The Extra Mile - The Official Charity Miles Podcast

On this episode of The Extra Mile, I'm joined by my buddy Lars Rasmussen as we take a noisy run through the very cool Brooklyn Navy Yard. Lars is the co-founder and CTO of Weav Run, an app of adaptive music who's unique technology seamlessly adapts a song's tempo between 100-240 BPM's — all without lessening the quality of the song. This new music format allows artists endless possibilities in designing how a song should sound, feel, and respond to a listener's movements.

It's perfect for running.

Simply put, the faster you run, the faster the music plays to match your steps. It holds a library of 400 songs from artists like The Backstreet Boys, Chainsmokers, Mariah Carey, Camilla Cabello, and hundreds more. Weav also works with artists and their labels to make sure the music works at different speeds and always sounds good.

The app started in the bedroom (don't worry, we keep it PG) when Lars and his wife brought in a metronome to enhance the...activities. A bit bored by the monotonous tick-tock, Lars - a software engineer by trade- decided to find the technology to speed up and slowdown music which they felt would be a more interesting alternative with the same effect. Knowing he was onto something, Lars put aside the "bedroom activity" idea and turned his focus on building something bigger. Thus, Weav was born, as was Lars' love for running.

Lars wasn't a runner when he created the app. But developing a running app, he knew he needed to start. When he began to study the sport, he quickly fell in love with it as he learned it's not just your legs, it's a whole body experience. Like children who love to run around, connecting with something that comes naturally, has brought a new love into his life. Second to his wife, of course.

Did I mention Lars was one of the founders of Google Maps? Yeah, you're going to want to listen to this brilliant man's story.

#EveryMileMatters

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The Balanced Runner

On this episode of The Extra Mile Podcast, I finish up the last of our 2019 New York City Marathon series on a walk with my new friend Bishoy Tadros. Bishoy ran the marathon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with a goal of raising 100K for the organization. He has run multiple marathons, triathlons, and even written a book. But his greatest feat is beating Leukemia as a child, including needing brain surgery at 13 years old.

Bishoy was born in Egypt and diagnosed with Leukemia at 3 years old. Upon receiving his diagnosis his parents quickly packed up their home and emigrated to the US with the hopes of finding the best possible treatment for Bishoy.

Growing up as a sick child in a foreign country was really hard for young Bishoy. He never felt like he fit in in any capacity. As a result, he developed a mindset and mantra that would carry him through his loneliest times, through graduating from college in the midst of the 2009 financial crisis and wanting to work in banking, and through completing his first triathlon despite hating swimming and cycling on a hybrid bike. His mantra? Break barriers.

Bishoy's heart for what he does is genuine and pure. So much so, that when he decided to run his first marathon and chose the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as his charity, he had never shared his story. He had never felt his story was special, it was just his life. He was doing it all for himself.

But with a push from his mentor, he began to share his story and set a fundraising goal far beyond what he thought he could reach.

I'm always interested in hearing what it is that gets people to raise money for charities. I want to understand the mindset so that I can support it better when I meet people who are resistant to fundraising. So I really wanted to pick Bishoy's brain about his mental journey from setting an original goal of $3,000 to his current one of $100K.

His story is truly inspiring, and I hope that in listening to it, some of you who might be hesitant about sharing your story or asking your friends to support a cause will get the push you need to get out there and be shameless. You never know who is listening. And you never know who will be willing to support.

I want to shout out our friends at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for introducing me to Bishoy. And, of course, to Bishoy himself for taking some time to share his story with the world.

#EveryMileMatters #BreakBarriers

Today on the Extra Mile, we're back at the Javits Center in New York City where I spent some time with my buddy Brian Kendrick as he stepped into his first Marathon Expo for his first-ever marathon run.

As I've mentioned previously, this year I trained for the marathon with an awesome group called The Brooklyn Track Club, which was where Brian and I met. If you don't know The Brooklyn Track Club and you're a runner in New York City, I highly recommend you check them out. Training with them was so fun and kept me focused, motivated, and making awesome new running friends like Brian.

I knew that I wanted to interview someone for the podcast who was running their first marathon. I've been wanting to capture that buzzing feeling of stepping into the Expo, getting your first number, and experiencing the energy of the space for the first time. So when I asked if this was anyone in our group's first marathon and Brian raised his hand, I thought, "Great! Mission accomplished." Turns out Brian has a really interesting story, too. Double-win!

