The Rambling Runner Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#752 - Mike McCalley: How a Brutal Wake-Up Call From His Son Changed Everything Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

Mike McCalley shares the unlikely progression from being unable to jog a quarter mile to training for and racing some of the biggest endurance events in ultrarunning.

This conversation centers on a turning point with his son, the habit changes that followed, and how he built the fitness, durability, and mindset to pursue Leadville, Wasatch, and the broader Grand Slam goal.

In this episode, Mike McCalley discusses the family moment that sparked his return to fitness, the practical systems he used to lose weight and build consistency, and how he shifted from general health work to a true athlete’s mindset. We also talk through the role of coaching, elevation, blood work, trail running, and why the process matters as much as the outcome.

Key topics

Mike explains how a run with his son exposed just how unfit he had become, despite having been athletic earlier in life.
He shares the emotional impact of his son telling him, in effect, that he had to live up to the standard he had set for his kids.
He breaks down the first two to three weeks of rebuilding fitness by running until winded, then walking, then repeating the cycle.
Mike describes the shift from “get healthy” to “lose weight first,” including daily walking, rowing, and simple dumbbell work.
He details the dietary reset: high protein, reduced carbs, minimal sugar, no alcohol, and using shakes to control intake while working from home.
He talks about how habit formation took about 30 days to feel real and around 90 days to become automatic.
Matt and Mike dig into why alcohol is especially disruptive to weight loss and muscle development.
Mike explains the transition from general fitness to competition

Sponsors

Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order.

Kila - Get revolutionary orthotic support with super foam springiness and comfort with Kila! Go to ⁠⁠www.kilarun.com ⁠⁠to scan your feat and get personalized insoles that fit your feet and your high octane lifestyle. Use code RAMBLING to save $50 on your purchase!

Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Now with Mango Yuzu and Blueberry Lemonade flavors! Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#751 - Meniscus Repair, Recovery Timeline, and Why I Chose Surgery Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, I share a solo update on my knee surgery, focusing on what a meniscus repair is, how it differs from older meniscus procedures, and why I chose this path as a runner.

I also break down my current recovery status, the milestones ahead, and the realistic tradeoffs of trying to preserve long-term knee function. I talk through the decision-making process behind surgery, what the surgeons found, and why the rehab timeline is so restrictive at first. I also get honest about the frustration of being non-weight bearing, while still feeling optimistic about the possibility of returning to sport.

Sponsors

Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order.

Kila - Get revolutionary orthotic support with super foam springiness and comfort with Kila! Go to ⁠www.kilarun.com ⁠to scan your feat and get personalized insoles that fit your feet and your high octane lifestyle. Use code RAMBLING to save $50 on your purchase!

Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Now with Mango Yuzu and Blueberry Lemonade flavors! Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#750 - Matt Fitzgerald's "Dying to Run: An Athlete's Quest for One More Finish" Aug 22, 2026

Show notes

When sports journalist and bestselling author Matt Fitzgerald is struck by long COVID, his lifelong passion—running—becomes a distant memory, leaving him trapped in a failing body that simply won’t cooperate. After authoring dozens of books and articles on athletes pushing the limits of human endurance, Fitzgerald is now forced to confront his own limits in ways he never imagined. Doctors have no answers and every day feels like an endless loop of misery and mental fog, but Fitzgerald is determined to reclaim his life and his passion.

Despite serious health risks, lack of training, and a body that has become utterly unreliable, he makes the reckless decision to run a 100-km ultramarathon in a record-breaking desert heatwave. It’s an audacious gamble that could cost him dearly, but Fitzgerald won’t surrender to chronic illness without a fight.

Drawing inspiration from ancient philosophy, modern psychology, and epic tales from Greek mythology, Fitzgerald embarks on a grueling physical and spiritual journey to discover what it truly means to live when your body betrays you. He has no idea if he’ll find redemption or ruin in the scorching heat of the Sonoran Desert, but one thing is certain: This is a race he can’t afford to lose.

You can get Dying to Run at https://8020books.com/product/dying-to-run.

Sponsors

Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order.

Kila - Get revolutionary orthotic support with super foam springiness and comfort with Kila! Go to www.kilarun.com to scan your feat and get personalized insoles that fit your feet and your high octane lifestyle. Use code RAMBLING to save $50 on your purchase!

Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Now with Mango Yuzu and Blueberry Lemonade flavors! Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#749 - Jared Ewing: From Nearly Losing a Leg and Being Told He'd Never Run Again to a 3:01 Marathon and the Grand Slam of Ultra's Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, I talk with Jared Ewing about one of the most remarkable comeback stories I’ve ever heard.

Jared shares how a devastating accident changed his life, and how he went from wondering whether he would ever run again to becoming an elite adaptive endurance athlete. What stands out most to me about Jared’s story is his mindset. He walks me through the darkest moments after the accident, the long rehab process, and the daily discipline it took to rebuild his body and confidence one small win at a time. I love how honest he is about the pain, the uncertainty, and the mental grind that came with every step forward.

