Run The Riot Podcast

Ever feel stuck? Like you’ve drifted too far off course and don’t know how to get back? In this Midweek Motivation, we talk about the power of one sentence — and how it can be the spark that changes everything. Inspired by Run the Riot athlete Phil Klinkner, this short episode unpacks the moment he stood still in the woods, took a deep breath, and said out loud:“Something has to change.” Whether y...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Christopher Ange from Sulphur, Louisiana. Chris shares his journey from growing up in Lake Charles surrounded by Cajun and Sicilian culture to becoming a passionate ultrarunner and race director. We talk about: His early days running the Crescent City Classic with his dad. Pacing a friend at his first 50K and discovering the trail running community...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we dive deep into the powerful story of Phil Klinkner, an everyday guy with an extraordinary mindset. From growing up with the nickname "Fatty" to transforming into a determined ultrarunner who finished the Badger 100, Phil’s journey is raw, real, and undeniably inspiring. Phil opens up about: His early days growing up in a trailer park in Wisconsin Discovering con...

Feeling stuck in your training? Wondering if all those miles and early mornings are actually getting you anywhere? In this episode of Midweek Motivation, I’ll remind you that you’re further than you think — in running and in life. We’ll talk about: Why progress often feels invisible until you look back How to recognize the ground you’ve already covered The “messy middle” and why it’s where strengt...

This week on the Run the Riot Podcast, we’re joined by ultrarunner and ultrarunning coach Jackson Wolf, fresh off the legendary Badwater 135. We catch up with Jackson as he bounces between major ultras, pacing gigs, and planning his next adventures, including new races with Rougarou Running. Jackson shares: • A raw recap of his 2024 Badwater 135 experience • Thoughts on struggling with sleep depri...

Ever had a race—or a life plan—go sideways? You laid out the spreadsheets, packed the drop bags, prepped the fuel… and then something unexpected knocked it all off course? In today’s Midweek Motivation, we’re talking about the power of planning—and the wisdom of pivoting. Coach David Theriot dives into: • Why a solid plan shows discipline and intention • Real-world ultrarunning examples of when a...

Ever had a race—or a life plan—go sideways? You laid out the spreadsheets, packed the drop bags, prepped the fuel… and then something unexpected knocked it all off course? In today’s Midweek Motivation, we’re talking about the power of planning—and the wisdom of pivoting. Coach David Theriot dives into: • Why a solid plan shows discipline and intention • Real-world ultrarunning examples of when a...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we hang out with Cam Riddle, a passionate strength coach who's making a difference in the ultrarunning world—without running ultras himself! Cam brings years of experience from the private and collegiate strength and conditioning world and shares how he’s now applying his knowledge to help ultrarunners build stronger, more resilient bodies. We first met Cam while h...

You wouldn’t walk into a job interview without practicing your answers… so why would you show up to race day without testing your gear, your fuel, and your mindset? In this Midweek Motivation episode, David breaks down why your long run isn’t “just another Saturday” — it’s your dress rehearsal for the big day. You’ll hear how to use those miles to prepare wisely and avoid avoidable mistakes. From...

Why do we run from pain? In this Midweek Motivation, we talk about how pain isn’t your enemy—it’s your invitation to growth and purpose. Hear how ultrarunner Sean Rowe turned a health crisis into a life of meaning, running, and giving back. Whether you’re facing a tough workout, a setback in life, or just feel stuck, this episode will remind you: the fire that burns is the fire that builds. We tal...

In this powerful episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Sean Rowe—an inspiring ultrarunner who's living proof that transformation is possible at any stage in life. Sean opens up about his journey from nightclub promoter to endurance athlete, detailing how a health scare at 42 sparked a dramatic lifestyle change. After battling smoking, drinking, and unhealthy habits, Sean committed to fitness,...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we catch up with ultrarunner Suzan Brydon, who’s currently 19 days into a massive and meaningful mission—running over 1,920 miles across the American Discovery Trail as part of a community health initiative supported by her employer, The Cigna Group. This isn’t just a solo adventure—Suzan’s run is empowering young girls through Girls on the Run, raising awareness a...

