The Rambling Runner Podcast

Felicia Chen's ability to combine a holistic view of competition and sport with desire to achieve at a high level is nearly unparalleled. For that, and for so many other reasons, I was elated to have Felicia on the show. 

In this episode, Felicia talks about running not one but two virtual Boston Marathons on each side of 3:00, giving up running for nearly a decade and coming back stronger than ever, and the mindset needed to handle a myriad of challenges.

Sponsors:

Previnex is a supplement brand that I trust, use, and have greatly benefited from. They source the highest quality ingredients in the most clinically effective and beneficial forms. Previnex manufactures to the highest standards possible, testing every ingredient, every step of production and every finished product. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order.

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.

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

Get exclusive podcasts with popular past guests by joining our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/ramblingrunner.

https://www.theramblingrunner.com

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Marquis Bowden is making some serious moves. The former college basketball player bounced around west coast colleges looking for the right fit. It never came. Little did he know that the journey would lead him to the perfect place to begin his running career. In 2017, Marquis began running and he was hooked. Not only did he pick up the sport quickly but the sense of community in his L.A. group runs hooked him for life. 

In the last few years he debuted in the marathon with a blazing 3:09 before nailing a couple 10 minute personal bests. His goal in 2020 was to set a new PR at the Boston Marathon. While he wasn't able to that in the spring like he hoped he was ready to take aim last weekend anyways. Not only that, Marquis was able to blast through the 2:40 barrier with a solo effort that portends even greater things to come.

Sponsors:

Previnex is a supplement brand that I trust, use, and have greatly benefited from. They source the highest quality ingredients in the most clinically effective and beneficial forms. Previnex manufactures to the highest standards possible, testing every ingredient, every step of production and every finished product. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order.

Support for this episode comes from goodr sunglasses.  These sunglasses a perfect for running, provide no slip coverage, and the best colors on the market. They also won't break the bank starting at $25 a pair. Visit GOODR.COM/RAMBLINGRUNNER to check out some of my favorite pairs and get free shipping on your first order from anything on the site.

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

Get exclusive podcasts with popular past guests by joining our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/ramblingrunner.

https://www.theramblingrunner.com

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode with Alexis McCoy is the first in a series of episodes with folks who competed in the Boston Marathon Virtual Race. 

Alexis has the Boston Marathon in her bones. She has been in love with the race, and everything it stands for, for years. While she has now run 17 marathons, Boston holds a special place in her heart.

This former small-school college runner gave up the sport at the age of 20. Her love of running returned several years later when she was basically tricked into signing up for the Marine Corps Marathon. Then Boston 2013 happened. The tragic finish line bombing occurred shortly after Alexis crossed the fabled finish line. The tragedy of that day would haunt Alexis for years and drove her away from the sport she loved.

After finding help and working through the trauma, Alexis once again returned to running. With stroke of serendipity, plenty of hard work, and a loving coach, Alexis began to thrive. 

Last weekend at the first Virtual Boston Marathon, Alexis ran her best ever marathon in a race that she loves but in the odd circumstances that virtual races can create. In this special episode, Alexis details all of this, and so much more, with thoughtful grace and endless charm.

Sponsors:

Previnex is a supplement brand that I trust, use, and have greatly benefited from. They source the highest quality ingredients in the most clinically effective and beneficial forms. Previnex manufactures to the highest standards possible, testing every ingredient, every step of production and every finished product. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order.

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.

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

Get exclusive podcasts with popular past guests by joining our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/ramblingrunner.

https://www.theramblingrunner.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When I first had the idea for Mastering 40 I knew that one of the major steps I would need to take was a detailed blood analysis. A mirror, scale, and workout data can provide insight but it doesn’t tell the whole story. I needed to know my exact starting point then track my biomarkers throughout the year.

I reached out to InsideTracker, the leader in this space, and they agreed to help me out. Stevie Smith MS,RDN,CSSD,CDN, a registered dietitian at InsideTracker, and ten time IRONMAN finisher, dove into my tests and provided loads of feedback.

Finding out how my body had reacted to me poor nutrition and reduced activity level put me on edge. I was worried that my health might be worse than I had imagined. Not simply for running but for life in general.

While I was in the optimized range for nearly 40 biomarkers, several tests were off the mark. Especially the cholesterol numbers.

Interested in having a test of your own? Check out InsideTracker - code: INSIDETWENTY for 20% off.

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

Get exclusive podcasts with popular past guests by joining our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/ramblingrunner.

https://www.theramblingrunner.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September is upon on and it is a whole new world within the Mastering 40 series. School for my kiddos and wife are starting and our schedules are completely influx. This is the case for so many runners out there. Getting used to a new schedule that will work well for us and our families can certainly be a struggle.

In this episode I dive deep with Adrienne Langelier, my sport psychologist, and Starla Garcia, my registered dietitian. Adrienne and I talk all about the anxiety and the unknown that the near future holds. Starla helps me work through my struggles to stick with some of her recommendations and my near constant self-judgement.

Thank you to the Mastering 40 partners:

- Supplements/Protein: Previnex - code: RUNNER15 for 15% off

- Running Nutrition: UCAN - code: RRUCAN for 15% off

- Health Analysis: InsideTracker - code: INSIDETWENTY for 20% off

- Attire: Tracksmith - code RAMBLINGRUNNER for 15% off first purchase over $75

- Shoes: Atreyu - $55 per pair when you subscribe

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

Get exclusive podcasts with popular past guests by joining our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/ramblingrunner.

https://www.theramblingrunner.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zoë Rom is the writer, producer, and creater of one of the best podcasts of any genre - the DNF Podcast by Trail Runner Magazine. Not only that, she is a badass athlete who set two FKT's (fastest known time) this summer.

