The Rambling Runner Podcast

With the Rambling Runner Virtual 5k and 10k right around the corner, we are using this episode to help you prepare to run your fastest, safest, and most fun virtual race possible. This will be the first virtual race for many of you and we want to make sure it goes as smoothly. Coach Michael Crouch, from McKirdy Trained, provides loads of race-day advice. Lindsey Hein, from the I'll Have Another Podcast, breaks down the Running Podcaster Challenge. Lastly, Amber Morrison, a 2:45 marathoner and PA at St. Joe's Medical Center, explains how we can be safe around each other and on the trails.

Sponsors:

I am thrilled to announce our partnership with SynchroKnit, powered by Wigwam as our official sock for the Virtual Run Series! SynchroKnit uses breakthrough knitting technology creating a truly fitted sock that doesn't slip, and it enhances the performance of a running shoe. I have them and love the way they feel on my feet, honestly some of the best I've ever worn. Tight on the arch and heel which makes it feel snug. You have to try them out. Go to https://www.synchroknit.com and enter in code VIRTUAL25 to receive 25% off.

Over the past 4+ years McKirdy Trained has developed into a leader in the online coaching world. We've assembled the best coaches in the country to help our athletes develop, achieve, and now in these times... adapt. We work with athletes of all ability (from all over the world) in their quest to accomplish their dreams. We are honored to sponsor the Rambling Runner Race Series. To help bring the global running community together and to lead you in these turbulent times - https://www.mckirdytrained.com.

Trusted by some of the world's best endurance athletes, including USA Cycling, Athletic Greens is the all-in-one daily drink to support better health and peak performance. Developed from a nutrient-dense blend of 75 vitamins, minerals and whole food sourced ingredients, Athletic Greens is a greens powder engineered to help fill the nutritional gaps in your diet and improve your everyday performance by addressing the four pillars of health - energy, recovery, gut health and immune support. Get 20 Free Serving with your first purchase by going to athleticgreens.com/rambling.

InsideTracker is an ultra-personalized performance and nutrition system that analyzes your blood and DNA along with your lifestyle to help you optimize your body and reach your goals. InsideTracker turns your body’s data into true knowledge, meaningful insights and customized action plans of evidence-backed, nutrition, fitness and lifestyle recommendations. Find out what runners like Des Linden, Mary Cain, Charlie Engle and Mike Wardian already know. Use code RAMBLING at checkout to get 25% off sitewide - https://hubs.ly/H0nKHjV0.

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Twitter - @rambling_runner

Rambling Runner Run Club on Strava

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At the Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta, Julia Kohnen finished an outstanding race in 10th place. This is a remarkable achievement for any runner, especially an unsponsored athlete who works full-time with an additional part-time job. Julia was one of the few runners who set a PR on the challenging Atlanta course.

Julia‘s athletic journey did not begin as a runner. She was a four year Division II soccer player at the University of Southern Indiana. She was persuaded to use her fifth year of eligibility to join the cross country team. She rose from novice to runner to All-American in a matter of months. This non-traditional route to running success is as entertaining as it is interesting. 

In this episode Julia details her running transition, her ability to work 60 hours and run 100 miles in a week, and her improbable rise to the top of the women's marathon ranks. 

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. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order.

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

Rambling Runner Run Club on Strava

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In this time of self-quarantines and social distancing, gyms across the country haven been closed. This necessary measure has left many athletes wondering how they will  strength train at home with minimal equipment and a strong desire to improve. No need to fear, Bethany Davis is here. Bethany's credentials and athletic background speak for themselves. An active marathoner for nine years, a degree in from Azusa Pacific in kinesiology, and nearly a dozen certifications, Bethany is an expert in a wide-range of athletic endeavors. She is also a mother to five children. Bethany understands the struggle to get in a workout when family and professional demands seem overwhelming. In this episode, Bethany details how runners of all abilities and experiences can get a home workout that test athletes of all abilities.

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. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order.