In this episode of Midweek Motivation, David gets real about the kind of training that doesn’t get likes on social media — the cold, quiet, ordinary miles. You know, the ones where you lace up before dawn, even when you're tired, sore, or just not feeling it. He reminds us why boring runs are the foundation of breakthrough performance and why ordinary effort, done consistently, is anything but sma...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we catch up with an incredible ultrarunner and returning guest — Amanda Lynch! It's been a few years since Amanda last joined us, and she’s been busy stacking up strong finishes and incredible experiences. From winning first female at the Loup Garou 100 to tackling technical trails at Lovit 100, Amanda has stayed consistent, positive, and resilient. We dive deep in...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Matt Pruitt, who recently achieved the supported Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the 223-mile Ouachita Trail, spanning Oklahoma to Arkansas. That’s right—Matt didn’t just try it. He got it done. Matt walks us through every gritty, inspiring detail of the journey. From dialing in logistics to managing exhaustion and weather, he shares what it takes to g...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Angela Smith, an amazing ultrarunner and mother who recently set the Kansas state record for the 100-mile race at Prairie Spirit 100. Angela’s journey from her first ultra race to conquering this major milestone is nothing short of impressive. We dive into her story, from pushing strollers during training to her unwavering determination to balance...

On this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, we sit down with Leah Vincent, an adventurous ultrarunner, backpacker, and all-around endurance junkie. From hiking the John Muir Trail to tackling Moab 240, Leah shares her wild journey of overcoming extreme conditions, hallucinations, and the unexpected challenges that come with pushing human limits. We chat about: Her terrifying first backpacking tri...

The Finish Line is Worth It – Why You Should Keep Going, Even When It’s Hard Every race has a moment when quitting feels like the best option. The pain sets in, the miles drag on, and the finish line feels impossibly far away. But here’s the truth—the struggle is temporary, but the finish line lasts forever. In this episode, I’m sharing stories from my own races—times when everything in me wanted...

Becca Pizzi is an endurance legend. The first American woman to complete the World Marathon Challenge, she went back and set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest time. In this episode of Run the Riot, we talk about: Training for seven back-to-back marathons Running in Antarctica and Africa within twenty-four hours Completing marathons in all fifty states and twenty Boston Marathons Her best...

In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Run the Riot athlete Jen Johnson to talk about her inspiring journey to conquer her first 100-mile ultramarathon at the iconic Rocky Raccoon 100. From her early days running loops around her neighborhood as a kid to lining up at one of the most popular ultra races in the U.S., Jen’s story is one of grit, joy, and an unshakeable passion for trail ru...

Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Body Description: Your legs will take you far, but your mind will take you further. In this episode, we’re talking about mental training—how to push through tough runs, stay strong when doubt creeps in, and build the resilience that separates good runners from great ones. You'll learn: Why mental strength is just as important as physical endurance How to reframe...

Stacey Priddy hated running in high school. It was punishment. Conditioning. The worst part of sports. But now? She’s raced Cactus Rose 100 (49 hours), Front Range 72-Hour, Javelina Jundred, and more. What changed? In this episode, we talk about: How she fell into ultrarunning by accident. The mental toughness it takes to survive self-supported races. Why hot yoga has been a game-changer for her e...

Welcome back to another Midweek Motivation episode of the Run the Riot Podcast! Today, we’re tackling a topic that hits home for so many of us—the comparison trap. Whether it’s at the starting line of your first ultra or while scrolling through Instagram, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking everyone else has it all together. But remember: Your race is YOUR race. What You’ll Hear in This Ep...

In this episode of Midweek Motivation on the Run the Riot Podcast, we dive into the topic of setbacks. Whether you’re a runner who has faced a tough race or someone navigating life’s unexpected detours, this episode is for you. David shares his personal experience of a tough DNF at the Moab 240 and how it taught him that setbacks are not the end of the road—they're opportunities to grow. Listen in...

Thoughts on "Embracing the Suck" In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, we dive into the power of embracing the suck—those tough, uncomfortable moments that test your limits. Whether you're grinding through mile 70 of a 100-miler or navigating life's challenges, growth happens when we lean into discomfort instead of running from it. I share lessons from some of my races, practical strategies...