The Rambling Runner Podcast

If you are looking for proof of the power of positivity, look no further than Natalie Mitchell. This 3:11 marathoner, and mother of three, is a bright shining light. Her positity in infectious in this episode as we talk about how running became a social outlet as a child and a chance to prove herself again after her third child. We also talk about her new venture, www.suiterun.com, that provides t...

If you start running seriously age 40 what would you be capable of achieving? For Jenny Hitchings that would include winning the Mountains 2 Beach marathon, setting an American 55-59 age group records in the 5k (18:02) and the 10 mile (1:01.20), and setting a huge PR. In this episode, Jenny explains how she was able to accomplish these feats and much more. This episode is brought to you by Run4Prs...

What do you call a working mother of four who sets a string of PR’s and qualifies for the Olympic Trials in the marathon? A true inspiration. Sarah Bishop is one of my favorite people and one heck of an athlete. In this episode, we talk about her evolution as a runner, picking it back up in 2014, being a serial racer, setting audacious goals, and the joy she has found in coaching. You can learn mo...

Three years ago Philippa Godoy was beset by anxiety and panic attacks. She was advised to start exercising for the first time in her life. Three years later, this amazing woman will be running the Berlin, Chicago, and New York City marathons in three consecutive months... after running two Under Armor Mountain races this summer! In this episode, Philippa also talks about overcoming mental obstacle...

Ebony Blackwell has big goals for herself and her community and committed on both fronts. This former officer in the Louisiana National Guard is working to complete 50 marathons in 50 states. In addition, she works full-time at an amazing youth based non-profit called You Run NOLA that teaches the value of running and community. We also discuss goal setting, parenting, and cultivating a positive/m...

Robert Ressl-Moyer is one of the most amazing guests in the history of the Rambling Runner Podcast. Robert lost his younger brother to brain cancer before developing a brain tumor as well. After years of recovery Robert started running and became an elite level runner in a very short amount of time. You can learn more about this incredible man at www.instagram.com/robertcorre. This episode is brou...

When was the last time you decided to make a significant change in your life? Did you stick with it? If you’re like me, that change may not have lasted more than a couple of weeks. In this episode, Ken Des Vignes talks about how, when he was facing a significant diagnosis, he successfully turned his life around by overcoming a devastating car crash and subsequent surgeries, and how he walked for e...

In this episode, I hand the mic, and hosting duties, over to my friend Laura Pierce while I switch roles and become this week’s guest. Many listeners have requested this episode and I finally relented. I had a blast talking with Laura about why and how I started the show, my running goals and failures, balancing the show with my job and parenting responsibilities, my favorites workouts and races,...

In this episode of Coach’s Corner, my coach, James McKirdy, talks with me two days before a 5k I ran in July. We discuss the importance of racing during a tough training week, overcoming the mental block that has stopped me from fighting through pain in the past, and many other topics that runners of all abilities can relate to. If you want to learn more about James and McKirdy Trained you can vis...

The most elusive, elite multi-day race in the world, the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race, takes place in Queens, New York City each summer. This race is held around one square sidewalk block (0.56 miles) and requires at least 59 miles a day for 52 straight days to complete the event. In this episode, director & producer Sanjay Rawal dives into the themes that lay at the heart of this amazing doc...

If you’re like me, dialing in the proper nutrition is frustrating and challenging. What should we eat? When should we eat it? What foods should we stay away from? Heather answers all of these questions, and more. Not only that, she is also a 3:14 marathoner and mother who has learned from first hand experience. You can follow Heather at www.instagram.com/run4prs.dietitian. If you interested in get...

As a former scholarship runner at UCF turned 12 time sub-3:00 marathoner, Heather Schulz has gained 25 years of experience as an elite amateur runner. In this episode, Heather talks about how she chipped away at her marathon goal over a number of years, her low mileage training schedule, and why she trains more like a 5k or 10k runner. We also take a deep dive into how and why she now prioritizes...