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

Rambling Runner Run Club on Strava

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Coach's Corner is back. In this episode we are joined by Esther Atkins and James McKirdy of McKirdy Trained. These two great coaches delve into what it's like for someone working full time, often with family responsibilities, who is trying to run at an elite level. This delicate balance can be quite tough even in the best of circumstances. Esther and James dive into all elements of this high-wire-act, including: training, recovery, sleep, mindset, growth, dealing with hurdles, mental and physical preparation, and much more. As you will hear, their recommendations can improve the athletic success of runners of all abilities.

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. 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 mushshrooms and adaptogens with coffee, cacao, latte, protein powder. They have a special offer for the Rambling Runner audience. Receive 15% off your Four Sigmatic order. Just go to www.foursigmatic.com/RAMBLINGRUNNER or enter code RAMBLINGRUNNER at checkout.

 

Follow Matt:

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Twitter - @rambling_runner

Rambling Runner Run Club on Strava

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Mass cancellations of races all over the globe due to COVID-19 have left the running world in a stand still. Runners who have trained for races of all distances have been left wondering what to do with their hard-earned fitness.

With that in mind, we are launching the Rambling Runner Virtual Race Series.

The series will include virtual races of 5k, 10k, half-marathon, and marathon distances spread over eight weeks. These virtual races are free and open to everyone. Yes, even you! All you need is a Strava account (free) and a device that can track your run (gps watch, phone, etc).

Let’s all work together to build and enhance the running community in the time of “social distancing” and set some PR’s in the process!

Who: Free for all runners! All you need is a Strava account and a device that can track your run (gps watch, phone, etc). Each race will have a leaderboard on Strava as well as places for you to engage with the other racers.

What: Four virtual races spread over eight weeks. You can participate in as many as you like - but why not go for all four?!

Where: Anywhere you can run the distance of each race. Strava challenges don’t allow for treadmills so you will need to do this outside.

Why: Because we love running, love each other, and love testing ourselves.

When:

5k - March 28-29

10k - April 4-5

Half-Marathon - April 18-19

Marathon - May 16-17

Create a Strava account

Join the Rambling Runner Run Club (link below)

Join the races you are interested in running

Hal Higdon is a Contributing Editor for Runner’s World and is the magazine’s longest lasting writer, having contributed an article to RW’s second issue in 1966. He also is the author of more than three dozen books, including the recently released Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide: Advice, Plans, and Programs for Half and Full Marathons (revised and updated 5th edition).

Hal began running as a student at the University of Chicago Lab School and continued running competitively at Carleton College in Minnesota, where he won several conference championships. After school, Hal competed eight times in the Olympic Trials, notching his best finish as 5th place at the 1960 Trials in the 3000 meter steeplechase. In the 1964 Boston Marathon, Hal placed 5th overall and was the first American finisher with his time of 2:21:55. His World Masters Championships M40 record of 9:18.6 in the steeplechase (set in 1975) remains the oldest American masters records in the books.

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. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order.

VDOT O2 is a coaching platform for runners of all levels. Coaches are using VDOT O2 to more effectively individualize their athlete's training pinpointing the paces you need to train at to improve effectively. All coaches can take advantage of a 30-day free trial at www.vdoto2.com, Athletes not working with a coach can use the code RAMBLING to get 15% off a custom training plan for your next goal race.

Follow Matt:

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Twitter - @rambling_runner

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Amanda Brooks returns to the show to discuss her new book Run to the Finish: The Everyday Runner's Guide to Avoiding Injury, Ignoring the Clock, and Loving the Run. Amanda lays out the path to finding greater fulfillment in running for those who consider themselves "middle of the pack runners" -- they're not trying to win Boston, they just want to get strong and stay injury-free so they can continue to enjoy running.

Run to the Finish is not your typical running book. While it is filled with useful strategic training advice throughout, at its core, it is about embracing your place in the middle of the pack with humor and learning to love the run you've got without comparing yourself to other runners. Mixing practical advice like understanding the discomfort vs. pain, the mental side of running, and movements to treat the most common injuries with more playful elements such as "Favorite hilarious marathon signs" and "Weird Thoughts We all Have at the Start Line."

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. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order.

