PreRace Podcast

In S3Ep15 of the PRP, Adam shoots the shit with eccentric seasoned runner, enthusiastic multimedia entrepreneur, passionate dog lover and endearing endurance community socialite Kyle Petronio who has been preparing for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon on Saturday October 28th, 2023. Quinn Williamson, ardent outdoorsman, tea aficionado and massive spring water critic joins the show to discuss all things zone 2, running & Kyle.

The PRP listenership is enlightened with an in depth look into Kyle’s journey to the endurance community. From gymnastics, to downhill skiing to running track in high school it was clear from an early age that Kyle was going to be involved in this world somehow, someway. Kyle then shares some inspiring anecdotes about how he is attempting to harness and blend other passions of his with the endurance community. From storytelling, to photography, to cinematography to DJ’ing (that’s right DJ’ing) Kyle is on a fervent quest to express himself under the umbrella of the endurance world, whilst utilizing his multimedia talents and knowledge of the story telling process. 

Things get vulnerable when Kyle shares insight into some mental health challenges he recently experienced as he graduated from University in Spring of 2021. With the pandemic still raging, Kyle was unable to lock in the necessary internships required in order to get hired in his desired industry. Frustrated & disheartened, he was forced to move back in with his parents and figure out his next move. Although he admits he has been humbled over the past two years more than ever in his life, he credits this arduous time as being the pivot point that has lead him to the wonderful SE Michigan endurance community that he now calls home. 

Ok, what the hell does Dogstache mean and why should you join the movement? We talking Huron 100 Pioneers?? Quinn, you running XC in ELEMENTARY school, ma boy!? Apiarists?? Pigeon Milk?? Jam some Jazz with that warm leaf based beverage! DJ Odorico, say whaaa?? The book of ultra?! Al dente nanners?! Dogs, curse words and tea oh my!

This, and oh so much more in this banter-filled, hilarious and encouraging episode of the PRP!

Explain that Strava section:

Kyle's Strava Activity

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded Wednesday October 25th @ 6:30PM EST 

In S3Ep14 of the PRP, Adam chops it up with blossoming distance runner, hobby photographer extraordinaire, sophisticated fashionmonger and proud father, Aaron Barfield who has been preparing for the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon on Sunday October 15th, 2023. Candice Whitfield, retired running phenom, ardent mental health advocate, swagtastic mama bear and Aaron’s better half joins the show to offer her take on all things Ypsilanti, the family and of course Aaron’s obsession with running. 

Aaron and Candice provide a look into their quaint life style as intimate partners, best friends, and most importantly, parents. Although having children together at such a young age presented them with a number of challenges both independently and as a team, they live life with no regrets and are thankful each day for the family and life that they have built with one another. From getting the boys to school on time, to spending QT with their extended families, to lampin with the homies, the two humbly admit they are livin' good. 

Things get vulnerable when Aaron discusses his relationship with the sport and provides insight into how he checks himself before he wrecks himself. As someone with only a couple years of disciplined training under his belt, Aaron offers some insight that is wise beyond his years surrounding cultivating a healthy relationship with running. Challenge yourself, set big goals, and pursue said goals with tenacity; but don’t get too caught up in the destination and lose sight of the journey that is your day to day experience.

Bruh… is Aaron the master procrastinator?! Who is Benny da boy and why he keep interrupting us though? Ummm why does Candice want to die in Ypsi?? Birria ramen, say whaaa? Wait wait wait… what happened at NECTO?! RIP to Beezy’s! What exactly does Aaron mean when he says, ‘it’s in me not on me’?? Recipe remixes?! Who the hell is Ward and why should we ALL be taking a page out of this man’s book?! Just how strong is the power of placebo? Do Aaron & Candice have plans to rendezvous in the afterlife?!

This and so much more in this laid back, inspirational and hilarious episode of the PRP! 

