Running Anthropologist

This episode features Mark Bauman, from Flint area of Michigan, who has recently set the World Marathon streak record for consecutive finishes at the Boston Marathon.

In the bustling world of marathons, where records are made and broken every year under the gaze of cheering crowds and super shoes flamboyantly crash the course, Mark Bauman sets a different course, and tells us about his consistency and keys to training over half a century. He also set the record for completing all Detroit marathons, ever. Despite the remarkable feats and unwavering dedication to the sport, Bauman remains a humble figure, content to let his actions speak louder than words. He categorically shies away from the spotlight, preferring to channel his energy into miles with his long-time running friends and helping new friends get moving in Michigan communities. It's this spirit, coupled with his genuine belief in the goodness of running and others around him, that sets Bauman apart from the crowd. Did I mention that he recently sold his famed running store to three fellow long-time employees for $1.00USD?

As he finished his record-breaking Boston Marathon journey today in the heat of Boston running for another 6 hour finish across the hills and into Copely Square, fueled by the support of his community and the camaraderie of fellow runners and family there to witness it, it might just be time his light shines as one of the last true unsung heroes of the running world. Mark may not seek recognition or accolades, but his legacy of runners filling the streets of Michigan resonates far beyond the finish line. Indeed, his story serves as a reminder of the quiet strength and unwavering dedication that define true greatness, both in character and in running. Please visit www.runninganthropologist.com to read more on this episode or any of our past episodes!

The TCS New York City Marathon is a race like none other, and many train for years in expectation of being able to take part, including this episode's featured guest Blair McConnell of New Zealand, who came as part of the Achilles International Delegation from his home country. Having been thwarted by the pandemic in 2020, he waited three years longer to run his ultimate destination race, and first marathon, through the 5 boroughs: starting in Staten Island and proceeding over the Marzano Bridge into Brooklyn, then the Bronx, Queens and Manhattan. In this episode, we have a few live clips from just before and just after the marathon alongside Anton McLean (his guide from Christchurch) and Mark Lane-Holbert (myself, guide from USA). However the majority of the episode is recorded with Blair a few weeks after the marathon with him back in Christchurch, adding some perspective.

We explore what it's like to join an Achilles Chapter and why he runs with them, how he found his guides, and several high points and considerations of traveling internationally for a marathon. We also discuss some of the challenges of being a visually impaired running in a crowded big city marathon, but juxtapose this with the joy and thrill of immense crowds along the course, including the music and languages of many different cultures represented in NYC along each distinct neighborhood.

We also touch on the phenomenon of Park Runs, true to his recent accomplishment of 100 Park Runs! Finally, we ponder his upcoming adventures and what NYC marathon means for what comes next. Needless to say, both of us were extremely grateful for the opportunity and somewhat in awe of the support and organization NYRRs provided us as part of the Achilles International team. If you would like to explore Achilles International, you can visit their website: https://www.achillesinternational.org/ Here, you'll find chapters around the US and the world, and find out more about both athlete and guide opportunities. Finally, you can link to more articles and photos on our blog site: www.runninganthropologist.com

If you have a corner of running culture you are exploring, share with us on FB or Instagram. Until next time, Happy Running!

Our guest this episode is a talented Physiotherapist and accomplished runner in her own right who has helped many reach their full potential and stay happy and healthy in their running, who also happens to be running a marathon this week! Richelle Weeks specializes in the treatment and prevention of running injuries and has her own practice in Ottawa, Canda. She is trained in Physiotherapy (Masters degree from Dalhousie Univ.), and also holds a degree in Kinesiology degree. Her dual passions of running and Physiotherapy fermented in 2009 as she combined running with her career more intentionally, and began focusing almost exclusively on helping runners achieve their best and avoid injury. She started a popular training program in person and online to help individuals prevent injury, which is how we found her. She also practiced in Goose Bay, Labrador for 10 years at a rural hospital, then in 2018 I moved with her family to Ottawa where I began working in private practice.

