly understood
• Real medical findings one of us is currently navigating with doctors
• The difference between healthy adaptation and accumulated stress
• Why recovery, fueling, and sleep matter just as much as mileage
• How to stay in the sport longer — not just push harder

We’re not doctors. We’re not experts. We’re runners sharing lived experience, research, and honest conversation — because longevity in ultrarunning isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing it wisely.

If you run ultras, marathons, or any long-distance endurance events — or you’re thinking about it — this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen, share it with a running friend, and let us know your experience.

Happy running.

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Winter running hits different in Michigan—one day you’re “getting it done,” the next you’re sliding around wondering why you even left the house. 😅

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch get into a super practical (and slightly ranty) conversation about treadmills:

Why so many treadmills turn into $2,000 clothes hangers

The real reason specs matter: body weight, impact, and durability

What “CHP” (continuous horsepower) actually means for runners

Used vs. new: when Marketplace is a steal… and when it’s a headache

Thoughts on popular picks like the Sole F80, NordicTrack 1750/2450, 3G Cardio, Landice, and why Life Fitness keeps showing up in gyms

Why subscriptions and fancy screens can turn your treadmill into an “expensive brick”

And a quick detour into curved/manual treadmills (Woodway style)—cool, brutal, and not cheap

If you’re trying to stay healthy, avoid winter wipeouts, and actually build fitness without beating yourself up on bad footing, this one’s for you.

Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts / wherever you get podcasts
And find us on Facebook + YouTube for more episodes.

#RunningPodcast #Treadmill #WinterRunning #Ultrarunning #TrailRunning #MarathonTraining #RunMichigan #RunningGear

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What do your running dreams actually mean?

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the strange, vivid, and sometimes stressful dreams runners experience — from being late to the starting line, to legs that won’t move, to those magical dreams where you’re flying effortlessly down the trail.

We explore how sleep, training load, stress, and recovery all influence dream content, and what those dreams might be telling you about your performance, fatigue, and overall health. Is it anxiety? Adaptation? Overtraining? Or just your brain doing its thing?

We also talk about:

Common runner dreams (heavy legs, missed starts, endless climbs)

What science says about sleep, REM cycles, and motor learning

How bad sleep often shows up before bad performance

When dreams can be a warning sign vs. a positive signal

Ultra-running, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and trail weirdness

Practical ways runners can use sleep as a training metric

We’re not dream experts — just runners sharing interesting research, personal experiences, and a few laughs along the way.

👉 Drop a comment: What’s the weirdest running dream you’ve ever had?
👉 Subscribe for more honest, relatable conversations about running — fun, frustrating, and everything in between.

Happy running. 🏃‍♂️

Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR

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Pacing isn’t just about splits, GPS watches, or fitness — it’s about decision-making under stress.

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive deep into the psychology of pacing and why so many runners blow up before fatigue ever truly sets in. From race-day adrenaline and comparison traps to fear-based pacing and watch obsession, we unpack the mental mistakes that quietly sabotage great races.

But this episode goes beyond running.

We explore how mindful pacing — patience, restraint, awareness, and emotional control — applies not just to marathons and ultras, but to training, work, relationships, and life itself. If you’ve ever gone out too fast because you felt amazing early… or played it too safe and left time on the table… this one’s for you.

In this episode, we cover:

Why pacing is mostly a mental skill, not a physical one

Common psychological traps that ruin race execution

How adrenaline, ego, fear, and comparison derail pacing plans

Mindful pacing strategies for race day

Training your brain to pace, not just your legs

Why “boring” early miles are a sign you’re doing it right

How better pacing on race day mirrors better decision-making in life

Whether you’re chasing a PR, a BQ, or just trying to run smarter and enjoy the process more, this episode will help you stay controlled when it matters most.

👉 Drop a comment and share your own pacing lessons or race stories — we’d love to hear them.

🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations about running, mindset, and everything we don’t know.

Happy running.

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Running in your 50s is different—and that’s not a bad thing.

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we talk honestly about what changes as runners get older: slower recovery, new aches and pains, declining speed, shifting motivation, and learning to let go of chasing PRs. We also share what still works, what needs to change, and how adjusting expectations can actually make running more enjoyable and sustainable.

