PreRace Podcast

In S2Ep19 of the PRP, Adam prattles with blossoming ultra runner, pleasantly intense organizational czar, passionate nature enthusiast and proud dog mama Allegra Krasznekewicz who has been preparing for the Javelina Jundred on October 29th, 2022. The PRP listenership is regaled with an invigorating review of what she has been up to since we last heard from her in Season 1. Some great races and experiences no doubt, but more importantly, Allegra shares some stoic insight into what she has discovered under the surface level of the sport that she never expected to find. Allegra gets vulnerable when she reflects on the courage that it takes to prioritize one’s hobby to such an extreme extent in a society that often times frowns upon one’s career not being the number one priority in life.

Edward Quinn, emerging runner, king of chill, design big wig and Allegra’s better half joins the show to offer his tranquil and inspiring opinions on the intense grit his wife has displayed towards the sport over the past year of her life. For him, running is more about just getting out there rather than performing at a high level - a viewpoint that helps provide a proper yin and yang to their household.

Allegra then deep dives on a thought she has been percolating on recently surrounding connecting her why to something bigger than just bettering herself personally. Running has changed so many aspects of her life, has connected her to an amazing community, and has taught her that she can be more than she ever thought she could be. It’s these reasons that have lead her to feel increasingly motivated to find ways to help spread and share the power of running with others who have not yet discovered the compelling and immeasurable effects that running can wield.

What is a Tommy’s Margarita?! Prezi?? Umm, what the hell is the myrtle routine?! Loop of celebration?? What is EBS? Does the wind chime love Tyler? Who is 4 pass loop Allegra?! Is Strava the last remaining troll-free social media platform?! What are the seasons of life and why are they so important to constantly consider? All of this and oh so much more in this inspiring and synergetic episode of the PRP.

Recorded Friday October 28th @ 2:00PM PST

Sponsors

Ann Arbor Running Company

Long Run Coffee

Vul-pine Socks

In S2Ep18 of the PRP, Adam rhapsodizes with first time marathoner, proud empty nest father, MetLife client operations czar and running-can-change-your-life pupil Jerry Przywara who has been preparing for the Detroit Free Press Marathon on October 16th, 2022. The PRP listenership is regaled with the story of how running, although present in his life at a young age, slowly crept back into Jerry's life to take the crown as hobby king - first as means to an end but now as a passionate love affair. Jerry gets vulnerable when admitting that for a stint of time in the early 2000’s he struggled to maintain movement as a core pillar of his life. Add to that a poor diet and before he knew it Jerry found himself in a place where his health, mood and morale were suffering big time. From treadmill walks inside, to slow five minute walk/runs outside, to his first 5K, to his first half marathon Jerry opens up about what that process has meant to him, how he’s tackled it one step at a time, and most importantly he shares some of the key lessons he’s learned along the way.

Brendan Przywara, on again off again runner, digital story telling extraordinaire, video game designer and Jerry’s son joins the show to offer his take on his fathers long and evolving journey. Although Brendan’s high school career as a cross country runner was a primary stakeholder in motivating Jerry to get moving again, he admits that the tables have now turned a bit as he has begun to source movement based inspiration from his father's journey.

The three then deep dive on what it takes to build a race training plan for a first timer. For Jerry, building his own plan of attack to conquer this goal was an important part of the entire process. By picking up tidbits here and there from podcasts and other athletes he is connected with on Strava Jerry was able to create his own plan that provides him with the ample time and grace necessary to be present for himself both personally and professionally.

Who's Pat?! What happened years ago at the Rochester Hills Hometown Hustle?! What the hell is Plunder Panic? Who is Denny from DizRuns Radio and why should you be tuning in to his show?! Ummm, what is Salmon Sunday and are you invited?! Armada Michigan?! Harvard on the Rouge?! We double dipping quotes?! Wait is Jerry secretly grammin’?! All of this and loads more in this accessible, inspirational and encouraging episode of the PRP.

Recorded Friday October 7th @ 6:00PM EST

Sponsors

Ann Arbor Running Company

Long Run Coffee

Vul-pine Socks

In S2Ep17 of the PRP, Adam gabs with first time marathoner, licensed architect, Michigan enthusiast, proud boat owner and newlywed husband Andrew Dancer who has been preparing for the Grand Rapids Marathon on October 16th, 2022. Drew paints the picture of his insanely busy summer which includes taking six different licensing exams, preparing to teach as a university professor, and the big one - getting married! Naturally, this sounded like the best possible time to sign up to run his inaugural marathon. Like with all great decisions, there may or may not have been a pitcher of margaritas involved in helping persuade him into this bold endeavor.  