As we all know, distance running can strain and damage soft tissue like tendons, ligaments, smaller muscles and nerves. An expert sports physical therapist or physiotherapist can perform soft tissue treatments to relieve swelling and pain in these areas and increase functionality for better running, and can provide elements of strength training and "pre-hab" to prevent injury in problem areas. They may also advise runners on proper form, training methods, strategies for preventing injuries, and proper shoe selection and work with them to develop a plan, tailored to their specific needs, for successful running. This is ideally done in tandem with a trained distance running coach, and in some cases, like today's guest, may be one in the same! She loves finding solutions for others and helping others to become more patient runners, to meet their goals via small pieces in each build. She also helps runners to making running "sustainable, consistent and see the big picture".

We hope that all runners find a Physio or PT they can trust, that specializes in running or can relate as runner to the struggles we have! This episode may be the beginning of the journey. Please feel free to reach out to Richelle with any questions:

Richelle Weeks (@runningwithrichelle)

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/runningwithrichelle/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ottawarunningphysio

Facebook Strength Series:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/4045984508874158

** People need to email me or write on FB to join. It'll be open for another 6 weeks.

Website:

https://ottawarunningphysio.org/

Email Holistic Wellness Physiotherapy: [email protected]

Cross Country, on grassy fields, golf courses, wooded paths, around ponds, in the mud, in the rain, in the snow...

Moving fast and past autumn leaves, wind blows through my hair around each bend as my shoes grip the curved earth.

We raise our spirits as we empty our lungs. I stretch to keep the pace with finish line in sight.

As soon as I cross, I cannot wait to run again.

And I know I am right where I'm meant to be.

By Mark Lane-Holbert

Inspired by Rock Creek Runner

Today's interview is with KJ Karver, a successful high school runner who is starting his collegiate running career at Emory. We had the pleasure of meeting him on Running Anthropologist just before he entered high school, in an interview with his training partner and dad, Marc Karver. Since then, he has won multiple awards and was among the best cross country athletes in the state of Florida, and now seeking to be the best in his NCAA division. He has had several private coaches but still trained and run with his dad often until leaving for university, and this relationship has instilled a sense of dedication, sometimes friendly competition and always a safe place for conversation.

In this interview with Kirin solo, we spend a great deal of time discussing what went right in his high school career, what he learned the hard way, and what he would recommend doing differently. He gives some simple tips that represent a treasure trove of knowledge in training for any age, but especially for the unbounded energy of high school runners. We also touch on some youth specific topics, including the basics of college recruiting and how to think about the process ahead of time. Hope you enjoy this peek into what makes a successful runner transitioning to college, both in attitude and practical skills. We are very grateful and wish KJ luck in all his endeavours! Please visit our blogsite or leave us a message on FB/Instagram, at www.RunningAnthropologist.com

Here are a few resources to read more about cross country in general, from Runners World and Marathon Handbook: https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20825636/cross-country-specific-training-tips/

https://marathonhandbook.com/how-to-train-for-cross-country/

Another great resource for workouts and coaches is LetsRun.com

Until next time, Happy Running!

Do you ever wish you could get a birds-eye view into all the cool stuff going on with trails around the globe? The Trail Running Film Fest thought of just that, and has films from independent filmmakers covering people in every walk(-run) of life! In this episode, the Trail Running Film Festival's executive producer Mathias Eichler and I discuss it all, how it started and he shares about the "why" behind their work. We also discuss how it all comes together, and a bit about the films featured this year.

This year, a focus on diversity both in terms of runners culture and geographic landscapes makes for a beautiful lineup. Many stories and voices that are not traditionally found in the cinema can now be seen in cities everywhere through their host-sponsored Global Tour. Check the website for a location near you, 50+ cities including Tampa Bay's USF in mid-April. After the tour ends at the end of April, one can also purchase a home pass and watch the entire film festival from the comfort of home, if you cannot make it to one of the theater venues.

