PreRace Podcast

In S3Ep5 of the PRP, Adam finally gets the opportunity to break bread with local running store owner, community building connoisseur and endurance athlete extraordinaire Nicholas Stanko who has been preparing for the Coast to Coast Gravel Grinder on June 24th, 2023. One of Nick’s closest endurance allies, cycling junky and self proclaimed lubricant aficionado, Connor Grant joins the show to help educate the PRP listenership on all things cycling, Michigan and Stanko. 

The lads take an exploratory and educational deep dive into the vast world of bicycles, as they compare and contrast the many similarities and differences between the sports of cycling and running. The PRP listenership is then provided with a comprehensive timeline of Nick’s career and is enlightened as to how he went from BMX biking champ, to collegiate team captain, to OTQ runner, to gravel cycling phenom. This leads to a riveting discussion regarding community building and event coordination in the endurance sports world as an expression of art and creativity. Is Nick an athlete or an artist? Listen up, digest, and we’ll let you be the judge of that. 

Ummm what the hell is a Bear Claw Thunder Hawk and why does Nick have one?? Is Connor the King of the anti-chaffing association!? Does Nick have an iron gooch? Who are the Bandwagers and why should you want to be a part of their movement? Urban development?! What on earth is The Iceman and why should you be afraid yet intrigued? Why aren’t you outchea shopping local baby?? Why did Nick sell his Subaru and what did he purchase in return? Bib poopin? Shoe tinklin?! Stanko for Prez???? Topography, cartography n cycles, oh my!

Buckle up PRP listenership, this and oh so much more in this long awaited, glorious, community driven and inspiring episode of the PRP. 

Explain that Strava section:

Nick's Strava Activity

Sponsors

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded Tuesday June 13th @ 11:00AM EST

In S3Ep4 of the PRP, Adam chit chats with life long runner, passionate public health researcher and mama bear extraordinaire Erica Solway who has been preparing for the A2Zukey Marathon Relay on Saturday June 10th, 2023. One of Erica’s closest running cronies, distinguished OBGYN and fellow mama bear, Sam Kempner, joins the show to offer her take on all things Erica, life, and running. 

The gals open up about their relationship with the sport and discuss how their priorities with running have evolved over the years. Whether they’ve been busy with education, balancing careers, family, or just life in general the two reflect on the fact that running has cemented itself as a true pillar of wellness in each of their daily lives. Erica then sheds light on her career journey and provides elegant advice about trusting yourself, knowing your priorities, and not being afraid to follow your dreams. Never be afraid to reach out to those who inspire you and if you want truly want something in life - go get it! You’ll never find out what could happen if you never muster the courage to take a shot.

Does Erica love green nanners?? Wait, wait, wait… how many times have these ladies collectively run around the globe?! Why is it a good idea to leave Sam alone when she whips out her Chemex? Podcast vs Audio Book? Speed Skating vs Figure Skating? Where was Erica throwing dance parties in High School and who exactly was she inviting?! We talking UofM XC?! Michiganders for Sanders?! How on earth did Sam injure her cheeks this year at the Boston Marathon?! What the hell is Erica up to on Craigslist?? Flamingos 'n Striders 'n Brittney, oh my!! 

Saddle up PRP listenership, this and oh so much more in this wonderful, inspiring and pleasant episode of the PRP!

Explain that Strava section:

Erica's Strava Activity (Race Result)

Sam's Strava Activity

Sponsors

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded Monday June 5th @ 6:00PM EST

In S3Ep3 of the PRP, Adam breaks bread with first time half marathoners, aspiring doctors and lifelong friends Nate Hansen & Cam Allen who have both been preparing for the Dexter to Ann Arbor Half Marathon on Sunday June 4th, 2023. Climb aboard and embark with the lads as they provide the PRP listenership with a grand & proper tour of their interlaced relationships with each other, as well as with the sport of running. The gents discuss the interconnectivity of aging as it relates to their physical and mental well beings, and reflect on the significance of finding and nurturing a sustainable outlet for physical activity. For Nate, this challenge provided him an opportunity to involve and encourage others in his life to follow suit. What an absolute beauty!

