The first Coach’s Corner episode of 2022 is here and it features two legends: Megan Roche, M.D. and Jacob Puzey. In this episode we discuss what marathoners can learn from ultra runners and what closely held beliefs in the marathon road running community aren’t necessarily gospel in the ultra world. Here are some topics we discuss: Running on pavement versus various types of trail Lengths of long runs and/or weekend doubles Embracing fun and exciting challenges Effort focused versus time/pace fo...
Jan 14, 2022•1 hr 9 min
Today on the show I am joined my good friend, and super successful host of the I'll Have Another podcast, Lindsey Hein. We had a fun conversation about what we would change and what we learned from 2021, what we want to do differently in 2022, what we want to double down on, and much, much more. Our entire conversation was inspired by a post from Justin Su'a - a mental performance coach for professional athletes and an inspiring figure for athletes across the globe. You can read the post from Ju...
Jan 10, 2022•59 min
When it comes to taking on audacious challenges Nikki Cannon is an amateur runner like no other. An experienced racer at distances from 5k to ultramarathons, and a full-time teacher, Nikki is always game for a challenge. When she turned 40 in 2021 she decided to run 40 marathons in 40 days during the heat of a Houston summer. She got over halfway but had to pull-out after sustaining an injury. Nikki was down but she was not out! At the beginning of December she started the challenge again. She i...
Jan 07, 2022•50 min
Alexis McCoy is back for the final episode of the Marathon Milestone mini-series. After back-to-back personal bests at Boston and New York, Alexis had some of her best training of the year. Then tragedy struck her family. In this episode we take a deep dive into what transpired in Alexis's life after Thanksgiving, what she learned from this challenge, and her ambitious plans for 2022. Background: Alexis is a dedicated amateur runner who took a big leap this fall registering for Boston, New York,...
Jan 03, 2022•1 hr
Maurice Lowman, the Marathon Panda, is back!!! In this episode, Maurice talks about how he has busted through a fitness and speed plateau. Two years ago he was doing amazing things in the running world but he was stuck in a bit of a rut. He wasn't getting faster and, even with his constant positivity, was a little frustrated by his lack of improvement. Then, he made some key changes and is now better than ever! Learn all about this changes and more in this episode. You can learn more about Mauri...
Dec 27, 2021•51 min
Tracie Hunter is on the show fresh off a marathon PR and learning that she has qualified for the Abbott Wanda Age Group World Championships. What a combo! Tracie has been running marathons for nearly 20 years. Yet, she is faster now than ever. In this episode we talk about how she made that happen. We also take a deep dive into the new Age Group World Championships, what it means, how to qualify, and much, much more. You can learn more about Tracie at www.indianarunnergirl.com . You can learn mo...
Dec 20, 2021•57 min
2014 was meant to be a banner year of running for Connor Meakin, not (maybe) his last as a runner. He enjoyed early success, winning races and feeling amazing in the process, which motivated him to want more and push even harder. Things completely derailed soon after as he got blasted with devastating prognosis for an injury that didn't initially seem too serious. Connor had developed a serious foot injury that prompted his doctor to him that he may never run again. For two years Connor tried ev...
Dec 17, 2021•1 hr 2 min
The California International Marathon - what an incredible weekend! The best people combined with a huge physical challenge never disappoints. It had been a decade since my previous marathon and a short window to build-up fitness and strength. I knew this going into the race but approached the challenge with positivity, confidence, and a can-do attitude. In this episode I analyze the factors that influenced my race that I had no control over, the positives I took from the race and training, and ...
Dec 13, 2021•40 min
Rachel Gersten is a New York City therapist with a passion for helping people lead their healthiest lives possible. She completed her undergraduate degree at the Arizona State University where she double majored in psychology and human development. She attended Columbia University and earned two master’s degrees (Ed.M., M.A.) in Psychological Counseling. Rachel is also a dedicated amateur runner who has completed several marathons including the 2021 New York City Marathon. In this episode, we ta...
Dec 10, 2021•49 min
Sara Vaughn crushed her marathon debut and took the win at the California International Marathon in 2:26:53. That’s the 5th fastest performance by an American woman in 2021 and a new course record. Sara is one of the best track athletes of this era and her conversion to the marathon is legendary. Not only that, Sara is a full-time real estate agent and a mother of four. In this episode Sara discusses her training, mindset, and expectations the day before she made history. Follow Matt: Instagram ...