Explain that Strava section:

Aaron's Strava Activity

Sponsors

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded Tuesday October 10th @ 12:00PM EST 

In S3Ep13 of the PRP, Adam round tables with seasoned runner, charismatic founder of Run For Brews Royal Oak, passionate diversity, equity and inclusion enthusiast and community builder extraordinaire, Rashard Jones who has been preparing for the Chicago Marathon on Sunday October 8th, 2023. Rebecca Grace, prominent social runner, ardent diversity, equity and inclusion aficionado and passionate co-founder of Run For Brews Royal Oak joins the show to offer her take on all things Rashard, RFB and running. 

Rashard shares a detailed account into the genesis of his journey with running and discusses the birth of Running For Brews, a running club focused on socializing, inclusivity and of course, beer! Although a lot has changed for Rashard over his decade plus long relationship with the sport, one thing has remained consistent throughout; his passion for using running as a conduit for human relationships. Whether you’re fast or slow, interested in walking or running, new to town or been a Michigander for life, you’re welcome at RFB Monday nights.  

Things get vulnerable when both Rashard and Rebecca break down their shared philosophies surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion. In life and running alike, the two stress the significance of education and awareness and discuss the growth and progress that can be achieved by forcing yourself out of your bubble and into uncomfortable situations. Rashard enlightens the PRP listenership with some paramount perspective surrounding what it feels like to be under represented in social situations and shares several anecdotes about what actions from others along with what adopted personal mindsets have helped him feel more comfortable and provided him with a more significant sense of belonging. 

Ummm did Rashard show up with a full cooler, and is this podcast simply a tour of his lifestyle illustrated through beer?! Shiiit, how much beer we drinking?! Middle school flag football champs, say whaaaaa?? Is Rashard set to break the PRP shout out record with this one?! What does Rebecca mean by “the hover” and how does she leverage this technique to get dynamically warmed up for her races? Sparkling Sunday’s?! Just how hard is it to get Rashard to RSVP to something?? What’s the difference between ambassadorship & diplomacy? Wait wait wait, is Rashard DIAGONALLY slicing his nanners?! PR’s, buzzed vibes and craft beer, oh my!

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

Explain that Strava section:

Rashard's Strava Activity

Sponsors

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded Friday September 15th @ 12:30PM EST 

In S3Ep12 of the PRP, Michelle shoots the shit with seasoned ultra runner, passionate run for fun enthusiast and podcast host extraordinaire Adam Hughes, who has been preparing for the Bear 100 on September 29th, 2023. Lindsay Green, one-time mic drop marathoner, newly licensed registered dietitian and Adam’s better half joins the show to offer her take on all thing runnings, podcasting and bananas. 

Adam takes the PRP listenership on a tour of his journey with running and shares insight into both the origins of the PreRace Podcast and how his relationship with his passion project has evolved. Adam then shares some important antidotes about our identities as athletes and how it can be a dangerous game to allow yourself to get too wrapped up in the running weeds. Diversify your interests in and away from the sport. Don’t forget to pursue other passions off the pavement and trail, and look for alternative ways to be involved with the sport without being the participant first hand. You may just surprise yourself with what you find, Adam sure did. 

Things get vulnerable when Adam opens up about some of the grief he has encountered over the past year of his life. Although faced with loss, sadness and frustration, his journey has provided him with something unexpectedly powerful. A platform for discussion and vulnerability which has granted him the ability to strengthen existing relationships and nurture new ones. 

Just how much does Adam love Charley Crockett? Wait, we talkin soul food? Shout outs to the anxious abyss!! Is Linds out here making mountains out of mole hills? What the hell is the namaste lounge? Badge of belovedness?! Damnit Adam, are you crying on the pod AGAIN?! We talkin Grand ol Canyon, the grandest canyon of them all! You gotta poop, before you pasta, don’t you know?! Garnishes at aid stations, come on Green! DNF’s, hailstorms and bananas oh my!

This and so much more in this hilarious, heart felt and revealing episode of the PRP!

