The Rambling Runner Podcast

Cait Keen did it! Cait came back to the Flying Pig Marathon after a tumultuous two years that left her questioning many things about her life and running. She ended the day with a stirring win that pulsated with emotion.

Here's what Cait several days before the race that sets the stage for what was to come later:

"I’ve been waiting 2.5 years for a chance to run Cincy again and 610 days to run a marathon since the Olympic Trials. It’s felt like a lifetime. I often get told that I’m too hard on myself. I put too much pressure on myself & I have very high expectations. I couldn’t have seen coming what happened 9 weeks before my last Flying Pig. Getting attacked by a dog on a long run is not ideal. I couldn’t have foreseen a global pandemic, struggling with working from home & being isolated is also not ideal while it’s being raved about by others. But in these 2.5 years while it seems like so much has changed, I can tell you that what hasn’t is my love for this city, this marathon... I’ve clawed my way back into shape. I’ve worked with others to get my mind back to believing in my purpose again. I put this pressure on myself because without pressure there wouldn’t be diamonds. Without pressure I wouldn’t be me. So have a beer and a Sky Line Chili 3 way waiting for me at the after party. I’m ready to shine!"

Follow Cait on Instagram at www.instagram.com/caitsouthkeen.

Photo credit for the episode graphic goes to Twin Spire Photography.

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Our first Shoe-isode Extravaganza is here and it's a doozy!

In this episode we have some of best running shoe reviewers in the country on the show to discuss a topic that affects lots of runners but is rarely discussed. We select the best non-plated marathon shoes for folks who are looking for cushioning, pop, fun, and protection over hours of marathon paced effort.

We hear all about the marathon super shoes that are all the rage. They are great, no question, but they don't feel great on foot for everyone. The shoes we discuss in this episode, however, can offer much better experience for runners who don't enjoy the super shoe experience.

Here are the remarkable folks who share there expertise and fun-loving spirit:

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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.

Tia recently rocked the Chicago Marathon on a brutal day. 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. You can also follow her friend Tessa who she ran with at Chicago at www.instagram.com/runrunrae.

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Four Sigmatic, a wellness company that mixes mushrooms and adaptogens with coffee, cacao, latte, protein powder. They have a special offer for the Rambling Runner audience. Receive 10% off your Four Sigmatic order. Just go to www.foursigmatic.com/RAMBLINGRUNNER or enter code RAMBLINGRUNNER at checkout.

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The first segment of "Fail" Forward Friday is with dual-Olympian alpine skier and marathoner Chirine Njeim. Chirine started skiing at age 3. At 12, she went to France to train for two of years with a personal coach. She then moved to Salt Lake City in ninth grade, when she was 13, to attend the Rowmark Ski Academy, former home of U.S. Olympian Picabo Street. She went on to study at, and compete for, the University of Utah.

Later, while in Chicago, Chirine took up running, completing the 2012 Chicago Marathon in 3 hours 7 minutes and the 2013 edition of the race in 3:05.4. At the 2015 Chicago Marathon she posted a time of 2:46.41, placing her 29th among the women in the field. At the 2016 Houston Marathon, she completed the course in 2:44.14, securing herself a place on the Lebanese team at the 2016 Summer Olympics. She finished the 2016 Olympic Marathon in 109th place with a time of 2:51.08. She set a new PR of 2:36:40 this past spring

In the second segment we hear from Brad Lindeberg - an excellent amateur runner and Chief Strava Kudos Bot. Brad details his trials with a professional endeavor that can bring hope to anyone hoping to reach a goal that is close but remains just out of reach.

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*Yes, you read that correctly - the "Fail" in quotes.*

For so many of us there have been times in our lives when we thought we had failed, or worse, that we were failures. Those moments can leave of questioning everything that came before and whether or not we should continue down our chosen path. Then, if we persist we may realize that with time those setbacks can be a gift. Rather than holding us down those "failures" prove to be a catalyst for growth. Not merely to a level which we have already reached, but one that exceeds everything that came before.

If you have a story that would be a good fit for one of these episodes please email [email protected].

Sponsors:

"Fail" Forward Friday is presented by Inside Tracker. Understanding and learning about your body's biomarkers is a one of the keys to staying healthy and fit for the long term and that is exactly what Inside Tracker does. From vitamin D, iron, ferritin, glucose, hematocrit, hemoglobin, testosterone, cortisol, creatine kinase, and many others, you will know where your body stands and how it can improves. Save 25% on all orders by going to www.insidetracker.com/ramblingrunner.

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Emily Heller, one of my favorite people, is back on the show!

Two weeks ago Emily ran the Chicago Marathon on a brutal day for so many. It was the culmination of months of training - training that has been documented weekly on her fantastic YouTube channel.

In this episode we talk all about her training, the race, expectations, and of course, SHOES. Emily's YouTube channel has some of the best shoe reviews on the internet so we had to take a deep dive. Specifically into how sometimes carbon plated shoes might not be a great fit for all marathoners, no matter their pace.

You can check out her awesome work at www.youtube.com/RunLikeHeller and follow her at www.instagram.com/runlikeheller.

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