The Rambling Runner Podcast

A week ago I ran the Ocean State Marathon and experienced something that I had only read about - the Central Governor theory. It was a wild experience and something I'll never forget.

After cruising through the first 21 hilly miles, miles 22-24 were really tough. It took a great effort to keep running and not walk. Then, at mile 25, I experienced something entirely new to me. I'm well aware of the Central Governor model of performance but I had never put myself in the position test it out. At mile 25 my central governor let go and I felt like a new man. I finished the race with the fastest 10 minute segment I had put together all day All of that came after I was struggling to run at 11:00 pace. What and how did this happen?! I know experienced marathoners and ultra runners have gone through this but it was so new and just so amazing.

In today's episode I talk all about this experience so that you may benefit from this in the future.

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Mind, Body, and Sole with Tommie Runz is back! Tommie is in the midst of an audacious three marathon adventure. First, Tommie wanted to get another BQ. Check! Then he wanted to run a solid effort at Chicago. Check, and then some! Tommie's fall marathon triumvirate will conclude at the New York City Marathon where he hopes to set a new PR.

In this episode, Tommie discusses the physical and mental demands of this season, how he has approached each marathon, the ways he's stayed sharp mentally after each effort, and, or course, some shoe talk.

About Tommie:

Tommie Runz is making big moves within the broader running community. Several years back Tommie was the picture of ill-health. He had an alcohol problem, was eating poorly, and was doing little exercise. They one-by-one he addressed all of these issues until he became the man and runner he is today - fast, fit, vegan, host of the Run Eat Sleep Show, and owner of Chip Time Running. A truly magnificent transformation for a man who's an even better person than he is a runner.

Follow Tommie - www.instagram.com/tommie_runz

Chip Time Running and Run Eat Sleep Show - https://linktr.ee/ChipTimeRunning

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Today on the podcast we have one of the most fascinating people I have even spoken with - Canyon Woodward. Canyon is a championship level trail and ultra runner, political campaign manager, and climate activist. Canyon’s new short film, RURAL RUNNERS, is an intimate look into what it takes to show up, rain or shine, and how to balance running for yourself and running for your country. The film follows Maine State Senator Chloe Maxmin’s House & Senate runs, as well as Canyon’s demanding trail running career. It’s a unique pairing of affairs - a fun, relevant and inspiring story that humanizes the political process and extends beyond the dark state of party politics. It’s also about avoiding burnout - a common occurrence on the campaign trail - by prioritizing self-care, and bringing a bit of joy and purpose to everything we do.

Canyon and Chloe also co-authored Dirt Road Revival, a fascinating book that details their work together and a path forward for important political work in rural communities.

Here are some of Canyon's amazing recent race and FKT results:

You can learn more about Canyon at and watch RURAL RUNNERS at www.dirtroadorganizing.org and www.canyonwoodward.com.

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We all know the importance of the marathon cycle to prepare us for our 26.2 adventures. But, what if I told you that the key to improving your marathon time may not happen during your marathon cycle?

In the past two weeks athletes I've been working with have had a string of huge PR's. They are all different people, with different routines, and different running histories. But, they all one thing in common. That's exactly what this episode is all about.

Have you checked out Relay yet?! Relay is a Patreon bundle that features some of the best running content on the internet. The Relay team is Kara Goucher, Peter Bromka, Lindsey Hein, Stefanie Flippin, Mike "Kofuzi" Ko, Zoe Rom, Marcus Brown, Carolyn Su, and yours truly. We are putting out 4-5 pieces of audio, video, or written work each week that we are sure that you'll enjoy. We even have a monthly Book Club with Kara, Carolyn, and Lindsey! Join us at Relay - www.patreon.com/relay.

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Carolyn Su is back for our monthly For the Love of The Run feature!

As usual, we had lots to talk about this month. First we dive into Matt's preparation for the Ocean State Marathon on October 23. We also discuss lessons learned from Matt's coaching clients who have PR'd at an astonishing rate so far this fall. Then Carolyn gives an update on her knee injury that detailed last month. Finally and most importantly, a few days removed from National Mental Health Day, Matt and Carolyn detail their experiences with depression, how they came to realize the truth of what they were experiencing, how they have dealt with it, and how people can help themselves and others if they are experiencing something similar.

