Bernard Lyles is the founder and director of Tri-Masters Chicago and is better known in the sporting community as the ambassador of the sport of triathlons. He has been instrumental in inspiring hundreds of African Americans to compete in triathlons over the last three decades. Bernard founded Tri-Masters Chicago in 1990 and began a program to train youth in fitness through triathlons in 1992 dubbed the Tri-Masters Sports Initiative training over 2800 youths at the time of this interview. He als...
Aug 17, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Season 5Ep. 76
I was heartbroken to learn that my friend and fellow triathlete, Darrell Freeman Sr. had passed on the evening of June 28 2022. This episode was very difficult for me to record. I only ever met him twice but we kept in touch on social media. I wanted to connect him with my nephew who has aspirations of becoming a pilot. I also wanted to interview him for the podcast. We never could schedule a time. Darrell was the first person in his family to graduate from college and through hard work and dete...
Aug 10, 2022•27 min•Season 5Ep. 75
Zsa Zsa Porter is an exceptional friend, an avid runner, member of Black Girls Run , vegan restaurant owner, Iron Man Triathlete, military wife, mom of three. Her mission is to encourage women, young girls to dream big, her story reminds us that anything is possible. Zsa-Zsa has made it her life’s work to impact her community which has led her from the financial services industry to opening the Exposed Vegan Restaurant . Through the restaurant she has created some of the best plant-based cuisine...
Aug 03, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 74
Sabrina Slocum has been active in sports since high school. She ran hurdles, ran 100m, played basketball and even participated in bodybuilding. Sabrina has an MBA, she is a marathoner, an ultra-marathoner, a triathlete. She unfortunately sustained an ankle fracture and had to work her way back. She is now back to running, biking, and swimming. The road was not easy Sabrina is also a podcast host, she's the co-host of Sole Sistas On The Run . This podcast is based on live conversations that she's...
Jul 27, 2022•42 min•Season 5Ep. 73
Ronnie Fields Jr. is one of the younger athletes that you will find in a typical triathlon race. A star athlete in his school days, Ronnie found himself becoming a couch potato after leaving college and was inspired to start racing triathlons after watching the Ironman World Championship in Kona. Having played football, basketball, baseball, ran track, and was on the swim team, in school, Ronnie figured that the triathlons couldn’t be too hard and signed up without really training.. The challeng...
Jul 20, 2022•33 min•Season 5Ep. 72
As an avid runner for over 20 year Uche has tons of stories to inspire you to start running. After you hear this episode you will begin to learn how I became a marathon addict, it is more than just running. Uche speaks to the fact that marathons expose you to confront your limits and what you're capable of. Setting your next goal progresses you, inspires you and humbles you at the same time. Even more so when you start running with friends! Episode Highlights: How Uche started running marathons ...
Jul 06, 2022•47 min•Season 2Ep. 26
As an avid runner for over 20 year Uche has tons of stories to inspire you to start running. After you hear this episode you will begin to learn how I became a marathon addict, it is more than just running. Uche speaks to the fact that marathons expose you to confront your limits and what you're capable of. Setting your next goal progresses you, inspires you and humbles you at the same time. Even more so when you start running with friends! Episode Highlights: How Uche started running marathons ...
Jul 06, 2022•47 min•Season 2Ep. 26
We all fall into running for different reasons. For Chris Tubbs, physical activity in his daily routine was badly needed to turn his life around. He started training in his 40s and it has completely changed his attitude towards life. He says he’s like a ‘joyful volcano’ each time he hits the road. In this episode, Chris shares how he got into running, competing in his first Iron Man, getting a PhD in Biochemistry and why he founded the Houston Childhood Walk for Apraxia of Speech. If you need in...
Jun 29, 2022•55 min•Season 3Ep. 43
Today is a very special day for a number of reasons. It's my anniversary. One year ago today, I launched “Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy Podcast”. The day is also significant, in that it is the day that my mother passed away with breast cancer, October 27 2008. I decided to launch the podcast as a way to celebrate her memory versus being sad. She inspired me to be the woman I am today. So today, I honor the late great Mae Robinson Brown. This week’s guest is Reginald Smith. We both started seri...
Jun 23, 2022•39 min•Season 3Ep. 45
James Crumlin is a well-known Nashville employment lawyer co-founder of Capitol Steps Workout in Nashville, Ironman Triathlete, and Triathlete Coach. Encouraged by his mother, and following in his father’s footsteps, James says he wanted to be a lawyer for as long as he can remember. One of the proudest moments in his life was accepting the National Bar Association's induction of his father into its Hall of Fame. In this episode, James walks us through how he started his fitness journey. How he ...