Back in March, Brian was in San Diego for a conference and was jumped outside of his hotel. The attack resulted in a long hospital stay and metal plate in his face. It also resulted in his decision to sign up for the New York City Marathon. Two days after her was released, Brian knew he wanted to run a marathon. And he knew he wanted NYC to be his first.

It was a powerful mental and physical motivator for him- a way for him to rebuild the health of mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, he was connected by a friend to the nonprofit City Harvest which became his cause and an added inspiring force.

Brian is fast. He's not just a strong runner; he is a true contender. In this episode, you'll hear him say a number of times, "I just got chills." I know just what that feels like and I couldn't be more excited for him and his future in this sport.

A big thanks for letting me tag along and for sharing his story and experience with us. Best of luck, Brian!

"It's always comeback season." -Brian Kendrick

#EveryMileMatters

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Learn more about the Brooklyn Track Club

Learn more about City Harvest

Learn more about Project Moonshot

This past weekend was one of my favorite events of the year, the New York City Marathon. As usual, the spirit and energy of the weekend were amazing. Today's episode of The Extra Mile Podcast takes place at the Marathon Expo where I got to hang out with some old friends, some new friends, and a lot of Charity Milers. It's always incredibly inspiring to meet with Charity Milers from all over the globe who have logged thousands of miles with us.

While at the Expo, I decided to turn on the recorder and catch some of my conversations with a medley of marathon all-stars that I think you'll really enjoy hearing from. Some I knew well- like the Izzo Brothers who were on the show back in January and who ran 150 miles each over the weekend! These guys are amazing and if you didn't hear their last episode I recommend you go back and listen to it so that you can get the full scope of how awesome they are. Others, I was thrilled to finally meet in person despite feeling like I've gotten to know them well through Charity Miles.

I also got a chance to speak with the legendary Paula Radcliffe, who has won the NYC Marathon three times and who is an absolute master in the sport of running. I'm so grateful when I can get someone like Paula who has been an inspiration to so many to share some wisdom with all of you.

You won't want to miss the variety of guests on this episode who were gracious enough to share their stories and excitement for the weekend. Events like these really get me pumped up about being a part of the running community and no doubt you'll hear the excitement, not just in our voices, but in the entire space.

I'd also like to give a huge shout out to our friends at Verizon who have been sponsoring us, supporting us, and making it possible for you all to hear such wonderful stories.

#EveryMileMatters

Guest Contact and mentions:

Follow Maurice "Marathon Panda" Lowman

Learn more about Paula Radcliffe

Learn more about Frontier X

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To celebrate the NYC Marathon this week, today's interview is with the legendary Bill Rodgers, 4X winner of the NYC Marathon, 4X winner of the Boston Marathon, former American record holder, and so much more.

It's hard to imagine what the sport of running would be like without Bill Rodgers.

Bill started running as a kid, the way most of us do-- naturally, and just for fun.

He ran cross country in high school and was "recruited" to Wesleyan University by none other than Amby Burfoot.

While at Wesleyan, Bill's roommate was Jeff Galloway who, as Bill notes was not the Jeff Galloway, at the time. He was just Jeff Galloway.

He also roomed with Burfoot the year that Burfoot won the Boston Marathon.

To me this is like the Beatles, Stones and Dylan all living together in college, not realizing what they were creating.

Even Bill did not realize it at the time.

He didn't foresee that he would someday run in the Boston Marathon, let alone win it 4 times... and win the NYC marathon 4 times... and win an American record... and run in the Olympics.... and continue racing into his seventies... and help lead the running boom that has become what it is today with 40,000 people lining up on Staten Island for the NYC Marathon.

In fact, after college, Bill quit running and took up smoking.

You'll hear why in our interview. And you'll also hear how Bill found his way back to the sport: with a little help from his friends.

And to me, that was my biggest takeaway from this interview.

Going into this interview, I was hoping that Bill would share with us his wisdom on winning.

Like, what did he learn in all of those victories? What did he find within himself that propelled him to the top?

Was it nutrition? A special training regimen? A special kind of grit? A mantra that he said to himself in the later miles of a race?

What was the secret?

Well, without giving too much away, the secret is to run with your friends.

It took me a while to pick up on this in the interview. But each time I prodded Bill for some special wisdom, he always answered with some variation on who he was running with.

Once he said it for the nth time, I finally realized it. And it resonated with me so strongly because that's what draws me to the sport too.

The camaradarie of an early morning run with your friends.

When it's freezing cold and 6AM, but you gotta get out there because you know they'll be there too.