Explain that Strava section:

Adam's Strava Activity

Sponsors

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded Sunday September 24th @ 5:30PM EST 

In S3Ep11 of the PRP, Adam colloquiums with seasoned marathoner, social media luminary and vibe creator extraordinaire, Tommie Runz who has been preparing for the Berlin Marathon on September 24th, 2023. 

Tommie shares the tale of how the sport of running found it’s way into his life and enlightens the PRP listenership with some tremendous insight into the self-empowerment his journey with running has provided him with. The lads deep dive into the significance of sharing your story with the world and emphasize the importance of remaining true to who you are while doing so. Be authentic to yourself and share your narrative. It has so much value. Don’t try to fit into a mold that you think is appropriate. Follow your dreams and spread your wings. The effects of such behavior will likely ripple further out than you may expect. 

Things get vulnerable when Tommie ties in representation and inclusion in the sport as it relates remaining true to who you are. As members of a marginalized community, it can be easy to shy away from or change who you are in spaces where your culture isn’t represented. For Tommie, the pursuit of his passion has changed from chasing PR’s to showing up in spaces like this, remaining true to himself and showing others in his community that they too belong.  

Wait, did Tommie used to be buff as hell?! 3:13 in the 313, say wha?? Gray or grey, which one ya got? Ummm did Tommie really just help Meb Keflezighi throw out the first pitchFenway Park?!? Who is Kofuzi, and why should you go follow him immediately? How deep into the metaverse did Tommie have to crawl looking for a lost audio file? What’s the PR Project and why should you be tapping in?! What are the three F’s of life?? Wait, is there really no such thing as balance? What’s Tommie’s advice for Boston runners? Hose water, glissading and redemption oh my! 

This, and oh so much more in this principal, inclusive and enlightening episode of the PRP!

Explain that Strava section:

Tommie's Strava Activity

Sponsors

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded Wednesday September 13th @ 1:15PM EST 

In S3Ep10 of the PRP, Adam symposiums with three dynamic and enterprising local women who have all been preparing for the Women’s Ferry Field 5K Time Trial on September 17th, 2023. Jessica Reynolds, aspiring running coach, self proclaimed hammock hound, and full-time grad student along with Emily Short, seasoned speedster, devoted GLR enthusiast and self proclaimed boat nerd join the show to break bread about all things running, life and representation in the sport. 

Olive de Bear, Women’s Ferry Field 5K Time Trial race director, botanist extraordinaire and proud PRP alumni joins the show to vibe with the gang and offer a tidbit or two about what has been different in year two of planning and preparing for this emerging event. 

Things get vulnerable when the women deep dive into the labyrinthine world of college running and discuss the challenges that each of them faced when suiting up and stepping up to the starting line as NCAA athletes. From team dynamics, to coach relationships, to personal peril and everything in between, the gals share some tremendous awareness into the dissonant world of competing in the sport at such a high level at such a young age. More importantly, the gals discuss what their journey with running has looked like since then and share some priceless gems about how to nurture your relationship with the sport. For them, it’s no longer about speed and competition. It’s about joy, empowerment and community. As Jessica so elegantly puts it, find your happy place, find your happy pace.  

Ummm, what does Olivia mean by the term happy oopsie?! What the hell is a Genus Monsteras? Does Jessica have the best running bucket list in the history of the PRP?! We talking Appalachian Trail?! What in god’s name is a canoe marathon?? Machu Pichu?! Bald Eagles?? What is the stroller-mile world record?! Philodendrons, hormones and catch basins oh my!

This and so much more in this eye opening, empowering and community driven episode of the PRP!

Explain that Strava section:

Jessica's Strava Activity

Sponsors

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded Thursday September 14th @ 7:15PM EST 

In S3Ep9 of the PRP, Adam chats it up with second-time marathoner, prideful life long Michigander, CPA extraordinaire, and passionate local running luminary Cynthia Vink, who has been preparing for the Erie Marathon on Sunday September 10th, 2023. David Pokriefka, on again off again hobby jogger, jubilant mechanical engineer and Cindy’s better half joins the show to offer his take on running, Cindy and all things David Goggins….

