PreRace Podcast

In S4Ep16 Pt2 of the PRP, Adam resumes his conversation with seasoned marathoner, established cofounder of WeRun313, passionate local philanthropist and spiritual guru extraordinaire Joe Robinson who has been preparing for the Berlin Marathon on Sept 29th, 2024.



The boys jump straight into a discussion about the last 7 weeks of training as Joe regales the PRP listenership with the tales of his wildcard decision to run a marathon… during marathon training. From the onset of the conversation it is clear that Knox’s unique perspective on running and his full marathon reconstruction implementation is rubbing off on Joe in all the right ways. 

Things get vulnerable when Joe shares a couple strong anecdotes surrounding the thin lines between belief, faith and delusion. You gotta be a lil bit delusional sometimes in order to dream big! Upgrades to your life can be unlocked through education and by presenting yourself with various challenges as often as possible. Growth doesn’t come from sitting around and staying comfortable! It ain’t always glorious but remember to believe in something bigger than yourself. Doing so will fill you with a sense of pronoia and will help cultivate the energy it takes to perpetually enhance yourself as a human being.

What is the key to leadership?! What the hell is a sneaky mac n cheese mile?? Uh oh, we talking Tommie Gunz?!! Hmmm what does Knox mean by these vibe keywords… Hotel premonitions?? How exactly did Ern blow Joe’s cover?! What the hell does pronoia mean and why should you subscribe?! Louis Farrakhan? Ay, do you know if they got them Yerba Matte cans in Germany? Muffins, miles n vibes oh my!

This and so much more in this inspiring, educational and outstanding episode of the PRP!

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Recorded Monday September 23rd @ 11:00AM EST 

In S4Ep16 Pt1 of the PRP, Adam reconnects with seasoned marathoner, established cofounder of WeRun313, passionate local philanthropist and spiritual guru extraordinaire Joe Robinson who has been preparing for the Berlin Marathon on Sept 29th, 2024. Knox Robinson, legendary long distance runner, global cultural icon, remarkable vibe prescriber and Joe’s running mentor joins the show to offer his take on all things bananas, race prep and of course, the running culture that is booming in Detroit! 

In a refreshing change of pace from traditional PRP episodes, the fellas link up out on Belle Isle 8 weeks out from race day to discuss what peak training is going to look like for Joe over the next couple months. Knox provides some key insight into his unique coaching philosophy and explains why his ad-lib style (that he picked up while training in Ethiopia with some of the best runners in the world) is truly a battle tested strategy for unlocking the best performances from his athletes. Just how far out does Knox let Joe see what the plan is? Not weeks, not days, not hours… we’re talking minutes, people. A practice that has forced Joe to be prepared for any workout, any run, any level of output at any given time. When you’re training with Knox it’s best to not ask questions and you had better show up everyday with an open mind, ready to rumble.


Things get vulnerable when Knox illustrates the deeply significant role WeRun313 is serving for its local community. For Detroit to see this version of itself, for black excellence to be at the forefront of cultural, economical and spiritual growth at such a staggering rate is something truly profound. From running, to community support, to philanthropy and beyond; Joe, Lance and everyone who has climbed aboard the WeRun313 rocket ship has made it unequivocally clear - not only do they belong, but they are leading the game, and you best believe, these cats are just getting started!!


What’s the difference between hope & faith?? Errr does Joe low key abuse voice notes?! Did the ice cream lady just tell Knox he has chicken legs?! We out here recording on wax! Park vibes! African Game?! Mt Kilimanjaro?! Natural wine, psychedelics, free jazz & queer theory oh my!



This and so much more in this inspiring, encouraging and amazing episode of the PRP!

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Recorded Saturday August 3rd @ 2:00PM EST 

In S4Ep15 of the PRP Adam symposiums with seasoned ultramarathoner, fly fishing fanatic and all around family man extraordinaire Carl Jarema, who has been preparing for the Bigfoot 200 on August 9th, 2024. Dan Hughes, Huron 100 race director, passionate nature enthusiast and frequent flier on the PRP joins the show (again) to weigh in on all things Carl, 200’s and what to focus on when choosing your next race.

The lads pontificate on the new and emerging 200+ mile subculture that is continually growing and bolstering staggering momentum in the ultramarathon world. Are 200’s the new 100’s? What is so unique about this insane distance? How the hell do you prepare for an outing like this and what kind of planning and logistics are required to succeed in such an endeavor?

Things get vulnerable when the conversation shifts to balancing Carl’s love for ultramarathoning, a time intensive hobby, with his passion for being a father. From scout leader, to assist coaching, to fishing czar, to camping captain - Carl balances a whole hell of a lot on a daily basis. Through the struggles of making it all come together, Carl is quick to admit that none of his wilderness ventures would be possible without the strong partnership he has cultivated with his wonderful wife, Cindy. Carl’s success on the trail has been and always will be a team effort, and at the end of the day he’s learned to take what he can get and move on. Don’t get caught up in the folly that is following a training plan to a tee. Things don’t always go to plan and it sure as hell ain’t always perfect - a lesson he’s learned from fatherhood that has translated to his love for running quite seamlessly. 

