The Rambling Runner Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#532 - Morgan Boland: Becoming a Runner After Kids and Making it Fun May 05, 2023

Show notes

Morgan Boland is one of my favorite amateur runners to follow on Instagram. She started running just as the pandemic hit in 2020 with little to no athletic experience. She also had two young children at home to take care of while her husband had a wild work schedule. Not only did Morgan use running to help her feel like herself again and get some much needed alone time, she fell in love with the sport. As you'll see, even though Morgan is fairly new to the running game, she is an inspiration to runners of all levels. In this episode Morgan talks about that journey, the early morning treadmill miles that have been her staple, and we even do a serious Pop Tarts deep dive.

We have a new segment called "5 Questions presented by Running Warehouse." Here are links to a few of the shoes Morgan mentioned:

You can follow Morgan www.instagram.com/milesthroughmotherhood.

Sponsors:

Vacation Races is a running and travel company that helps people explore and enjoy the most scenic places on earth. They host half marathons, ultramarathons and trail running festivals at national parks around the country and multi-day running adventures all over the world! Use our codes to save serious money at www.vacationraces.com on these incredible adventures:

rambling15 - New customers can use this code for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon that is not currently sold out (excludes Trailfest events and Global Adventures).
rambling200 - New customers can use this code for $200 off any Global Adventures trip that is not currently sold out (code is only good for Global Adventures events and cannot be used toward half marathons, ultra marathons or Trailfest events)

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#531 - Alexandria Williams: 6 Star Finisher! May 02, 2023

Show notes

Alexandria Williams is a marathoner who recently achieved a goal that many have attempted - she became an Abbott 6 Star Finisher. That means she has completed the New York, Chicago, Boston, London, Berlin, and Tokyo marathons! Alex is a run influencer, speaker, FitHair expert, and author. In this episode Alex takes us through her amazing running journey that started with this incredible goal. There were plenty of hurdles along the way but Alex was undeterred. This is an episode filled with hope and positive vibes for anyone looking to achieve an audacious goal.

We also started a new segment "5 Questions presented by Running Warehouse." Here are links to a few of the shoes Alex mentioned:

You can follow Alex at www.instagram.com/alexandriawill.

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#530 - Ellie Windham: Supporting Newer Runners, Establishing Community, and Building Up to Ultra's Apr 28, 2023

Show notes

Today on the podcast Ellie Windham shares her experiences supporting newer runner, what it's like to help establish a community within a local area, and building up to an ultra marathon (even if you live in a city). Ellie has done a remarkable job of connecting to runners in the New York City area who are new to the sport or who run in the 10-12 minute per mile zone. So many of us, in fact half of the national running community, train at those paces. Yet we are often left out of some of the dialogue within the sport. In this episode we dive into these topics and learn more about Ellie and her wonderful work.

You can follow Ellie at www.instagram.com/elliewindham.

Sponsors:

Thank you to Lagoon for sponsoring this episode and for their truly amazing pillows! Take their two minute quiz and learn which pillow is perfect for you and the way you sleep at https://lagoonsleep.com/rambling and save 15% by using code RAMBLING at checkout.

rambling15 - New customers can use this code for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon that is not currently sold out (excludes Trailfest events and Global Adventures).
rambling200 - New customers can use this code for $200 off any Global Adventures trip that is not currently sold out (code is only good for Global Adventures events and cannot be used toward half marathons, ultra marathons or Trailfest events)

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#529 - Boston Marathon Recaps with Nell Rojas and CJ Albertson Apr 24, 2023

Show notes

At last week's Boston Marathon, Nell Rojas went up against some of the world's best after a less-than-ideal build and did her thing. Nell ran a 2:24:51, a personal best, which was good for 14th overall and 3rd American. Two weeks before Boston, Nell finished 3rd at Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (USATF Championship). In this episode we detail the training that led to these performances as well as the race tactics and details that defined them. Nell displays her trademark candor and good humor in describing all of it!

In the second half of the episode we hear from CJ Albertson. CJ ran a gutsy race that proved to far more impactful that his 12th place overall finish (4th American).

We dive into all of it while talking at length about his well-crafted IG post detailing his experience:

"2:10:33- 12th place at the Boston Marathon

On paper, a mediocre result. With analysis, a poor result- with a 62:20 1st half split, then fading hard for a 68:13 2nd half.

But this race was special. For awhile now, it’s been difficult to enjoy running or really anything in life- and I’ve had this feeling that I’m not exactly myself- like my life and personality has been filtered in grayscale. This weekend in Boston was full of vibrant color. Running 15 miles with the world’s best marathoners, far faster than I’ve ever ran before- felt right, and I felt like me. It’s hard to describe, but the genuine joy, peace, and fun I experienced during the race hit me in a way that I could only interpret as “this is who I am”.

