Meet Rob Dalto, Six-Star finisher, Abbott ambassador, and running community builder.

When Rob's dad was battling cancer in 2017, running marathons with his sister, Nicole, became a way for his family to bond together. His dad enjoyed watching them race and they made him a big part of their Six-Star journey. And though he didn't make it to their finish line, Rob runs with his dad's name—Joseph—on his singlet, and uses running as a way to honor and stay connected with him.

Rob has run all 5 Abbott Majors in 2023 and only needs to finish off his hometown race in NYC to complete an Abbott Slam. There are currently only 84 runners in the world who have completed one, and around 10 on the Abbott Slam journey this year, hoping to join this illustrious group after NYC.

Rob had a breakthrough day in Chicago, ripping a 2:56 PR, fueled by a powerful letter his dad sent in 2017 sharing how inspired and proud he was of Rob and Nicole's running journeys.

Rob works hard to engage in the community—doing workouts with a multitude of groups, performing sweat tests for runners to help them understand fueling, and trying to give back to the sport that brings him so much joy.

Huge thanks to Rob for bringing such positive energy!

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast or write a review and share feedback wherever you get your podcast groove on.

Connect With Rob:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuitofperformance__

All Other Links: https://linktr.ee/pursuitofperformance__

Connect With Ron:

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronrunsnyc

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runchats_with_ronrunsnyc

Facebook: https://fb.me/runchats

Website: https://ronrunsnyc.com

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

Social: https://www.instagram.com/_margittai

© 2023 Ron Romano

Meet Natalie Dau, best-selling author, ultra runner, and travel/lifestyle content creator extraordinaire!

We discussed the origin of 'Run Like a Woman', why it's such an important topic, and the amazing response it has received.

We also dive into Natalie's drive, energy, and upcoming passion projects that fuel her fire, as well as her 'why', and how she keeps going in ultra and life when things get really hard.

Natalie shared some great tips on how to start your fitness journey, make small steps, and keep going.

Huge thanks to Natalie for bringing such positive energy!

This convo is also on IG Live for anyone interested in watching: https://www.instagram.com/p/CxDeLT9uf6o/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast or write a review and share feedback wherever you get your podcast groove on.

Connect With Natalie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstararms

Website: https://www.nataliedau.com

Run Like a Woman: https://www.amazon.com/Run-Like-Woman-Cycle-Based-Performance/dp/B0C6VZ2PTW

Connect With Ron:

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronrunsnyc

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runchats_with_ronrunsnyc

Facebook: https://fb.me/runchats

Website: https://ronrunsnyc.com

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

Social: https://www.instagram.com/_margittai

© 2023 Ron Romano

Meet Teddy Levarda, Licensed Acupuncturist at Morningside Acupuncture M.S., L.A., Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM)

Teddy joined me for a FUN and informative IG Live RunChat, where we discussed the value of utilizing dry needling, acupuncture to treat chronic pain, running, and sports injuries.

Teddy & Morningside are well known in the NYC running community for helping runners work through and solve challenging injuries and keeping us out there pursuing our big goals and dreams.

We discussed and learned Teddy & Morningside's origin story, the most common types of running injuries acupuncture and dry needling can address, how Teddy has personally helped me through a bout of ITB Syndrome, and other various ailments over the past two years.

This is the second of my Summer Series RunChats with running practitioners focused on keeping runners healthy and on the roads! Hope you all enjoy the listen!

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast or write a review and share feedback wherever you get your podcast groove on.

Connect With Teddy & Morningside Acupuncture:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morningsideacupuncturenyc

Website: https://www.morningsideacupuncturenyc.com

All Other Links: https://linktr.ee/morningsideacupuncturenyc

Connect With Ron:

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronrunsnyc

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runchats_with_ronrunsnyc

Facebook: https://fb.me/runchats

Website: https://ronrunsnyc.com

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

Social: https://www.instagram.com/_margittai

© 2023 Ron Romano

Sara Girotto on mindset, learning, and working with her coach Steve Hranilovich to accept "I Belong" in the American Development Corral—along with CRUSHING a 2:55 Chicago Marathon and winning her Age Group in a World Marathon Major.

For every runner out there that has gotten a late start, Sara's inspiring journey is for you!

After moving to the US from Italy, the family ran a 5K together and she was hooked. In her mid-30s with no background in the sport, she had some remarkable results early on—running a 3:06 debut marathon! But running all her runs at the same tempo pace and distance led to some setbacks.

After meeting her coach Steve Hranilovich at a race, they started working together—adding structure to her training and he helped Sara work on her mindset after struggling with imposter syndrome at USATF Masters Championship races to slowly believing she belonged.

This successful partnership has helped Sara become a 4X USATF AG National Champion and set PRs of 18:18 5K, 1:01 10M, 1:24 1/2M, and 2:55 Marathon in 2022.

We discussed: adjusting to living in the US, where her drive comes from, mindset, imposter syndrome, working through injuries, Master's running, mantras, gratitude, her 'Stay In the Fight Moment', being open, and more.

