PreRace Podcast

By Adam HughesHealth & Fitness Mental Health

PreRace Podcast episodes

July 26, 2022 Michael Loszewski & the Ironman Lake Placid ft. Bill Pressprich
In S2Ep9 of the PRP, Adam gabbers with seasoned triathlete, proud husband and father of two, software salesman extraordinaire and 80’s rock connoisseur Michael Loszewski who has been preparing for Ironman Lake Placid on July 24th, 2022. Michael takes listeners on a deep dive (pun intended) of his fitness journey which began back in 2008 and shares insight into the importance of not being afraid to look silly when first starting out. Michael first showed up at a pool in board shorts, no community and absolutely no clue how to swim. With some curiosity and a touch of consistency, it wasn’t long before he had mentors taking him under their wings and showing him the ropes.
Bill Pressprich, leadership coach, former small business owner and remarkable retiree joins the show as guest host and offers his long-serving insight on all things endurance related. Bill gets vulnerable and shares the story of getting told by a doctor in 2003 that he was on the verge of being morbidly obese. For Bill, that was enough of a fire to begin building his fitness cabin, one log at a time. Now in his seventies, Bill is still competing in assorted triathlons and has plans to tackle a full Ironman sometime next year.
Michael sheds more light into how he got into triathlons, and admits that he didn’t start out thinking this is where he’d end up. The best part of training for tri’s? The ability to be intensely active with less of a chance of injury resulting from overtraining due to varied forms of movement. Michael then shares his unadulterated love for Strava and discusses why he loves encouraging people so much. Never underestimate the power of a kudos, because more often than not, it can be the difference maker for uplifting others in your community. Michael then explains his destination race mentality and explains why, for him, racing is really more about the experience than the results.
Why is a half Ironman completely different than an Ironman? Why does Bill think Michael is a bit crazy? Why are triathletes always writing on their calves?! What’s unique about Michael’s taper routine? Why is Michael dead set on redemption at Boston?! This, and so much more in this captivating and encouraging episode of the PRP.

Recorded Thursday July 14th @ 3:30PM EST
Sponsors
Ann Arbor Running Company
Vul-pine Socks
Long Run Coffee
1 hr 23 min
July 11, 2022 Evan Hicks & the Battle Creek Half Marathon ft. Eric Zughaib
In S2Ep8 of the PRP, Adam chats it up with 2:41 marathoner, 7:22 beer miler, Notre Dame alumni & product design engineer Evan Hicks who has been preparing for the Battle Creek Half Marathon on July 2nd, 2022. Evan shares details about his adolescence attending Detroit Catholic High School and explains how his introduction to running played a pivotal role in mellowing him out. Evan admittedly excelled at everything he touched as a youngin, so running served him with an immediate dose of humble pie and changed the trajectory of his life forever.

Eric Zughaib, aspiring writer, dog daddy, e-bike enthusiast and the PRP's go-to substitute host joins the show as guest host and displays his talent for hilarious banter coupled with hard hitting follow up questions. Eric gets vulnerable when he shares his outlook on Strava as he explains that he's in a different place in his life with running and fitness right now. As someone who doesn't run everyday because of an significant injury he is recovering from, sometimes it can be hard for Eric to check Strava and see that all of his cronies are crushing massive workouts on the daily.

The PRP listenership is enlightened with Evan's unique (and dare we say corky) approach to training. Rather than focusing on pace or heart rate, Evan focuses on power in the form of metabolic watts. His mantra? In wattage we trust. Evan then shares details about the last couple years of his running life due to COVID, his professional commitments, getting engaged and purchasing a house he hasn't really had the opportunity to put together an all out A race training camp. His outlook on his situation, however, is as refreshing as it gets; it's ok to just have running be something you do. It doesn't need to define you and you don't need to be completely obsessed with it. It's fine if you choose to go all in, but Evan has found that as he's grown up, diversifying his interests have helped him mature and grow both as a human being and as a runner. Evan then shares his gratitude for his running community and explains why he appreciates the transparency of Strava so much. Why does Evan continue to be so passionate about the sport? Easy answer - it's the community aspect that keeps him coming back for more.
Why Evan be flippin those pages so loudly? Did Evan throw up on a girl in his debut XC race?! What is Evan's extremely hot take on Strava kudos criteria? How does Evan leverage his love for pacing into working out and staying in shape?! What exactly is positive peer pressure?! Ummm why does Evan have minions on his nipples?! This an much more on this light hearted and good spirited episode of the PRP.