Cindy provides the PRP listenership with an extensive tour of her origins with running and shares a detailed account of how her relationship with the sport has blossomed into what it is today. Baby steps, taking small leaps of faith, two huge scoops and patience and believing in herself has yielded a connection with movement that has become more powerful than she ever could have imagined. 

Things get vulnerable when Cynthia shares insight into some of the social anxiety she struggled with when first discovering the sport. From not feeling confident at starting lines to being overcome with nerves when attending her first group run, Cindy shares a tidbit or two about what it took to get over that hump, and more importantly what she has found on the other side.

Not the gumdrop button?! Red rover red rover send who right over??? Cynthia Vink and the Chamber of Secrets?! What’s David’s secret to speed walking so damn fast? How does Facebook (yes, Facebook) play into the story of how Cindy and David met? Jimmy Buffet?! Just how much does David LOVE seat belts? Banana Blizzards from DQ, say whhhaaaa?? Baby bonks in Kensington? Treadmills on a ship?! Impressions, home made pizza and Goggins, oh my!

This, and so much more in this inspiring, uplifting and inclusive episode of the PRP!

Explain that Strava section:

Cynthia's Strava Activity

Sponsors

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded Monday September 4th @ 10:30AM EST 

In S3Ep8 of the PRP, Adam babbles with seasoned ultra runner, co-founder of the Bad Decisions Track Club, avid burper and Director of Student-Life Sustainability at the University of Michigan, Alex Bryan who has been training for the Pines to Vines 55K on August 20th, 2023. Kelly Wilson, former Division I T&F and XC star, passionate non-diet dietician, retired farmer, and Alex’s better half joins the show to offer her take on all things running, life and auto cannablizing turtle burgers…

The PRP listenership is regaled with the story behind the genesis of the Bad Decisions Track Club and learns how Alex and his buddy Brian Walline got this jubilant and unique gang of misfits united, aligned, up and “running”. The three take a deep dive on what it means to run for fun and discuss why we should all be leveraging running as a source of wellness and not as a source of anxiety or angst. Sure, set goals, train hard and shoot for the stars, but if you’re not having fun while doing so, perhaps it’s time to reexamine your relationship with the sport.

The conversation then pivots to what Alex and Kelly deem as the most important aspect of running: the relationships that are formed and nurtured with other like minded individuals. From weekly track workouts, to beer miles, to yearly banquets with multiple outfit changes, the real treasure that the turtle burgers have discovered is their relationships with one another. Sarcastic, supportive and everything in between, tune in to learn more about how BDTC has cultivated a culture of obscure but brilliant benevolence for one another. 

Ummm why is Alex always carrying around a god damn stick with a flag on it?! Is BDTC takin you straight to vibe rehab?? We ouchea jumpin’ creek? Whoa, whoa, whoa, who the hell is Rudy Fuck Face? Just how much does Alex love beets?? Who does Kelly love more, Alex or the Old Dirty Bearstard?? Who is Gary Wilson, and why is he such a legend? What on earth is a hasher and how do you catch one? Wait wait wait, did Alex live in a tent for 6 months?! Pines, vines & podiums oh my!

This, and oh so much more in this jubilant, vitalizing and hilarious episode of the PRP!

Explain that Strava section:

Alex's Strava Activity

Sponsors

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded Monday August 14th @ 5:30PM EST 

In S3Ep7 of the PRP, Adam prattles with seasoned endurance athlete, serenading sweet talker, passionate community connoisseur and dedicated cycling junkie Connor Grant who has been preparing for the Leadville Trail 100 MTB on August 12th, 2023. Liz Joyce, exuberant runner, newly licensed physician, and Connor’s better half joins the show to help Adam wrangle the collective energy and shed light on all things running, cycling and dating Connor.