There are SO many lessons to unpack in this one! Hope you all enjoy the listen!

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast or write a review and share feedback wherever you get your podcast groove on.

Connect With Sara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my.happy.places.paces

Connect With Ron:

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronrunsnyc

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runchats_with_ronrunsnyc

Facebook: https://fb.me/runchats

Website: https://ronrunsnyc.com

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

Social: https://www.instagram.com/_margittai

© 2023 Ron Romano

Meet Dr. Gaby Go, sports & performance physical therapist, run & injury prevention coach, Boston Marathon qualifier, and founder of Go Run Stronger.

Gaby joined me for a FUN and informative IG Live RunChat, where we discussed the value of adding PT and strength training to your running to be the strongest, best version of yourself.

We had a well-engaged audience and Gaby did a great job answering questions!

Other topics included the role nutrition plays in injury (and injury prevention), the importance of getting regular blood work done (shoutout Inside Tracker) the value of supplements (like Previnex) can play in getting that dialed in for peak performance.

Gaby recently launched Go Run Stronger to help runners reach their goals without injury. They will be offering monthly subscriptions to strength and rehab programs, 1:1 premium run & strength coaching, physical therapy services, and more!

This is the first of my Summer Series RunChats with running practitioners focused on keeping runners healthy and on the roads. Hope you all enjoy the listen!

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast or write a review and share feedback wherever you get your podcast groove on.

Connect With Gaby:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.gabygo

Go Run Stronger: https://gorunstronger.com

All Other Links: https://linktr.ee/drgabygo

Connect With Ron:

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronrunsnyc

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runchats_with_ronrunsnyc

Facebook: https://fb.me/runchats

Website: https://ronrunsnyc.com

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

Social: https://www.instagram.com/_margittai

© 2023 Ron Romano

Meet Lauren Hagans, the 2024 Grandma's Marathon Champion, who made a sensational marathon debut, scorching a 2:25:55—running the fourth-fastest U.S. debut of all time!

Though Lauren has coached many marathoners—and is surrounded by strong, NAZ Elite rockstar marathoning teammates who shared helpful nuggets—this was truly uncharted territory.

"You never get to a starting line by yourself! Little pieces of magic were shared with me at moments of doubt along the way to my first marathon. They helped me develop trust."

We discussed:

-Her build—Lauren was concerned about pushing her mileage too high due to past injuries, so her coaches built her a plan that played to her strengths

-Mentors/coaches who've had an impact—Todd Harbour at Baylor, Ben Rosario, Jenna Wrieden

-Her most meaningful races—1:09:46 4th-place finish debut at the USATF Half Marathon Championships

-Her perfectly executed Grandma's race plan and how awesome it was to share the joy with her coach Jenna at the finish line.

-Her "stay in the fight" moment

-And what’s next

Lauren has competed in 3 Olympic Trials on the track and is stoked to compete in the marathon trials in February. She is hoping to rock a fast half at Valencia before then.

I'm looking forward to following more of her inspiring journey!

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast or write a review and share feedback wherever you get your podcast groove on.

Connect With Lauren:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haagendazs_86

Connect With Ron:

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronrunsnyc

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runchats_with_ronrunsnyc

Facebook: https://fb.me/runchats

Website: https://ronrunsnyc.com

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

Social: https://www.instagram.com/_margittai

© 2023 Ron Romano

Meet Bruce Raymer, 4x Canadian Champion, 7x National Team member, and the 1999 Ottawa Marathon Champion—where he broke through and ran his PB of 2:22!

Bruce traveled the world racing as a pro and later as an elite Masters runner, before retiring at age 42 due to nagging Achilles issues. However, his competitive fire still burned bright and he turned to cycling five years ago, and is now focused on time trialing—and just last weekend earned 3rd place at the Canadian Masters Time Trial Championships!

We discussed:

-The impact legendary Canadian coach and mentor, Paul Poce, had on his running journey and how that led him to coaching to share his experiences to help runners find their best and give back to the sport that had given him so much.

-How his dad introduced him to running and shaped his work ethic, drive, and stay-in-the-fight spirit.

-The importance of mindset and how he coaches his athletes to get comfortable being uncomfortable to perform at their best.

-Bruce's amazing experiences racing in Japan at Fukuoka, Tokyo, Ekiden, and our mutual love of their incredible passion for our sport.

Bruce has had such an inspiring journey! I really enjoyed our convo and I'm grateful for the many lessons and experiences shared—and for Bruce's candor on some personal struggles!

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast or write a review and share feedback wherever you get your podcast groove on.

Connect With Bruce:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runthe7

Website: https://raymerrunning.com

Connect With Ron:

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronrunsnyc

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runchats_with_ronrunsnyc

Facebook: https://fb.me/runchats

Website: https://ronrunsnyc.com

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

Social: https://www.instagram.com/_margittai

© 2023 Ron Romano

Meet Angela Maciocia, an inspiring elite Canadian Masters runner from Montreal.

