RaceMob - Running Together Podcast

#015 - Tes Sobomehin Marshall is an incredible human being who would be successful in any industry that you’d put her in.  She has this innate ability to connect, and the hard work and determination to see things through.  Luckily for us - she found a passion for running, and has inspired tens of thousands to get active.

From starting the Atlanta Chapter of Black Girls Run, to creating The Running Nerds, and even her own race series Run Social.

More recently - she’s spearheaded The Race - a half-marathon, 5K, and bike ride that’s focused on supporting minority owned businesses.  The course normally goes through predominately black neighborhoods - although this year it is entirely virtual.  It also includes a series of panel discussions to talk about social justice and change.  And Tes was gracious enough to invite Coach B and me to speak during one of those discussions - which was incredible.  Especially in this time of social unrest, in a city at the heart of so much tension - what Tes is doing to open the dialogue and help bring change awe-inspiring.

It’s so cool to see the evolution of Tes - from basketball coach, to runner, run club coordinator, race director, and now community leader -- and soon to be brew master.  All of the shownotes can be found online at https://racemob.com/podcast - and without further ado, here’s our conversation

#014- We are extremely excited to welcome Seth James DeMoor to the Podcast.  Bertrand and I are true fans of Seth’s, and especially his YouTube Channel - where he’s been vlogging daily since 2015.  His channel really took off after he started focusing the content around running, and he’s built an incredible community - the DGR community.

Seth just surpassed 100,000 subscribers on YouTube - a feat usually reserved for celebrities - and to see a running expert hit that mark is really exciting.  If you’ve checked out Seth’s channel at all, then you’re going to love this conversation.

Seth’s known for some bumper sticker phrases such as “Butter My Bread”.  A reference to the cinnamon butter at Texas Roadhouse, life being good, and hard work paying off.  During races, he often writes phrases in permanent marker on his wrist to remind him to dig deep during the hard times.  He repeats technical mantras like "head up, pump the arms, and quick feet."

Not only is Seth a dynamic personality, and caring individual - he’s an incredible athlete.  He’s a 2:23 marathoner - even though he ran his first marathon last year, and has only competed in two of them.  He holds the FKT (fastest known time) on several trails throughout Colorado.  He’s represented the U.S. in the Mountain World Running Championships.  And he was fresh off winning the Pike’s Peak Marathon - a grueling ascent and descent marathon that climbs and descends 7,000 feet.  A marathon that his dad has competed in, and which holds a special meaning to him.

Seth’s an extremely busy guy, and we’re so thankful to spend some time with him.  Plus - it’s always great meeting up with a fellow University of Colorado Buffalo!  I really hope that you enjoy this conversation.

#013 - This is the episode where we flip the microphone back on me.

We dive into my background and why my parents and sister have provided constant motivation, and are a driving force behind my successes.  We talk about how my dog Kiah (short for Macchiato), helped me discover running - and literally changed my life.  From overweight and self-conscious to living a healthier and happier life.  And the many, many lessons learned along the way.

It was this transformation that inspired me to create RaceMob - because to accomplish great things it takes support - luckily I have the support of my wife - but the support of a community can be so powerful, it helps to have guidance from experienced athletes, and what good are these amazing accomplishments unless you can share the stories - and inspire the next generation.  

Because all it takes is one step, one little change - something small - in my case - taking the dog on a walk - to begin the fitness journey.

#012 - Avalos Siblings
Introduction
We’re excited to welcome the Avalos siblings to the podcast.  Ray, Anthony, and Bre are some of the fastest and most accomplished runners you will find.  Ray and Anthony have marathon times in the 2:40s and Bre has a marathon PR of 3:01.

For these siblings, long distance running was something that they found after becoming adults, but it was their athletic background, hard work, and determination that allowed them to really excel at the sport.

The three siblings not only qualified for Boston, but they were able to run Boston together - and they share stories from the event as well as all the training leading up to qualifying and competing against each other.  If you’re looking to decrease your marathon times, and possibly qualify for Boston - stick around to the end of the conversation.  All three siblings give great tips for runners from beginners to advanced.  We had so much fun, so I really hope that you enjoy the conversation.   

During this discussion, we talk about:
- 3:27 - What childhood was like for the Avalos Siblings, growing up a soccer family, athletes as relatives, and youth sports
- 14:29 - Specific training that Ray had to help Bre in Track workouts
- 16:36 - Anthony's soccer journey which led him to Norway
- 19:58 - How the siblings got into running, and the first races
- 24:16 - How Ray was able to knock off big chunks of time in his training, and how the siblings motivated each other
- 28:18 - Why Bre's training was much different than her brothers
- 34:55 - How Ray qualified and was the first to go to Boston.  Plus his Boston experience which included help from a stranger
- 38:52 - How Antony started to train for Boston, and how his soccer career helped him into a BQ time
- 42:13 - How Bre trained and qualified in the months after graduating college
- 46:12 - The Boston Experience, and what it was like to have the whole family together
- 52:24 - Other running goals for the Avalos Siblings, including races that they love, and those that they're looking forward to
- 1:02:50 - The tips that each would give to runners who are looking to one day qualify for Boston

Links Talked About During this Show
- RaceMob Show Notes
- Bre's Instagram
- Anthony's Instagram
- Ray's Instagram

We’re excited to welcome Carlo Facchino of the Mermaid Series.  The Mermaid Series features women’s running, duathlon, and triathlon events.  And now spans three states - California, Washington, and my home state of Colorado.  

The Mermaid series is known for their welcoming atmosphere, and providing a safe zone for many beginners to complete their first event.