Jun 15, 2022•53 min•Season 3Ep. 39
Alphonso Nathan is a Sports Psychologist with a keen interest in supporting athletes particularly young athletes. He helps individuals deal with depression, anxiety, and anger management. As a former football player and athlete, Alphonso found his calling in helping talents overcome the challenges that come with sports. He has found great success in his niche which he accredits to being relatable and staying up-to-date with current trends. In this episode, Alphonso walks us through his upbringin...
Jun 08, 2022•51 min•Season 3Ep. 40
In this episode, I talk about mental health. It's okay not to be okay. Initially, I started running to help me lose weight because I was clinically depressed after my mother passed away with breast cancer and with the emotional eating I gained about twenty pounds. I found that it was not only good for my body, but it was good for my mind and my spirit. It became a part of my therapy. Join me today to listen to my story about NOT being OK, and why listening to your body can save your life. Episod...
Jun 01, 2022•22 min•Season 3Ep. 36
What are your reasons why? Determining your why gives you purpose, motivation, determination, discipline, and consistently. It reminds you of your direction. The key to developing a "Why" is the best way to ensure you are making progress towards your goals and avoid setbacks toward those goals. So, what is my Why? In this episode, I shared my why's in terms of sports, particularly triathlons. Episode Highlights: My triathlon journey over the years FOMO the reason why I signed up for Tulsa IronMa...
May 25, 2022•31 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Following my knee injury, I had to have two major surgeries that have put me out of service for weeks. The latest one will have me on crutches for six plus weeks. In this episode, I explore how these two episodes of temporary disability have impacted my life and opened my eyes to the challenges of living with a disability. As a black woman, the issue of diversity and inclusion is something I deal with all the time. I struggle with issues in my work, in my career as an orthopedic surgeon is domin...
May 18, 2022•19 min•Season 4Ep. 70
From the boardroom to the pavement Kimberle Smith is an accomplished coach. Who has helped many businesses thrive and also trained many people to achieve their athletic and fitness goals. She is also a published author of the book Millions of Possibilities; Taking your Ideas from Inspiration to Monetization. She believes that business coaching and fitness/health coaching are basically the same thing with the only difference being the product. She is an accomplished marathoner, ultramarathoner, t...
May 11, 2022•49 min•Season 4Ep. 69
Roy Wood Jr. is a man who made a mistake early in his life. He knows first hand that believing in people even after a mistake can be life changing. As a comedian and philanthropist, Roy Wood Jr. has learned not to dismiss anyone. He has used his platform to provide entertainment, to promote awareness in many areas, and to lend a helping hand to those in need. Roy is not a runner but has a profound love of baseball. He also has overcome obstacles to make it to his finish line. He is a world -reno...
May 04, 2022•52 min•Season 4Ep. 68
I've been running since 2010. I sustained my major first knee injury following three marathons in three months in 2012. I wanted to be a marathon maniac. My right knee never got better despite conservative treatment, which consisted of therapy, cortisone injection, hyaluronic acid or gel injections, so I ultimately had surgery in 2013. Following that knee surgery, my right knee returned to its pre-injury status. I was able to return to running and since have run three marathons, and a plethora o...
Apr 20, 2022•25 min•Season 4Ep. 66
As a woman who has walked in the same steps as many of her clients, Lisa Tanker lives and breathes spreading wellness education to help women improve their lives. She had a health scare in 2008 where stress and burnout caused her serious respiratory issues. She learned that, as women, we need to prioritize rest and create self-care routines in our everyday lives.. Lisa's 20+ years of healthcare and wellness experience have come full circle and allows her to truly understand the needs of women. I...
Apr 13, 2022•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 65
Dominique and Ken are creators of Lean In With The Kings and The Grow Up Wild Podcast . Lean In With The Kings is a platform focused on Marriage, Family and Fitness. Grow Up Wild is about the experience of others from a range of physical fitness, marriage, family, mental health, and individual growth. Dominique is a return guest on the show and today she is joined by her husband Ken. The couple’s goal is to reach people who are looking for a platform that deals with everyday issues of relationsh...
Apr 06, 2022•56 min•Season 4Ep. 64
We discuss in-depth her journey into coaching, her recent award nominations, creating her legacy strategy, working with less represented women in sports and how cancer has impacted her life. "Sometimes we have no choice but to be first." Khadijah Diggs is back on the podcast to talk about her recent award nominations and notable achievements. She created the Diversity Infusion Syndicate ( DISK) to promote excellence and sisterhood as well as promote a positive image of Muslim women and Islam in ...