"You're Built From Hard Things" is the title of this episode and it perfectly personifies Angela's fire, drive, and spirit.

She was in severe pain running the Chicago Marathon and her husband and coach, Bruce Raymer, pulled her off the course at 29K—where she left on crutches, with a 50% plantar fascia tear and a broken heart.

Angela kept the faith through some dark moments—grinding long hours on pool runs and on the elliptical, with a team of therapists to help her rebuild physically, and a mindset coach to build her up mentally.

Fast forward 7 months: Angela rocked a 39:19 at the Canadian 10K Champs on a super hot day—good for 1st place in her age group and 6th female Masters—putting into practice everything she's been working on.

Angela is inspired by her autistic son, Noah, and the many obstacles and challenges he's overcome. Her Stay In the Fight Moment:

"Advocating for Noah every day—that time period, those ten years, shaped me into who I am now."

Angela credits her mom for instilling her fierce work ethic, drive, and fire; and her husband/coach, Bruce, who changed her approach to training and passionately believes that her best racing days are ahead.

Angela had a 23-year career as an adult educator, working with adults with disabilities. She regularly communicates with autistic parents to help guide them as a way to give back and is super grateful for the magical team of people that support her running journey: Raymer Running, Physiomentum, Kevin Longpre, Dr. Sean Landry, Sports Specialists, and West Island Therapy Centre.

I hope you're all inspired by Angela's incredible journey!

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast or write a review and share feedback wherever you get your podcast groove on.

Connect With Angela:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelamaciocia

Website: https://raymerrunning.com

Connect With Ron:

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronrunsnyc

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runchats_with_ronrunsnyc

Facebook: https://fb.me/runchats

Website: https://ronrunsnyc.com

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

Social: https://www.instagram.com/_margittai

© 2023 Ron Romano

Meet Anna Rohrer, former 8x All-American for Notre Dame and 5x high school national champion whose running has been on fire of late. In the Boston marathon, Anna finished first among the masses, clocking a sensational time of 2:30:52—a personal best of nearly 6 minutes—and placed 22nd overall.

Just 19 days later, she shattered the course record and achieved a new PR of 1:11:31, winning the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in Indy—all while receiving tremendous local support.

After graduating in 2020, Anna transitioned to professional running and joined the B.A.A's High Performance Team. However, recurring back pain compelled her to take a break from the team, focusing on allowing her mind and body to heal.

During this time, she worked on training by effort, avoiding the track, and rediscovering the joy in her running. Collaborating with local physical therapists, Anna realized she was overly reliant on her hamstrings and lower back, prompting her to rewire her movement patterns to engage her glutes more effectively.

Anna's Stay In the Fight Moment:

Not even two broken feet and being wheelchair-bound for part of her junior year of high school could stop Anna from coming back and winning her 2nd Foot Locker Championship.

"I just really had this feeling in me that it was something I needed to see through. The way that it has been able to be used for so much more good in the future has just uncovered itself so much throughout the years. To see it come full circle in a lot of different ways and then years down the road of being able to be that mentor, be that voice for other people is the reminder of why I stayed in the fight and then also why I want to continue to do so now when I face challenges."

Anna's unwavering determination and sense of purpose guided her through difficult times and she now sees the value in using her experiences to inspire and mentor others as a mindset coach.

Anna's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and staying in the fight as she continues to overcome challenges and inspire others along the way!

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast or write a review and share feedback wherever you get your podcast groove on.

Connect With Anna:

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarohrer97

Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachannarohrer

Website: https://www.next-level-racing.com

Connect With Ron:

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronrunsnyc

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runchats_with_ronrunsnyc

Facebook: https://fb.me/runchats

Website: https://ronrunsnyc.com

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

Social: https://www.instagram.com/_margittai

© 2023 Ron Romano

2x 5000M Olympian and former podcast guest (Episode 71), Kim Conley returns to RunChats to discuss the launch of Next Best Run. Kim and her coach/husband Drew are building an exciting, personalized online coaching service and community for runners.

This conversation is from an IG live I hosted with Kim. We focused on the positive community they're aiming to build and her plan to connect with more runners at major races on Kim's calendar.

Since the launch, they've been sharing their athletes' success stories and journeys and have added NAZ Elite pro Lauren Hagans and Devin Elizondo as coaches.

I'm SUPER excited to watch them continue to build their community and I hope you all enjoy the listen!

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast or write a review and share feedback wherever you get your podcast groove on.

Connect With Kim & Next Best Run:

Kim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kfconley

Next Best Run on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/next_best_run

Website: https://nextbestrun.com

Connect With Ron:

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronrunsnyc

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runchats_with_ronrunsnyc

Facebook: https://fb.me/runchats

Website: https://ronrunsnyc.com

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

Social: https://www.instagram.com/_margittai

© 2023 Ron Romano