We cover:

- Why speed and VO₂ max decline with age (and why it’s normal)

- Recovery, sleep, and why rest matters more than ever

- Strength, mobility, and training smarter—not harder

- Managing mindset, ego, and expectations as a runner in your 50s

- Finding joy in running beyond pace and race times

- How to keep running for decades without burning out or breaking down

If you’re in your 40s or 50s—or heading there—this episode is about giving yourself grace, adapting your training, and continuing to love running for the long haul.

🎧 Listen, laugh, nod along, and remember: you can’t outrun Father Time—but you can run alongside him.

👉 Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Patreon for more conversations about running, aging, and all the things we still don’t know.
🏃‍♂️ Happy running.

Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR

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Winter is here, the roads are icy, and somehow our houses are falling apart — so naturally, we decided to talk about Christmas gifts for runners 🎄🏃‍♂️

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch break down the best gift ideas for runners at every price point, from easy stocking stuffers to big-ticket items you only buy for someone you really love (or yourself).

We cover:

Budget-friendly stocking stuffers every runner actually uses

Cold-weather essentials like base layers, gloves, and traction

Mid-range gifts runners won’t buy for themselves (but should)

Big-ticket gear like watches, headphones, hydration vests, and recovery tools

Completely unrealistic, totally necessary “runner fantasy gifts”

Whether you’re shopping for a runner, married to one, or are one trying to “accidentally” share this episode, we’ve got you covered.

🎧 Listen if you’re running through winter, slipping on ice, or just need gift ideas that won’t get returned.

📌 Subscribe for more honest runner conversations
📘 Follow us on Facebook
▶️ Watch on YouTube
🎙 Available on all podcast platforms

Because running is fun…
And sometimes not so fun.

Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR

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How far do you really have to go before you’re “remote”?
Spoiler: not as far as you think.

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, Lewis and Mitch talk about how quickly a simple run, walk, or short hike can turn into a serious situation when you’re underprepared—whether you’re a mile from the house, on a local trail, or dropping down to the Western States Trail after a race.

What starts as a story about a windy walk with the grandkids and a “quick” hike out west turns into a much bigger conversation about remote preparedness for runners and outdoor lovers.

🧭 What We Cover in This Episode

🧠 Pillar 1: Mindset & Limits

Why a go/no-go decision should be non-negotiable

How to match your route to how your body and mind actually feel that day

Why you don’t need to be 10 miles into the woods to be considered “remote”

🏃 Pillar 2: Knowing Your Body

Hydration isn’t just water—why electrolytes and sodium matter

Training your gut to handle calories over hours, not just miles

Why relying on one food source can wreck your day (hello, bar fatigue)

🚫 Pillar 3: Avoiding Unnecessary Risk

How pace can become a hazard, not a goal, on technical or exposed terrain

Adjusting expectations for climbs, descents, and unfamiliar routes

Real examples where “it’s just a short hike” almost wasn’t so simple

🎒 10 Essentials We Talk Through

We also walk through a practical list of “non-negotiables” to think about for remote runs, hikes, and adventures, including:

Navigation beyond just your watch or phone

Light/illumination if you’re out longer than planned

First aid, repair tape, and emergency blankets

Extra food and water (plus ways to treat water)

Communication plans and tools, from “tell someone where you’re going” to locator beacons

Whether you’re running trails, exploring new routes after a race, or just heading out “for a quick hike,” this episode will help you plan smarter, pack better, and get home safely to the people who care about you.

🎧 Listen, learn, and then go enjoy those adventures—prepared.

Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR

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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive deep into the hilarious, confusing, and sometimes awkward language barrier between runners and non-runners. From “easy runs” that aren’t actually easy, to why runners own more shoes than they have feet, we unpack the quirks that make running culture so unique.

Mitch also shares updates on his string of doctor visits, the ongoing search for answers, and what it’s like getting back into running slowly — only to be met with well-meaning comments like “At least you’re out there!” Meanwhile, Lewis reflects on water-cooler conversations, misunderstood jargon, and the gap between runner expectations and non-runner reactions.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner, brand new to fitness, or someone who thinks “tempo run” sounds like a medical condition, this episode will make you laugh, nod your head, and maybe even explain why your runner friend is the way they are.

