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What makes a marathon truly iconic? Is it the history, the challenge, the crowds — or the story behind the miles?

In this episode, Lewis and Mitch explore the most historic and legendary marathons from around the world. From the ancient origins of the race in Greece to modern greats like Boston, London, Chicago, and New York, they unpack what makes these events so meaningful to runners everywhere.

🏛️ The Ancient Athens Marathon — where it all began
🏃‍♂️ Boston & Yonkers — America’s oldest races
🌍 London, Chicago, Marine Corps & more — global legends with timeless appeal
💬 What makes a race worthy of every runner’s bucket list?

Join the conversation and tell us — which marathon do you think has the most history or heart? Drop your answer in the comments, and maybe we’ll feature it in a future episode.

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In this episode, Lewis survives grasshopper season 🌱🦗 and discovers a wild new fitness challenge — combining golf and an ultra run. Yes… someone ran 92 miles and played 810 holes of golf in 24 hours. New life goal? Maybe. 😅

Meanwhile, Mitch celebrates a BIG win — not running today — and reflects on rebuilding fitness, embracing rest, and hitting his first 5-mile run again. 👏

Then, we dive into the Running Paradox: how different cultures view running — from spiritual journeys in the Himalayas, to barefoot ultrarunners in Mexico, to elite Kenyan and Ethiopian communities, and the disciplined relay traditions in Japan. How does our Western, tech-heavy running culture compare?

Topics in this Episode
🏃‍♂️ Mitch’s comeback + rest day success
🦗 Lewis vs. grasshopper season
⛳ Ultra-golf challenge (92 miles + 810 holes!)
🌍 Exploring global running cultures
🧠 Running as lifestyle vs hobby
🎧 What would runners from other cultures think of our GPS watches, headphones & Strava obsession?

Challenge for listeners:
Try running without your watch or headphones this week — and tell us how it went! 👇

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Like, subscribe & share with a running friend
Join us on Patreon to keep the podcast growing!

👇 Comment of the Week

Why do you run? Community? Fitness? Adventure? Therapy? Let us know!

🎙️ Thanks for listening to the I Don’t Know Running Podcast — where we share what we love about running… and all the things we still don’t know.
Happy running! 🏃‍♀️💨

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We went all-in on the California Fall Classic 100K—remote aid, relentless climbing, and a day that turned into a masterclass in ultra mindset. Lewis ran ~50 miles (≈11,000 ft gain) before pulling the plug at Warm Springs, and this episode is the honest debrief: what went right, what tanked, and how to fix it next time.

What’s inside

Course reality check: almost no flat; it’s either up or down

Crew logistics: easy to crew, minimal cell service, simple station access

The hard middle: Lone Rock ↔︎ Falcon’s Nest is where times (and spirits) go to die

Nutrition lessons: when nausea hits, salt + broth first; stop sipping only water

Training gap: enough miles for distance, not enough quad conditioning for descents

Mindset tools: how to avoid talking yourself into quitting when you still have time

Would we go back? Yes—100% recommend (with eyes wide open)

Key takeaways for ultrarunners

Start electrolytes early; salt tabs + broth can flip the script

Be radically honest with your crew so they can problem-solve for you

Train the downs (controlled descents, weighted hill repeats)

When the “quit voice” gets loud, sit, reset, fuel, and reassess, not DNF

Finishing is a valid goal—protect it

Shout-outs

Healdsburg Running Company (great stop pre-race)

Aid station crews who wouldn’t let “quit” be easy

The legend Gordy sighting 👀

If you’re eyeing CFC, expect steep, exposed climbs, remote vibes, and beauty for days. We’ll cut a short race film from the crew cam footage soon.

👇 Tell us in the comments: What’s your go-to fix when the wheels come off—broth, salt, coke, or a sit-and-reset?

—
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#IDontKnowRunning #UltraRunning #100K #CaliforniaFallClassic #DNFtoDNFNT #TrailRunning #EnduranceMindset #RunningPodcast #CrewLife #PrecisionFuel
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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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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.”

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🎙️ 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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