That First Mile

Send us Fan Mail What if the right pair of running shoes could change your life? In this episode of That First Mile Podcast , we’re joined by Rosemary Rios , manager of Sole II Soul Sports in Visalia, CA, to talk about far more than shoes. We explore how proper shoe fitting can prevent injuries, build confidence, and help people take that very first step toward a healthier lifestyle. Rosemary shar...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That First Mile Podcast, we dive into the Northwest Passage Ragnar—one of the most demanding relay experiences you can put a team through. From unpredictable weather and overnight legs to the mental battle that hits when sleep disappears and miles stack up, this breakdown takes you inside the real experience of what it takes to keep moving when everything in you...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of That First Mile Podcast , Randy sits down with his brother-in-law Oscar Soto—a husband, father, and new grandfather who spent years working as a truck driver, pushing through long hours on the road and the physical toll that came with it, including injuries that have followed him into this season of life. Oscar opens up about sacrifice, family, and what...

Send us Fan Mail Izayah Campos was deep into marathon training when life took a sharp turn—he shipped out to U.S. Navy boot camp. In this episode, we dive into what it takes to pivot from personal goals to something greater, the discipline required to succeed in boot camp, and how fitness prepared him for the mental and physical challenges ahead. We talk about unfinished goals, resilience, and wha...

Send us Fan Mail Starting a fitness journey isn’t about having the perfect plan. It’s not about motivation. And it’s definitely not about feeling ready. It’s about taking that first step—when everything in you is telling you to wait. In this episode of That First Mile, we sit down with Carianne Fernandez, who is just getting started on her fitness journey. No highlight reel. No “after” picture. Ju...

Send us Fan Mail 68 countries. 500+ cities. That First Mile Podcast reflects on its growing global reach and the message behind it—discipline, consistency, and taking action even when it’s uncomfortable. This episode is for everyday people building better habits, pushing through challenges, and taking their first mile one step at a time. Includes thanks to listeners, guests, and co-hosts, plus a c...

Send us Fan Mail After 26 years in the United States Navy, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer Mika Strange, lived a life built on discipline, leadership, and doing the hard things—day in and day out. But this conversation isn’t just about military service. It’s about what happens after. It’s about identity, transition, and finding your next ‘First Mile’ when the structure you’ve known for de...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode Randy welcomes back our resident therapist Ana. She welcomes Rossie Ballard owner of Fit Warriors in Visalia, CA who is a Personal Trainer and Health Coach. They discuss an often over looked issue. Eating disorders are complicated and frequently misdiagnosed. In this episode, we examine the emotional and mental processes that underlie disordered eating, how it affe...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That First Mile Podcast, Randy brings back Ana (Therapist) and Paola for a conversation how the ideas in Atomic Habits can help you stop relying on motivation and start building systems that work—even on low-energy days. We discuss what works, what is more difficult in real life, and how to form habits without becoming burned out or striving for perfection. This...

Send us Fan Mail This week's podcast combines therapy and running/exercise. Randy talks to two therapists, Ana and Karina, who both enjoy running. Each has completed numerous 5 and 10 k races, marathons, and half marathons. They discuss with Randy that treatment doesn't always take place on a couch; it might occasionally occur in the middle of a run. This is your space to move your body,...

Send us Fan Mail Gaby Gonzales returns to the podcast this week to talk about her running journey. She talks about her experience running the 50th annual Marine Corps Marathon. We talked about her sources of motivation. What upcoming runs does she have? Hearing from her is always enjoyable.  Enjoy, we hope. 

Send us Fan Mail This week's podcast has Jaylynn Campos returning to discuss training her parents, aunts, and uncles. She is assisting with core exercises, mobility, and strength training. Jaylynn is taking advantage of this chance to set herself up for success in her future career as a sports therapist. Her dream job would be to work as a professional sports trainer for a major league. She i...