Recorded Monday June 27th @ 6:30PM EST

Sponsors
Ann Arbor Running Company
Vul-pine Socks
Long Run Coffee
1 hr 48 min
July 01, 2022 Brandon Doughty & the USATF Championships 3000m Steeplechase ft. Johnny Crain
In S2Ep7 of the PRP, Adam shoots the breeze with professional runner, Under Armour athlete, four-time Big 12 Champion at University of Oklahoma, dog owner extraordinaire & Harry Potter aficionado Brandon Doughty who has been preparing for the USATF Championships 3000m Steeplechase on June 23rd, 2022. Brandon opens up about his unique rise in the sport coming from humble beginnings in West Virginia where he admits that his unfamiliarity with the college athletics system played a large role in where he ended up. Brandon provides an in depth review of the dynamics of the steeplechase and explains why having a perpetual chip on his shoulder has aligned well with the overall vibe of the event.
Johnny Crain, recent 2:12 marathoner, running coach, capitol city proponent, decorated PRP guest host and Brandon's best friend returns to the show and remains true to his profound outlook and earnest vibe in all things life and running. Both Johnny & Brandon shed light into the importance of their relationship; being that they are both currently self coached, the ability to have daily conversations with one another where they can bounce and float ideas around has been an absolute blessing for each of them. A non traditional living situation perhaps, but one they both admit they wouldn't trade for anything in the world. Although both gentlemen are also running coaches, the two humbly admit that they've never coached anyone who's at the level they've reached, so it truly is a day by day practice that takes loads of patience.

Brandon gets vulnerable when he discusses the last year of his life which has included: an impromptu move from Arizona to Michigan, leaving a team & coach that he had been working with for over 3 years and recovering from major injury. Although relocating and restarting his life has definitely been the right decision for him, Brandon admits that at times it has been difficult to deal with each individual aspect. Brandon is a man of emotional highs and emotional lows, he's not often in the middle which is precisely why he loves running. Big peaks and valleys guy. Even though Brandon has been a professional runner for nearly a decade, his recent struggle with injury has humbled him in variety of positive ways. Always be a student of the sport and never compare yourself to others; if you feel you must compare yourself to something, do so to yesterday's version of yourself. That's it.
Just how tenacious is Mr. No Doubt Doughty?! Does Brandon have mad love for the complete banana spectrum? What is the plight of the steeplechaser? We talkin' Harry Potter quizzes?! How generous is UA to their athletes, and how much drip does Brandon get hooked up with? What the hell is haglunds deformity? What is the difference between a big Q & a little q? How many pints did the lads drink in Northern Ireland the night before they won a big race?! All of this and so much more in this vulnerable and encouraging episode of the PRP.
Recorded Monday June 20th @ 6:30PM EST
1 hr 34 min
June 17, 2022 Kayla Romero & the War Hammer 50K ft. Trinity Webb
In S2Ep6 of the PRP, Adam welcomes back first time ultra marathoner, recent Masters of Public Health Graduate, thrifter extraordinaire and holistic herbivore Kayla Romero who has been preparing for the War Hammer 50K in London, Kentucky on June 11th, 2022. Kayla gets vulnerable out of the gates as she regales the PRP listenership with an in depth review of the Detroit Marathon last Fall. Although things didn't exactly go her way, she has remained undeterred from tearing it up as her running career continues to blossom. The biggest lesson she has learned in the past 9 months? Preparation is paramount. Overlook the prep and you can saddle up for a one way ticket to bonk town!
Trinity Webb, recent Masters of Public Health Graduate, sterling crafter and American Sign Language maven joins the show as guest host and offers her astute views on the running, nutrition and unique Minnesotan slang. Trin gets vulnerable and opens up about some struggles she has encountered with running throughout her life and shares tremendous insight about how she has combatted each one.