Dec 08, 2021•28 min
In this panel discussion at the California International marathon expo we discuss going after big goals in the marathon. For Mike "Kofuzi" Ko, Michelle Baxter, and Alissa Kolarik their big goal is breaking 3:00. It's an audacious goal and one that they have each been striving for, for years. No matter what pace you run, if you have big goals, or need one, you will gain a lot from these amazing people. Follow Mike at www.instragram.com/kofuzi . Follow Michelle at www.instragram.com/therunnersplat...
Dec 06, 2021•29 min
The 2021 California International Marathon is here! In this heavily requested episode, I take a deep dive into my training for the first marathon I've done in a decade and discuss how that relates to my race plan. My build up for this race went well but it wasn't without it challenges that can instructive for runners of all abilities. Sponsors: Gift giving season is here and breo massagers have great gift ideas for family and friends. Especially the breo foot massager! Winter is coming, and we a...
Dec 03, 2021•29 min
We are at the tail-end of the wildest marathon season we have seen. Many runners of all abilities and experience levels took advantage of the overwhelming marathon opportunities. So, what comes next? Simple - recovery! While we all know that recovery is important, we may not know what we need to do to make sure we are ready to take on our next challenge with ideal health and strength. In this Coach’s Corner episode fellow McKirdy Trained coach Laura Galeazzo and I take a deep dive into what thos...
Nov 29, 2021•1 hr 11 min
Seemingly every time I check on Dr. Stefanie Flippin's progress as a runner she is reaching greater heights. This 2021 was no different for this dynamo. Earlier this year Stefanie took a big leap by signing with HOKA and becoming a professional trail and ultra runner. This was after she won the USATF 100 Mile Championship in a blistering time. Two weeks ago Stefanie returned to her favorite distance and finished fourth overall and top female at Tunnel Hill 100 Miler. In this episode we talk abou...
Nov 26, 2021•53 min
Melissa Guillen is quiet determination personified and a true marvel. In September 2020 Melissa stopped fighting gravity and decided to have hip surgery. It required a lengthy and difficult recovery that tested Melissa physically, mentally, and emotionally. She had plenty of low moments along the way but eventually found herself ready to resume running. Before she did so she took the bold step to start signing up for races. And not any old race, some of the most well-known ultramarathons in the ...
Nov 22, 2021•1 hr 9 min
Part III of Marathon Milestones with Alexis McCoy is here, and wow, what a performance! Alexis just conquered the New York City Marathon a mere 28 days after setting a PR at Boston. Not only did she run well and rebound from a huge performance - this badass just set another PR! In this episode we take a deep dive into the weeks between these to historic races and what propelled her to a race of a liftime. Now she's on to the California International Marathon! Background: Alexis is a dedicated am...
Nov 19, 2021•54 min
This summer Pan Sohmnot completed the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. An 11 week journey that was over a decade in the making. The Grand Slam consists of four iconic 100 mile ultramarathons: Western States, Burning River, Leadville, and Wasatch Front. Pan became the 385th finisher since the Slam’s inception in 1986 and one of ten to finish this year. To quote Pan: "(t)his summer went by in a flash! I’ve encountered so many wonderful souls throughout this journey and am grateful for the many new frie...
Nov 15, 2021•58 min
Andrea McKinney waited years for her opportunity to run the Berlin Marathon. Finally, in 2021, her chance arrived and she was ready! They she flew half way across the world for a dream-like experience that she had been thinking about for years. Then, just like that, she wasn't able to run a step. In this episode you'll hear all about and it happened next that resulted in a marathon PR! --- *Yes, you read that correctly - the "Fail" in quotes.* For so many of us there have been times in our lives...
Nov 12, 2021•51 min
Cait Keen did it! Cait came back to the Flying Pig Marathon after a tumultuous two years that left her questioning many things about her life and running. She ended the day with a stirring win that pulsated with emotion. Here's what Cait several days before the race that sets the stage for what was to come later: "I’ve been waiting 2.5 years for a chance to run Cincy again and 610 days to run a marathon since the Olympic Trials. It’s felt like a lifetime. I often get told that I’m too hard on my...
Nov 08, 2021•52 min
Our first Shoe-isode Extravaganza is here and it's a doozy! In this episode we have some of best running shoe reviewers in the country on the show to discuss a topic that affects lots of runners but is rarely discussed. We select the best non-plated marathon shoes for folks who are looking for cushioning, pop, fun, and protection over hours of marathon paced effort. We hear all about the marathon super shoes that are all the rage. They are great, no question, but they don't feel great on foot fo...