What the hell is a Leki lean? Gandalf of Grayling?! Is Carl a big man of Michigan?? What is Protect the Porkies and why should you know more about it? Tim the Toolman Taylor?! Tyin flies?! Ham & chee? Mount St. Helens?? Mousing?! S/O to Hellbender! Ey bro, what kind of bug is that?! Electricians?! Bryce Canyon?? Blast zones, orange drank and wizards, oh my! 

This and so much more in this encouraging, pragmatic and hilarious episode of the PRP.

Explain that Strava section:

Carl's Strava Activity

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Recorded Thursday August 1st @ 3:00PM EST 

In S4Ep14 of the PRP, Adam gets educated by passionate Great Lakes State enthusiast Emily Short, inspiringly creative free spirit Josie Vanderveen and analytical paddling hunk Noah Vanderveen - all of whom have been preparing for the race of their lives at the AuSable Canoe Marathon on July 27th, 2024.

This wild and intriguing episode covers a lot of ground and is bound to blow your mind! What’s so unique about this race… the better question may be what’s not unique about this race?! From running with your canoe down Main St, to paddling all night through the freezing cold, to sitting on your arse for 19 hours straight, to never being allowed to leave the river, the AuSable Canoe Marathon is truly an event like no other!

Things get vulnerable when the squad pontificates on the significance of becoming a beginner again. All former NCAA Track and Field athletes at SVSU, Emily, Josie & Noah provide insight into their independent journeys to the AuSable River and share more about why growth in a new sport has been so exciting and reinvigorating. Although the transition periods in our lives are often clunky and intimidating, we must not forget that oftentimes they can yield results and provide changes in perspective we never dreamt possible. Their stories are inspiring, unique and serve as a wonderful reminder to us all - we’ve got one life to live, don’t waste it chasing something that doesn’t excite you and never underestimate the paramount importance of being a lifelong learner!

Wait wait wait, did Emily attend her first Canoe Marathon while in the womb?! What the hell is an illegal portage?! Stern or bow? Yo, is that Pastor Dean?! Ummm are people pooping in boats?! 6 Dams?? Iron paddlers?! Canon starts?! What on earth is an aqua dump?! Michigan Emmy’s?? Italian proposals, sand bars and log jams, oh my!



This and oh so much more in this unique, inspiring and educational episode of the PRP.

Explain that Strava section:

Josie's Strava Activity

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Recorded Saturday July 8th @ 5:45PM EST 

In S4Ep13 of the PRP, Adam chatters with prolific ultra runner Jon Alsip, passionate outdoor enthusiast Meredith Hill and nature loving visionary Dan Hughes - all of whom have been preparing for the Huron 100 on June 8th, 2024 in one way or another. 

This unique episode tackles race preparation not only from the perspective of the runner, but also from the perspective of the medical and race directors. On race weekend Jon will be attempting to run 100 miles, Meredith will be attempting to medically direct an officially permitted endurance event and Dan will be stepping up as first in charge of the entire kit n caboodle. 

The Huron 100 pioneers dive deep into the history of this growing event and discuss some of the hardships that have accompanied turning one man’s dream into a reality. How exactly do you turn a fun idea into something safe for others to participate in? How on earth do you prepare for an event of this magnitude? How significant is the cultivation of community and many amazing people do you need to help from in order to pull something like this off? From conception to dry runs to ok let’s try this to oh shit this is insane - buckle up and learn how the Huron 100 has quickly become the most prominent point to point 100 mile race in Michigan! 

Ok Danny boy, big man on campus, you own your own 501c3 now?! Crane train, let’s get it! If you build it they will come…. 9 parks?! Team no castration! Big S/O’s to the board! Hmmm, how do we solve the volunteer puzzle? Cat cereal?! Saving turtles?! Can someone please make sure Dan eats something this time around?! Elliptigos, Prozac and bandaids oh my! 

This and so much more in this inspiring, unique and grass roots episode of the PRP! 

Explain that Strava section:

Where it all started

When Adam met Dan

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Recorded Monday June 3rd @ 6:00PM EST 

In S4Ep12 of the PRP, Adam chops it up with blossoming distance runner, proud Filipino immigrant, MTV Jams enthusiast and undeniable drip god Julius John Tiempo, who has been preparing for the DXA2 Half Marathon on Sunday June 2nd, 2024. Aaron Barfield, emerging long distance runner, family man extraordinaire and proud PRP alumni returns to the show to offer his take on all things fashion, N/A beers and of course, egg rolls. 