The three deep dive on Connor’s unique relationship with his coach and discuss some of the differences when training under the umbrella of a mentor vs going at things solo. This leads into an important conversation regarding the significance of taking space to give yourself credit and celebrate the victories you achieve. Do your best not to have a sense of entitlement to your fitness and ALWAYS show up for yourself with a pat on the back when you muster the courage to take a swing at something. Stuff like this is hard to do and the most important person to acknowledge and reflect on that hard work is you. 

The conversation gets vulnerable when Connor provides some extensive insight into his decades long experience in the endurance world and shares a tidbit or two or three… or four… about what he’s picked up along the way. From running, to triathlon, to cycling there has been one common theme that he has kept close and never forgotten: listen to your life and absorb your surroundings. Life will talk to you, try not to be so introspective about your direction that you aren’t present enough to follow the signs that are naturally provided to you. 

What is Connor’s tude towards the tude? What the hell does Liz put in her Oatmeal?! What exactly is a Pina Colada Race? How does Michael Paker play into the RomCom that is Liz & Connor? What kind of customers in Connor thirsty for?! We ouchea buckle huntin? Wait… why is Liz afraid of Connor on race morning?? Why exactly is Connor striving for the race morning triple deuce?  How many bikes does Connor have in his Arsenal? What the hell is a sugar bush?! What does Liz mean by the logistics of the Cheese? What is the Mid South Endurance festival and why should you be signing up immediately? Porcupines, Kelly Clarkson & Fustini’s oh my! 

This, and loads more in this smooth, lively, encouraging and salient episode of the PRP. 

Explain that Strava section:

Connor's Strava Activity

Sponsors

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded Thursday August 3rd @ 7:00PM EST

In S3Ep6 of the PRP, Adam pilgrimages out to Utah to shoot the shit with first time half marathoner, exuberant socialite and mama bear extraordinaire Nancy Hughes who has been preparing for the Tushars Mountain Runs Half Marathon on July 29th, 2023. Austin Hughes, recent mountain hobby joggin' convert and Nancy’s beloved son joins the show to help shed light on all things Utah, Nancy and what not to do before races.

Vulnerability arrives in full force as the Hughes crew reminisces about how difficult the past few months have been for them as a family. Losing a loved one is painful, complicated, frustrating and often times feels paralyzing. There are some good days, there are more bad days, and the unfortunate truth is that the road ahead of them is still long and undetermined. Despite the uncertainty, however, Nancy and Austin reflect on how movement and fresh air have slowly become staple coping mechanisms in their collective journeys with grief. 

The squad then deep dives into some of Nancy’s insecurities about tackling a goal this monumental. A high altitude event like this is not for the faint of heart, but her boys remind her, neither is dealing with the loss of a life partner. Although 2023 has been rough, this event provides a platform for Nancy to prove just how strong she is to the most important person to believe in that mindset. Herself. 

What exactly is a Hughes cruise? How many Hughes views must one embrace before earning a proper Hughes snooze? Uhhh we talkin’ sock ransoms?! Just how flat are those quesadillas, good sir?? Ok, who bumped ahead god damnit?!! Is Nance a biiiig shit on her calendar typa gal? What in god’s name is a bookmobile?! Does Nancy suffer from a severe case of goodbye amnesia?! Ummm, are we ouchea mountain meandering?! How deep a seed is Austin on Adam’s pacer bench?! Is Winnie the Pooh the GOAT of simple quotes?? Is Nance quad deucin?? Is Austin in cankle denial? What the hell does it mean to go SUP’ing?! Avalanches, altitude and pirates, oh my!

Get ready (not Randy) PRP listenership, this and so much more in this endearing, reflective, encouraging and banter-filled episode of the PRP. 

Explain that Strava section:

Nancy's Strava Activity

Austin's Strava Activity

Sponsors

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded Thursday July 27th @ 4:30PM MST