FatMan Chronicles

Episode 138 – FMC Runs Chicago: Chapter 10 Another week and another attempt to clarify statements. Hey, it’s a podcast and if there are comments, people are listening, and Pete and Dave will take that all day! The episode has a lot of tangents. Maybe some fitness talk. A little about food. Pete has a lot to say about his mental health, body image, and how running doesn’t always help. Dave lets us...

Episode 137 – FMC Runs Chicago: Chapter 9 Pete and Dave are back with another week of health, fitness, and dietary chatter! The episode kicks off with Dave filling us in on a decent week, even if today is only a C+ for him. The TNT training plan for Chicago is only a few weeks away from starting. With 28 weeks until the race, how is Dave doing? Pete recaps his training week, including some weather...

Episode 136 – FMC Runs Chicago: Chapter 8 Who was it that wanted longer episodes? Be careful what you wish for! Pete and Dave dig into the last week with a full review after Pete reminisces about McRunner and Dave recaps his weekend at a meet with his son and wife. Then there is a lot of training talk. A lot. Some common ground. And at the end, we find one of Pete’s buttons. In between, they do di...

Episode 135 – FMC Runs Chicago: Chapter 7 How’s the week been for Pete and Dave? Did Dave ever get his labs back? Are they still building that base in training? All of those questions, and much more, get addressed in this big 1:30+ episode. The guys start out with a little track and field indoor national championship discussion. Spoiler – Braedon kicked some butt out there! Dave gives us those res...

Episode 134 – FMC Runs Chicago: Chapter 6 Pete and Dave are back with another update with 31 weeks to go until they line up at the start of the 2022 Chicago Marathon. Pete kicks it off with an update on a challenging week. Did he overcome the challenges to get his runs in? How was his nutrition? Overall health? You know he has plenty to fill you in on. Dave then tells us all about his tale of two...

Episode 133 – FMC Runs Chicago: Chapter 5 Pete seems off at the beginning and then seems to talk a ton. Dave gives us insight into his week and overall outlook from now until the race. Pete may be a bit confrontational. Dave takes it in stride. In other words, about what you’d expect. RunningWarriorSarah is the first to answer the challenge and signed up for the Chicago Marathon while raising mone...

Episode 132 – FMC Runs Chicago: Chapter 4 Pete and Dave start off with updates on their health journeys with alcohol and food. Pete gives a detailed update on his bloodwork and Dave shares that he is going to a doc for the first time in a couple of years. They also talk about how the alcohol relationship talk is important to others listening, too. They then turn their attention to the upcoming rac...

Episode 131 – FMC Runs Chicago: Chapter 3 Pete and Dave had one more listener question to address and they spend ample time on it in this episode. The question came from Penny and was about food/ways of eating that the guys have tried. Well, as you can imagine, they’ve tried a lot, have a ton to say on the subject, and have been concerned about food for many years. Buckle in because it’s over an h...

Episode 130 – FMC Runs Chicago: Chapter 2 Pete and Dave are back at it. This is another episode that is part podcast/part therapy session. It is important that the guys work through these issues (food, alcohol, mental blocks) to conquer the marathon. They are sure more light-hearted laughs are coming, but this is another more serious discussion. Dave opens up and explains more about how alcohol im...

Episode 129 – FMC Runs Chicago: Chapter 1 It’s time for Gretchen to (finally) get a break from Pete. And for us all to pray for Dave. This special “season” of the FatMan Chronicles features Pete and Dave – Two middle-aged dads on a journey to conquer the Chicago Marathon. This first chapter is really an overview of their lives and what’s coming up. There’s a more serious tone to the show this time...

Episode 128 – Is This the End? Pete and Gretchen are back but for how long? Is it the end of the podcast? What’s happened over the last six months? The couple starts the show with a dedication to three friends they have lost – Linda (OG Patron and Gretchen’s #viewfromthecouch partner in crime); Steven (a friend of Pete’s from his days at Hub Group); and John (a good friend of Pete’s for the last 3...

Episode 127 – Badger Trail Races 2021 “Event” in Preview Gretchen is still MIA. OK, she’s out of town on business. We still don’t get her priorities. People need #viewsfromthecouch. Oh, well, maybe next time. Instead, Pete invites Rob Bozovich back to do a race event in preview. Pete goes back to the Badger Trail in Wisconsin to take on the 50K. Put on by Ten Junk Miles Racing, this is an incredib...