This laid back conversation kicks off with Jay providing some unique insight into his upbringing and his relationship with his family at an early age. After he was born, his mother was forced to leave the Philippines in order to work abroad so she could provide ample financial support for her son. This meant Jay was raised by his extended family and gave rise to the concept of “chosen family”, a lifestyle that has become a pillar of Jay’s ethos and an idea that proved infinitely significant when moving to the United States alone when he was just seventeen years old. From building friendships to starting businesses to pursuing passions, Jay will be the first to admit he couldn’t do it without his OG’s. 

Things get vulnerable when Jay reflects on how a recent injury has affected his preparation and overall well being over the past few weeks. As a newcomer and constant student of the sport, he was surprised with the amount of mental adversity he experienced when running was taken away from him in a major way for the first time. Although taxing, Jay admits he’s happy this happened when it did as it has led to some amazing perspective for him as an athlete and human being. Just like in life, progress sure as hell ain’t linear, and if you remove those expectations, you’re bound to find more joy along the way. 

What is Legion and why should you know more about it? We out here saggin?? Pinoy papi, say whaaa? Leg’s up! Streetwear brand for trail runners?! Drip gods in da house!! Is Kensington calling? Ummm, does Jay’s family own a nanner farm??? Is Aaron loving these N/A’s?! The black wall! Just how fire is lumpia?! Briarwood Mall, Bear zoo’s and braids, oh my!



This and so much more in this unique, invigorating and drippy episode of the PRP!

Explain that Strava section:

Jay's Strava Activity

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Recorded Saturday June 1st @ 1:00PM EST 

In S4Ep11 of the PRP, Adam symposiums with seasoned ultramarathoners, established Milford legends, certified Brighton Running Lab rats and distinguished trailblazing adventurers Keith McCaffery & Nick Gapp, who have been preparing for the Michigan Shore to Shore Grand Adventure on May 24th, 2024.

This unique and groundbreaking episode picks up steam immediately as the gents pontificate on the concept of running “beyond the bib” while they each share anecdotes about how they have found a deeper meaning with the sport outside of participating in formal races. For Keith and Nick, although they both have extensive racing resumes, running serves more as a reminder of their freedom and is an outlet to explore the world. Sure, it’s a platform to challenge themselves and brush off some of that competitive energy, but as they’ve aged, running has taken on a completely new and more powerful form. From experiencing nature, to architecture, to weather, to culture and everything in between, the lads all agree - the best way to experience the world we live in is on foot while out for a jog.

Things get vulnerable when Keith shares some insight about the genesis of this wild project and discusses how his journey with grief has played a role. With loss, comes grief, and with grief, comes reflection, and with reflection comes change. For Keith, change meant getting sober and igniting a fire for pursuing the dreams that had fallen dormant in his life. His love for his home state of Michigan, fused with his ability to travel long distances on foot gave rise to the Michigan Shore to Shore Grand Adventure. Now all he needed was someone as crazy as him to come along for the ride…. this is where the one and only Nick Gapp comes in. 

Bruh, Lake Michigan to Lake Huron? Is Keith a big pre Y2K guy?! Overhead projectors?? Huron 100 Pioneers, say whaaa!! Ummm, just how hard core is Nick’s mom?! Is Keith serving us goalkeeper energy? Kalkaska? Navigational adversity?? Why the hell does Nick keep pouring Gatorade on himself?! Wait, wait, wait... code ORANGE?! Ticks, sand & river crossings oh my!

This and so much more in this enlightening, inspiring and one of a kind episode of the PRP.

Explain that Strava section:

Keith's Strava Activity

Nick's Strava Activity

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Recorded Thursday May 16th @ 6:00PM EST 

In S4Ep10 of the PRP, Adam gets educated by blossoming long distance runner, emerging entrepreneur and DPT extraordinaire, Eliana Lin who has been preparing for the Bayshore Half Marathon on Saturday May 25th, 2024. Austin Lin, former track aficionado, aspiring PhD candidate and Eliana’s better half joins the show to offer his take on all things strength, business hustle and bananas. 

Rubber meets the road immediately in this unique sode as the PRP listenership is enlightened with the origin stories of Up & Running Performance, Ann Arbor’s newest strength and physical therapy gym, owned and operated by both Eliana and Austin. Eliana discusses the intricacies of navigating the fine line between being both a healthcare provider and an entrepreneur and provides some amazing insight for athletes about how to traverse the early onset of potential injuries. 


Things get vulnerable when Eliana reflects on the reality she has been faced with - launching a new business venture while training for a race. Naturally, bandwidth for good, consistent training has been low as has been working tirelessly to build the early stages of a successful business brick by brick. Although she’d love to beat her half marathon time from Bayshore last year, Austin is quick to remind her that she’s made the right decision to prioritize getting Up & Running Performance, well, up and running. A good reminder for us all about the seasons of life and that it’s ok, and in fact healthy, to prioritize other passions and endeavors outside of the performance world from time to time. Embrace life and race with what ya got in the tank, you’ll probably end up having more fun that way anyways. 