Wait wait wait, we talkin' intra-pod tea service?! GinSquad say whhaaa?? Are the boys praisin Jah out in 'tah? Who is Acey boy and why is he so hot?! Ayyyy we talkin pasties babyyy! Ummmmm, sorry, did you say banana ketchup? Why aren't we all listening to more of The-Dream? Is Cam an expert in all things Gitche Gumee? Just what does Nate mean when he says he's recruiting the crew?! Why is James Taylor so damn smooth? How on earth did Nate's swaggy cask iron tea pot get sealed to the PRP studio table???

Get ready PRP listenership, this and more than you're likely interested in hearing about in this rambunctious, hilarious and sincere episode of the PRP!

Explain that Strava section:

Nate's Strava Activity

Sponsors

⁠⁠⁠⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠⁠⁠

Recorded Friday June 2nd @ 8:30PM EST

In S3Ep2 of the PRP Adam takes a field trip out to Belding Michigan to get schooled by life long running enthusiast, photographer extraordinaire and coaching power house Alyssa McElheny who has been preparing for the Ottawa Marathon on Sunday May 28th, 2023.

Kick back and take notes as Alyssa shares more detail about how her and Daniel leverage their roles as running coaches at Forest Hills Eastern High School to actively nurture and enhance their own personal relationship with the sport as well as with each other. Tune in to learn some of the tricks of the McElheny trade and gain invaluable insight into how and why running is really just a big metaphor in the grand scheme of life.

Wait, just how long have these two been coaching for? Who the hell is Randy and why does he keep looking over Adam's shoulder?! Alyssa vs Daniel head to head, who do ya got??? Who the hell are the Old Farts Running Club and what on earth are they up to? Wait wait wait, are these two really coaching FOR 49 WEEKS OUT OF THE YEAR?! Just how hard can Alyssa throw down while being jet lagged and having close to no sleep? Is there a dragonfly on Adam's nanners?? Hold on, hold on, hold on... how many times has Alyssa gotten hit by a car while running? We talking Croc tats?! Every single damn street in Grand Rapids?? Cats, tyrannosauruses & mummies, oh my!

Buckle up PRP listenership, this and oh so much more in this incredibly inspiring and upbeat episode of the PRP!

Explain that Strava section:

Alyssa's Strava Activity

Sponsors

⁠⁠⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠⁠

Recorded Wednesday May 24th @ 11:15AM EST

In the premier episode of Season 3 of the PRP, Adam chats it up with new-to-Ann Arbor sweethearts, Sarah & Matt Krawczyk who have both been preparing for the Bayshore Marathon on Saturday May 27th, 2023. Special guest Michelle Kay joins the show (because why not?!) and offers her take on how and why Sarah & Matt ended up here in the land of Go Blue! Join the lovely couple as they discuss just how pivotal running has become in each of their everyday lives. From the physical benefits, to the social connections, to the mental well being aspects of the sport and beyond, tune in and learn more about how they have collectively leveraged running as a conduit for happiness in nearly every aspect of their lives.

Where did Sarah & Matt meet and what did running have to do with it? Wait, is Michelle scheming to get all of her friends to move to Ann Arbor?! Ummm what the hell is the Sarah Qualifying Time Trial (or SQTT) and did Matt hit it on his first attempt? Were these two runnin' with the Bandits less than 12 hours after moving to A2? We talkin St. Louis shenanigans?? Has Sarah re-lit Adam's fib flame?! Is Sarah Nuun cocktail curious? #rainruns?! Are we really out here premeditatedly Moomering?

Buckle up! This and oh so much more in this light hearted, sincere and good vibes only episode of the PRP!

Explain that Strava section:

Sarah's Strava Activity

Matt's Strava Activity

Sponsors

⁠⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠⁠

⁠⁠Long Run Coffee⁠

Recorded Sunday May 21st @ 5:30PM EST

In Bonusode 2 of the PRP, Adam is joined by three local running legends: Jonathan McBride, Mikel Gurrea and Jack Miller. Join the lads for an equal parts hilarious and inspiring conversation about their respective journeys both to Boston, and towards finding deeper and more meaningful friendships with one another. What’s more rewarding, a Boston time that you can be proud of forever, or a friendship that is built to last the test of time? The answer seems obvious, but we’ll let you decide. 