We also talk about how he kept pushing himself beyond what anyone expected, from returning to marathons to taking on ultras and now the Grand Slam of Ultra Running. Jared explains what it’s like to run without calf muscles or an Achilles tendon, how he manages training and racing, and why he wants adaptive athletes to get more visibility in the sport. He shares why he’s documenting this chapter of his life, what it means to represent adaptive athletes on race results and podiums, and how important it is for people with disabilities to see themselves reflected in endurance sports.

If you want to follow Jared’s journey or support his documentary project, you can find him on social media and contribute through his GoFundMe.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#748 - Sue Reynolds: From 60 Years Old and 335 lbs to World Champion Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Sue Reynolds describes her surreal and amazing journey from a 60 year old 335 pound new athlete to two-time World Champion triathlete. Sue's athletic life is detailed in her two books: The Athlete Inside and Across the Line.

You won't want to miss Sue's amazing story from non-athlete, to World Champ, and the cost that journey can take.

You can buy Sue's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B081HVS38M

Sponsors

Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order.

CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website.

Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#747 - The State of Endurance Sports and Race Trends with Bob Bickel from RunSignup Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, I dive into the latest insights from RunSignup’s midyear report on the endurance race industry and how demographic shifts along with marketing strategies are shaping running events today. Bob Bickel shares comprehensive data on race registration patterns, growth sectors, and innovative marketing approaches, offering valuable lessons for race directors, marketers, and enthusiasts alike.

Main Topics:

Demographic shifts in race participation, especially younger runners and under-18 registration
The influence of race size, timing, and marketing strategies on registration patterns
How travel, community engagement, and youth programs are driving growth
Effective marketing tactics: team building, referral programs, and community connections
Gender and age participation trends, highlighting increased female participation and younger demographics
Race categorization and the importance of timely registration data for planning

RunSignup’s Knowledge Base and Industry Reports - https://runsignup.com/knowledge-base

Read the 2026 Midyear Race Trends Report - https://info.runsignup.com/2026/06/22/2026-midyear-race-trends-update/

Sponsors

Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#746 - Building Strength for Running Performance with Brodie Sharpe Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, I dive into the importance of strength training for runners with Brodie Sharpe. We explore how strength training can enhance running performance and discuss the balance between injury prevention and performance improvement. Brodie shares insights from research and personal experience, emphasizing the role of strength training in improving running economy and efficiency.

Brodie Sharpe is a runner and a physiotherapist based in Australia who helps injured runners get healthy and stay that way. He is the host of The Run Smarter Podcast and has certifications from The Running Clinic, the Running Repairs Course, Sports Medicine Australia, and Athletics Victoria Run as a running coach.

Sponsors

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#745 - Empowerment and Freedom: The Story of The Aruna Project Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, April Berg of The Aruna Project shares her inspiring journey from college athlete to activist fighting human trafficking. Discover the impactful work of transforming lives through ethical fashion manufacturing and holistic rescue programs.

Main Topics

The mission and holistic approach of The Aruna Project in combating human trafficking
Personal background: college sports, nursing, and how personal experiences shaped April's advocacy
The journey from witnessing human trafficking firsthand to relocating to hotspots for outreach
Building trust and engaging with women in red-light districts to offer hope and employment
Challenges of rescuing women and navigating cultural and safety concerns
Strategies for co-creating sustainable employment for survivors of trafficking
The importance of partnerships with corporate and athletic organizations
How ethical athleisure competes in the global sportswear market
Practical ways individuals and organizations can support and collaborate

April has generously offered a discount for listers of 20% off of an order at www.arunaproject.com by using code RUNNER20 at checkout.

Sponsors

Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order.

CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website.

Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#744 - Justin Hetherington: From No Running to Ultramarathon Success Jun 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Justin Hetherington shares his inspiring journey from childhood struggles and a fear of sports to becoming a dedicated ultra runner. Dive into his insights on mental resilience, race variety, and why pushing limits is a personal growth catalyst.

Main topics:

Justin's transformation from a non-athlete to ultramarathon enthusiast
The psychological aspects of endurance running and overcoming self-doubt
Race diversity: trail, ultra, backyard ultras, and their strategic importance
The significance of community, mindset, and the influence of role models
How perseverance and consistent effort can redefine perceived limits

Sponsors

Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order.

CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website.

Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#743 - Claire Bartholic: How a Goal Oriented Athlete Can Put Running in the "Friend Zone" Jun 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Claire Bartholic shares her inspiring journey from running a sub-3:00 marathon despite starting her running journey later in life to redefining her relationship with running, emphasizing the importance of joy, adaptability, and perspective as athletes age. We explore how athletes can find fulfillment beyond peak performance and embrace new goals at any stage of life.

Main topics covered:

Claire's transition from competitive running to a more relaxed, enjoyable approach
The significance of redefining success and setting micro-goals in later years
The mental and emotional aspects of aging as an athlete
How to maintain motivation when peak performance is no longer the focus
The role of physical activity as a vehicle for overall health and happiness
Comparing athletic identity and dealing with the loss of former self
Strategies for staying in love with running and avoiding pressure and burnout
The value of trying new sports and activities for variety and fun
The concept of running as a lifelong, adaptable journey, not just a race to the finish

Sponsors

Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order.

CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website.

Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠⁠⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠⁠⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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