Ever had a race—or a life plan—go sideways? You laid out the spreadsheets, packed the drop bags, prepped the fuel… and then something unexpected knocked it all off course? In today’s Midweek Motivation, we’re talking about the power of planning—and the wisdom of pivoting. Coach David Theriot dives into: • Why a solid plan shows discipline and intention • Real-world ultrarunning examples of when a plan breaks down • What we can learn from Cam Ridley’s support of Angela Smith at the Prairie Spirit...
Jul 02, 2025•15 min
Ever had a race—or a life plan—go sideways? You laid out the spreadsheets, packed the drop bags, prepped the fuel… and then something unexpected knocked it all off course? In today’s Midweek Motivation, we’re talking about the power of planning—and the wisdom of pivoting. Coach David Theriot dives into: • Why a solid plan shows discipline and intention • Real-world ultrarunning examples of when a plan breaks down • What we can learn from Cam Ridley’s support of Angela Smith at the Prairie Spirit...
Jul 02, 2025•15 min
In this episode of Run the Riot, we hang out with Cam Riddle, a passionate strength coach who's making a difference in the ultrarunning world—without running ultras himself! Cam brings years of experience from the private and collegiate strength and conditioning world and shares how he’s now applying his knowledge to help ultrarunners build stronger, more resilient bodies. We first met Cam while he was crewing ultrarunner Angela Smith at the Prairie Spirit 100. From the jump, his excitement for ...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 2 min
You wouldn’t walk into a job interview without practicing your answers… so why would you show up to race day without testing your gear, your fuel, and your mindset? In this Midweek Motivation episode, David breaks down why your long run isn’t “just another Saturday” — it’s your dress rehearsal for the big day. You’ll hear how to use those miles to prepare wisely and avoid avoidable mistakes. From shoes to stomach issues, from pacing to pre-run routines — this one’s all about being intentional so...
Jun 18, 2025•18 min
Why do we run from pain? In this Midweek Motivation, we talk about how pain isn’t your enemy—it’s your invitation to growth and purpose. Hear how ultrarunner Sean Rowe turned a health crisis into a life of meaning, running, and giving back. Whether you’re facing a tough workout, a setback in life, or just feel stuck, this episode will remind you: the fire that burns is the fire that builds. We talk about: Why comfort can keep you stuck How pain clarifies your real priorities The role of resistan...
Jun 11, 2025•17 min
In this powerful episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Sean Rowe—an inspiring ultrarunner who's living proof that transformation is possible at any stage in life. Sean opens up about his journey from nightclub promoter to endurance athlete, detailing how a health scare at 42 sparked a dramatic lifestyle change. After battling smoking, drinking, and unhealthy habits, Sean committed to fitness, dropped over 90 pounds, and found redemption through running. We talk about: Sean’s transformation f...
May 28, 2025•48 min
In this episode of Run the Riot, we catch up with ultrarunner Suzan Brydon, who’s currently 19 days into a massive and meaningful mission—running over 1,920 miles across the American Discovery Trail as part of a community health initiative supported by her employer, The Cigna Group. This isn’t just a solo adventure—Suzan’s run is empowering young girls through Girls on the Run, raising awareness about rural health gaps, and bringing visibility to women ultrarunners tackling big goals. Suzan shar...
May 19, 2025•38 min
In this episode of Midweek Motivation, David gets real about the kind of training that doesn’t get likes on social media — the cold, quiet, ordinary miles. You know, the ones where you lace up before dawn, even when you're tired, sore, or just not feeling it. He reminds us why boring runs are the foundation of breakthrough performance and why ordinary effort, done consistently, is anything but small. David breaks down four powerful truths: Consistency builds capacity – showing up, even when it’s...