DNF is a show that combines the very best story telling in the running community with the production quality of a show on NPR. It focuses on the many faces of failure and how it can often be the starting point for reclamation, success, and even greatness. It has set a new standard of excellence in the running podcast genre. I am honored to talk with the brains and talent behind such a remarkable audio original - https://trailrunnermag.com/trailrunning-podcast.

As good as Zoë is on DNF, she may be even better on the trails. Her love running, hiking, and being in nature is the foundational element in her show and marvel to behold. 

Sponsor:

Previnex is a supplement brand that I trust, use, and have greatly benefited from. They source the highest quality ingredients in the most clinically effective and beneficial forms. Previnex manufactures to the highest standards possible, testing every ingredient, every step of production and every finished product. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order.

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

Get exclusive podcasts with popular past guests by joining our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/ramblingrunner.

https://www.theramblingrunner.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you had a chance to talk to a real life super hero? Up until last week, I hadn't. Then I had the honor to speak with Margi Johnson. 

Margi is a doctor in the Philly/NJ/NYC area and one heck of a runner. She has visions of trying to OTQ for 2020. Training was going well and she was the fittest she had ever been. This master's running was kicking butt and taking names. Then in late fall things started to slowly fall apart. Her fitness disintegrated and she, a knowledgeable doctor, could not pin point the problem.

Five short months later, Margi had dealt with two bouts of COVID-19 and played a critical role in helping patients of this destructive virus in NYC. Not only that, she was literally fighting for her life. 

We cover all of this, and so much more, in one of the most powerful episodes we've ever done at the Rambling Runner Podcast.

Sponsors:

Previnex is a supplement brand that I trust, use, and have greatly benefited from. They source the highest quality ingredients in the most clinically effective and beneficial forms. Previnex manufactures to the highest standards possible, testing every ingredient, every step of production and every finished product. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order.

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

Get exclusive podcasts with popular past guests by joining our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/ramblingrunner.

https://www.theramblingrunner.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Overcoming the hurdles in our lives are usually the paradigm shifting moments that set our lives on their ultimate path. Nobody knows this better than Emily Abbate - host of the Hurdle podcast, run coach, and prodigious writer, and all around media machine.

About 10 years ago, Emily made the decision that she was no longer happy living with how her body made her feel. At that moment her life changed in many ways. In this episode, we talk about her transformation, marathon running, and sharing the healthy lifestyle that she personifies. We also spend considerable time discussing her transition from staff writer and editor at some of the countries most well-known publications to a one-woman media juggernaut.

You can learn more about Emily: Twitter, Instagram, and Hurdle Podcast.

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Sponsors:

Previnex is a supplement brand that I trust, use, and have greatly benefited from. They source the highest quality ingredients in the most clinically effective and beneficial forms. Previnex manufactures to the highest standards possible, testing every ingredient, every step of production and every finished product. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order.

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

Get exclusive podcasts with popular past guests by joining our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/ramblingrunner.

https://www.theramblingrunner.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a pleasure to finally have a chance to speak runner, RD, and author Charlie Watson. I say "finally" because I've wanted to have her on the show for a long time. I've long enjoyed following Charlie's many running accomplishments, she is a 6-Star Abbott World Major Marathon finisher, and culinary creations. After setting aside my nerves, I approached Charlie about coming on the show and was delighted when she accepted the invite. 

Charlie's cookbook, Cook, Eat, Run, offers a no-nonsense approach to eating for runners and athletes of all levels. From filling breakfasts and high-protein snacks to post-run energy fixes and speedy suppers, it's an essential companion for anyone looking to seize control of their fitness regime. Not only that, it is the most used cookbook in our house. There's a section dedicated to on-the-go fuel including homemade energy gels, hydration drinks and energy bars, alongside recipes from elite runners including Sara Hall, Kara Goucher and Molly Huddle.

You can learn more about Charlie at http://www.therunnerbeans.com/ and purchase her wonderful book at https://www.amazon.com/Cook-Eat-Run-Performance-Ultimate/dp/1787134296.

Sponsors:

Previnex is a supplement brand that I trust, use, and have greatly benefited from. They source the highest quality ingredients in the most clinically effective and beneficial forms. Previnex manufactures to the highest standards possible, testing every ingredient, every step of production and every finished product. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order.

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

Get exclusive podcasts with popular past guests by joining our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/ramblingrunner.

https://www.theramblingrunner.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Mastering 40 is now well on it's way. Things are going well but there is still PLENTY of work to be do. In this episode we consult with our three specialists.

With the help of a professional coach - James McKirdy, sports registered dietitian - Starla Garcia, and a sports psychologist - Adrienne Langelier, I am determined to have the best athletic year of my life. One that will end, hopefully, with a sub-40:00 10k. This is a huge stretch goal and I am determined to get it done. Over the course of this year I will also be turning 40 years old and become a masters runner. Hence the “Mastering 40.”

I will be documenting the journey with two blog posts a week at www.mastering40.com and a podcast every three weeks. The podcasts, like this one, will include calls with these experts I will be leaning on, and learning from, throughout the process.

Thank you to the Mastering 40 partners:

- Supplements/Protein: Previnex - code: RUNNER15 for 15% off

- Running Nutrition: UCAN - code: RRUCAN for 15% off

- Health Analysis: InsideTracker - code: INSIDETWENTY for 20% off

- Attire: Tracksmith - code RAMBLINGRUNNER for 15% off first purchase over $75

- Shoes: Atreyu - $95 per pair or $55 if you subscribe

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

Get exclusive podcasts with popular past guests by joining our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/ramblingrunner.

https://www.theramblingrunner.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices