This week’s episode features Tulsa’s own Justin Walker. While Justin has relocated to the Wichita, Kansas area in the past year, we still consider him a local legend and friend. I really enjoyed having Justin on the podcast and it was like old times when I would venture into Runner’s World on a lunch break and catch up with Justin and pick his brain on ultra-running tips. This interview came on the evening after Justin had just completed a PR 50 miler and a PR 100K and FKT for the Prairie Spirit course in Kansas. Both times were amazing with the 50 mile in 7:17 and the 100K in 9:57. Not too bad for someone who had taken almost two years off from racing ultra-marathons. Justin’s body and mind had been pretty beat up since he completed the TransOklahoma race, two years ago, which consisted of 511 miles in eight days.

Justin has done some amazing things in his 40 years of life and looks to do as much as he can in the next 40. Before Justin became a runner, he was a severe weather meteorologist or “professional storm chaser” as we call them in these parts of the country. Justin’s quest for health and ultra-running started shortly after his time at the University of Oklahoma and would lay in bed nearly sitting up due to extreme heart burn. After moving to Denver, Colorado to work in the weather center in Boulder, Dustin decided to make a change in his health. He cut out bad foods from his diet and dropped a whopping 40 pounds in 6 months. He decided to give running a go after seeing people run at the local park. Not long after Justin had become infatuated with running and would soon embrace the ultra-running life.

Hop on board as Justin and I talk about all things ultra, storm chasing and life in general. This was a fun episode and makes me appreciate my friendship with him even that much more and can’t wait to share with you all.

In today's episode I had a fun time chatting with Dawn Mihalovic-Bayer, from Wisconsin: the Badger state. We touch on so many different things and it was fun to get her perspective and mindset in regards to endurance events. Dawn is a 5 time IronMan finisher and has plans to complete two more this year if the running schedule allows with COVID-19. Dawn is a super positive person and places that attitude and determination based on her upbringing and some life situations that she endured. Dawn takes an approach that she calls the "Sunny Side Up" and I will let you enjoy hearing her inspiration to look at the positive in every situation you face. Dawn also has a strong faith that helps her endure through all the challenges she faces as an IronMan athlete and emergency room P.A. I really enjoyed chatting with her and hearing more about her background, her passion for others and her training perspective. Enjoy the show!!

In this week's episode I visit with Jared Hoffmeyer, a certified fitness instructor. Jared has spent a lot of time providing fitness and wellness in the corporate setting. When he isn't writing up fitness and training plans for others, he can be found working on building his own strength. Jared has been affected like so many with the inability to work out in a gym and provide fitness instruction in a gym that he has begun to be creative around the house and utilize items in his home to continue his strength and conditioning. He offers several suggestions of how to work out during a stay-at-home initiative and when gyms are unavailable. Jared also shares a wealth of information on how he designs training plans for others. Jared not only enjoys lifting heavy and working out, but also enjoys teaching yoga and Zumba classes and loves the interaction with other people. Jared is passionate about helping people achieve their goals and to see them achieve results. I had a fun time catching up with my former trainer and hope you enjoy the episode this week.

In this week’s episode I share some basic principals on how to stay hydrated during the warmer weather and how to calculate your sweat ratio. I hope this episode is insightful and helpful for you.

 

Here is a helpful link for you when trying to calculate sweat ratio.

https://ksi.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1222/2015/04/Sweat-Rate-Calculator.pdf

In this week's episode I sit down with Michael Bacon from Southeast Texas hill country. Michael is a native from the Lone Star state and has been running since he was a youngster. He got his start running shorter distances; including the half marathon, but as he has aged his desire to run longer distances and began embracing ultra marathons. Michael is a down-to-earth good ole' boy who loves spending time with his family, working hard and running. It didn't take long for Michael to embrace running on the trails and prefers that over anything....well almost everything. Michael can be found running down the local tracks often times and logs some solid mileage each and every week. Michael would choose spending time outdoors and logging some miles over watching television any day of the week. This was a fun episode and I hope you will enjoy the down home conversation. 

Shortly after this episode recorded, Michael was hit from behind while on a run by a driver under the influence. It is a miracle that he survived and suffered very little injury. We are thankful that God protected him and the driver has been arrested. Here's to a great man who is tough as nails and a trooper.

In this week’s midweek motivation I share 8 different types of running workouts that are common in training plans. It’s important to understand the difference so that you can become stronger, smarter and more prepared when you look at a new training plan. This episode is a great starter for novice runners, but even experienced runners need a fresh reminder.

In this week's episode I sit down and chat with my friend Chrissy Cooper Whitten. I first met Chrissy at a race in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. Chrissy and her husband were putting the race on in honor of their daughter, Lillian Grace. Lillian was born with Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome. Lillian was not expected to live and yet she defied the odds and this angel graced the Earth for 103 days. Chrissy has used this pain and grief to push her and inspire her to do more. She runs in honor of all of her daughters and spreads the love of God wherever she goes. Chrissy herself has beaten the odds when she was given a 10% chance of survival from brain surgery. She continues to beats the odds and is a joy to be around. She is a huge inspiration in the ultra running community and never ceases to amaze. Chrissy has conquered three (3) 100 mile ultra marathons with more planned in the near future.

To hear Chrissy share her story brings up so much raw emotion and is an amazing adventure of perseverance through adversity and still being able to see God's hand in everything that has happened. I really enjoyed the opportunity to share some time with my friend and catch up on all that she is doing right now. Drop everything you are doing and listen to this remarkable testimony of God's amazing love that Chrissy shares in this week's episode. Chrissy can be found on Facebook at Chrissy 'Cooper' Whitten https://www.facebook.com/c2mist

This week on the midweek motivation I encourage you to be prepared during this crazy time of uncertainty and share some insight for those who are facing adversity in the world of unemployment. I share some basic tips of survival and preparation for the working man and how to be ready for the battle at hand.

Have a great Wednesday and be prepared!

This week's episode features Chris Elmore. Chris and I met last year when I was on his podcast Rock, Roots and Ruts. He has since re-branded his show and it is known as the CJaye Show. Chris also has a YouTube Channel - CJaye Media that has a focus around his training, family and keeping a balance as an endurance athlete, father and husband. Chris has competed in numerous triathlons including 3 IRONMAN events along with conquering a 100 mile ultra marathon and continues to push the bar higher. Currently Chris is working on his marathon time in hopes to becoming BQ for the Boston Marathon in the future. I am sure you will enjoy this episode as I get to interview one who inspired me in many ways.

In this week's episode I visit with my friend Jared Stump. Jared has a background in media relations, photography and enjoying the run along the way. Jared is not a hardcore ultra runner like so many who are on our show, but has a joy in running and loves getting out and meeting new people, taking in the whole experience and often captures his adventures through photography. He tries not to get so wrapped up in running fast but rather would experience the fun within the run. His adventures have taken him from deep in the heart of Texas to running down the streets of Philadelphia and experiencing the Big Apple. Journey along with us in our discussion and see how Jared is passionate about life and the things he embarks upon.