The Rambling Runner Podcast

In today's episode we are joined by elite marathoner John Raneri to discuss his transition from road racing to trail running. In this episode, John shares his experiences, challenges, and triumphs as he navigates the world of trail and ultra running. From his initial interest in trail running to his recent races, John provides insights into his training, mindset, and future goals. You can follow J...

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Miki Sawada, a professional classical pianist and dedicated amateur ultra-runner. Discover how Miki balances her passion for music with her love for running, and how she uses both to connect with communities across the country. From her unique Gather Hear Tour to conquering the Western States 100, Miki shares her story of resilience, community, and...

Join us as we dive into the inspiring story of Justin Fiske, the newly crowned co-American record holder in the masters road mile. After a 15-year hiatus from running, Justin shares how he reignited his passion during the pandemic, leading to a sub-2:30 and other electric performances . Discover his journey from casual 5Ks to tying the American record, and how community (Justin is a resident of De...

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Brandon Dugi - a dedicated trail runner and high school coach who recently completed the Western States 100 in under 24 hours! Brandon discusses his experiences at Western States, his deep connection with his Diné community and culture, growing up with the tradition of morning runs and prayer on the reservation, the role of nature in shaping his per...

Join host Matt Chittim as he sits down with Andrew Mayo, a Sacramento resident and trail running enthusiast, to discuss his incredible journey to completing the Western States 100. Andrew shares his experiences, challenges, and the significance of finishing within the coveted "Golden Hour" and why that presented a magical full-circle moment. Follow Andrew at www.instagram.com/55phil. Sponsors ASIC...

Professional trail and ultra runner, and highly respected trail and road running coach, Matt Daniels is on the show to share his two favorite workouts. Matt details an interval workout that can be done on all types of road and trail (and he suggests doing it on route that aligns with your next race) and a Vo2 max workout that will mimic race day. You can follow Matt at www.instagram.com/mattdaniel...

In this conversation, Matt Chittim interviews Jack Kuenzle, focusing on his work with athlete Caleb Olson, who recently won the Western States 100. They discuss Caleb's journey to becoming a champion, the training strategies employed, and the importance of mental strength in racing. Jack shares insights into his coaching process, the significance of structured training, and the unique attributes t...

In this conversation, Hannah Allgood shares her journey as a trail runner, reflecting on her recent 7th place performance at the Western States 100 and her competitive spirit. She discusses her athletic background, the decision to pursue running over other sports, and how her competitive nature has evolved. Hannah emphasizes the joy of trail running, the inclusivity of the sport, and the importanc...

Breaking4 is in the book as we are joined by former professional runner for Team Boss, and NCAA All-American for University of Colorado, Maddie Alm to break it down. In the second half of the show we dive into Maddie transition to full-time registered dietitian, how she build her business while she was running professionally, and how she is handling going full-time with Fueling Forward. Learn more...

I am a huge fan of Grand Slam Track. With that in mind, I was crestfallen to hear that they canceled their finale in Los Angeles. In this episode, I share my unvarnished thoughts on what happened, how it was handled, and what this could mean for GST moving forward. Sponsors ASICS - Checkout the amazingly versatile Superblast 2 and Novablast 5 that can each propel you through all of your runs, no m...

In this conversation, Ernest Holly shares his transformative journey from being a 260-pound man to a dedicated runner who has lost over 100 pounds and changed his life in the process. He discusses the impact of the pandemic on his decision to start running, the importance of community and support, and how he set and achieved his athletic goals. Ernest also delves into the dietary changes he made,...

Dr. Jess Mena, DPT is back on the podcast. She has brought her trademark wit, laughter, and excitement to talk about transitioning from only running on roads, and qualifying for Boston in the process, to embracing the trail full-time (and everything that goes along with that change.) You can follow Jess at www.instagram.com/tempo_with_jess. Sponsors ASICS - Checkout the amazingly versatile Superbl...

In this episode, Matt Chittim welcomes back James McKirdy to discuss the upcoming Breaking 4 marathon. They delve into the significance of the race, which aims to celebrate athletes who break the four-hour barrier, and the personalized support and pacing strategies that will be provided. The conversation also covers the course details, inclusivity for all runners, and future plans for more events....