Nov 05, 2021•59 min
Tia Stone is the quintessential Rambling Runner guest. A dedicated amateur runner who has achieved truly amazing results while living a full and jam-packed life. Tia recently rocked the Chicago Marathon on a brutal day. She finished at the 7th masters female on a day that saw many runners melt in the final miles. Not only did Tia not melt, she sped up during the final 10k! She had this remarkable day after COVID put her low for nearly two months earlier in the year. She wasn't sure what the futu...
Nov 01, 2021•1 hr 16 min
The first segment of "Fail" Forward Friday is with dual-Olympian alpine skier and marathoner Chirine Njeim. Chirine started skiing at age 3. At 12, she went to France to train for two of years with a personal coach. She then moved to Salt Lake City in ninth grade, when she was 13, to attend the Rowmark Ski Academy, former home of U.S. Olympian Picabo Street. She went on to study at, and compete for, the University of Utah. Later, while in Chicago, Chirine took up running, completing the 2012 Chi...
Oct 29, 2021•52 min
Emily Heller, one of my favorite people, is back on the show! Two weeks ago Emily ran the Chicago Marathon on a brutal day for so many. It was the culmination of months of training - training that has been documented weekly on her fantastic YouTube channel. In this episode we talk all about her training, the race, expectations, and of course, SHOES. Emily's YouTube channel has some of the best shoe reviews on the internet so we had to take a deep dive. Specifically into how sometimes carbon plat...
Oct 25, 2021•54 min
For today's show notes I'm going to quote Andrea Pomaranki's Instagram post about her amazing finish at least week's Boston Marathon: "My heart is so full of gratitude …..10th American in the Boston Marathon in my very first pro start at a major marathon at the age of 39, which to be honest is the least of why I couldn’t stop smiling through the streets of Boston yesterday. Every step felt like such a celebration….8 years ago this week I had just given birth to severely premature twins and spent...
Oct 22, 2021•58 min
Part II of Marathon Milestones with Alexis McCoy is here and it's a doozy! Alexis just rocked the Boston Marathon for a PR of 3:13 and did it in unique fashion. This was no walk in park. Her race featured some huge highs and frustrating lows. She was well prepared to run well and showcased admirable toughness along the way. Now she's on to New York! Background: Alexis is a dedicated amateur runner who is taking a big leap this fall. She is running the Boston, New York, and California Internation...
Oct 18, 2021•45 min
"Fail" Forward Friday is back and we are brining you stories from two amazing people - Jared Ward and Maddie Alm. First up is Jared Ward. Jared is an Olympian, USATF running circuit champion, NCAA All-American, and one of the best and most consistent American runners of this generation. But don't let all of that fool you. Jared's story of "failure" will resonated with runners of any ability. In the second part of the show we hear from Maddie Alm. Maddie is a pro runner who trains with Team Boss ...
Oct 15, 2021•57 min
Right now I'm fitter than I've been in a decade - and it is completely surprising. The last time I felt like this I was preparing for the Cape Code Marathon when I was 29 years old. That was over 10 years ago. All of this after not running in the spring due to knee bursitis and in August with an ankle spring. So, how did this happen? In this episode, I share the seven things that I've incorporated into my life that have gotten me to this point. All of them can be adopted by any runner - includin...
Oct 11, 2021•38 min
We are in the midst of the wildest marathon season in a generation. Maybe ever. It seems like every runner is running one, or maybe even two or three! However, the truth is that the majority of runners will not be doing a fall marathon. Rather, they are easing back into racing and potentially opting to focus on a marathon in the spring of 2022. In this Coach’s Corner episode, fellow McKirdy Trained coach, and professional runner, John Raneri and I take a deep dive into what those runners can do ...
Oct 08, 2021•53 min
If you're anything like me you've had a chance to view some of the amazing YouTube footage that Sweat Elite has published over the past six months. They've chronicled the training of some of the best runners in the world in a captivating fashion. Runners like Eliud Kipchoge, Paul Chelimo, Nell Rojas, Molly Seidel, Jim Walmsley, Jake Riley, Joe Klecker, Frank Lara, Craig Engels, Parker Stinson, and many more. In this episode we speak to the man behind the camera - Matt Fox. Matt is a former 1:48 ...
Oct 04, 2021•54 min
We are back with our new bi-weekly segment on the podcast - "Fail" Forward Friday. In this episode we hear from Rebecca Mehra and Mario Mendoza, two of the country's best runners. Rebecca is one of the best middle distance runners in America with a focus on the 800m and 1500m. Mario is a four time USATF Ultrarunner of the Year and two time world record holder. Yes, you read that correctly - the "Fail" in quotes. For so many of us there have been times in our lives when we thought we had failed, ...
Oct 01, 2021•52 min