May 07, 2025•17 min
In this episode of Run the Riot, we catch up with an incredible ultrarunner and returning guest — Amanda Lynch! It's been a few years since Amanda last joined us, and she’s been busy stacking up strong finishes and incredible experiences. From winning first female at the Loup Garou 100 to tackling technical trails at Lovit 100, Amanda has stayed consistent, positive, and resilient. We dive deep into her racing adventures — from the rocky, rolling terrain of Southern States 200 to her methodical ...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 10 min
In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Matt Pruitt, who recently achieved the supported Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the 223-mile Ouachita Trail, spanning Oklahoma to Arkansas. That’s right—Matt didn’t just try it. He got it done. Matt walks us through every gritty, inspiring detail of the journey. From dialing in logistics to managing exhaustion and weather, he shares what it takes to go all-in on a dream and make it happen. Here’s what we talk about: Why the Ouachita Trail was callin...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 39 min
In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Angela Smith, an amazing ultrarunner and mother who recently set the Kansas state record for the 100-mile race at Prairie Spirit 100. Angela’s journey from her first ultra race to conquering this major milestone is nothing short of impressive. We dive into her story, from pushing strollers during training to her unwavering determination to balance family life, faith, and ultrarunning. Angela shares her experience of running the Prairie Spirit 100...
Apr 06, 2025•1 hr 5 min
On this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, we sit down with Leah Vincent, an adventurous ultrarunner, backpacker, and all-around endurance junkie. From hiking the John Muir Trail to tackling Moab 240, Leah shares her wild journey of overcoming extreme conditions, hallucinations, and the unexpected challenges that come with pushing human limits. We chat about: Her terrifying first backpacking trip, which involved drug addicts and a blizzard The mental battles of ultrarunning and how she overcam...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 22 min
The Finish Line is Worth It – Why You Should Keep Going, Even When It’s Hard Every race has a moment when quitting feels like the best option. The pain sets in, the miles drag on, and the finish line feels impossibly far away. But here’s the truth—the struggle is temporary, but the finish line lasts forever. In this episode, I’m sharing stories from my own races—times when everything in me wanted to stop, but I pushed through. We’ll talk about: - Why the hardest miles come right before the break...
Mar 12, 2025•14 min
Becca Pizzi is an endurance legend. The first American woman to complete the World Marathon Challenge, she went back and set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest time. In this episode of Run the Riot, we talk about: Training for seven back-to-back marathons Running in Antarctica and Africa within twenty-four hours Completing marathons in all fifty states and twenty Boston Marathons Her best tips for fueling, pacing, and staying mentally strong If you love running and pushing limits, you d...
Mar 08, 2025•54 min
In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Run the Riot athlete Jen Johnson to talk about her inspiring journey to conquer her first 100-mile ultramarathon at the iconic Rocky Raccoon 100. From her early days running loops around her neighborhood as a kid to lining up at one of the most popular ultra races in the U.S., Jen’s story is one of grit, joy, and an unshakeable passion for trail running. Jen shares what it was like preparing for her first 100 miler, including the ups and downs of...
Feb 23, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Body Description: Your legs will take you far, but your mind will take you further. In this episode, we’re talking about mental training—how to push through tough runs, stay strong when doubt creeps in, and build the resilience that separates good runners from great ones. You'll learn: Why mental strength is just as important as physical endurance How to reframe negative thoughts and push through the hard miles Simple strategies like visualization, mantras, an...
Feb 19, 2025•19 min
Stacey Priddy hated running in high school. It was punishment. Conditioning. The worst part of sports. But now? She’s raced Cactus Rose 100 (49 hours), Front Range 72-Hour, Javelina Jundred, and more. What changed? In this episode, we talk about: How she fell into ultrarunning by accident. The mental toughness it takes to survive self-supported races. Why hot yoga has been a game-changer for her endurance. Why she no longer cares about Strava or pace goals. Show Notes: http://www.theriot.run/spr...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 15 min
Welcome back to another Midweek Motivation episode of the Run the Riot Podcast! Today, we’re tackling a topic that hits home for so many of us—the comparison trap. Whether it’s at the starting line of your first ultra or while scrolling through Instagram, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking everyone else has it all together. But remember: Your race is YOUR race. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Why comparison is natural but how it steals your joy How social media can lead to unrealistic...
Jan 29, 2025•26 min
In this episode of Midweek Motivation on the Run the Riot Podcast, we dive into the topic of setbacks. Whether you’re a runner who has faced a tough race or someone navigating life’s unexpected detours, this episode is for you. David shares his personal experience of a tough DNF at the Moab 240 and how it taught him that setbacks are not the end of the road—they're opportunities to grow. Listen in as David discusses: Why setbacks are a reality for everyone, even the pros. How to reframe setbacks...
Jan 23, 2025•16 min
Thoughts on "Embracing the Suck" In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, we dive into the power of embracing the suck—those tough, uncomfortable moments that test your limits. Whether you're grinding through mile 70 of a 100-miler or navigating life's challenges, growth happens when we lean into discomfort instead of running from it. I share lessons from some of my races, practical strategies for reframing tough situations, and why embracing the hard moments can lead to some of the most rew...
