Martha Runs the World Podcast

Send us Fan Mail #365 - The minute we decide to start running, we're changed. And on that first run, we will never be the same again. This week, I talk about the extraordinary ways running changes us. I could also say we are metamorphosized when we decide to become runners. That's how powerful running is in our lives. That's how much it means to us. So, get ready for a big dose of e...

Send us Fan Mail #364 - To start 2026 off right, I thought I would address some issues we runners have, and yes, I have these issues myself. Sometimes when we're disappointed in our running it can lead to more negatives. It can make us lose opportunities that might help us or be better for us in running. It's easy to let our negative thinking move our running in the wrong direction, so I...

Send us Fan Mail #363 - This week, I talk about some things I want to leave behind in 2025 and what I look forward to in 2026 in running. I enjoy reflecting back on the past year and how it can be improved upon in the new year. I took some time off from serious running in 2025 but now I'm ready to get back into it and I talk a little about my future goals.  May you have a wonderful 2026 and m...

Send us Fan Mail #362 - Do you have a trail that you absolutely love but you don't want to tell others about it? Maybe it's one that's quieter than the more popular ones, maybe it's a bit out of the way or not as well-known. Or maybe there's a very popular trail or running route nearby that most runners choose over your secret route. I have a couple of these and this week,...

Send us Fan Mail #361 - Last week, I gave some great options for easy to buy, not-too-expensive running gifts for the runners in your life, including yourself! This week, I'm asking Santa for a few running related gifts. Some of them might be hard for him to fit in his sleigh, but I'm asking anyway. I'm not asking for a ton of things, but there are some. I'm not asking for anyt...

Send us Fan Mail #360 - It's the Annual Gifts for Runners Show! I help you find the perfect gifts for the runners in your life, including yourself! Yes! Important to take care of ourselves as well as others. We've worked hard all year so why not treat ourselves to something nice? This year, I pick out a few reasonably-priced items you might want to consider. And may all your winter runs...

Send us Fan Mail #359 - Rob Sembiante has attempted and finished race distances that many of us wouldn't even think about starting. He counts Antarctica, the Dolomites and 300 miles through the Utah wildlands as three of his toughest. He joins mem this week to talk about them, as well as the established race he's taking over next year, the Bootleg Boogie. He'll talk about why he&apo...

Send us Fan Mail #358 - Us runners know that Thanksgiving means one thing - Turkey Trots! This year, I not only give some updated numbers of just how much Turkey Trots have grown, but I also share a bit about the history of Thanksgiving itself! And to top it all off, just like that extra serving of whipping cream, I talk about gratitude! So, dive right in! Have some fun this week and enjoy your Tu...

Send us Fan Mail #357 - There may be a time when something happens in our lives that completely upends our running plans. Maybe we have a serious injury or we lose our job or we go through a divorce. Whatever life-changing event it is, there are ways we can handle it that may help us to get through and still see that small light ahead. Not all is lost! Have faith. In my past, I have not always han...

Send us Fan Mail #356 - On Veterans Day, I thought it was about time I give thanks to those to are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live our lives and run our races. I give lots of veteran organizations that can help veterans and those who want to support vets, as well as races that we can participate in to help out. There's plenty of information this week for us to do wh...

Send us Fan Mail #355 - It's THAT time of year! Daylight Savings Time just ended and sure, we got an extra hour of sleep this past weekend, but with that, the sunlight lessens each day until late December and the likelihood of us running in the dark grows. I did an episode on running in the dark a few years ago, but I thought it was a good time to do another one and cover a few points I didn&...

Send us Fan Mail #354 - Every year, I release an episode about haunted places around the world. The prerequisite must be that they are near great running locations. This year is no exception as I talk about four amazing, majestic hotels with lots of reported paranormal activity. These are four of the great historic hotels and things are bound to happen hotels such as these. So, listen to this week...