Sydney Dancer, erratic runner, Canadian native, interior design extraordinaire, proudest damn dog mom East of the Mississippi and Drew's better half joins the show to provide her frame of reference on the past few months while offering overwhelming praise to her new husband for how he has gracefully navigated such a busy time in both of their lives. For Syd, Drew has changed her perspective on running all together and has inspired her to cultivate a new relationship with the sport. A relationship built on positive energy and grace rather than a relationship of frustration and punishment. 

The three then take a massive dive deep into the work life balance discussion as Sydney gets vulnerable when sharing why she has become so inspired by her husbands uncanny ability to stay dialed in to his commitments while also providing time for himself to enjoy other aspects of life. Drew has taught her that inspiration in life, whether that be for running, professional pursuits or personal passions is ever changing. The only guarantee? The fact that it will change again. For Drew, running helps serve as a reminder that nothing in life is ever permanent.

Who the hell is Wesley, and can someone please help him get up these stairs?! Ummm, what exact is a Hot Girl Walk?! Oh, we makin' Boo nanners? Story jokes, say whaaa??? Hot sauce on pizza?! Canadian Thanksgiving? Wait, is 99% of the world invisible? How many god damn bridges are there in Grand Rapids? All of this and loads more in this light hearted and well balanced episode of the PRP. 

Recorded Tuesday October 11th @ 6:00PM EST

Sponsors

Ann Arbor Running Company

Long Run Coffee

Vul-pine Socks

In S2Ep16 of the PRP, Adam symposiums with enthusiastic community builder, budding long distance runner, executive music producer, Lululemon ambassador, co-founder of WeRun313 and proud father of two Joe Robinson who has been preparing for the Chicago Marathon on October 9th, 2022. Joe gets vulnerable as he reflects on how transformative running has been for him over the past few years. As a Detroit native, Joe helps paint the picture of what it was like to grow up in the 313, an environment that didn't provide him with a lot of options for physical activity and certainly not an environment that encouraged running. 

Lance Woods, emerging long distance runner, community builder extraordinaire, Asics ambassador and co-founder of WeRun313 joins the show as guest host to offer his tranquil insight on the powerful role running plays in his life. He then provides a stoic lesson about the role running can play in all of our lives if we choose to handle our relationship with the sport in a virtuous way. Lance shares the fortuitous tale how the two met one another and sheds more light on the genesis of WeRun313, Detroit's Premier Running Club. 

The lads then deep dive on what it means to utilize running as a well for wellness, and share why they are so passionate about helping others in their community discover the benefits they've uncovered below the surface level of the sport. Their authentic work in and around Detroit has quickly & organically become bigger than them both individually, and is now a living, breathing movement with a pulse of it's own. For Joe & Lance, it's simple; all roads lead to WeRun313, a running club that has the unique combination of community, mentorship, speed and of course, the ability to turn up, show out and celebrate like no other! 

What is Trivium Racing and why is this organization so key to WeRun 313's success?! What can you learn from the san scrit word dharma? Oh shit, we talking Big Sean?! Ummm, Lance you at a pool with a private saxophonist? Is Pusha T loving’ it? What on earth is a running transmission? What is Bodhicitta and why is now the best possible time for you to become familiar with it? What is your intuitive heart and how can we all leverage stillness when seeking guidance throughout the journey of life? Leviticus?! Hypnotherapy? Mike Tyson?! All of this, and more than can even be explained in this ground shatteringly uplifting and inspiring episode of the PRP. 

Recorded Tuesday October 4th @ 9:30AM EST

Sponsors

Ann Arbor Running Company

Long Run Coffee

Vul-pine Socks

In S2Ep15 of the PRP, Adam jibber jabbers with eccentrically seasoned runner, rambling legal ace, proud father of three, and prolific Strava follow Jesse Sweeney who has been preparing for the Wasatch 100 on September 9th, 2022.  Jesse deep dives into his long relationship with running and articulates how his journey with the sport has played a major role in nearly ever other aspect of his life. Most uniquely, the PRP listenership is regaled with the tale of how Jesse bravely positioned himself to throw his business and career towards things he loves to do. For him, it means having more frequent access to mountains. Thus was born his independent legal practice that he still operates in both Colorado and Michigan today.

Brent McDermott, enthusiastic community builder, seasoned PRP alumni, founder of Bandit Races and proud dod daddy returns to the show to learn more about the Sweenster while offering his kind and lucid opinions on the significant role running can play in our lives. Brent provides a riveting chronological review of all Bandit '22 events and does not fail to disappoint as he introduces a new segment to the PRP entitled Speed Work. 