In This Episode:
🏃‍♂️ Why runners say “easy” but mean “controlled aerobic suffering”
💬 Water-cooler moments between runners & non-runners
❤️ Mitch’s health updates, AFib concerns & rebuilding fitness
👟 Shoe walls, chafing, anti-chafe gear & why running is expensive
😂 Fartleks, intervals, negative splits — and all the misunderstood lingo
🔥 The emotional “why” behind running : https://x.com/runningonx/status/1991744729248329938?s=46
🙌 Why ANY movement — running, walking, lifting — matters more than the jargon

Perfect For:
• Runners who want to laugh at themselves
• Non-runners trying to understand the madness
• Anyone returning from injury or rebuilding fitness
• People who have ever asked, “Why do runners DO that?”

Join the Conversation

Share a funny moment where a runner/non-runner totally misunderstood you!
👇 Drop your stories in the comments — we’ll read some on an upcoming episode.

🎧 Listen on all platforms
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube
👍 Like, Subscribe & Share if you’re part of the running community (or trying to understand one!)

Until next time: happy running, happy resting, and whatever you do… don’t forget the anti-chafing.

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Lewis and Mitch hit record deep in a gray fog, fresh off mid-day naps and low brainpower… so of course they talk about the thing that keeps ultrarunners going when everything feels bleak: aid station food.

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, they break down the classic, the weird, and the downright magical foods that can save your race—from salty potatoes and pickle juice to Coke, ramen, grilled cheese, and mashed potatoes. They share stories from races like Tunnel Hill, Woodstock, Kettle Moraine, Javalina, and more, and why some runners sign up almost just for the buffet.

🫗 In this episode:

Running in a “gray fog” and why naps can backfire

Why ultra aid stations are nothing like 5K/10K/road marathon tables

Salty & savory staples: potatoes, chips, pretzels, pickles

Sweet quick hits: candy, watermelon, gummies & why “all sweet” eventually fails

Lifeline drinks: Coke, ginger ale, broth, coffee + hot chocolate combos

The comfort foods: grilled cheese, quesadillas, bacon, mashed potatoes & pizza

Famous races known for aid stations: Western States, loop races, and more

How food can be mental fuel as much as physical

💬 Question for you:
What’s the one aid station food or drink that absolutely saved your race? Drop it in the comments—we want to hear your best (and worst) fuel stories.

👇 Stay connected:
Subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast app
Find us on Facebook: I Don’t Know Running Podcast
Support the show on Patreon - see link below 

Until next time, happy running—and may your next aid station have warm grilled cheese and cold Coke.

#running #ultrarunning #trailrunning #aidstation #marathon #IDontKnowRunning

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This week on the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into one of the wildest, most chaotic, and downright unbelievable events in running history: the 1904 St. Louis Olympic Marathon.

But first… Lewis got NEW CONTACTS and he’s telling literally everyone. 😂
Mitch tries to keep him on track (he fails), but eventually they shift gears into the true highlight of this episode: a marathon so outrageous it sounds fictional.

🔥 Inside This Episode:

Why starting a marathon at 3:00 PM in August is a horrible idea

Runners inhaling so much dust they nearly died

Wagons, dogs, cars, trains… and NOT a closed course

The Cuban runner who arrived in street clothes, ate rotten apples, took a nap, and STILL finished 4th

The man who hitched a car ride, jogged into the stadium, and almost won

The REAL champion… fueled by brandy, egg whites, and rat poison (!!!)

Only 14 of 32 runners finished — the worst completion rate in Olympic history

Why this marathon changed the sport forever

🎧 If you love running lore, bizarre history, or just wild stories — this episode is a must-listen.

👟 Listen & Follow

▶️ YouTube UCTK9nr_UkR1iL2bluka2rTg
🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6UcuyDBShWsLzt3vK6LRyj?si=dcf2f93c6dfb4e50
🎙 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-dont-know-running/id1597602539
💬 Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/Idontknowrunningpodcast/
🙏 Patreon Supporters — you rock!

Thanks for tuning in!
See you next week as we keep exploring the iconic, historic (and sometimes ridiculous) world of running.
Happy running! 🏃‍♂️💨

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