The Hobby Jogger Podcast

The easiest way to sabotage a marathon isn’t missing a workout, it’s making a tiny race day choice that snowballs. We pulled 252 responses from our WeViews “Race Day Insights” survey and sat down with returning guest Elizabeth Clore (Boston Bound author and a multi-time Boston Marathon finisher) to translate the data into decisions you can actually use on your next start line. We dig into the hot-...

Injury prevention isn’t about collecting gadgets—it’s about timing the right habits so your body can adapt, not break. We’re joined by Dr. Bonnie Wilder, DPT, for a clear, no-drama playbook that helps you feel better between runs and stay consistent through a training block. From simple desk routines to smart use of compression, heat, and ice, we map out what actually shortens recovery without cre...

When Grace Myers laces up her running shoes, she's not checking her GPS watch or loading up on the latest sports nutrition—she's tapping into something more fundamental. On this episode of The Hobby Jogger, we meet a runner who qualified for Boston Marathon without using a single calorie of race fuel, who pushed strollers through training runs until the tires literally wore out, and who...

What happens when a self-described "hobby jogger" from the coastal flatlands of South Carolina lands a coveted spot in one of trail running's most prestigious events? Jason Cox takes us through his extraordinary journey from the moment he received that unexpected 5 AM email confirming his entry into OCC—one of the iconic UTMB races in the French Alps. Jason's adventure began wi...

Ultra runner John Calabrese (The Breezy Trailhead) shares his journey through injury, recovery, and the unique culture of ultra running while reflecting on his experiences at races like Burning River and the Barkley Fall Classic. • Coming back from injury and DNF at Burning River 100 where challenging weather led to many dropouts • Struggling with cross-training through swimming after hip issues i...

The quest for optimal running performance often leads us down paths of trendy supplements and one-size-fits-all nutrition plans. But what if the real secret lies in personalization? Dietitian and ultra-marathon coach Rachel Laymon cuts through the noise with evidence-based, practical advice on fueling strategies that actually work. Ever wondered how many carbs you should consume during an ultra? R...

Rachel Laymon transforms our understanding of running fundamentals in this captivating conversation about the science and art behind effective training. From her remarkable journey starting as a reluctant 5K participant in Florida to becoming a respected ultramarathon coach and founder of Run Well Be Well, Rachel brings authenticity and expertise to every topic. The discussion takes us through the...

Olivia's refreshingly honest account of her ultra-running journey reveals both the highs and lows of endurance challenges. From bizarre race-day ailments ("I started throwing up like 20 miles into the race") to unexpected nutrition discoveries (pumpkin bread as the secret ultra fuel), her storytelling captures the unpredictable nature of hundred-mile adventures. Her experience navig...

The 2025 Western States delivered drama from the start, with an unprecedented dozen elite men charging out 13 minutes ahead of course record pace just 10 miles in. Our panel examines how the race has fundamentally changed—from NASCAR-style aid station pit stops (now averaging under 30 seconds versus 3 minutes in 2019) to the complex cooling strategies employed in the notorious canyons. We celebrat...

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Ultra stands as one of the East Coast's most formidable trail challenges, and in our latest episode, we get an unfiltered look at what makes this Pennsylvania race so legendary. Guests Nikki Niemeyer and William Walmsley take us through their recent battle with this 70-mile trail featuring 11,000 feet of elevation gain across relentlessly rocky terrain. Both...

When a child battles cancer, they need more than just medicine – they need moments of joy, strength, and normalcy. That's exactly what Project Outrun delivers through their innovative approach to supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families. In this deeply moving conversation, Courtney Salyer, Director of Operations for Project Outrun, shares how this Ohio-based nonprofit transform...

The journey of an ultrarunner is rarely a straight line from start to finish. Sometimes, the path takes unexpected turns – as Mike Weinsheimer discovered when facing snowfall and freezing temperatures at the Canyons 100K in California.  But what happens when the race you've trained for slips away? For Mike, the answer was simple yet bold: pivot. Within days, he secured a spot in the iconic Mi...

When trail runner and Hobby Jogger podcast host Casey returned from the Canyons 50K with a surprisingly fast recovery, he knew exactly what made the difference: strength training. That's why we invited strength coach Michael Meeker, owner of Big Tree Fitness in Akron, to explain the transformative impact resistance training can have for endurance athletes. As runners, many of us have been con...