Episode 126 – An Interview with Van Lanzendorfer With Gretchen away on business, Pete reaches out to talk to a new friend of the show, Van Lanzendorfer. Van is in the health and fitness industry in Pennsylvania. Van gives us his insights on what to do to start and maintain your fitness journey. His perspective is outstanding and everyone should get something out of this fun chat! Now, get out ther...

Episode 125 – On Location with Rob and Heather! For the first time ever, Pete and Gretchen talk to guests live on location. They welcome Rob and Heather Bozovich back to the show. That’s two couples for the price of, well, nothing! SOUND WARNING: This was recorded in a kitchen in the new Bozovich home with only three mics. The quality is ok but not up to our normal standards. Be kind. And remember...

Episode 124 – Better Late Than Never? There is a reason Pete and Gretchen didn’t record last Sunday (Father’s Day). Really. At least that’s the story they are sticking to. A long #viewsfromthecouch. Gretchen fans will be thrilled. A health update that shouldn’t be a surprise. Struggles. But a plan? Pete gives a huge #50at50 update. He nearly reads the entire list before catching himself. He needs...

Episode 123 – Oh Look, Podcast Equipment It has been over four months since you’ve heard from Pete and Gretchen. While the break for them was necessary, and the relief for you was likely profound, the couple is back (for now) and ready to share what’s been happening. We all know that people missed Gretchen, so after a bit of an introduction, she jumps right into four months’ worth of #viewsfromthe...

Episode 122 – #50at50: Part II This episode kicks off with Gretchen questioning her #viewsfromthecouch. Are changes coming? We are all on the edge of our seats. In better news, Gretchen continues to use Mirror. She is doing cardio, strength, and core. Finally, something she likes and is going to stick with. Pete gives an update on his health, including the return of severe migraines. The doc has a...

Episode 121 – #50at50: Part 1 Pete is turning 50 soon, and this episode starts to unveil his #50at50 list. But before we can get into that… Gretchen gives her #viewsfromthecouch and an update on her Mirror workouts. She continues to enjoy it and has plans for the future. Next, the couple talks about this article from Yahoo News talking about fitness trainer, Drew Manning, gaining over 60 pounds to...

Episode 120 – 2020 Year in Review & 2021 One Words 2020 has been a year. Pete and Gretchen talk about the good, the bad, the ugly, and the downright absurd in this episode. But first… Gretchen gives a special #viewsfromthecouch about The Crown on Netflix. That segment lasts awhile because Pete has questions. The royals are an entertaining bunch. Next up is a Mirror update from Gretchen. She says s...

Episode 119 – Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, What’s the Worst Show of Them All? Gretchen’s back! She leads off by telling us why there may be no One Word for 2021 before launching into her patented #viewsfromthecouch. Pete and Gretchen talk about their new workout routines, how their diet is still crap and possible 2021 plans. Lots to catch up on, so let’s get started! Now, get out there and #bebette...

Episode 118 – Catching Up with Rob Gretchen needs a bit more time off, so Pete goes solo in this episode. Fear not, it is not just Pete giving a 45-minute stream of consciousness soliloquy because he is joined by our very good friend, Rob Bozovich. Last time Rob visited, we learned some about his affinity for indoor cycling with Zwift. Pete asks Rob a lot more about Zwift and the two delve into th...

Episode 117 – We’ll Go Ahead and Apologize Up Front Are you ready for Pete and Gretchen unleashed? Not enough for rated R, but it gets close. Listener beware. The couple jumps right into Gretchen’s #viewsfromthecouch. She talks about a Real Housewife that is dealing with addiction. Pete actually jumps in here to give his perspective. This is the most important part of this episode, and it’s all do...

Episode 116 – Let’s Just Get This All Out There Pete and Gretchen have some things to say about how COVID is impacting their lives, especially with school. They are clear that this is not political. They are not bashing teachers. They are sharing the impact and their views. They normally steer clear of this stuff. And probably will in the future. Maybe. Maybe not. It’s their show 😊. Then the norm...

Episode 115 – Tripping and Frozen Green Beans Pete and Gretchen are back, and they have some updates. Gretchen starts right off with a full health update. How are things with walking? With the nutritionist? We want to know!  Then it is time for #viewsfromthecouch. Is Gretchen really tiring of reality TV? This could spell doom for the podcast. OK, not really, but still.  Pete offers up an update on...

Episode 114 – A Peek Into Mental Health After a long two-and-a-half weeks, Pete and Gretchen are back. The episode starts as normal with Gretchen’s #viewsfromthecouch and Pete’s #podcastcorner. There is some of their usual humor, but most of this episode is serious. Pete and Gretchen offer a peek into why they did not record. Pete’s struggle with depression was coupled with severe anxiety. Then gu...