The Rambling Runner Podcast

Join me as I chat with Josh Lerch, whose running journey is both inspiring and unconventional - and lead him to a 2:30 marathon, and 6 minute PR, at Surf City last weekend. Starting in Michigan, Josh unexpectedly found his passion for cross country, learning crucial lessons from a memorable bonk at the state meet when going after one of the best runners of our generation. It's a story you won't wa...

Discover how Miguel Peralta transitioned from a reluctant teen to an elite amateur runner running a 2:47 marathon. In this episode, he shares insights on building endurance, mental resilience, and maintaining consistency in training. I couldn't wait to re-share this episode as it was one of the most fun and impactful episodes we've every recorded on the show. You can follow Miguel at www.instagram...

In this episode, Kim Urmaza shares her inspiring story of turning her life around through endurance sports, the importance of listening to your body, and evolving from a competitive mindset to one of sustainable growth. You'll learn how her approach to training and racing shifted from metric obsession to intuitive efforts, emphasizing mental resilience and self-awareness - resulting in 3:10 marath...

In this episode, I welcome Justin Williams, a former college football player turned running community leader, to discuss his journey from the football field to facilitating vibrant running communities in urban areas. We explore the challenges and rewards of creating inclusive spaces for runners of all levels, the importance of word-of-mouth growth, and the balance between personal running goals an...

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Bart Yasso, a legendary figure in the running community. We discuss the most underrated and races in the U.S. along with an alternate for each if the timing of the race doesn't work with your schedule. Bart shares his experiences and insights on these races, highlighting their unique features and the vibrant running communities they foster. Spo...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Alex Hermanson, a dedicated runner whose journey is both inspiring and relatable. We delved into Alex's transition from a college baseball player to a passionate runner, highlighting his humility and love for the sport. Alex shared his initial struggles with running, his motivation sparked by watching his girlfriend's marathon, and how he embrac...

In this minisode, I discuss the importance of zoomed-out and zoomed-in goals for the new year as well as the need to plan for potential setbacks and maintain consistency in pursuing goals. I also share my personal fitness goals and introduce the Winter Challenge with the Race Cancer Foundation, encouraging you to join and support the cause. I’m officially signed up for the Winter Challenge with Ra...

This episode is a replay of a recent episode of Road to the Trials - Season Four. As you'll hear, it's an extremely powerful and inspirational look at one of the many runners who are shining their light under the national running radar. Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka sit down with JaQuavious Harris for one of their first post-race interviews from the California International Marathon. Jaquavious ra...

Stephanie Dyer picked up running at college after watching the Boston Marathon and she has held it close over since. Now, over 30 years later, Stephanie is still cranking out PR's at her favorite distance and aiming for 70 marathons by the age of 70. Incredible! In this episode she talks about building consistency, getting faster with age, finding and cultivating her love for the sport, and what d...

Kristin Johnson returns to the show for the second time in 2025 after ripping off another seven minute PR with a 2:53 at the Indy Monumental Marathon. Kristin talks about how she's gone from 3:59 to 2:53 in her favorite distance, the changes that were required, and how she doubled-down on what worked. Sponsors ASICS - Explore the METASPEED Edge and Sky Tokyo along with the newly released Megablast...

In this episode of the Rambling Runner podcast, I continue my "How Can I Run Like I Used To?" mini-series. When we restart our running journey we are usually filled with excitement and vigor. That is wonderful! However, we need to balance those emotions with a plan of attack that allows us to build a foundation, identify problem areas we can address proactively, and set ourselves up for the expone...

In this episode of the Rambling Runner podcast, I delve into the challenges and mindset required to regain peak fitness after a significant time away from running. I emphasize the importance of a long-term commitment, adopting a beginner's mindset, and the need for self-compassion and realistic goal setting. I share personal insights and strategies to overcome common hurdles and maintain motivatio...