Send us Fan Mail #353 - Every runner at some moment gets bored with our training. Maybe we're running the same routes, maybe we feel like nothing is ever changing, maybe we just feel "blah" when we head out for a run. I did an earlier episode how to make running more exciting if we get the Blahs, but this week, I'm focusing on one small part of that previous episode by giving y...

Send us Fan Mail #352 - I did an earlier episode helping older runners keep running. This week, I focus more on the strengths that keep older runners on the road or trail. There are some key differences between younger and older runners, especially in mindset, so I hope I can help you out, no matter your age or skill. Support the show Martha Runs the World website https://www.buzzsprout.com/248027...

Send us Fan Mail #351 - When I started running, it was not easy trying to find information on running. I relied on Runner's World Magazine. That was in the 1980s. RW was a top-notch magazine back then. I loved it so much! I would read through each issue at least three times. I saved them up too and eventually would cut out articles I especially loved and saved them long after the whole issue...

Send us Fan Mail #350 - This week, I talk about some things that I always do as a runner and some things I never do as a runner. I'm sure you may guess what some of these are, but I bet you won't guess all of them! And, I'm also pretty sure your list will be a little different. It's a fun thing to think about; there's so much in running that this list entails, that I know...

Send us Fan Mail #349 - In a second appearance, Coach Chris Wehrman returns to help us with our running needs as we head into fall marathon season and more! Chris is a wealth of knowledge and I love having him on the show. I always learn so much when he's here and I know you will too! All his contact information, as well as the RunBetter App information is on the show website!   Support the s...

Send us Fan Mail #348 - What you eat is one of the most important aspects in your running. "Garbage In, Garbage Out" is a popular phrase and with good reason because it's true. If you eat less than quality type food, your running will suffer. This week, I take a couple past episodes on running nutrition, combine them and make it focused to further help your runs. Eating right for yo...

Send us Fan Mail #347 - Sometimes a race you love, you look forward to every year is discontinued. It leaves a hole in your heart, because that race meant so much to you. This week, I talk about a handful of races that meant something to me and others because they're no longer around. There are a variety of reasons why races are canceled, Covid being the biggest one in recent years. But there...

Send us Fan Mail #346 - Ever dream of running in the mountains, high above the clouds? Does the thought of a flat race send dread to your heard? Than Skyrunning just might be for you! This week, I talk about the specialized sport of Sky Running and what makes it so incredible and different from other trail races, including ultrarunning. You may find that this is the kind of even you've been l...

Send us Fan Mail #345 - You found the PERFECT shoe. You love this shoe. Everything about this shoe makes running SO MUCH FUN. And then it happens. The running shoe company comes out with a new model and it's not the same shoe! NOT AT ALL! It fits completely different! And not in a good way. Everything you loved about this shoe is gone! It's a completely different shoe! Why did the shoe c...

Send us Fan Mail #344 - Some runners will tell you stretching isn't important. They'll say never stretch before a run. Well, stretching can be confusing. Sometimes, Dynamic Stretching, or Dynamic movements gets confused with Static Stretching, which should never be done before you run. Dynamic Stretching, or Movements should be done before your run. This week, I help differentiate betwee...

Send us Fan Mail #343 - After running for a while, we learn so much about ourselves and when we're capable of doing. Perhaps we learn we're stronger than we ever thought we were, or that the many hours we spend alone on the trails are the best hours of our lives. But no matter how long we've been runners there are certain truths that we learn. Some of them we learn quickly and some...

Send us Fan Mail #342 - This week, I talk about Czech runner Emil Zatopek who many consider the greatest runner of all time. Although there are others who could also be considered this, He could definitely worthy of the title. His story is fascinating and inspirational and well worth discovering. Zatopek's intense workout routines helped create the training that today's professionals run...

Send us Fan Mail #341 - One of the ways European Ultraraces are so different from American ones is that you'll see many more races use trekking poles in Europe. They know that these skinny sticks can help them in their races. This week, it's all about trekking poles and why you might want to use them! I help you differentiate between the types, how to see if they fit and most importantly...