In this engaging conversation, Matt Chittim reconnects with Bethany Davis, an athlete with a diverse background in endurance running and strength training. They discuss the rise of hybrid athletes, the importance of strength training for injury prevention, and the joy of finding fun in fitness. Bethany shares her experiences with social fitness, goal setting, and the significance of community in m...

In this episode, Matt Chittim interviews Carrie Tollefson, a generational talent on the track and professional broadcaster, about the newly established Grand Slam Track. They discuss the significance of this league for athletes, the comparison with the Diamond League, and the evolving landscape of professional running. Carrie shares her insights on the importance of prize money, the role of conten...

In this conversation, Matt and Patrick Reaves explore Patrick's layered running career, including his experiences at the Boston Marathon, his peak moments qualifying for the Olympic Trials, and the training philosophies that have shaped his journey. He discusses the mental challenges of being sidelined after the Trials, returning to the 2025 Boston Marathon and finishing 8th in the 40-44 age divis...

In this conversation, Henry Abbott discusses his transition from sports media to writing a book on injury prevention, "Ballistic: The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance." Blending cutting-edge science with gripping storytelling, award-winning data journalist and competitive amateur athlete Henry Abbott reveals that we are on the cusp of a new era in sports medicine, built around the s...

In this conversation, Kristin Johnson shares her inspiring journey from a first-time 3:59 marathoner to achieving a sub-three-hour marathon. She discusses her early experiences with running, the challenges of balancing motherhood and training, and the importance of community in her running journey. Kristin reflects on her training methods, the emotional highs and lows of racing, and the lessons le...

In this conversation, best-selling author and endurance coach Matt Fitzgerald discusses his new book "Chasing Mastery: 25 Lessons to Cultivate Your Full Potential in Endurance Sports." Matt emphasizes the importance of self-regulation, the role of genetics, and the impact of environment on athletic development. He also shares insights on the psychological aspects of training, the significance of c...

In this engaging conversation, Haftu Knight shares his remarkable journey from Ethiopia to becoming one of the fastest marathoners in US history. He discusses his recent success at the McKirdy Micro Marathon where he ran 2:09:38. That performance made him the 22nd fastest marathoner in US history and the fastest Texas marathoner ever (he broke Alan Culpepper's record by five seconds). In this epis...

Fresh off breaking 2:10 at the McKirdy Marathon and setting the Austrian National Record, Aaron Gruen joins us to share his remarkable journey as an runner and international caliber musician, discussing the balance between his rigorous training, medical school, and music career. He reflects on the importance of mentorship and how it has shaped his running. Aaron emphasizes the significance of the...

Sarah Crouch was one of the best American long-distance runners of the 2010's and has transitioned to best-selling novelist. During her collegiate career at Western Washington University, she was an NCAA Division II All-American thirteen times and won the 2011 NCAA Division II National Championship in the 10,000m. In one of her first races as a professional runner, she finished fifth at the U.S. 1...

Today on the “My Favorite Workout” series we are joined by Erika Kemp. Erika is a 6 x All-American at NC State and a 2 x U.S. Champ (15k and 20k). She is also the fastest U.S. born black woman in the marathon and has 12th fastest time in the marathon all-time by a U.S. woman. Erika is currently based in Providence, R.I. and sponsored by Brooks In this episode, she breaks down her favorite tempo an...

The “My Favorite Workout” series is back and we are joined by Nathan Martin. Nathan is one of the best American runners from the 10 mile up to the marathon. He finished 7th at the 2024 Olympic Trials Marathon, PR'd the half marathon last weekend at the U.S. Championships where he finished 9th. Nathan holds fastest marathon clocked by a Black man born in the United States. The previous best was by...

In this conversation, Matt Hohnholt shares his inspiring journey from a non-runner to the Masters Marathon World Championships. Matt discusses his early experiences in sports, the challenges he faced, and how he discovered a passion for running later in life. He reflects on his training, the importance of consistency, and the mental aspects of racing, including the joy of running versus the pressu...