Mathias also shares his own background and how he got into trail running and fell in love with the pacific Northwest of the US. He gives us the best places to run and some insider tips for how to avoid crowds and find the best trails at two national park areas in Washington state, near Olympia! Below is a quick announcement of what you can expect in the film fest this year:

"The Trail Running Film Festival is back on tour around the world, and coming to somewhere near you for a great night of films, inspiration, and community.

You're invited to celebrate with us running as a universal practice. Come explore our collective and individual potential, and let's pursue our wildest dreams.

We're excited to bring you stories from around the world by filmmakers sharing their work of adventure, inclusivity, wilderness, art, and diversity across the trail and ultra community!

More information at: trailfilmfest.com

You can also of course find us to explore more at our blog site: www.runninganthropologist.com

Learn and share about unique corners of running culture, or your favorite trail runs. Follow & DM @runninganthropologist on IG or Facebook!

Until then, Happy Running!

What is this Ragnar exactly and where does it fit in the running world?

Well, that's a surprisingly difficult question to answer, it turns out... In old norse it means "warrior", yet today it means so many different things to different people, and the experience is not the same from one team to the next either, which heavily depends on the particular location and event. There were over 30 this year to choose from. One thing is the same across them all, "experiencing true camaraderie", according to Ragnar. And lest I forget: you get to run, and see some places you would probably never see by foot.

This included the end-of-the-year Florida Trail Ragnar, which I had the opportunity to participate in December 2nd-3rd, 2022. Could this be an Ultra with a team of 4, or be a marathon with a team of 6, or something more fun with a team of 8?

Yes, yes, and yes. That's one of the reasons Ragnar is so hard to understand from the outside, with so many possibilities and combinations of skill, experience, and speed, each story is unique on the other side of the relay experience. We formed a team of 8 to accomplish the Florida Trail Ragnar in about 24 hours held outside of Tampa Bay at Alafia State Park, but our team dropped down to 7 after an early ankle injury. Those who accepted this challenge included Team Captain Mike Grinnell (interviewed for this episode, Justin Yarbrough, Justin Morris, Joe Bridges, Tito Velasquez, Igor Kornienko and our in-house musician / volunteer, Bob Shea.

In this episode, I interview a veteran team captain to see what it takes and how one gets into this Ragnar thing initially, and keeps it going for years. I also interview a relatively new Ragnar runner who is also volunteering to make coffee and hot cocoa as she keep the troops energized, just around the corner from the all night campfire and exchange zone where one "hands off the baton" between runners. We then talk to one of the organizers facilitating the sprawling event, informing us about topics from Ragnar route setup to "circus travels". And lastly we touch base with a group of folks known as "immortals" (note the norse mythology continuation), as they have earned the title by completing over 12 of these Ragnar events in one year, and find out from them some of their lessons learned and favorites. Forty-five time Ragnar alum Rick Harold told me while cheering on fellow "immortals" that it wasn't really about finishing or times or even running necessarily, but about the community and feeling of challenge accomplishment together, after he had just finished cheering for over 24 hours!

Oh, and there are Road Ragnars and Sprint Ragnars as well. Perhaps more on that in a future episode, when I'm tempted to travel in a team van for 24 hours plus trading non-van time to run in who knows where! To summarize, a quote from Ragnar webpage: "Set a crazy goal. Gather your tribe. Divide and conquer. Bask in the joy of achieving something together that you could never do alone (very true). With more cowbell, baby. Always more cowbell. "

Please reach out and share, connect with us on Facebook or IG: RunningAnthropologist www.runninganthropologist.com

This episode focuses on the work of Terrell Johnson, running-focused author and journalist, founder of The Half Marathoner, which covers the most unique half marathons across the US, and beyond. For many runners, half marathons are much more manageable for goalsetting and running multiple races throughout the year than 26.2. One can for example work in a small, unique half marathon at a national park vacation, or find one in just about any state any weekend of the year!