Yesterday, I wasn’t fit enough to race a full 26.2 with the world’s best- and many would say I should’ve ran the first half slower (including me before the race). Analytically, they are correct. But I was rewarded anyway. I was reminded of who I am, the greatness I was created for (not just in running), and the joy of running and life.

We all have greatness within us. We may not have achieved it yet, haven’t mastered the habits/discipline necessary to get there, and sometimes may not even feel it’s true- but it’s still who we are. Time to live it out."

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by UCAN nutrition which is powered to deliver steady, long lasting energy without the spike and crash. Add in UCAN Hydrate to get those electrolytes that you need to stay hydrated. Finally, you've got to try the award winning Edge energy gels - they are my go-to on the run. You will get 20% of all of your orders at ucan.co with code RAMBLING.

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#528 - The Journey of Kenya's Legendary Running Coach Patrick Sang and the Fastest Runners on Earth Apr 21, 2023

Show notes

Today we are fortunate to have Sarah Gearheart who has just published a truly amazing running book - We Share the Sun: The Journey of Kenya's Legendary Running Coach Patrick Sang and the Fastest Runners on Earth.

We Share the Sun takes us behind the scenes into the lives of Kenya’s fastest runners and their coach—one of the greatest and least-heralded coaches in the sport—Patrick Sang.

At a secluded training camp in Kaptagat, Kenya, a small town nearly 8,000 feet above sea level in the Great Rift Valley, three-dozen world-class runners, including Olympic champions, world record holders and the fastest marathoner of all-time, share simple dormitory-style rooms and endure grueling workouts six days a week.

These determined, devoted, and selfless runners are who they are because of a man named Patrick Sang, who is described by his athletes as a “life coach.”

In We Share the Sun, we are immersed in Sang’s remarkable story, from his college days in the US to winning an Olympic medal in the steeplechase, and his journey to become a man who redefines what coaching means.

In these pages, we explore Sang’s influence on his athletes — including his unique and longstanding relationship with marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge — as they prepared for the delayed Tokyo Olympics and other competitions. We witness the remarkable recovery of two-time New York City Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor after a freak accident as he strove to earn his first Olympic medal. And we follow one of the world’s most dominant mid-distance runners, Faith Kipyegon, as she attempted a historic repeat title in the 1,500 meters three years after the birth of her first child.

Through Gearhart's vivid prose, we experience the richness that exists in Kenya as we come as close as we possibly can to running alongside a current and future generation of elites—and the man who molds them into champions.

Sponsors:

rambling15 - New customers can use this code for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon that is not currently sold out (excludes Trailfest events and Global Adventures).
rambling200 - New customers can use this code for $200 off any Global Adventures trip that is not currently sold out (code is only good for Global Adventures events and cannot be used toward half marathons, ultra marathons or Trailfest events)

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#527 - Jean Mike Remy: Cheering While Black Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

This episode of the podcast is with a longtime friend of the show, Jean Mike Remy. Remy was first on the show in episode 86 when he detailed is fantastic transformation into an endurance athlete. This episode is a far cry from that one.

Yesterday Remy was part of a viewing party at the top of Heartbreak Hill on the Boston Marathon course doing what he loves: cheering and supporting fellow amateur endurance athletes. Then he and his viewing party, organized by the Pioneers and TrailblazHers running clubs and primarily consisting of BIPOC athletes, was targeted and surrounded by over a dozen police officers. Video of the experience went viral and many in the running community were aghast at the display. In this episode, Remy details his lifelong connection to Boston and the marathon, what happened that day, and his perspective on the intersection of the two.

Follow Remy on Instagram: www.instagram.com/_mr1derful

Watch Remy's YouTube Channel and watch the video we discuss in this episode: www.youtube.com/@RemyBReel

Sponsor:

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#526 - A New Olympic Trials Qualifying Focused Marathon! Apr 14, 2023

Show notes

The magic of the 2020 Olympic Trials we more than just race itself. It was also in the journey to that day. The years of training and leading to America's best runners putting it on the line to qualify for the trials. With that in mind we are introducing a new race hoping to help America's best reach their full potential.

TheBakline's McKirdy Micro!

The vision for this marathon is to be an OTQ/Olympic Standard marathon event.

The course - Rockland Lake State Park is a truly flat and fast course. Newly paved... the surface is incredibly quick. It will also have a clearly marked tangent line along the ENTIRE 2.945 mile loop.

Certification - The event is currently USATF certified and USATF Sanctioned. The World Athletics certification is in processing and is a mere formality. For any athletes looking for an Olympic Standard (American or international) this race will count for that achievement and for world rankings.