The lads get vulnerable as Jesse shares intimate details about a life threatening health scare he underwent last year. Although he has been fortunate to catch his symptoms early and is blessed to be in a position of proactivity with this condition, he offers a veracious PSA to all who undertake some form of endurance based movement. Jesse's true and unadulterated love for the sport is displayed in hilarious ways throughout the episode as he time and time again inspirationally embodies a lifestyle driven by the lighthouse that is running.

Mr. Feeny? Is Brent a dog-saving hero? Who do ya got, Dr. Seuss or Shel Silverstein? Wait, are bananas radioactive?! Big birthday race, say whaa?! What in tarnation is an ombudsman?! Does Sweeney often cry during trail races whilst listening to his favorite Taylor Swift albums? What exactly are the vulnerability shorts? Have you tried Brent’s famous banana brulee'? Why stress on the deuce? All of this, and tons of other wild ride topics in this humorous and motivational episode of the PRP. 

Recorded Sunday September 4th @ 10:30AM EST

Sponsors

Ann Arbor Running Company

Long Run Coffee 

Vul-pine Socks

In S2Ep14 of the PRP, Adam gets enlightened by seasoned ultra marathoner, serial entrepreneur, proud father of two and massive nature enthusiast Rob Raux who has been preparing for the Hallucination 100 on September 9th, 2022. Rob displays his poise and maturity towards the sport throughout the episode as he shares some key lessons he's learned in the past decade with the PRP listenership. Perhaps the most profound lesson comes when Rob deep dives on balancing one's internal expectations vs. one's external expectations. Trust yourself, give yourself grace because you're definitely going to make mistakes and most importantly - don't wear yourself down attempting to measure up to other people's expectations of you. You're an experiment of one and your journey is unique and beautiful. Treat it as such! 

Recorded Monday September 5th @ 11:00AM EST

Sponsors

Ann Arbor Running Company

Vul-pine Socks

Long Run Coffee 

In S2Ep13 of the PRP, Adam round tables with three forceful and compelling local women who have all been preparing for the Ferry Field Women's 5K Time Trial on September 11th, 2022. Michelle Kay, in-patient physical therapist, local running bandit & proud dog mom along with Ellice Clark, full-time graduate student, Bill's Beer Garden enthusiast and perhaps prouder dog mom join the show to break bread about their experiences leading up to this event. What's unique about this episode? Michelle, Ellice & Olivia are not only the event visionaries, creators and organizers - they have also been doing a lion's share of their training for the event together as a team. The three deep dive on why and how working together has really helped to fuel their progress and the gals admit - the best part about the experience is not the fitness they've acquired, it's the relationships with one another that they've strengthened. 

Olivia de Bear, local running phenom, proud member of the Run Rabbit team, prolific botanist and PRP alumni joins the show to share more detail about the birth of this concept. As the original thought child of this event years ago, Olivia explains how thrilled she is to finally have the opportunity to cultivate a group of gals who are ready to rumble! The goal for the event? Sub 19 mins for the entire field!!

Ok, what the hell is a run chat and can the gal in Chicago please mute?! Wait, is Ellice a Bill’s Beer Garden VIP? Just how long has Olivia been dreaming of this event? Oh shit, we talking disciplined shoe mileage documentation?! What is that sweet sweet Ferry magic and why should you come out and support this event?! All of this and SO MUCH more in this uplifting and inspiring episode of the PRP. 

Recorded Sunday August 28th @ 4:30PM EST

Sponsors

Ann Arbor Running Company

Vul-pine Socks

Long Run Coffee 

In S2Ep12 of the PRP, Adam chats it up with a professional runner, Under Armour running athlete, Eastern Michigan XC alum and master brewer, Willy Fink who has been preparing for the Falmouth Elite Mile on August 20th, 2022. Willy lays out an in depth review of his approach to building his yearly race schedule and sheds insight into the benefits of competing in shorter distance events. You can race hard and often, meaning more opportunities for success throughout the year.

John Reniewicki, professional runner, Under Armour running athlete, avid outdoorsman and self proclaimed best dressed on the team joins the show as guest host and shares the tale of his journey to becoming a professional athlete. Although John's route to running at this level has been nearly polar opposite to Willy's, he’s been an underdog nearly his entire life, so why should he expect things to be any different now?

The lads deep dive in to the vast and emerging world of Under Armour running and confess that they feel extremely fortune to be on the ground floor of the brand’s rapid evolution into the sport. After all, they’re in Baltimore so that they can live and train within a stones throw of Under Armour HQ. The two then discuss their strategies for internal vs. external motivation and explain how to leverage the talent and vibe of a race to get the best out of yourself.