Mar 30, 2022•56 min•Season 4Ep. 63
I am a perfectionist. I try to be perfect in everything I do. No one is perfect, it is impossible. It causes me undue stress, and I do way too much. Oftentimes, I feel like I am not good enough. I don’t show myself enough grace. When Covid hit in 2020, I found myself having to shift. Just like most of us. Work was not the same. The world was not the same. All my races were cancelled. We had no organized bike rides, no group swim classes. My community was no more. My finances took a hit, I lost o...
Mar 23, 2022•22 min•Season 4Ep. 62
Andrew Williams was very active in sports as a child. As he grew older he was more focused on academics. After he got married, and with the birth of his first child he gained weight. It was at that time that he started focusing on running to lose weight . His inspiration to complete a Full Distance Ironman race was born after watching Dick and Rick Hoyt (Team Hoyt) on ESPN. Andrew refers to himself as an unconventional triathlete. He will not miss a family event for training nor is he attached t...
Mar 16, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 61
Eric Carson has been living an active lifestyle since the 90s that most of us would be happy to emulate. He started cycling just to get to campus and back. A friend of his asked him to do a 25-mile bike ride. He thought it was a long way back then. Today, riding and cycling is part of his lifestyle. Carson says his greatest joy out of cycling is camaraderie. He enjoys having a great time outdoors with his tribe. Episode Highlights: How Eric got into cycling How he moved from solo rides to cyclin...
Mar 09, 2022•54 min•Season 4Ep. 60
What merely started as a desire to get active after two ACL surgeries and subsequent weight gain, turned into attaining goals beyond Yolanda’s wildest dreams. What started as a few steps around the block led the Florida native to one of her many adventures. The greatest lesson for her has been building up mental toughness. There was a time when she didn't believe that she could do this, but each race pushed her limits. She believes that anything is possible and we can do hard things. To date, sh...
Mar 02, 2022•38 min•Season 4Ep. 59
We all in this life have goals, aspirations, things we're trying to improve on, whether it be relationships, whether it be professionally, whether it be an athletic endeavor, we all have goals. We all are in a process of learning, evolving, trying to be a better version each and every day. In this process of this journey, called life, we all will fail at something. Though I hate to fail, I learned the most from my failures. I learn the most when I'm down, I learn in the process of failing how to...
Feb 23, 2022•26 min•Season 4Ep. 58
Annette Melecio, an Ironman Triathlete, shares her journey of finding triathlons and how it saved her life. Annette is my very close friend and one of my favorite triathlon people. Annette has been on active military duty for over fifteen years and is currently serving as, a Military Police Officer in the army. She has four years of service left before she retires. Annette has always been a runner. She always liked to run and wanted a challenge so she progressed to running half marathons. She ev...
Feb 17, 2022•51 min•Season 6Ep. 95
Listen to your body because your body is always talking to you. The day Dawn paid attention to stubborn chest pain is the day she saved her life. That’s why she is still here today. 80% of heart disease can be prevented. Eating right and exercising often is not enough. Dawn advocates for a regular check-up. As an athlete, she was a most unlikely candidate for heart disease. By knowing and understanding her body, she was determined to know the root cause of her chest pain. Listen to learn more ab...
Feb 16, 2022•50 min•Season 4Ep. 57
What does it take to be a great coach? What do you need to find a coach? As Tammy Whyte explains, it takes more than just feeding an existing need. Compatibility is different to everyone and the longer you stay in the game, the easier it becomes to identify your ideal client. After working in education for 12 years, Tammy chose to follow her passion for coaching and fitness and started her own coaching business, TW Training and Wellness. Her business is different from others in that she focuses ...
Feb 09, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 56
You can concentrate on being perfect so much until it takes the joy out of the process. Life is hard. We all have struggles, but if you stress out about being perfect all the time, you never have joy because nothing you do will ever be good enough. Growing up, my mother was the epitome of excellence in everything that she did. I did not realize the pressure that I had put upon myself to be perfect, until I was diagnosed with peptic ulcers in 8th Grade. I had been seriously stressing myself. List...
Jan 26, 2022•26 min•Season 4Ep. 54
If you run, you’re a runner. One of the favorite mantras shared by this week’s guest. India Cook started running to lose weight in 2008 and running has become so much to her since she started her journey. Since her beginning she has identified and addressed gaps in visibility and representation for women of color. She coaches independently and also coaches with a non-profit organization, Active Resolute Connected (ARC) . Through content creation, she inspires and empowers runners on her YouTube ...
Jan 12, 2022•30 min•Season 4Ep. 52