Tens of thousands of runners read his weekly posts on Substack, contribute and explore for themselves. He is not able to run all of these, but does his homework, and makes it to as many as he can. This episode is less about specific half marathons, and more about the process of researching, writing about and building the community around Half Marathoner over the 17 years. He often focuses on the internal life of runners in his work, and how running helps improve our lives all around. At times, his Substack newsletter reads as not just about half marathons or directly about running at all, but about our shared humanity and what inspires us, that runners also happen to be a part of.

For any aspiring writers, this episode also has some hidden gems. For anyone hoping to run a half marathon, he explains why and how to find a good one- including using his own Substack site weekly to learn and share our own favorites! While this episode is certainly not a how-to guide of half marathons, there are some useful resources in his training plan and half marathoner online community.

Terrell fills a void in those of us searching to find corners of running culture, that is the half marathon is often neglected in articles and writing. In fact, before he started one in 2006, there was not website dedicated to half marathons specifically. Most of the content of his newsletters are completely free, although one can subscribe and get much deeper if you find you like it and want more.

You can find Terrell's The Half Marathoner Substack at www.thehalfmarathoner.com and you can find us on www.RunningAnthropologist.com or IG / Facebook @RunningAnthropologist

Welcome to episode #68, in the middle of the summer training season! It's hot, so here are a few of the topics discussed in this episode to keep you moving!

Logotherapy

The podcast this month is primarily recorded from a talk after my recent recent run-walk pilgrimage in Portugal/Spain along the Camino de Santiago, and outlines how identifying our purpose can help us to have the courage and willingness to begin difficult things, grow and change, in all aspects of life. A few years ago, I set out to answer these questions as I started training in something which would transform the way I see the world: logotherapy. It is the psychology of purpose and meaning-making amidst difficulty. It is especially useful in recovery from past trauma, current suffering and addictions, and is part of many inter-religious chaplains' training.

The Power of Purpose

Many of us have goals and dreams, and maybe even good habits to make them happen. However, research has shown that life purpose and values are much more a director of our actions than these arbitrary goals we set, and our latent higher purpose determines many of our daily habits. In other words, we will live out the actions and attitude that we purposefully choose.

The Ultimate Goal of Recovery and Logotherapy

When we consider our purpose, those on the path of recovery often understand the 12th step as asking, "How can I love fully and be of maximum service to others?", which forms part of our life purpose. However, each person does so in unique ways that only they are capable of, based upon their life experience and values. Some reflection and coaching/guidance from another may be useful in doing so. I have found I'm never disappointed by the results; as a logotherapist, in my coaching, running, teaching and family life. I would love to share this with you...

If you'd like to learn more, please navigate to my Insight Timer Teacher Page https://insighttimer.com/laneholbert, where I have a 3-part course on logotherapy, recovery meditations, and several short Guided Meditations for Runners.

I also invite you to join our Running Anthropologist and Recovery Camino fellowship online www.runninganthropologist.com OR @runninganthropologist on IG/Facebook.

And to check out LIKE THE WIND magazine, "Why We Run", which I like to call the national geographic of running, with photos and stories from across the globe. Our pilgrimage was featured in this upcoming issue #32! www.likethewindmagazine.com

Happy Running & Look forward to seeing you soon along "the way"!

- Mark Lane-Holbert

How can I cultivate and balance energy in my running, and in life? What is mindful running? What is the difference between Tai Chi, Qigong, and other martial arts? All these questions and much more are answered in this interview conducted between Tampa, Florida and Ponte de Lima, Portugal- shortly after our chance meeting while I was on pilgrimage along the "Camino de Santiago". For more about that, listen to upcoming and past episodes on the Camino!