In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Schilkowsky to dive into her recent win at the Hartford Marathon, her impressive early morning training schedule, and the challenges she's faced. We discuss her performance at Hartford, how/why a PR can be gratifying yet still feel disappointing, and the crucial role of fueling during races. Rachel opens up about her running journey, how she balances family...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Heidi Peoples, a remarkable runner and multiple time Olympic Trials qualifier who recently finished first in her 45-49 age group at the Chicago Marathon. We delved into her journey from being a high school softball player to a marathon runner, her experiences balancing life as a teacher and a mother of four, and her strategies for maintaining en...

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Ashley Mateo about her new venture, RUNHER Magazine. We delve into the inspiration behind the magazine, the challenges of launching a print publication in a digital age, and the importance of storytelling in women's running. Ashley shares her journey from frustration with the male-dominated media landscape to creating a platform that celebrates...

In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Floris, head coach at Pepperdine University, to explore her journey in balancing coaching, family, and personal running goals. Lauren shares her ambitions to set personal records from the mile to the marathon and discusses the challenges and strategies involved in training, fueling, and maintaining motivation. Sponsors ASICS - Check-out the new METASPEED Edg...

In this episode, I dive into the importance of strength training for runners with Brodie Sharpe. We explore how strength training can enhance running performance and discuss the balance between injury prevention and performance improvement. Brodie shares insights from research and personal experience, emphasizing the role of strength training in improving running economy and efficiency. Sponsors A...

Charlie Watson shares her exhilarating experience at the Sydney Marathon, highlighting her unique racing strategy that led to a surprisingly fast finish. She discusses the importance of mindset, strength training, and nutrition in her preparation, and how letting go of expectations allowed her to enjoy the race and perform beyond her goals. Charlie also compares the race to the other six World Mar...

In this motivating conversation, Molly Huddle shares how she cultivated a racing mindset that helped her become one of the fiercest racers, and best runners, of her generation. Sponsors ASICS - Check-out the new METASPEED Edge and Sky Tokyo along with the newly released Megablast and Sonicblast at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.asics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Tailwind - Tailwind offers easy-to-digest,...

In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with one of my running heroes, Hillary Allen. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit. From a life-threatening fall to becoming a world-class athlete again and qualifying for the World Championships, Hillary's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Hillary's story is a testament to the strength o...

Welcome to Season Four of Road to the Trials! This will be the most epic season yet as we look to interview every qualifier to the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials in Los Angeles as well as plenty of industry professionals along the way. Our expanded goal is matched by our expanding team! We now have three co-hosts - Matt Chittim, Lindsey Hein, and Peter Bromka. We are thrilled to be your central hub...

In this Coach's Corner episode, Ruth Atkinson from McKirdy Trained talks about how she plans long runs for runners who run the marathon in 4:30 or slower. This is a question we get all the time via DM's and email and we were excited to talk it out. Often times runners in this group assume that they need to run a 20 miler during marathon training to be prepared to race day. Ruth helps us de-bunk th...

In this engaging conversation, Laura Thweatt shares how she was able to develop a mindset for race day that helped propel her to the top of the sport. She discusses the evolution of her mindset throughout her athletic career, particularly focusing on the mental preparation required for her experiences at the Olympic Trials, the challenges faced during races, and the importance of confidence and se...

In this episode, I sit down with Karen Howe to explore the intricate balance of parenting and nurturing a passion for running. As a mother of two teenagers, Karen shares her journey from a non-runner to a marathon enthusiast and how/if her love for the sport has influenced her children, and how she tries to nurture that passion in them in a sustainable way. Key Highlights: Parenting and Running: W...

Join us as we welcome back Maurice Lowman, also known as the Marathon Panda, to discuss the emotional and transformative journey of ending his 3,488-day run streak. Maurice shares insights on how running intertwined with his sobriety journey, the challenges of letting go, and the new chapter he's embracing with gratitude and growth. Key Highlights: Maurice's run streak and its connection to his so...