What is Willy’s well of inspiration and what can you learn from the way he leans on the successes of his entire team to help with his own personal growth?What is John’s wild twist on the PRP’s last day on earth question?! What is Forest Road 211 in Coconino County? Ummm, did Willy’s track career start with the high jump? We talking vertical cut nanners?!?! Whoa whoa whoa, has John’s dad been coaching since before dinosaurs roamed the earth?! This and so much more in this informative and hilarious episode of the PRP.

Recorded Wednesday August 17th @ 5:00PM EST

Sponsors

Ann Arbor Running Company

Vul-pine Socks

Long Run Coffee 

In S2Ep11 of the PRP, Adam tattles with uniquely talented ultra runner, Michigan State alum, attentive podcast enthusiast, proud cat daddy and Cocodona 250 alumni Jon Alsip who has been preparing for the Bigfoot 200 on August 14th, 2022. Jonathan shares several a tale of his first hand experience running the inaugural Cocodona 250 last year. What did an experience of such epic proportions teach him? He admits he may still be working to figure that out. 

Chaz Hornburg, decorated ultra marathoner, recently bestowed father and one of Jonathan's best friends returns for his second time to the PRP as guest host where he offers his calm, cool and at times critical opinion on his best buddy's preparation. It's clear that Jonathan hasn't had the opportunity to put in the physical work he would have liked to during this training block, however, he displays impressive levels of poise and confidence about the challenge that lies ahead. How did Jonathan prepare for outing like this? For races this long, mindset is key. One must have a steady and everlasting vice grip around the mental fortitude to keep pushing. That’s what will truly carry you.

The gentlemen take a a swing at answering the age old question: road running vs. ultra running. Which is best? Perhaps the answer lies with those who have hands in both camps? Before episode close the lads touch on triple digit race milage strategy and what you need to be aware of when it comes to sleep and time management. Code brown is covered in ample format as the reoccurring theme of the "double deucer" finds it's way onto the PRP yet again!

Why is Jonathan kindly asking more from all of us when titling our runs on strava? #content Ummmm, apples n bananas? What the hell is Pukey’s Death March?! What did Jim Walmsley tell Jonathan when they crossed paths in AZ?! What’s a Poto ruler and how do Chaz, Jon & Zac utilize it to succeed in long distance racing? What in god’s name is Cattle Decapitation? Did Chaz one time go neck & neck with Harvey Louis? Is Jonathan strictly race Pringlin?! Why are ultra PR’s so much different than road PR’s? Come get it. All of it in the wonderfully peculiar and inspiring episode of the PRP.

Recorded Sunday August 7th @ 8:00AM EST

Sponsors

Ann Arbor Running Company

Vul-pine Socks

Long Run Coffee 

In S2Ep10 of the PRP, Adam parleys with seasoned ultra runner, metallurgical engineer, San Fransisco running connoisseur and ultimate adventurer Alex Hudgins who has been preparing for the Speedgoat 50K on July 23rd, 2022. Alex sheds light on his childhood and humbly admits that he is extremely lucky to have been exposed to the outdoors in a multitude of ways at a young age and credits his love for and confidence in nature to his parents. Although Alex throws down some insanely massive runs on the regs, the PRP listenership learns that he only caught the ultra bug in 2017. That being said his combination of XC experience at a collegiate level with his experience in the great outdoors have complimented each other well as he has truly began to blossom as an all around adventurer. 

Sam Kirk, small business owner, proud father of two and emerging ultra runner joins the show as guest host and offers his sharp-witted opinions on Alex and all things ultra running. Having just turned 40 and fathering two terrific toddlers, his view on the sport and his "why" have changed dramatically over the past few years and he offers some profound advice on how to be and remain happy by giving yourself grace when training and preparing for larger efforts. 

The two Lehigh University alums share some heartfelt insight into the vast world of Strava and provide insight on how they assemble their training blocks to ensure they’re ready when it’s time to rock. Alex shares his two main reasons for loving the sport - A) it has provided him with more confidence when navigating his day-to-day life B) no matter what the circumstance, at the end of a run, he’s always happy. Alex’s keen yet relaxed attitude towards racing and adventuring is truly refreshing and his pure love for spending time in nature shines bright throughout the 'sode. 

Ummm, car jacks & 50lbs TV stands? Why is Alex’s family so damn cool?! Why does the ultra bug burn so deep? What is the Circumnavigation of Mt. Hood? What about the Wonderland Trail around Rainier? Are the cereal box days long gone?! 1st class?!? What the heck is Cali carpet?? KETCHUP?!? Buckle up for this & loads more in this encouraging and exciting episode of the PRP!

Recorded Friday July 22nd @ 3:30PM MST

Sponsors

Ann Arbor Running Company

Vul-pine Socks

Long Run Coffee