When you're on the Verrazano Bridg with 40,000 other runners who you've never met before, from all over the world. And you're all about to write a special story together.

Being part of this amazing Charity Miles community and seeing the photos that you share everyday in our Facebook group and on Instagram.

Hearing your stories.

That's what it's about for me. That's what fires me up!

So, if you're going to be on the Verrazano with me this weekend, take a look around. See the story on each person's face. Feel the energy, the spirit. You're part of something special.

If you're not running NYC this weekend, run or walk a few miles with us in spirit. Even better if you bring a friend. You too are part of this special community.

So thank you for being part of our community. I know I'll be feeling your energy on Sunday.

#EveryMileMatters

-Gene

P.S. Here's a link to the Bill Rodgers Running Center.

And here's a link to buy Bill's book, Marathon Man, which I highly recommend

This is a very unique and special interview. Bobbi Gibb is the first woman to ever run the Boston Marathon. A literal trailblazer. But also so much more than that.

Bobbi is a true Renaissance Woman. She is an author, artist and lawyer. She is very spiritual, and passionately interested in a wide range of subjects including economics, politics, natural systems, science and the phenomenon recursive consciousness.

All of which we get to talk about!

I met Bobbi in Rockport, Massachusetts where she lives. It's a small seaside town outside of Boston. Just what you'd picture a small seaside town outside of Boston to look like. Very Americana.

We walked through the town and along the beach. You'll be able to hear the ocean and seagulls, which perfectly complement so much of what Bobbi has to say. It's simply perfect.

At the end, we also get a special treat by visiting her art studio where she paints and sculpts. Bobbi has been commissioned by the BAA to create a sculpture of herself running the Boston Marathon. The statue will be bronzed and, fittingly, will be the first statue of a woman placed on the Boston Marathon course.

Here's a link where you can see the sculpture and Bobbi's other work, which becomes especially meaningful when you hear her describe it.

A big thank you to Bobbi for taking the time walk and share so much with all of us.

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I also want to give a huge thank your to one of our parters at AfterShokz. Their open-ear, bone conduction headphones allow you to comfortably listen to your favorite tunes while putting in your miles!

My favorite thing about my AfterShokz is how comfortable they are. Because they transmit sound via bone conduction, they don't go inside my ears. Which means they never fall out!

The open-ear design also enables me to hear what's going on around me. This allows me to stay connected to nature when I'm trail-running, and to stay safe when I'm running in the city. This is especially important when I'm running with my son, Max in his stroller.

Lastly, AfterShokz sponsors us. There are a lot of other things they could do with their marketing budget. But they're choosing to go the extra mile by supporting us. That's the type of company they are. In my book, that counts for a lot.

Visit charitymiles.org/aftershokz and use code "MILES" to save 50% on one of their product bundles!

#EveryMileMatters

On this episode of The Extra Mile Podcast, I flew down to Dallas, Texas to visit the headquarters of a new addition to the Charity Miles family, the Susan G. Komen Foundation. While there, I had the pleasure of speaking with an amazing woman, breast cancer survivor and employee and advocate for Susan G. Komen, the incredible Nikia Hammonds-Blakely.

First of all, the energy at Susan G. Komen is amazing. But visiting the office, and more importantly, speaking with Nikia, was incredibly enlightening. Hearing Nikia's story added a new dimension to my idea of disease-focused organizations. When I think of organizations like Susan G. Koman I usually just think of research. But they do SO MUCH MORE.

Nikia's story is extraordinary. At 16 years old she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. After a botched surgery, the resulting disfiguration was difficult on young Nikia at the time. Though it was a difficult thing to talk about and process, the experience of facing her mortality gave her a newfound drive and Nikia started excelling in school, eventually graduating at the top of her class.

She soon became an advocate on her college campus, encouraging other young women to learn the signs of breast cancer. Shortly after, she learned that Susan G. Komen wanted to hear from sectors of the communities that may have been untapped or underserved in the areas of breast cancer treatment and access. So she was voted in as part of the Young Women's National Advisory Council.

After college, she continued her work with Komen as a voice for the voiceless and even went to Capitol Hill to sit down with legislators and speak on the latest healthcare bills that would affect coverage for people under 40.

To this day, Nikia does unbelievable work on behalf of underserved communities and African-American women who might not have access to the resources needed to fight the disease. She is currently 25 years cancer-free.

A big thank you to Nikia and Lee for joining me on this hot walk in Dallas. You'll hear how moved I was by her story and I know you will be, too.

