Run The Riot Podcast

Ever feel stuck? Like you’ve drifted too far off course and don’t know how to get back?

In this Midweek Motivation, we talk about the power of one sentence — and how it can be the spark that changes everything. Inspired by Run the Riot athlete Phil Klinkner, this short episode unpacks the moment he stood still in the woods, took a deep breath, and said out loud:
“Something has to change.”

Whether you’re battling self-doubt, stuck in a rut, or just coasting through your week, this episode reminds you that you don’t need the full plan — you just need a starting point.

That starting point might be a sentence.

Listen to Phil’s full story here: www.theriot.run/philk

In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Christopher Ange from Sulphur, Louisiana. Chris shares his journey from growing up in Lake Charles surrounded by Cajun and Sicilian culture to becoming a passionate ultrarunner and race director.

We talk about:

His early days running the Crescent City Classic with his dad.

Pacing a friend at his first 50K and discovering the trail running community.

Founding the No Man’s Land Trail Run after hurricanes nearly destroyed local trails.

The unique challenges and beauty of running in South Louisiana — humidity, banana spiders, gators, and all!

Balancing family, work as a chemical engineer, and training for ultras.

His experiences at Boston and Houston Marathons, and plans for the 100-mile distance at Lugaroo.

More info: http://www.theriot.run/chrisr

In this episode of Run the Riot, we dive deep into the powerful story of Phil Klinkner, an everyday guy with an extraordinary mindset. From growing up with the nickname "Fatty" to transforming into a determined ultrarunner who finished the Badger 100, Phil’s journey is raw, real, and undeniably inspiring.

Phil opens up about:

His early days growing up in a trailer park in Wisconsin

Discovering confidence through martial arts as a kid

The struggles of post-COVID life, drinking, and feeling stuck

How a wake-up moment during deer season sparked his health transformation

Dropping 65 pounds and changing his life — one disciplined day at a time

Walking 14 miles a day as a mail carrier and training for his first ultra

Tackling his first Badger 100 — and finishing 14th overall!

The emotional toll and healing process of losing his father

How ultrarunning helped him reconnect with his purpose and inspire his family

We also talk about what it’s like to coach someone like Phil, who shows up with discipline, grit, and a positive mindset every single week. His wife Malia and sister were part of his crew, and their support played a big role in making this a team victory.

If you’re feeling stuck in your training, struggling with motivation, or wondering whether it’s too late to change your life — this episode is for you.

Show Link: http://www.theriot.run/philk

Feeling stuck in your training? Wondering if all those miles and early mornings are actually getting you anywhere?

In this episode of Midweek Motivation, I’ll remind you that you’re further than you think — in running and in life.

We’ll talk about:

Why progress often feels invisible until you look back

How to recognize the ground you’ve already covered

The “messy middle” and why it’s where strength is built

A simple exercise to see just how far you’ve really come

Whether you’re chasing an ultramarathon finish line, a personal PR, or just trying to stay consistent, this episode will give you the perspective and encouragement you need to keep going.

Listen in and remember: You’re not where you started — and you’re not finished yet.

Magic Mind!

This week on the Run the Riot Podcast, we’re joined by ultrarunner and ultrarunning coach Jackson Wolf, fresh off the legendary Badwater 135. We catch up with Jackson as he bounces between major ultras, pacing gigs, and planning his next adventures, including new races with Rougarou Running.

Ever had a race—or a life plan—go sideways? You laid out the spreadsheets, packed the drop bags, prepped the fuel… and then something unexpected knocked it all off course?

In today’s Midweek Motivation, we’re talking about the power of planning—and the wisdom of pivoting.