Jan 16, 2025•24 min
It doesn't have to be perfect. Just show up.
Jan 09, 2025•16 min
In this solo episode of Run the Riot, I take you through the mental and physical journey of completing the 100-mile Dreadmill Endurance Challenge. From strategizing nutrition to managing the mental toll of running in place for hours, this episode is packed with lessons for runners of all levels. You'll hear about: How I overcame setbacks like knee surgery to take on this indoor ultra-marathon. The importance of mental endurance and staying focused when the finish feels far away. My fueling strat...
Dec 28, 2024•40 min
In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, I had the privilege of catching up with my friend and seasoned ultrarunner, Chris Lyle. It’s always a blast chatting with someone who truly gets the unique world of ultrarunning. Chris opened up about his incredible journey—from starting as a marathoner to now having 12 - 100-mile finishes under his belt, with no signs of slowing down. We shared a few laughs reminiscing about race memories and dug into what it takes to tackle iconic courses like the A...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 45 min
In this episode of Run the Riot, we reconnect with ultrarunner, coach, and all-around adventurer Ben Light. It’s been a few years since Ben first appeared on the podcast, and in that time, he’s continued to push boundaries—not only in his personal ultrarunning pursuits but also in helping others embrace challenges and discover their potential. Ben shares invaluable insights into the power of mindset when tackling life’s toughest races—whether it’s a 200-miler or the challenges we all face daily....
Dec 01, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Show notes: http://www.theriot.run/suzanb In this fun episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Suzan Brydon, a resilient ultrarunner with a story that goes beyond the miles. From discovering ultrarunning during the COVID lockdown to completing grueling 200-mile races, Suzan has an incredible tale of grit, adaptability, and the power of community. Topics Discussed: Suzan’s Journey into Ultrarunning: Starting with a virtual 50K during the COVID lockdown to benefit military women, Suzan shares how...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 11 min
In this episode of Run the Riot, we dive into a fun conversation with Lucja Leonard, also known as the "Running Dutchie." Lucja shares her journey in ultrarunning, from her first steps into fitness to conquering some of the most challenging ultras, including the Bigfoot 200 and the Divide 200. We explore how she balances a minimalist lifestyle while traveling and training, the mental and physical grit needed for ultra-distance events, and how she stays motivated through the ups and downs of raci...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 24 min
In this episode of Run the Riot, we catch up with ultrarunner Nicole Laughton after her incredible performance at the Run Rabbit Run 100. Nicole shares her journey of training for high-altitude races while living in flat Oklahoma, the mental strategies she used to push through adversity, and how she tackled mid-race nutrition struggles—vomiting as early as mile 6 but still finishing strong in 4th place! Whether you're an ultrarunner or just curious about what it takes to compete at this level, N...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 4 min
In this episode of Run the Riot, we have a fantastic conversation with Elliott Waldock, an ultrarunner who has tackled some tough races in the ultrarunning world, including the Cocodona 250 and the Tahoe 200. Elliott shares his journey from disliking running in high school to becoming a seasoned ultrarunner who thrives on challenging races and pushing his limits. Elliott opens up about his experience at the Flower Moon race, battling through severe Achilles tendonitis, and how he coped with pain...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 20 min
In this episode of The Run the Riot Podcast, David chats with Alex Bruton, a newly dedicated ultrarunner and participant in the Run the Riot coaching program. Fresh off achieving a monumental goal—running 50 kilometers for his 50th birthday—Alex shares the incredible journey of preparing for his big challenge. Throughout the conversation, Alex and David discuss how ultrarunning, like Alex's personal "moonshot" projects, pushes the boundaries of mental and physical endurance. Tune in to hear Alex...
Sep 14, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 158
In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, we sit down with Niklas Steinbrunner, the recent winner of the Summit 200, to explore his incredible journey in ultrarunning. Niko shares the ups and downs of his races, including his experience at the Cocodona 250 and the Denali 135. We discuss his disciplined training, unwavering faith, and how these elements have shaped his success in ultra-endurance events. Niklas also opens up about balancing his Seventh-day Adventist beliefs with the demands of ...
Sep 01, 2024•1 hr 24 min