Why is Jonathon’s training schedule in a state of complete bedlam? Can someone please check on him?? Wait are Jack and Mikel staying in a hostel the night before the race?! What’s getting Jack so juiced? Just how loud does Mikel grunt when he’s trying to psych out his tennis opponents? Is Brent in the studio?? What the hell are Alpaca shorts? How will Jonathon and Mikel size up to the ridiculous time prediction model that Jack has built for the boys? Is the Boston Marathon jacket REALLY worth purchasing??

Buckle up! All this, and oh so much more in this uproarious and heart felt episode of the PRP. 

Explain that Strava section:

Jonathon's Strava Activity

Mikel's Strava Activity

Jack's Strava Activity

Recorded Friday April 14th @ 7:30PM EST

Sponsors

⁠Ann Arbor Running Company⁠

⁠Long Run Coffee⁠

In the S2 finale of the PRP, Adam welcomes back first time ultra marathoner, ardent PhD candidate, passionate nature connoisseur and proud PRP alumni Evan Romero who has been training for the Red River Gorge 50K on December 3rd, 2022. The lads kick off the finale with some insight, fun facts and reflections on PRP Season 2. From one-mile time trials to 250+ mile races and everything in between, one thing is certain, it's been one helluva ride! Evan enlightens the PRP listenership on his current professional pursuits and shares details about why the next year of his life will be one of major transition. 

Taylor Witt, on again off again runner, mechanical engineer extraordinaire, aspiring musician and proud new cat daddy joins the show to offer his stoic and witty take on both life and running. Taylor sheds light on his personal history with running and provides details about his current relationship with the sport. If there is one thing his journey has taught him, it's that running can do what you want it to do, and be what you want it to be. Don't let someone else's opinion or vision of running dictate what you make of it. Make it your own. 

Things get vulnerable when the boys go all in on advice surrounding runners and our collective relationships with the sport. Be sure to check yourself and ensure that you're running for enjoyment and not putting too much self-inflicted pressure on yourself. Leverage running as a mechanism to better yourself on a spiritual level and take advantage of the wonderful opportunity it provides you with to nurture relationships with other wonderful humans. That's it. If running doesn't make you happy and you're not enjoying it, don't do it. And guess what? That's completely fine! There are copious other forms of movement that are accessible and available for exploration.

Recorded Tuesday November 29th @ 6:30PM EST

Sponsors

Ann Arbor Running Company

Long Run Coffee

Vul-pine Socks

In S2Ep22 of the PRP, Adam jams with seasoned long distance runner, race pacer extraordinaire, public health guru, proud mama bear and certified running coach Brandess Wallace who has been preparing for the Tunnel Hill 50 mile on November 12th, 2022. Brandess jumps right in and explains how and why her relationship with running is all about connecting with others. Although her involvement in the sport began as a platform for her to challenge herself on an individual level, Brandess spills the tea on why over the years her love affair with running has blossomed into much more than she could ever have imagined. 

Shannon Baker, serial running retiree, enthusiastic social worker, proud mother of eleven children (yep you read that right) and Brandess's heterosexual soul mate joins the show to provide insight on her own personal relationship with running as well as what it's meant to be a part of Brandess's journey. The two deep dive on the origins of their friendship, which started as opponents in a friendly neighborhood game of Bunco. From full fledged dice nemeses to running besties, as soon as these two got out for a trot together - the rest was history. 

Things get vulnerable when Brandess opens up and provides insight about some recent mental health struggles she has been forced to face. From raising children full-time to being a military spouse and everything in between, Brandess explains how her grapple with depression happened quickly and without her even fully realizing it. Although she is doing much better now, Brandess shares some principal insight on lessons learned from going through her recent experiences. The most importance of which? Never forget to prioritize YOURSELF. Self love and self care are paramount and are a crucial first step in providing others, personally or professionally, with the best version of you. 

How many of Shannon's kids were adopted?? What the hell is Bunco?! Heterosexual soulmates? What on earth is the mullet crew and why do they have merch?! Just how many times has Shannon retired from running? Peloton sleep meditation? What exactly do we mean when we say double deucin? T rex flex tights?! Is Adam crying??? All of this and SO MUCH MORE in this encouraging, hilarious and warm episode of the PRP. 