Coach David Theriot dives into:

• Why a solid plan shows discipline and intention

• Real-world ultrarunning examples of when a plan breaks down

• What we can learn from Cam Ridley’s support of Angela Smith at the Prairie Spirit 100

• How to adjust in the moment without panicking

• When pivoting is strength—not weakness

• Life lessons from training, racing, and even the Midnight Madness 100 he’s jumping into

Whether you’re running your first 50K or trying to hold your life together through unexpected turns, this one’s for you. Remember: Plans are powerful—but clinging to them too tightly can run you into the ground. The best runners—and the strongest people—know when it’s time to adapt

Links & Resources

• Listen to the full episode with Cam Ridley: www.theriot.run/camr

• Need a coach for your next big race? Let’s talk — www.theriot.run/coaching

Ever had a race—or a life plan—go sideways? You laid out the spreadsheets, packed the drop bags, prepped the fuel… and then something unexpected knocked it all off course?

In today’s Midweek Motivation, we’re talking about the power of planning—and the wisdom of pivoting.

Coach David Theriot dives into:

• Why a solid plan shows discipline and intention

• Real-world ultrarunning examples of when a plan breaks down

• What we can learn from Cam Ridley’s support of Angela Smith at the Prairie Spirit 100

• How to adjust in the moment without panicking

• When pivoting is strength—not weakness

• Life lessons from training, racing, and even the Midnight Madness 100 he’s jumping into

Whether you’re running your first 50K or trying to hold your life together through unexpected turns, this one’s for you. Remember: Plans are powerful—but clinging to them too tightly can run you into the ground. The best runners—and the strongest people—know when it’s time to adapt

Links & Resources

• Listen to the full episode with Cam Ridley: www.theriot.run/camr

• Need a coach for your next big race? Let’s talk — www.theriot.run/coaching

In this episode of Run the Riot, we hang out with Cam Riddle, a passionate strength coach who's making a difference in the ultrarunning world—without running ultras himself! Cam brings years of experience from the private and collegiate strength and conditioning world and shares how he’s now applying his knowledge to help ultrarunners build stronger, more resilient bodies.

We first met Cam while he was crewing ultrarunner Angela Smith at the Prairie Spirit 100. From the jump, his excitement for the sport and love for people was evident. Cam talks about how he got involved in ultrarunning through an athlete he worked with previously and how that opened the door to coaching Angela Smith for her amazing 100-mile finish at the Prairie Spirit 100 in Kansas.

Cam breaks down:

Why ultrarunners need more than just miles—hello, glutes and core!

His approach to balancing runcoaching with strength programming

How individualized training can make or break race day performance

What it’s like being on the sidelines of an ultra and watching grit in real time

Lessons from crewing, cramping, and crawling (sometimes literally)

Whether you're a new ultrarunner or a seasoned ultrarunning coach, you'll appreciate Cam's insight, humor, and heart for helping others succeed. This episode is all about community, compassion, and crushing goals.

Be sure to check out Cam's social media: Cam on Instagram

If you're looking to improve your own ultrarunning strength, visit our coaching page at Run the Riot Coaching.

More From this Episode: http://www.theriot.run/camr

You wouldn’t walk into a job interview without practicing your answers… so why would you show up to race day without testing your gear, your fuel, and your mindset?

In this Midweek Motivation episode, David breaks down why your long run isn’t “just another Saturday” — it’s your dress rehearsal for the big day. You’ll hear how to use those miles to prepare wisely and avoid avoidable mistakes. From shoes to stomach issues, from pacing to pre-run routines — this one’s all about being intentional so you can be confident when it counts.

What You’ll Learn:

Why every long run is a chance to simulate race day

The key things you must test before race day (gear, fuel, timing, mindset)

How to use your long runs to build pacing strategy and mental toughness

A bonus tip that can help reduce pre-race anxiety

One-Liner Takeaway:

Train like it’s race day — so race day feels like just another well-prepared run.

Why do we run from pain? In this Midweek Motivation, we talk about how pain isn’t your enemy—it’s your invitation to growth and purpose. Hear how ultrarunner Sean Rowe turned a health crisis into a life of meaning, running, and giving back.

Whether you’re facing a tough workout, a setback in life, or just feel stuck, this episode will remind you: the fire that burns is the fire that builds.

We talk about:

Why comfort can keep you stuck

How pain clarifies your real priorities

The role of resistance in growth—on the run and in life

How to connect your pain to a greater purpose

Real examples from ultrarunning and everyday life