The two discuss their upcoming dietetic internships and try to answer the inevitable question... what's next in life?! A career in the clinic or a career in policy? Perhaps one day a hybrid of both?! The two then discuss their weight neutral approaches to nutrition and fitness as they stress the theme of body positivity and the importance of education beyond foolish fad dieting and "trending" weight loss schemes. Before episode close, Kayla dials it up 1 (800) vulnerable as she deep dives into her battle with facing her own self doubt and insecurity about running long distances by herself. Although she has race experience under her belt, this will be the first solo attempt of her career.
What is a S'mores mom? How many damn bananas are in the studio for this episode?! What the hell does the term "let's go mockin" mean?! Ummm, is Kayla a banana elitist? Is Trin a running purist?! This and loads more in this graceful and playful episode of the PRP.

Recorded Wednesday June 8th @ 7:30PM EST
1 hr 40 min
June 08, 2022 Melissa Sundermann & Christine Stead & the A2Zukey Marathon Relay
In S2Ep5 of the PRP, Adam symposiums with two prolific seasoned runners, local community enthusiasts, and positive energy powerhouses Melissa Sundermann & Christine Stead who have been preparing for the A2Zukey Marathon Relay on Saturday June 11th, 2022. Melissa, a board certified physician in both internal medicine & lifestyle medicine and Christine, the CEO of Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO), jump right into the vulnerability waters and discuss the importance of community when it comes to running and being present to encourage others. The two discuss their personal backgrounds in the sport and provide wonderful context into the multitude of ways people can get involved in running. The two also highlight the paramount work that organizations like Bandit Races, Ann Arbor Running Company and Ann Arbor Track Club conduct to provide accessible, inclusive and safe opportunities for the community to connect and challenge one another.

The vulnerability train strides forward as Melissa and Christine discuss the value of their tight knit running group, or as they refer to it, their tribe. For the tribe, running is a true sense and feeling of freedom; physically, mentally, but most importantly, emotionally. There is something special about how authentic one can become while running, and the two admit that honestly their tribe is more of a life group that runs, rather than a running group that chats. The conversation then pivots to discussing the significance and physiological benefits of nature and spending time outside. Although this tribe resides in Michigan, you bet your bottom dollar that they hit the trails even in those bone chilling winter months.

The PRP listenership is then regaled with the heartbreaking but inspiring story of Karen McKeachie, who tragically passed away in a biking accident in 2016. Karen, who was a world-class triathlete, athletic pioneer, community leader, and a force of nature is the source of inspiration for what is now the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative. As passionate board members serving to empower this campaign, Melissa and Christine intimately discuss why it has been the privilege of their lifetimes to be involved in this unique opportunity to honor Karen's legacy by helping start a project that focuses on providing safe, scenic and free access to nature and trails in SE Michigan.

What are the six pillars of lifestyle medicine and why should you strongly consider getting familiar and cozy with all of them?! What is the significance of the term, running for world peace? What are phytoncides, and why should you care about them? What on earth is ECMO? How many different forms can mentorship embody?!

This, and SO MUCH MORE in this enlightening, refreshing and encouraging episode of the PRP.

Recorded Sunday June 5th @ 12:00PM EST
2 hr 5 min
June 01, 2022 Lindsay Green & the Bayshore Marathon ft. Adam Hughes
In S2Ep4 of the PRP, Eric babbles with first time marathoner, recent Masters of Public Health Graduate, lifelong Michigander and aspiring culinary artist Lindsay Green who has been preparing for the Bayshore Marathon on Saturday May 28th, 2022. Lindsay shares insight into her unique entry into the running space and explains how being immersed in community of obsessive runners can be both good and bad at times. As someone who doesn't have a tremendous background in youth sports, Lindsay explains how she has gone about preparing herself physically and mentally to harness the self-confidence necessary to tackle such a monumental obstacle.
Adam Hughes, passionate trail runner, aspiring climate activist and Lindsay's better half joins the show as guest host and offers a story or two by way of his lens as Lindsay's coach throughout training camp. Adam shares insight into how he has had the privilege to witness Linds leverage her successes on the pavement & trail into successes in other aspects of her life, and visa versa. Being exposed to ultra running before pavement running through her partner, Linds got a unique peek at diversity and good natured energy of the sport and just like that a seed was planted, "Perhaps I can do this?!"

Linds gets vulnerable and explains how a compounding set of factors lead to a massive training low just weeks out from the race. After months of sweat equity, bloody toes and chaffed skin, however, she has cultivated some serious positive momentum and is determined to push forward. Her belief? You can be a runner, no matter your appearance or your history with being active. Don't let society & social media dictate what body types can and can't be successful in the sport. She has absolutely no apologies for her style of running and is completely ay-ok to go her own pace. Before episode close, Linds shares her appreciation for strava, and explains why for her, it is strictly a platform to encourage her friends & community, not a place for competition or obsessing about data.

What the hell is a mandolin and why should you beware of them?! What's wrong with Lindsay and why does she LOVE to run in Winter?!
What in tarnation is Beaver Butt Vanilla and why should you be aware of it?! What does LTYB mean and why should you care? Ummm why was Lindsay collecting her own poop and examining it for scientific purposes?? Just how enormous are the blisters on both of Lindsay's big toes?!! This, and oh so much more in this light hearted and body positive episode of the PRP.

Recorded Wednesday May 25th @ 6:00PM EST
1 hr 36 min
May 24, 2022 Dan Hughes & the Huron 100 ft. Lauren Hughes
In S2Ep3 of the PRP Adam schemes with seasoned ultra marathoner, emergency veterinarian, life long trail enthusiast and aspiring race director Dan Hughes who has been preparing for the inaugural running of the Huron 100 on May 21st, 2022. The Huron 100 is a 100 mile point to point trail race through the Huron River watershed. The course features 8 different parks throughout Southeast Michigan and highlights all the immaculate beauty the region has to offer. What is so unique about today's episode? This epic course was methodically created and designed by our guest, Mr. Dan Hughes, who has spent the better part of 2 years scouting, adventuring and plotting in the area with hopes of one day making his dream a reality.

Lauren Hughes, budding ultra marathoner, crew chief extraordinaire and Dan's better half, joins the show as guest host an offers her poised insight on just how much time and effort has gone into this project. Lauren humbly displays her stoic approach to life whilst sharing details about how she supports both her daughters and her husband in their life endeavors; provide tools, emotional stability and allow them to make their own decisions and chase the dreams that make them happy.
The PRP listenership is regaled with the tale of how Dan took this project from conception to implementation. How many times did Lauren drop Dan off in the middle of the woods at night and how many emergency trail burrito deliveries have been made over the past 2 years?! Dan provides a lens into his unique life schedule and explains how the craziness of his day-to-day has lead him to his quirky training & race preparation. The pillars of his approach? Run when you have the opportunity, do the running that makes you happy and be open to where life takes you. Dan then shares what he's learned from Strava over the years; broaden your community, follow a larger swath of people and this will ultimately lead to a better relationship with the platform.

Before episode close, Dan provides fascinating insight into what has likely been the the most difficult factor in assembling this course: designing it for a personal project use case vs designing to be a proper and sanctioned race. A river crossing in the middle of the night with a buddy is one thing, but shepherding hundreds of exhausted runners across the Huron River at night safely is a whole different beast. Dan's ultimate plan for inaugural race day? Listen to his body, listen to the earth, and most importantly, listen to his wife.