NuttZo is a mixed-nut and seed butter snack brand created by a San Diego momprenuer who began making organic nut butters in her blender for her vitamin-deficient adopted son over 10 years ago. Delivering a unique blend of seven healthy nuts and seeds, NuttZo provides a complete source of omega-3s, amino acids, proteins and healthy fats. Use code RAMBLINGRUNNER to save 30% at www.nuttzo.com.

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

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Running, injury, recovery - rinse and repeat. Alissa Coffman has lived that life for a few years now and has plenty to share. Her first appearance on the show was episode 17 and she back 200 episodes later. At that moment she has just run a 3:04 at CIM after a 4:04 at the Boston Marathon earlier in the year. Since then she has endured years of injuries but she finally back. In this episode we talk about how grueling the recovery process is, the effects on an athlete mentally, cross training like crazy, and the need for a strong group around you in order to realize your potential.

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. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order.

NuttZo is a mixed-nut and seed butter snack brand created by a San Diego momprenuer who began making organic nut butters in her blender for her vitamin-deficient adopted son over 10 years ago. Delivering a unique blend of seven healthy nuts and seeds, NuttZo provides a complete source of omega-3s, amino acids, proteins and healthy fats. Use code RAMBLINGRUNNER to save 30% at www.nuttzo.com.

Founded in 2014, COROS was born from the desire to make products that are more accurate, reliable, durable and easier to use than what was previously on the market. COROS features the longest battery life on the market, with 25 hours in full GPS mode on the entry level PACE and an astonishing 60 hours on its top level VERTIX. Visit wwww.coros.com for more information.

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

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I absolutely loved this wide-ranging conversation with Kim Sundling. Kim is an avid marathoner, cross-trainer, pharmacist with a focus on mental health, a bundle of energy - and someone who continues to work through depression. Kim touches on all of these aspects of her life, and more. On the running front, Kim ran two marathons in the fall before doing the Goofy Challenge in early January. A brutal string of races that ended with marathon that was close to a PR. As you'll hear in this episode, Kim is a force of nature who is just starting to scratch the surface on her potential.

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. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order.

NuttZo is a mixed-nut and seed butter snack brand created by a San Diego momprenuer who began making organic nut butters in her blender for her vitamin-deficient adopted son over 10 years ago. Delivering a unique blend of seven healthy nuts and seeds, NuttZo provides a complete source of omega-3s, amino acids, proteins and healthy fats. Use code RAMBLINGRUNNER to save 30% at www.nuttzo.com.

Founded in 2014, COROS was born from the desire to make products that are more accurate, reliable, durable and easier to use than what was previously on the market. COROS features the longest battery life on the market, with 25 hours in full GPS mode on the entry level PACE and an astonishing 60 hours on its top level VERTIX. Visit wwww.coros.com for more information.

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner

Twitter - @rambling_runner

Patreon

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

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Jen A. Miller is an award winning freelance writer and author and the author of the running memoir titled “Running: A Love Story.” This is a wonderful book that I could not put down. She’s also a regular contributor to the New York Times and writes their weekly running newsletter. She has also written for the Washington Post, Runner’s World, The Outline, The Guardian, SELF, Buzzfeed, The Goods, and the Philadelphia Inquirer, among others. In this episode, we talk about why she wrote a memoir at a young age, the twists and turns of her running life, becoming a freelance writer who makes six-figures annually, and many more things writing and running related. You can learn more about Jen at www.jenamiller.com.

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. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order.

NuttZo is a mixed-nut and seed butter snack brand created by a San Diego momprenuer who began making organic nut butters in her blender for her vitamin-deficient adopted son over 10 years ago. Delivering a unique blend of seven healthy nuts and seeds, NuttZo provides a complete source of omega-3s, amino acids, proteins and healthy fats. Use code RAMBLINGRUNNER to save 30% at www.nuttzo.com.

Founded in 2014, COROS was born from the desire to make products that are more accurate, reliable, durable and easier to use than what was previously on the market. COROS features the longest battery life on the market, with 25 hours in full GPS mode on the entry level PACE and an astonishing 60 hours on its top level VERTIX. Visit wwww.coros.com for more information.

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

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