For the Love of the Run is presented by Tracksmith. Both Carolyn and I been wearing and loving Tracksmith for years and we couldn't think of a better brand to partner with on this endeavor. They have even have a new running shoe coming out soon called the Eliot Runner that we are very excited about! You can visit our link at www.Tracksmith.com/loveoftherun to see their new arrivals and use code LOVEOFTHERUN to receive free shipping. Also, 5% of proceeds from the use of the code will go to our charity partner the Asian Mental Health Collective - www.asianmhc.org.

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Taylor Bodin is one of the top running shoe reviewers in the country and it's an honor to have him on the show! Taylor writes for www.believeintherun.com and is one of their lead trail shoe reviewers. In this episode Taylor shares his trail shoe expertise in a fun and engaging conversation. We do a mix of shoe battles and trail shoe talk, featuring:

If you're looking for more fun and engaging content check out Relay at www.patreon.com/relay where we have some of the best running content on the internet.

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Tia Stone is the quintessential Rambling Runner guest. A dedicated amateur runner who has achieved truly amazing results while living a full and jam-packed life. That is why we are re-airing this episode from last year. This was one of the most popular episodes of 2021 and ideal for anyone about to run a marathon or trying to push through a challenge in their life

Tia absolutely rocked the London Marathon yesterday after doing exactly the same at the 2021 Chicago Marathon. In Chicago she finished at the 7th masters female on a day that saw many runners melt in the final miles. Not only did Tia not melt, she sped up during the final 10k!

She had this remarkable day after COVID put her low for nearly two months earlier in the year. She wasn't sure what the future held for her. It was the first spring that didn't include a marathon in over a decade. Tia rebounded slowly in the spring - then kept building little by little. Then, when autumn finally arrived she had one of the best races of her life.

Follow Tia at www.instagram.com/arkansasrunnermom.

Sponsor:

Exakt Health is a sports physical therapy app for the most common running injuries. The app simplifies access to professional and customized physical therapy without long waiting times and costs. Exakt Health offers individualized plans, that automatically adapt to your feedback, for runners and is available for iOS and Android across Europe, the UK, and now also the U.S.. Over 15.000 runners have already healed their running injuries like Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, or meniscus tears with Exakt Health. You can download the app for free here: https://exakthealth-us.app.link/rambling-runner?%243p=a_influencer

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Dr. Jess Mena, DPT is here for our monthly collaboration and this time we are taking a deep dive recovery technology and techniques.

The importance of recovery is well-known by most runners. But, for many, their knowledge of the importance of recovery is similar to their knowledge of broccoli - they know it's important but they often decide against it. In this episode Jess offers her professional perspective about sleep, elevating, scraping, cupping, compression boots, massages, massage guns, and much more.

Follow Jess at www.instagram.com/tempo_with_jess.

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Marathon season is here and it's exciting to see everyone finish off their marathon cycle, start their taper, and get ready for race day! But, before you head to that starting line you need to make sure you have a race plan in place. The first order of business for that plan is simple yet potentially befuddling: What is your actual marathon pace/effort?

In this episode, I dive head first into these murky waters to help you answer this question for yourself. I will also touch on several pacing and racing strategies that you should avoid at all costs!

Finally, a compliment to this episode can be found on Relay (www.patreon.com/relay) where I am posting a written piece comparing some of the most popular marathon pacing calculators on the internet.

Sponsor:

Exakt Health is a sports physical therapy app for the most common running injuries. The app simplifies access to professional and customized physical therapy without long waiting times and costs. Exakt Health offers individualized plans, that automatically adapt to your feedback, for runners and is available for iOS and Android across Europe, the UK, and now also the U.S.. Over 15.000 runners have already healed their running injuries like Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, or meniscus tears with Exakt Health. You can download the app for free here: https://exakthealth-us.app.link/rambling-runner?%243p=a_influencer

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In today's episode I have a conversation with Finn Melanson, one of the most interesting people in the running podcast space. This conversation first came out on his fantastic show, The Singletrack Podcast. Finn asks wonderful questions and thoughtful follow-ups that show he is a student of the interview game.

In this episode, we talk about Relay, a new venture in the running media space, the business of podcasting, and our interests and inspirations in other sports and realms of business.

Learn more about Finn and the Singletrack podcast at www.runsingletrack.com.

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