How many trees is Dan actually friends with? How does Dan flip training lows and turn them into training highs?! How many times did Dan run certain sections of this course to ensure that he was comfortable navigating them on race day? What's next for the Huron 100 and how can YOU get involved in helping build this tremendous event?!?! All of this and oh so much more in this motivating and unique episode of the PRP.

Recorded May 20th @ 12:30PM EST
1 hr 56 min
May 03, 2022 Mina Wageh Ebrahem & the Cocodona 250
In S2Ep2 of the PRP, Adam is enlightened by Egyptian native turned NYC enthusiast, seasoned ultra marathoner and physical therapist Mina Wageh Ebrahem who has been preparing for the Cocodona 250 on May 2nd, 2022. Having just ran Boston only a couple weeks ago, Mina opens up about an injury he sustained last fall and explains how his approach to preparation over the past few months has been different than normal. Mina gets vulnerable and opens up about the struggles he experienced living in NYC during the pandemic; as someone who was working in nursing homes, he credits his tailored history as a distance runner as the primary source fueling his desire to stay and continue to help those in need. The PRP listenership then learns why and how Mina's unique upbringing and personal story has given birth to the holistic way he approaches training and wellness in general. His mantra? Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. If you're not doing this, then stop it!

For the first time in PRP history, no guest host joins the show, which provides ample time for Mina to apprise the audience with his masterclass strategies for scheduling out his calendar year of races. Before COVID, Mina was putting in 15-20 solid race performances a year, a statistic that is equal parts amazing and insane. Mina shares some brilliant stories about how running has become a massive part of his social life as he artfully gabbers about some of his experiences hitting the NYC streets with his running club Orchard Street Runners. Mina then opens up about his relationship with Strava (an app that he was hesitant to start using for years) and discusses why, for him, it is primarily a community platform that extends far beyond the boundaries of running. Strava has given Mina the ability to connect with individuals in an innovative and unique way and he is forever grateful to those responsible for bringing this platform to life.

Mina & Adam get into the race-strategy weeds as Mina tells the tale of his recent top 10 finish at the Bigfoot 200 in August '21. How does he do it?! His approach is a combination of compartmentalizing aid stations and running chapter by chapter along with following these few simple rules: Eat, Drink, Dance and Go! In true-to-Mina form, he then emphasizes the importance of engaging with other runners in the field. In his not-so-humble opinion, if you're not enjoying yourself and building new relationships along the way, you're missing the mark.
What is Mina's secret nutritional ingredient that he never races without? What is Mina's hot take on race prep and why is being over prepared for your race a bad thing? Does Mina hate morning runs?! What is so unique about Mina's first marathon story?! Is Mina's "A goal" for every single race the same, and if so, what is it?! Who were the two beautiful women speaking Arabic that Mina met in the middle of the night in the Moab desert? Ummm, is Mina booking Airbnb's at aid stations during his races based on his course progress? Wait, wait, wait... does Mina not lean on the support of a crew for these epics outings on the trail?!? All of this and SO MUCH MORE in this fulfilling and enlightening 1-on-1 edition of the PRP.

Recorded April 27th @ 10:00PM EST
1 hr 51 min
April 28, 2022 Olivia de Bear & the Eugene Marathon ft. Johnny Crain
In the season 2 premier of the PRP, Adam chats it up with seasoned running enthusiast, aspiring botanist and Wayne State XC Alumni Olivia de Bear who has been preparing for the Eugene Marathon on May 1st, 2022. Olivia gets vulnerable out of the gates as she shares the story of how her recent COVID diagnosis has made the taper period for this race a bit strange. Although she is lucky enough to be in good health and even more impressive, good spirits, she explains her frustration as it relates to losing her "C-card" this close to race day. Olivia shares some insight into her busy but fulfilling career as a PA, and has tips for runners that may be confined to a work schedule that can be a bit unpredictable.