We team no swass up in da house, say whaaa?! B-day blasting?? What on earth is a strength hall pass and how can you earn one?!  What the hell does calorie to coin mean?! Texas Instruments?? Podcasting in the shower?! Errr, soooo, what are we? Blankets in the summer?! Nanner trinkets?? Pole vaulting, rigatoni and rom coms oh my! 

This and so much more in this educating, revealing and good vibes episode of the PRP!

Explain that Strava section:

Eliana's Strava Activity

Austin's Strava Activity

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Recorded Wednesday May 22nd @ 3:00PM EST 

In S4Ep9 of the PRP, Adam breaks bread with seasoned long distance runner, eccentric Afghanistan native, passionate women’s rights advocate and charismatic socialite extraordinaire Zahra Arabzada, who has been preparing for the Colorado Marathon on Sunday May 5th, 2024.

Zahra opens up and provides the PRP listenership with some eye opening insight surrounding what it’s like to come from a culture that has a different outlook on running than most of the world. In her home country, running and movement aren't things that are prioritized, encouraged or celebrated, especially if you’re a woman. As such, Zahra reflects on what running has come to mean to her over the years and explains how powerful her sense of gratitude towards it has become.  

Things get vulnerable when Zahra reflects on the collective strength it has taken to get her to the place she is now. From her amazing parents, who prioritized their children’s access to education above all else, to the mass evacuations of her family from Afghanistan in August of 2021, Zahra has not only held on to her identity as a proud Afghan woman, she has embraced it and leveraged it to help spread awareness and raise money for a variety of different women’s rights organizations. Her tremendous courage, her unique outlook on life and her ability to embrace her realties while holding on to who she is and what she represents all whilst empowering others through the sport of running is something we can all learn from. Her story, among other things, serves as an important reminder to us all that next time you’re down out and about your relationship with running, remember what a blessing it is to have access to this wonderful sport and shift your perspective to realize just how lucky we all are to be part of a society that encourages us to participate in it.

Ski masks in race pictures?! Altitude or attitude, who do ya got?? Was Zahra once the Kobe of Afghanistan?! Ice Hockey?! #vibequeen?! Protect those flip flops at all costs!! Acadia National Park?! Harbor hopping?? The Michigan? What the hell is the Manhattan Perimeter Project?!

All of this and so much more in this inspiring, enlightening and important episode of the PRP!

Explain that Strava section:

Zahra's Strava Activity

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Recorded Tuesday April 30th @ 5:30PM EST 

In S4Ep8 of the PRP, Adam symposiums with seasoned marathoner, courageous LGBTQ+ pioneer, Brooks Running Collective constituent and overall good vibes ambassador Michael Stickel-Reed who has been preparing for the Pittsburgh Marathon on Sunday May 5th, 2024. Tyler Stickel-Reed, running free spirit, established creative dance director, and Michael’s better half joins the show to offer his take on running for wellness, pizza sauce and the wonderful world of Disney.

This conversation gets vulnerable from the jump as the PRP listenership is regaled with the tales, trials and tribulations that both Michael and Tyler have been forced to traverse when attempting to live their authentic truth. Navigating family, friends and relationships in general has always come with the caveat of managing other people’s thoughts, feelings and opinions about their sexuality. The boys offer some key insight into both the mechanics of longer lasting relationships that have been lost as well as day-to-day interactions that are accompanied by anxiety of acceptance and safety.  They then help educate the PRP listenership on what it means to be an ally and why even the smallest signs of support can mean so much.

The conversation then migrates to the incredible chronicles of the role that running has played in the lifespan of their relationship. From their first date, to their proposal, to quality time that they now spend together, running has been there and provided a conduit to strengthen their love for themselves and their love for each other. Although these incredible culture breakers run and live life with their own unique style, one thing is for certain - their commitment to authenticity, vulnerability and bravery is something that each of us can learn from and be inspired by. 

Are the boys out here elite Disney adulting?! World or Land, who do ya got?? Are the lads planning to get litty in Pitty? Plant daddy say whaaa!? Wait wait wait…. proposals during long runs?!?! Prom King??? Valedictorian?! LYTB? Oh shit we double duecin on the daily? IT’S COSTUME WEEK!! Red sauce purism?? Are we all really just aspiring dancers?! Is Michael an esteemed steward of the manner?? Why the hell is Tyler piddlin’?! Wolverines, sneezing and banana cake oh my!

This and so much more in this inspiring, educational and fantastic episode of the PRP!

Explain that Strava section:

Michael's Strava Activity

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Recorded Sunday April 28th @ 11:00AM EST