During the interview you’ll hear about Carlo’s passion for helping beginner athletes in running and those dipping their toes into a triathlon, the secret sauce - and what’s kept Mermaid thriving for over 16 years, his most memorable and inspirational stories from the course, the expansion of the Mermaid brand into other states, and how Mermaid’s response to the pandemic.

This recording took place a short time after Carlo’s mom passed away, and he was gracious enough to still do the recording - and even shared some fond memories of his mom’s involvement with their latest virtual challenge.

Carlo was also generous enough to supply us entries for a Mermaid Giveaway!  The winner will be able to select between a virtual run, duathlon, triathlon, or challenge.

Enter the Giveaway!
https://racemob.com/mermaid

Subscribe to our podcast - to make sure that you don’t miss our giveaways.  If we get enough entries - we’ll make this a regular thing.  So tell your friends as well!

#010 - It's an honor to welcome Verity Breen to the podcast.  Verity has been racing competitively for over 30 years - and has won many prestigious races.  We’re talking about big events like the being Australian Marathon Champ, Australian 50k road race champ, being selected to the Australian Prime Ministers 5, and events like the Nike Women’s marathon, Maui Marathon, and US Half Marathon.

After transitioning from triathlons to running - Verity has won events at nearly every distance from cross country to 50ks.  And she continues to set the bar by winning races in her 50s.  We’re not talking about age group champ - she’s outright crushing competitors 30 years her junior.

On top of that, she’s fun and spunky - and will give you her trademark “beep beep” - if she’s about to zoom by you on the trail.  This is just a fun - all-encompassing conversation - and honestly, we could have just kept going. 

In fact - we have some bonus conversation and material that we'll likely include in the future.  If you want exclusive access to it - just sign up for our email list

#009 - The Big Sur International Marathon has been named to nearly every “Top Marathon” list in existense, and is a famous bucket list race for most runners. Today we dive behind the scenes at this historic event with Race Director Doug Thurston and Marketing/Communications Manager Hilary Fujii.

While you might not clock your best time - due to the steep nature of the course - you will have the best time because of the scenic view of Highway 1 on this one way course. I’ve run 3 marathons in my life - and I’m proud to say that Big Sur was one of them.

In today’s episode, we get to talk about the history of the Big Sur International Marathon. We peel back the curtain on some of the stories runners aren’t usually privy to, including life on the back of a media truck, how the piano gets to Bigsby Bridge, and the origins of the famous strawberry aid station.

Plus we dive into the extreme challenges they’re facing with the pandemic. Especially as a 501(c)3 organization - how they’ve stayed true to their charter. We also dive into the decision to pay the runners a generous restitution - where many other organizations would have simply kept the money.

We’re also excited to help them promote The Big Surreal Challenge! This is a really fun virtual event that is 5 challenges in one. You’ll be able to run the majority of the distances offered during the Big Sur weekend from a 5k, 12k, 11 mile, 21 mile, and marathon - throughout the month of September. The more races you complete, the better the swag that you can take home. And Big Sur has some of the coolest swag around. Plus there will be all sorts of Virtual Encouragement along the way. Coach B and I are both entered - so we hope to see you online.

#008 - In this episode, Running Revolution store owner Chris Schenone joins the podcast.  We chat about his running background, favorite races, and most cherished memories.

We also get deep into shoes including:

• How 95% of customers coming into his stores are in the wrong size, and how to fix that
• Why going to a store is so beneficial, especially for new runners
• The different foot strikes for a pronator and supinator, and what that means for your shoes
• Why you might want to get your foot measured every time you're ready for new shoes
• How Nike Vaporflys have changed the game, and what it feels like to run in $250+ shoes
• The rise of Hoka One One from one of the first stores to carry the brand, and interesting anecdotes
• How the pandemic has impacted Running Revolution, and what they're focused on right now.

Check out all of the show notes online at https://racemob.com/podcast/running-revolution

#007 - During the pandemic, many race organizers have had to deal with finding a new format.  While many have followed a cookie cutter approach, Greg and team are pioneering a new concept.

Open Course Racing

A concept that has the legs to survive well past COVID-19 regulations.  The course is mapped out using GPS coordinates, and runners run the actual race - on their own schedule, in their own time.

The concept truly speaks to the trail running community.  Trail runners can spend hours finding and mapping the perfect route, before hitting the trail.  Now, Greg's team has done all of that work for you.

To launch the Open Course Racing concept, Greg and his team have mapped out 70 segments spanning 370+ miles throughout the Bay Area.  And it all seamlessly syncs with your GPS watch or phone app using a PWR Lab account.

It a great concept, supported by an amazing community - and Greg believes that it will be around for years to come.  He will offer it as a complement to his live events - for those that want to run the same course, but simply can't make it on race day weekend.

In this episode, we also dive into:

• Greg's history as a runner and race director
• Chat about some funny stories about his Western States 100 miler experience
• Talk about Greg's single proudest achievement in running (and it's not about himself)
• Go into Greg's involvement with youth sports
• Talk about Pacific Coast Trail Runs
• Deep dive into the TOGETHERelay, and Kevin's experience during the soft launch

#006 -Chris has always been fit.  Growing up, Chris was a highly regarded track and field athlete and a college football player. After college, he became an accomplished PE instructor and personal trainer. 

But, it wasn’t until his forties when a run changed his identity forever. In this episode, we talk about Chris’s physical gifts, what drives him during 30-mile Spartan Ultra obstacle course events, how a marathon changed his life forever, and of the 40 Spartan races he ran last year, which one he recommends the most. 

We also talk about his work teaching PE to special education students, and the special program that ties his races with his students.