Maybe Running Will Help?

What if the secret to becoming a better runner isn't running more?

This week, Nicky sits down with coach John Ferry—Team Wilpers coach, Head Coach of New York City's Dashing Whippets Running Team, and lifelong student of the sport—to talk about why so many runners get stuck chasing the same results year after year.

From marathon training and ultrarunning to track racing and 5Ks, John shares why the best athletes aren't always doing more—they're often doing something different. We discuss the dangers of living in a constant marathon cycle, the value of speed work, why the 5K might be the most underrated race in running, and how thoughtful season planning can unlock breakthroughs at any level.

Along the way, we explore race-day mindset, finding your favorite kind of hard, the surprising power of relays and team competition, and why running should still be fun—even when you're taking it seriously.

Whether you're training for your first race, chasing a PR, or wondering if it's time to shake things up, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about what progress really looks like.

In this episode:

• Why more miles aren't always the answer
• The marathon trap many runners fall into
• How speed work can make you a better distance runner
• Why the 5K deserves more respect
• Marathon vs. ultra: which is actually harder?
• Mental strategies for pushing through tough races
• The role of community, relays, and fun in long-term success

Because sometimes the fastest way forward is trying something new.

What happens when running becomes more than a sport?

This week, Nicky sits down with Claire Boyce, host of the Kind of Fast Podcast and part of the team behind Upward Running, a faith-based running community helping people discover connection, purpose, and confidence through movement.

Claire shares her journey from collegiate running struggles and seasons of self-doubt to finding her identity beyond race results. Together, they explore the parallels between faith and running, the power of community, learning to trust the process, and why our worth can never be measured by a finish time.

Whether you're chasing a PR, rebuilding after a difficult chapter, or simply looking for your people, this conversation is a reminder that some of life's biggest transformations happen one step at a time.

In this episode:

• Finding your worth beyond performance
• How faith and running can strengthen each other
• The role of community in healing and growth
• Claire's journey through difficult relationships and personal rebuilding
• Why "learning to hurt" can be a powerful lesson on the run and in life
• Helping new runners go from the couch to the finish line

Because sometimes the most important race isn't the one on the course, it's the one happening within us. 

Guest: Claire Boyce, host of Kind of Fast Podcast and team member at Upward Running.

This week, I'm joined by Back on My Feet CEO Nathan and alumni member Phillip Zuniga for a conversation about recovery, resilience, and the power of community.

Back on My Feet uses running to support individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction, but as you'll hear in this episode, the real impact goes far beyond the miles.

Phil shares his journey from alcoholism treatment to training for the fire academy, running the London Marathon, and rebuilding a life he once thought was out of reach. Along the way, he discovered something many of us forget: we are capable of more than we think, especially when we don't have to do it alone.

Whether you're a runner, someone in recovery, or simply in need of a reminder that community matters, this conversation will leave you feeling hopeful about what's possible when people are reminded of their own strength.

Guests:

Nathan Watt, CEO, Back on My Feet

Phil Zuniga, Alumi, Back on My Feet

Learn more: https://backonmyfeet.org

Harvey Lewis is an American ultrarunner, high school teacher, and endurance athlete from Cincinnati, Ohio. He is best known for winning the 2023 Big’s Backyard Ultra World Championship after running 450 miles over 108 hours, setting an American backyard ultra record in 2025 with 462.5 miles, and winning the Badwater 135 ultramarathon twice. Harvey has also competed in the Barkley Marathons, represented Team USA in 24-hour world championship events, and recently completed his 100th marathon.

Discover how intentional planning with the Big A## Calendar can transform your year, boost your purpose, and reduce overwhelm. Listen to my conversation with Taylor Prokes, CEO of the 100 Mile Group, as she shares insights on setting meaningful goals, creating memorable adventures, and building habits that last.

In this episode:

• How the Big Ass Calendar helps organize your year visually and intentionally
• The importance of starting small, like holidays and birthdays, for first-time users
• The story behind Jesse Itzler’s diverse career — from rapper to jingle writer and endurance enthusiast
• Tips on how to leverage the calendar for big events and mini adventures throughout the year
• The power of habits and steady progress in creating a fulfilled, balanced life
• How planning ahead increases energy and keeps you motivated
• The significance of shared experiences like races and collaborations in strengthening team bonds
• Insights on incorporating non-physical goals, like learning piano or exploring new hobbies
• The role of accountability and visual tracking in habit formation
• Upcoming launches and customized calendars for students and busy professionals

15% off The Big A## Calendar

Timestamps:
00:00 - How the Big Ass Calendar simplifies annual planning
02:05 - Starting small with holidays and birthdays for first-timers
04:12 - Jesse Itzler’s journey from rapper to endurance racer and entrepreneur
07:45 - Building habits with the calendar: consistency over perfection
10:30 - The importance of shared physical challenges to foster team cohesion
13:50 - Incorporating non-physical goals into your yearly plan
17:20 - How visual tracking boosts accountability and motivation
20:30 - The advantages of planning year-long adventures and mini goals
23:50 - The impact of intentional scheduling on mental energy and happiness
28:10 - Customizing calendars for students, families, and professionals
31:50 - The importance of small, meaningful adventures and experiences
35:45 - How the calendar system enhances reflection and memory-making
39:15 - Practical tips for integrating planning into daily routines
43:30 - Final encouragement: start planning now to make every year meaningfulResources & Links:Want to connect with Taylor?Let’s make your next year intentional, exciting, and memorable!

Dr. Mitch Greene, a sports psychologist and author of 'Courage Over Confidence,' shares insights on managing mind chatter, mental toughness, and the psychological aspects of endurance sports. Discover practical strategies to improve your mental game and enjoy your athletic journey more.

Greene Psych

Courage Over Confidence

In this episode we also talked about a book called Running Is My Therapy by Scott Douglas.

In this insightful interview, psychologist Dr. Colleen Reichmann discusses the spectrum of eating disorders, how they affect athletes, and the role of social media in treatment and awareness. Learn about recognizing disordered eating, treatment approaches, and the impact of medications like GLP-1s.

Resources:

• Wildflower Therapy
• Inside Scoop on Eating Disorder Recovery (Book)
• Dr. Colleen Reichmann on Instagram

Mike Erwin shares his journey with running, the mission of Team Red, White & Blue, and how physical activity fosters community, purpose, and mental health among veterans and civilians alike.

Learn more about Team RWB!

Mason Wright, @buffrunner, is running 1,000 miles in circles for single parents!

This episode explores the challenges, training, and mindset shifts involved in doing things that challenge you beyond comprehension. We discuss the role of intentionality, overcoming logistical hurdles, and even how AI tools like ChatGPT have influenced his approach to goal-setting and self-improvement. For those who hate AI, we also discuss how it get's dumber and dumber the more we use it.

Mason’s story is one of mental resilience, overcoming injuries, and pushing physical and mental limits through running.

I hope you’ll tune in to learn how he confronts fear, failure, and pain to achieve extraordinary goals and support single parents.

Donate to The Single Parent Project Today

Trevor Cowley is a business entrepreneur who turned to running after realizing that financial success had left him empty. But he didn't just start running. He decided to set the world record for running 13.1 miles every day. It originally seemed completely possible, but now there's no end in sight as the number has moved from 235 days to 602. Trevor has surrendered to the process...and he just might be running 13.1 miles till the end of time.