#EveryMileMatters

Support the Susan G. Komen Foundation: https://ww5.komen.org/

Learn more about Nikia: https://www.nikiahammondsblakely.com/

Today on the Extra Mile I'm thrilled to bring on a good friend of mine and an expert in the charity and tech space, George Weiner. George is the first person I talked to about Charity Miles and he's been an integral part of our success. For this episode, we took a beautiful walk along the water in Brooklyn, New York, where we dug into how tech can most effectively be used to help nonprofits succeed.

George is the Founder and CEO of Whole Whale, a digital agency that leverages data and tech to increase the impact of nonprofits and for-benefit companies. He is also the co-founder of Power Poetry, the largest teen poetry platform in the U.S. For 7 years George was the CTO for DoSomething.org where under his leadership the organization became an innovator in social media, mobile technology, and social causes.

I first came to George with my postcard idea and every day that I worked on that project I was reminded that I should have listened to him. So when I started Charity Miles I knew that I needed to get his input and implement his advice. It is invaluable when someone is able to give you candid feedback. George helped me during crucial junctions in our Charity Miles journey, and I could not be more grateful.

Listen in to hear George's top tips and tools for growth in business, the truth about social media and tech strategies, and how when in doubt, just ask. This episode is chock full of useful advice. So all you entrepreneurs, be ready to take some notes!

A big thank you to George for taking some time to walk with me through his old stomping ground and share his incredible insight with us.

#EveryMileMatters

Guest Contact:

Whole Whale

Dosomething.org

On today's episode of The Extra Mile, I'm thrilled to bring back a past guest, and my friend, Nir Eyal. Nir is a behavioral designer, author of two books, has taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and Design School and sold two technology companies since 2003. As a behavioral designer, Nir helps design products that build healthy life habits.

Nir's first book, Hooked, was about how to create a habit forming product. His recently released second book, Indistractable, is helping us regain control of our lives and become less distracted by diving deep into the psychology and root causes behind the things that chip away at our time and procrastinate our goals.

Nir and I have become good friends and I have gone to him often for guidance on improving Charity Miles. Many of you know that we have been making lots of changes to the app and a big reason behind those changes is to make it easier for users to form the habit of using Charity Miles. The process has been enlightening, to say the least, but we've made some great strides in making it easier for our members to create these positive, healthy habits.

In this episode, we dig into the psychology behind procrastination, insomnia, pain management, and technology use. Nir's knowledge is incredible, and I always enjoy our interesting conversations where I inevitably learn something new. We only grazed the surface of his expertise, so you'll definitely want to grab the book to get the full scope on how you can hack your external triggers and maximize your time.

A big thank you to Nir for taking a little time to run with us and share some of his knowledge with us!

Learn more about Nir and grab your copy of Indistractable at indistractable.com.

#EveryMileMatters

This episode of the Extra Mile Podcast is possibly the most unreasonable one I've ever recorded. Today my guest and I take a walk in Central Park through rolling thunder and a torrential downpour. But who better to do it with than the Founder and CEO of The Unreasonable Group, Daniel Epstein.

The Unreasonable Group is a multi-media company, a private global network, and an investment firm that was created out of the desire to have the greatest impact possible on the world's toughest challenges. From the onset, they have believed that entrepreneurs building rapidly scalable businesses are the best bet for solving these challenges. To this end, the mission has always been to partner with and support world-class entrepreneurs positioned to bend history in the right direction.

Daniel himself has achieved many of his own "unreasonable" dreams including being named one of Forbes' Top Impact Entrepreneurs (of any age) and The White House Impact Award's Top 100 Entrepreneurs in the US under age 30. But his passion for finding the world's most promising and impactful entrepreneurs is what truly stands out. Daniel and The Unreasonable Group has made possible some of the most mind-blowing, "unreasonable" solutions to solving what he calls "BFP's", or Big F*ing Problems. Examples include a company that is literally making food out of the air, and drones that plant thousands of trees a day.

The work these companies are doing is unbelievable. You won't want to miss hearing all about it.

I'm so grateful to Daniel for taking some time to share his story with us. (And for having such a great attitude about walking in the pouring rain!)

And, of course, a huge thank you to our sponsors at Aftershokz who encourage us to redefine our possible and achieve our own "unreasonable" goals. For discounts and more information, please visit www.charitymiles.org/aftershokz.

Learn more about Daniel and The Unreasonable Group.

#EveryMileMatters