Recorded Wednesday November 9th @ 4:00PM EST

Sponsors

Ann Arbor Running Company

Long Run Coffee

Vul-pine Socks

In S2Ep21 of the PRP, Adam is enlightened by thriving long distance runner, passionate golfer, engineering extraordinaire, forthright beer enthusiast and proud father, Hayato Shimizu who has been preparing for the New York City Marathon on November 6th, 2022. The lads waste no time and jump straight in to an in depth review of what has been an insanely impressive year for Hayato and his running career. With a broken PR in nearly every possible distance, the PRP listenership is schooled by Hayato's composed and uninhibited outlook on the sport. His secret? Work hard, but don't overthink it, it's that simple. The more pressure you put on yourself, the less enjoyment you will ultimately obtain. Committing yourself to the process and sharing your experiences with others are where the actual awards and benefits from running can be found. The time your watch reads at the finish line is actually quite trivial. 

Paul Livingstone, seasoned runner, local running gear merchant, aspiring brewer and one of Hayato's oldest running pals joins the show to offer his take on what the PRP has deemed, The Year of Hayato. From Boston, to Bayshore and now onto New York these two gentlemen have shared a lot of time out on the course in 2022 together and one thing is for certain... Hayato is absolutely on fire at the moment!

Hayato sheds light on his journey to and through running over the past decade and shares his unique approach to how he builds his fitness blocks. For him, running is a pursuit of exploring the best version of yourself and is a journey of one. Before episode close, Hayato and Paul gossip all things Boston vs. New York. Because each of them have raced these events multiple times, they share a distinct credibility to offer opinions on all things from portapotty sitch, starting line logistics, time of year/temperature to overall vibe. 

New York or Boston, who do ya got? What on earth is Ekiden?! What the hell happened in Boston in 2017? Is Hayato throwing down impromptu 100m dashes to defend his honor? What exactly is Kendo?! Wait wait wait, CAN HAYATO DUNK?! Does Hayato just want to be just like Eduardo when he grows up? What are the Abbott World Majors?? Ummm, creamy peanut butter on an everything bagel? All of this and loads more to chew on in this educational and inspiring episode of the PRP!

Recorded Wednesday October 26th @ 4:00PM EST

Sponsors

Ann Arbor Running Company

Long Run Coffee

Vul-pine Socks

In S2Ep20 of the PRP, Adam chats it up with seasoned marathoner, PR Run Club President, Michigan Medicine dignitary and enthusiastic foodie, Colleen Stone who has been preparing for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon on November 5th, 2022. Colleen provides an in depth look at the history of PR Run Club and sheds light on its humble beginnings decades ago. The PRP listenership then learns about her rapid shift from living in the hustle & bustle of a big city to a much more low key lifestyle in Ann Arbor and how running played a major role during this transitory phase of her life.

Shannon Kohlitz, decorated local legend, major PR Run Club OG, video & animation entrepreneur and Colleen’s best friend, joins the show to offer her reticent insight into all things life and running. Although Shannon may be a woman of few words, the words she does choose to share carry some serious weight as she drops stoic tidbits here and there throughout the episode.

Things get vulnerable when Colleen opens up and discusses some of the challenges she has endured while attempting IVF for a number of years. From the physical exhaustion, to the emotional tax, to the financial hardships of the process, Colleen breaks down just how difficult this undertaking can become. Although she and her husband have been disheartened at times with their struggle to have kids, Colleen explains that the support they have received from the running community and dear friends has been monumental in easing some of the heartache and frustration they've experienced along the way. Before episode close, Colleen and Shannon deep dive on Strava hot takes and discuss some of Colleen’s burning pet peeves about the platform.

What is is solo fomo mini Boston Marathon?! Who are Pixel and Vector?! Wait, what is the PostRacePodcast?? Does Stevie not care about his brother? Is Shannon’s boss a bitch? What the hell is a tripartite? High deductible HMO’s? Is Colleen getting on her giddy and flying outta Indy on race day to head to NY?! Spirit Airlines? Who is Cody from Peloton?! Does Shannon love Necto? Who are the Friday fools?! Did Colleen get an F in running in college?? All of this and more in this casual, encouraging and hilarious episode of the PRP.

Recorded Sunday October 23rd @ 5:00PM EST

Sponsors

Ann Arbor Running Company

Long Run Coffee

Vul-pine Socks