Dr. Larry Cammarata is a self-described "Chi Runner" and Mindful Movement Teacher, which means he applies the eastern traditional concepts of chi energy work to his running, notably techniques of relaxation and energy balance to injury-free running, developed by Danny and Katherine Dreyer. He knows eastern traditions of wellness, and is in fact an instructor of Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong, and has received advanced training in these arts, as well as being a practitioner over the past several decades. In our conversation, we discuss mindfulness practices and the joy of running in the classic methodology of Danny Dreyer, Chi Running, which is described as "a revolutionary approach to effortless, injury free running". Perhaps not completely effortless or now completely new, this method relaxes the body and allows the energy to flow in such a way that posture and mindful movement align, breathing is integrated with ease, and there is overall less stress on the body.

"Mindfulness" has been used much more often in practical ways throughout society in recent years, and applied to many facets of life. Larry is on the peaceful edge of this work, and is encouraged by the movement to slow down and bring awareness to our daily practices, including running, something he fosters in his work and life. He and his wife Linda (RN, RYT) are a dynamic team who also happen to run mindfulness retreats exploring different cultures and places across the globe: www.mindfulnesstravels.com - In his work as a licensed psychologist who specializes in mindfulness-based therapy and education, he includes the science and practice of mindful movement!

If you would like to know more about the above retreats or his ongoing travels and running adventures, Larry welcomes you to reach out through his own website, or link to all the methodologies and info we discuss at the Running Anthropologist blogsite: www.runninganthropologist.com

You can also message or follow us @RunningAntropologist on Instagram and Facebook!

Gretchen Schoenstein has dealt with autoimmune disease questions regularly, and many more, during her battle with several autoimmune disorders in her running lifetime, including one which attacks her lungs. The diagnoses she has received would normally mean an end to distance running, and truth be told she heard this from doctors... However, having a purpose to run 100 half marathons and give back to autoimmune disease research was a worthy enough goal to keep her running, even during the pandemic. And spoiler alert: she made it, just under her 10 year goal! She did so on her own schedule and with the support of an intentional village she has built, and also with intention in every mile.

However, remarkably this is not the most impressive part of Gretchen's life or Gretchen as a person, rather it's her attitude and gratitude which shine through in every word, as she recounts stories and life lessons during this lifelong battle. It is as if running were the tap through which this force de vivre lives and shines, rather than "the answer". In our conversation, we examine how perhaps running is best as a catalyst for community, strength and purpose building, i.e. finding out what running can teach us about life, and vice versa. It has been part of the solution, for her and for me. Among the best interviews I have done at Running Anthropologist, she demonstrates what it means to truly be grateful for each step and each breath, with her mantra "Every mile, every step, counts". She has so many good ones. Below are just a sample of what she shares in the episode.

Tips/Life hacks:

1) Have grace for yourself. Best way to do so? Pause and breathe.

2) Have a light, nimble touch on goals - know that you can pivot when need to.

3) Every. Step. Counts. (as does every mile) With each step is the possibility of joy and awe.

4) Listen to your body - *you* know best. Find that voice that tells you when to push and when to let off the gas.

5) Create your own finish lines - set smaller goals to achieve to keep the momentum going.

Last but not least, there is a worthy cause. She has both fundraised and raised awareness around autoimmune disease and autoimmune system disorders this entire journey, for "Operation Shooting Star" and "Benaroya Research Institute", who are on the cutting edge of treating, research and hopeful for the future of curing autoimmune diseases. Links to both of these organizations, and all the organizations and sponsors mentioned in the podcast can be found below under "services", provided directly by Gretchen (bottom of page).

Gretchen can also be found on her IG account @rungrateful

To read more about fundraising/awareness building efforts specifically and about her struggle and story of finishing an unexpected 100 half marathons journey, I encourage you to go to check out article:

https://www.benaroyaresearch.org/blog/post/one-pandemic-three-autoimmune-diseases-and-100-half-marathons

Please find more links to all resources mentioned at our blogsite: www.runninganthropologist.com

As always, Message us @runninganthropologist on Facebook or Instagram with ideas, inspiration and input!