Johnny Crain, former NCAA Division III National Champion and Elliptigo World Champion, joins the show as guest host and offers his earnest and refreshing insight into how running should fit into the grand equation of life. As Olivia's coach, Johnny's main focus is centered around what works for her specifically utilizing a day-to-day approach that places emphasis on her overall wellness as a human being. Control what you can, make the right decisions when given the opportunity and don't sweat the rest, an approach that Johnny has infamously deemed #wickedbonkproof
Olivia takes a deep dive into the vast world of her running community and shares why having such a tight knit group of homies to trot with on a reoccurring basis is so important to her. Whether it be her brothers from other mothers Mikel Gurrea and Nirala Singh that she shares countless miles with, or her husband Kevin who locks things down at the crib while Olivia is gone for 8 hours every Sunday morning - without her crew, she selflessly admits she wouldn't be the runner nor the person she is today. Olivia then takes listeners on a tour of her childhood and explains how, surprisingly, she had very little experience with running or youth sports in general before walking on at Wayne State. For her, having the opportunity to run in college ended up being one of the true gifts of her lifetime, as it opened the door to countless opportunities (including finding her husband) that she is still reaping the benefits from today.
What is Olivia's hot take on Strava and how does she utilize the platform to stay more intimately connected with her running crew?! Can dogs really run 50+ mile weeks?? Ummm why was Olivia converting Youtube videos to mp3 files until just a couple of months ago?! Why did Olivia think her running career was over after the Bayshore marathon in 2015?!?! Is Olivia on a redemption tour trying to break all of her college PR's??? All this, and oh so much more in this amusing and wellness-centered episode of the PRP.
Recorded April 25th @ 7:00PM EST
1 hr 13 min
March 25, 2022 Stephanie Boykin & the Canyonlands Half Marathon ft. Matt Barrett
In this special bonusode of the PRP Adam babbles with first time half marathoner, whimsical dog enthusiast and exuberant nature-lover Stephanie Boykin who has been preparing for the Canyonlands Half Marathon on March 19th, 2022. Although Stephanie only discovered her curiosity for running earlier this calendar year, it is clear she is full steam ahead, writing her own story and not spending any time worrying about what others think. Steph gets vulnerable and shares her insight on how discovering running has enabled her to turn her competitive nature inward on herself, a practice that is further enhancing her ability to mature as an adult. In addition, listeners learn why a recent shift in her professional career has enabled her to balance the grand equation of life. Working from home, not having to answer the phone after hours and slating lunch-time training runs with her dog, Hanni, have all been huge factors in her success & wellness recently.
Matt Barrett, accomplished ultra runner, flourishing mortgage lender and Stephanie's better half joins the show as guest host and offers his even-keeled & zen-like approach towards running. Matt's mantra? Find your own way. From training to nutrition to gear to community, there isn't one single approach that works for everyone. Things get deep with Matt shares he unique outlook on the concept of time and explains how and why he applies this philosophy to running. Life isn't meant to be all positive or all negative; the beauty in life lies in the ebbs and flows and running is a great way to experience that concept in a visceral way.

The PRP listenership is enlightened with the tale of how Stephanie's mindset rapidly changed after simply getting out there for a couple of weeks. Fueled initially by her two sisters "fan-girling" her early runs, she soon realized that there was much more to running than she had ever imagined. Steph gets vulnerable and admits that before running, she wasn't really checking in with herself mentally and emotionally - but running has completely flipped that. Her time on the pavement and trails has provided her with a new instrument to maintain her mental health, and she couldn't be happier about it. Before episode close, Stephanie shares her refreshing outlook and approach to social media whilst explaining her hesitation to jump into the vast world of Strava. For her, keeping her running community intimate and close to home at the moment, is the right move.

Why is Steph decked out from head to toe in highlighter colors?! Who is the hell is Austin and what does he have to do with the PRP? What’s the difference between a kid turd and a cat turd?! What is Matt's hot take on how to train for a half marathon?? What traumatic experience did Steph undergo that has caused her to go #laceless for life?!?! All this and so much more in this jubilant, hilarious and vulgar episode of the PRP.
1 hr 39 min