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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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Is running a marathon breaking your bank? 🏦 Not anymore. In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch break down how to train and race without draining your wallet. From cheap fueling tips and free training plans to smart gear hacks and race entry strategies, they share real-world ideas that actually work—even if you're a "lazy ultrarunner" just getting back in the game.

💸 Learn how to:
– Fuel your training on a tight budget
– Find the best cheap or free running shoes, gear, and supplements
– Train with free apps and run groups
– Get discounted or even FREE race entries
– Save money on travel, lodging, and race day extras

Whether you're doing your first 5K or 10th marathon, this episode is packed with tips to keep you motivated without spending a fortune.

📌 QUESTION FOR YOU:
What’s the craziest way you've saved money while running a race? Let us know in the comments below!

🔔 Like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more running stories, tips, and laughs.
Until next time... Happy Running!

#MarathonOnABudget #RunningPodcast #IDontKnowRunning #CheapMarathonTips #RunningHacks

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Can you still love running when you're not chasing a PR? Absolutely.
In this episode, Lewis and Mitch dive into how to rediscover joy in the journey—not just the destination. Whether you're toeing the line at your first 5K or your 50th ultra, this conversation is for anyone learning how to run for fun, community, mental health, and personal growth.

🗣️ We also respond to listener feedback from California about Courtney Dauwalter and talk stats, 200-mile race history, and why we’re all still learning—even the elites.

💬 Topics include:

Fan mail about Courtney Dauwalter and the Cocodona 250

The energy of starting lines and the power of participation

Why the back of the pack is the heart of every race

Running without a watch: freedom or fear?

The mental and emotional benefits of movement

How to support friends and pace with purpose

Why your best run might be your slowest one

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to join the conversation and help other runners find the joy in just running.

📣 Drop us a comment: What helps you stay motivated when you're not chasing a new PR?

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In this episode of the I Don't Know Running podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most grueling and iconic endurance challenges in the U.S.—the Manitou Springs Incline in Colorado. With 2,744 steps, a 2,000 ft elevation gain, and an average 45% grade (peaking at 68%!), this isn't your average “short” hike.

Join Lewis and Mitch as they unpack the incline's wild history, personal stories (like competitive friends drama on the stairs), and staggering stats—like the guy who climbed it 1,825 times in a year 😳. Whether you’re into FKTs, run streaks, or just curious about the kind of person who would do this more than once... this episode is for you.

📸 Plus: we’ll post pictures and video from Mitch’s trip!

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe!
💬 Have you tried the incline? Tell us your experience!

#ManitouIncline #TrailRunning #RunningPodcast #IDontKnowRunning #ColoradoTrails #FKT #InclineChallenge #RunningStories

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This week on the I Don't Know Running Podcast, we're diving deep into one of the most epic ultramarathons out there — the Cocodona 250. From record-breaking performances to wild weather swings and strategic 10-minute trail naps, this race has it all.

We cover:
🏔️ What makes this 250+ mile race so iconic
🏃 Course record highlights from Dan Green and Rachel Entin
🌩️ The impact of Arizona’s unpredictable weather
💤 Sleep strategy hacks during multi-day ultras
❌ Courtney Dauwalter’s shocking DNF
🚫 Lewis’ unfortunate pest control salesman incident 😬

Plus: We’ll talk live tracking drama, race logistics, and what makes this point-to-point race from Black Canyon to Flagstaff so compelling. If you’ve ever thought about tackling a 200-miler (or watching from the couch), this is the episode for you!

📺 BONUS: Go watch the 2024 Cocodona 250 live stream replays over on Aravaipa Running’s YouTube channel for full coverage.

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe — and be sure to check us out on all your favorite platforms.
📢 Next week: We’re taking on the legendary Manitou Incline. Don’t miss it!

#RunningMotivation #IDontKnowRunning #RoosRoast #StayConsistent #RunningPodcast #Ultrarunning

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This week on I Don’t Know Running, Lewis admits he's a lazy ultrarunner with lunch money and Mitch just wants better coffee. But don’t worry—we eventually get to the topic: staying consistent with your running!

We break down the real reasons why consistency matters, how it affects your physical, mental, and emotional health, and how to overcome the common motivation killers like bad weather, family schedules, and that comfy couch. Plus, strategies that actually work—from setting realistic goals and tracking progress to embracing variety and finding your "why."

Also in this episode:

Roos Roast coffee shoutout ☕

Garage sale wins 💵

Cafeteria lunch hacks 🥗

The "Five-Minute Rule" that gets you moving

How to avoid becoming consistently inconsistent

👍 Like, comment (especially if Mitch is a grumpy old man), and subscribe!

#RunningMotivation #IDontKnowRunning #RoosRoast #StayConsistent #RunningPodcast #Ultrarunning

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Welcome back to the I Don't Know Running Podcast! This week, Lewis and Mitch are bringing the energy — talking about grumpy old men vibes, hilarious listener comments, and why running with your dog might just be the best thing ever. 🐕🏃‍♂️

We kick things off with a shoutout to James is Talking — a fellow runner sharing his journey on YouTube. Be sure to check out his channel here: James is Talking YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@UCEYTPodaWbzoDbnPtZUy9Sg 

Then we dive into real talk about running with your dog: tips to get started, gear you'll need, how to keep your pup safe, and why your four-legged friend might be your ultimate accountability partner.
Plus, some laughs about garage sales, technology struggles, CPR lifesaving stories, and why we're embracing our "grumpy but happy" running spirit.

Drop a comment, hit that like button, and subscribe if you enjoy hanging out with us each week!

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From the gritty 5Ks of the '70s to the virtual races of today, running has come a long way—and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch continue their generational deep dive, this time focusing on how running events have changed over the decades.

We cover everything from:

The classic era of local road races

The marathon boom of the 2000s

The rise of themed races and fun runs

Gen Z’s influence on the future of running

Virtual races, social media, Strava art, and more!

Whether you grew up chasing finish lines or you’re just discovering the joy of running, this episode is full of fun stories, thoughtful reflection, and a few good laughs (as always).

🎧 Listen in and see where you—and your generation—fit in the world of running.
👇 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment on how running has changed for you over the years!

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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the generational divide in running. From vintage sweatshirts to Nike shoe pods, we explore how Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z approach running—motivations, tech, fashion, races, and more.

Who’s running for mental health? Who’s chasing PRs? And who’s just trying to make it through the week in New Balance and jean shorts?

We’re not here to judge (okay maybe a little), but we are here to laugh, compare notes, and see where we all fit on the generational running spectrum.

👉 Let us know where you fall—Gen X, Millennial, or Gen Z—and what you think we missed!

📌 Like, comment, and share this episode with your favorite grumpy runner.

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