“When you want to make a change - just start. Don’t wait for a dedicated time to begin.” Jean Mike Remy looks like Mr. Universe but it wasn’t always that way. In his mid-20’s he ballooned to 265 lbs and was put on medication for high blood pressure and was on the cusp of getting type two diabetes. As Remy says in the episode, “I didn’t want to be a statistic.” That is why he made a change and turn...

In three short years, Jill Deering co-founded the running apparel company Rabbit, won the Carlsbad and Mountains 2 Beach marathons, and gave birth to her son Jett. In this episode, Jill discusses all of this, and more. We also dive into overcoming barriers, mental toughness strategies, and her advice for people with entrepreneurial tendencies. You can learn more about Jill at www.instagram.com/jil...

“If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” - Thomas A. Edison If you think you have reached your potential then you need to listen to this episode. Kaitlyn Morgan’s running journey started five years ago when her father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This shock caused her to dive head first into long distance running and she has never turned back. F...

Victim to victory. In 2005, Sam Gardner was in college and training for a half marathon. During a run while home for Thanksgiving the unthinkable happened. Sam was abducted, attacked, and raped. She was held in the woods near her home for several hours until her attacker eventually let her go. However, her story is one of hope and triumph. After years of physical, mental, and emotional recovery, S...

We have all had a race that was a complete disaster. But, what matters most is what you do when the inevitable happens. Brigitte Bradford experienced her disaster race at Mountains 2 Beach this spring. She expected to set a new PR. Instead, she quit the race at mile 18. In Part I of our conversation, we discussed her strong build-up to M2B, her experience grinding through a tough marathon at Bosto...

“I’m not crying. You’re crying! Five weeks after a DNF at Mountains 2 Beach, I had the race of my dreams this morning! What changed? I focused on having fun. Turns out that positivity really is the best performance enhancer.” - Brigitte Bradford We’ve all been there. We have all had a race that was complete disaster. The question isn’t if we will have one, but, what will we do once it occurs. Brig...

One of the hallmarks of the dedicated amateur runner is the ups-and-downs in training that parallel our life journey. Vic has experienced this several times and has bounced back on each occasion. From a significant weight gain to a severe blood infection, his path back to peak fitness has been filled with grit and dedication. You can follow Vic’s running journey at www.instagram.com/iowarunner3.0....

Amanda Brooks has provided as much insight for dedicated runners as anybody over the last decade. Her writing on www.runtothefinish.com spans a wide variety of topics including injury prevention, running related travel, clean eating, and much more. In this episode we touch on all of these things, as well as her writing background, and how she transitioned from a career in web development to a prof...

The one year anniversary of the Rambling Runner Podcast is here and we are celebrating with a pair of great guests this week. Today’s conversation is with dedicated runner and experienced coach Victoria Phillippi. Victoria has run dozens of marathons and half marathons and started the popular coaching service Run4Prs. After diving into her running and coaching background we conduct the longest Coa...

The assumption of many is that an eating disorder is about a person’s relationship with food. In this episode, Starla Garcia M.Ed, RDN, LD proves that there is much, much more to that story. Starla achieved her dream of running in college when she committed to the University of Houston. She had a successful freshman season and was poised become a team leader. When she developed an eating disorder...

In this episode, I speak with a psychologist, nationally certified counselor, and experienced runner. We discuss some common mental health challenges and how running can affect them. We also talk about finding yourself through struggle, the interplay between genetics and upbringing, and the fear of racing.  This episode is brought to you by Mercury Mile. You can get a box of goodies that any runne...

This episode of the Rambling Runner Podcast is a review of two products I've been eager to try - Mighty and the Topo ST-2. I've been using these two items for the past few weeks and I'm excited to share my thoughts with you. You can learn more about each at www.bemighty.com and www.topoathletic.com, respectively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your...

“Embrace failure. Missteps and roadblocks are inevitable but are ultimately an opportunity to learn, pivot, and go after your goals with new perspective.” - Jenny Fleiss Ever since the first day of the Rambling Runner Podcast this was an interview that I dreamed of doing. Sarah Canney is an accomplished runner, coach, snowshoerer, and running blogger. She recently came in third at the Snowshoe Nat...