Send us Fan Mail Liliana returns with Randy to discuss all of her achievements in 2025. She was ecstatic to discuss finishing the 50th annual Marine Corps Marathon. Takes us back to talk about the thrilling audience, the distance, and the inspiring US Marines. Talked about all of her 2026 goals. We hope this podcast episode with her is enjoyable.

Send us Fan Mail After 6 months Randy is back! He brings you up to speed on the Nike After Dark run in Los Angeles that the ladies ran. Lili, Liliana, Paola, Gaby and Randy ran the 50th Annual Marine Corps Marathon. Randy just completed the California International Marathon. We are back! More to come.

Send us Fan Mail At last, the ladies will be running the Nike After Dark Half Marathon in Los Angeles! Sandy, Lili, Gabby, and Paola discuss their objectives, readiness, and expectations with Liliana and Randy. Since this is Liliana and Sandy's first half marathon, a special shoutout to them! When they kill it, we can't wait to talk to them about this race! I wish them all the best of lu...

Send us Fan Mail Liliana and Randy are back and sharing their activities after taking a few weeks off. Liliana was working and enjoying the atmosphere at Coachella. Randy participated in the Big Sur Marathon, running 21 miles. They talk about how much they appreciated each of those events. As the family gets ready for their next half marathon, Liliana keeps everyone informed about their progress....

Send us Fan Mail Liliana and Randy have some HUGE news to share on this week's podcast. Liliana's first half marathon decision has finally been made! She brings back her mother (Lili) and her aunts (Sandy, Gaby, and Paola) to share the news with the audience. They discuss training schedules, the half marathon, and the anticipation that accompanies the announcement. Enjoy, we hope!

Send us Fan Mail Liliana will be hosting this week. She talks to her sisters, Sara and Juli. Juli has a broken foot and is getting better. After she recovers, she wants to get back on track. For the past few years, Sara has lived abroad. She comes back to the United States and tries to restart it. Liliana wants to accompany her sisters on this adventure.

Send us Fan Mail This week, Liliana and Randy welcome Alfredo Muniz-Rivera, the former host of Come Hike with Me, back. Since he began his fitness adventure, it was crucial to acknowledge and appreciate his accomplishments, including losing weight and becoming a runner. Liliana is taken back in time by Randy and Alfredo. Alfredo talks about his newfound passion of running, including its highs and...

Send us Fan Mail Liliana and Randy welcome Michael Fleming to this week's podcast. In the U.S. Navy, Matt and Randy were stationed on Air Craft Carrier USS Constellation (CV-64). After catching up, they talk about Matt's fitness journey and how it inspired him to make lifestyle changes for his own well-being. He gave Liliana advice as she gets ready for her own half marathon after runnin...

Send us Fan Mail On this weeks podcast Randy and Liliana interview someone Liliana has known here whole life, her mother! We talk about the drive to maintain consistency. The ability to maintain concentration when running, especially when negative thoughts start to seep in. Liliana talks about how observing her mother run and be active as a child inspired her to follow in her footsteps as an adult...

Send us Fan Mail Marcus Espino, the 2025 Best Buddies Friendship Walk Honorary Chair, is introduced by Liliana and Randy this week. Marcus and Liliana discuss their relationship via Best Buddies. Raise awareness, celebrate, and donate to help us spread the word about Best Buddies' goal! 

Send us Fan Mail Jose De La Cruz, also known as Sparky, is interviewed by Liliana and Randy on this week's That First Mile Podcast. While hiking with 510 Hikers from Oakland, California, Randy and Sparky got to know one another. They would occasionally chat after realizing they had a similar passion for running. Sparky is really good at running, so Randy and Liliana wanted to learn more from...

Send us Fan Mail This week Randy and Liliana go over results from the families first race of the year. Liliana shares about her week and how that affected her training leading to race day. Don't forget to subscribe to join us on our next journey as we train for our next family race. 

Send us Fan Mail This week we are taking it back to the Family's very first run. Randy talks to Levi, Izayah, and Jaylynn. This is from a year and half ago. Let's see what they were talking about with Randy. Then we will have those 3 back to see how they are doing now.