Pacers:

2:07:30
2:10:00 (if needed/requested)
2:17:59
2:26:00 (if needed/requested)
2:30:00 (if needed/requested)
2:36:59

Prize Purse - They have committed to at least a $10,000 prize purse! The vision of the race is a time standard... not a "race for place." With this in mind there is going to host a shared prize purse concept. They will evenly distribute the prize purse to all who earn the OTQ/Olympic standard. (International athletes are included)

Registration Launch - Registration will launch next week (After Boston - Wednesday/Thursday). Visit www.mckirdytrained.com to register.

We encourage all athletes considering this event to register. Even if using the race was a "back up event." Having the option to race Bakline's McKirdy Micro allows an athlete to swap out in case they are presented with poor conditions in Chicago or other races in the window. Their only aim in this event is service for what is best for the athletes.

Sponsors:

rambling15 - New customers can use this code for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon that is not currently sold out (excludes Trailfest events and Global Adventures).
rambling200 - New customers can use this code for $200 off any Global Adventures trip that is not currently sold out (code is only good for Global Adventures events and cannot be used toward half marathons, ultra marathons or Trailfest events)

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#525 - Training Talk LIVE with Peter Bromka Apr 10, 2023

Show notes

Last Monday we had our inaugural Training Talk LIVE call on Relay and it was everything we hoped it would be! More specifically, it was a space for Relay subscribers and creators to have an informal chat about our training, racing, goals, and challenges with plenty of fun randomness thrown into the mix.

We will be doing this every Monday at 2pm est so come join us!

Relay is a collaborative of elite runners and running content creators publishing high-end writing, audio/podcasts, and video. These pieces provide insight, knowledge, and entertainment to dedicated runners. Relay has some of the most collaborative and creative work in the running industry that is sure to impact runners of all abilities.

The Relay team consists of amazing people like Kara Goucher, Peter Bromka, Mike "Kofuzi" Ko, Stefanie Flippin, Lindsey Hein, and Marcus Brown.

In addition to great content, Relay also provides full financial transparency. For $9 a month subscribers get the most creative and collaborative running content on the internet. All of the Relay creators split our revenue evenly so you know exactly where your money is going.

Visit Relay today: www.patreon.com/relay

Sponsor:

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#524 - Cole Crosby: First to Complete the Speed Project OG Route Solo from LA to Vegas (346 miles) Apr 07, 2023

Show notes

Cole Crosby recently completed something that has never been done - a solo run on the original relay route (OG route) from LA to Vegas as part of The Speed Project. TSP is typically reserved for team efforts but Cole wanted more. Much more. After years of testing his limits, including the Cocodona 250 last spring, he had his sights set on Vegas.

Cole puts it best in his Instagram post from March 29:

"The TSP solo adventure was earth-shattering. Mother Nature threw everything at us: rain, sleet, wind, sand storms, heat, sun, mud, and yet we never faltered.

I finally showed what I am capable of as an athlete. 346 miles averaging paces between 10-13 minute miles, tackling whatever obstacle was in our way. Our team grew stronger and deeper as the journey went on until the last 5,000 foot climb and the sprint downhill into Vegas.

This journey to me is what an OG stands for. It’s not about taking the shortest route but rather the longest. It’s about fighting adversity and not showing weakness. It’s about gaining the beauty and inspiration in the harsh desert landscape. It’s about rising above when others crumble. It’s about teamwork, solitude and the burning desire to do great for others.

346 miles run
17,000k of vert
92 hours 57 minutes
1 runner, 3 crew aka family
That’s OG!

I hope this run inspires you to take on this challenge. Because records are meant to be broken. But what I hold up high is that there will only ever be 1 OG Solo runner to be the first to complete the route and OG crew that got me to the sign. And for that experience I will cherish those moments forever."

You can follow Cole at www.instagram.com/colecrosby41.

Sponsors:

rambling15 - New customers can use this code for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon that is not currently sold out (excludes Trailfest events and Global Adventures).
rambling200 - New customers can use this code for $200 off any Global Adventures trip that is not currently sold out (code is only good for Global Adventures events and cannot be used toward half marathons, ultra marathons or Trailfest events)

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#523 - Nigel Mcgregor: The Power of Dedication Apr 03, 2023

Show notes

Nigel Mcgregor is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. Not merely in running, but in all areas of life.

14 years ago, Nigel ran is first marathon in 5:21 and it was a huge accomplishment. In the preceding years Nigel worked full-time driving a delivery truck while going to night-school in a full-time capacity to become an engineer. After the job and the school work Nigel would head out on his nightly run. Those runs would often end at or after midnight. This man was dedicated to his goals - no question about that.

Today, Nigel is a masters runner with marathon PR of 2:56. He has run dozens and dozens of marathons and "marathon runner" is a part of his identity he embraces and cultivates. In this episode we talk about his amazing journey and finish with a fun conversation about his beloved Boston Marathon (he's about to run his fourth!).

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