The Rambling Runner Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#432 - Kara Woody: MS Warrior Makes Waves at Boston Apr 29, 2022

Show notes

Kara Woody is a veterinarian, mother of two, Navy wife, and a multiple sclerosis, She is also one heck of a runner who as run nine marathons with a PR of 3:32 and a three time Boston Marathon qualifier.

A self described couch potato in her 20's, Kara started to run around the same time she was diagnosed with MS and she certainly made up for lost time. She has become one of the most inspirational people we've ever had on the Rambling Runner Podcast. In the last six months she has run the Boston Marathon twice and has done so with the kind of spirit and courage that so many of us aspire to embody.

There are days where the runs get so tough that she wobbles. When it's too hot, she loses control of her legs and overheats. If it weren't for the life changing medicine she's on... her days would be vastly different. Several years ago she wasn't sure if she'd ever live a normal life. Then, in a moment, everything changed.

Follow Kara on Instagram: www.instagram.com/runnervet06.

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#431 - Phil Shin: From Life Saving Transplant to the Boston Marathon Apr 25, 2022

Show notes

There aren't many people in the world and thoughtful, caring, and inspiring as Phil Shin. It was an absolute honor to have Phil on the show. He has endured liver cancer twice, received a liver transplant, run multiple marathons, qualified for Boston, and that doesn't even come close to summarizing what this man has accomplished for himself and others.

Phil ran the 2022 Boston Marathon along with his good friend and live liver donor Mark Murphy. It was a special weekend for both men as it was Mark's first marathon and Phil was able to honor his friend's sacrifice, that saved his life, in grand fashion. All a few weeks after Phil put it down at the iconic Way Too Cool 50k.

Follow Phil on Instagram: www.instagram.com/pshin8670.

Phil's episode on The Morning Shakeout: https://themorningshakeout.com/podcast-episode-197-with-phil-shin.

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#430 - Rachel Gersten: The Mental Post-Marathon Dip Apr 22, 2022

Show notes

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 talk about the mental and emotional dip some people go through post-marathon (or any big race/event) and how we can minimize some of those challenges, celebrate even in the face of disappointment, and how we can learn from our experiences.

You can learn more about Rachel at www.vivawellnessnyc.com.

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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ83E0U8M4V7klqZB8BF3wA
Rambling Runner Podcast Community Corner private Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/125544686229661

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#429 - Jon Rizzo: From Life-Saving Surgery to the Podium Apr 18, 2022

Show notes

If you love a comeback story then get hyped to hear from the unconquerable Jon Rizzo.

In the fall of 2020 Jon was flying high. This muscle bound endurance athlete was strong from another training cycle and looking to set some new personal bests. Then his legs stopped working. Literally. Soon it took this former military member and ultra runner a momentous amount of effort to simply climb the stairs. On the drive home from his MRI, an appointment he almost flaked on before his wife Jamie set him straight, he was called with urgent news - get to the emergency room.

In this episode Jon takes a deep dive into this near tragic experience that almost left him at death's door. We also discuss how Jon got through this experience to finish on the podium at the Naked Prussian 50 Miler and what big hairy audacious goals now populate his calendar.

You can learn about one of them, the 24 Hour Stationary Bike Ruff Ride hosted by Team Foster, here: https://www.pledgereg.com/3969/Team/18216.

Follow Matt:

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#428 - Des Linden: Re-Run of the 2018 Boston Marathon Apr 14, 2022

Show notes

It's Boston Marathon weekend and what better way to celebrate than to listen to one of Boston's greatest champions - Des Linden.

Des joins the show to breakdown her iconic victory at the 2018 Boston Marathon. She analyzes the race mile by rain soaked mile with the wit and candor we all appreciate from this running legend. She touches on every aspect of the race including her recovery from her disappointing 2017 Boston Marathon, the epic porta potty episode with Shalane Flanagan, and her conversion from helping others to charging into the lead.

Follow Matt:

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#427 - Dr. Jess Mena, DPT: The Speed Project and Side Stiches Apr 11, 2022

Show notes

Dr. Jess Mena DPT is back on the show by popular demand! And rightfully so. This PT expert and bundle of excitement will be making regular appearances on the show from here on out.

In this episode we talk about her recently completed Speed Project - a relay race from L.A. to Las Vegas that seems like pure fun, drama, and insanity. In addition we also a topic that affects runners from all over - side stitches!

Follow Jess at www.instagram.com/tempo_with_jess.

Follow Matt:

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Twitter - @rambling_runner
YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ83E0U8M4V7klqZB8BF3wA
Rambling Runner Podcast Community Corner private Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/125544686229661

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#426 - Jackie Kirchner, RD: Marathon Nutrition, Electrolytes, and Carbo Loading Apr 08, 2022

Show notes

Jackie Kirchner is a registered dietitian with years of experience and she is on the show to drop some serious knowledge.

In this episode we discuss:

Carbo loading
Marathon taper nutrition
Electrolyte/salt intake pre/during the run
Food choices in the 5-45 minutes before a marathon

We also play a new game called "Real or Fake" where I pitch outlandish supplement names and Jackie tries to guess if they are real.

Jackie is a registered dietitian who works with enthusiastic, dedicated distance runners who want to fuel their bodies better so they can improve endurance and fitness, increase energy, recover faster, and run better than ever.

As both a successful distance runner herself (having run dozens of road races and qualifying for the Boston marathon four times!) and an expert in sports nutrition (with over eight years experience as a dietitian), Jackie is taking all her knowledge and experience on all things nutrition science and endurance athletics to bring you the tools you need to feel, fuel, and perform at your best.

You can visit Jackie's website at www.jackiekirchnernutrition.com and follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/fuelbetter.runfaster.

Follow Matt:

Instagram - @rambling_runner
Twitter - @rambling_runner
YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ83E0U8M4V7klqZB8BF3wA
Rambling Runner Podcast Community Corner private Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/125544686229661

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#425 - Samantha Roecker: One of the U.S.'s Best Runners Takes on a World Record and Changes Lives Apr 04, 2022

Show notes

Samantha Roecker is a registered nurse and one of the best marathoners in the country. Her personal best is 2:29:59 which she set at the Marathon Project, she was on the 2018 CIM podium with Emma Bates and Stephanie Bruce, and she represented the United States at the 2019 Pan American Games in Peru where she finished fifth in 2:32.

She is the rare elite athlete who works a full-time job in the same way as most dedicated amateur runners - despite being good enough to go all-in on pro running if she chose to go that route.

Samantha will be running the 2022 Boston Marathon with a new goal in mind. She is raising money for the American Nurses Foundation’s programs supporting the mental health and wellness. Samantha has seen the effects that front-line healthcare work can have on caring and dedicated workforce. It is heart breaking. Her fundraising efforts include an audacious goal - to beat the Guinness Book of World Records time for running a marathon in Moxie Scrubs nursing scrubs.

In this episode we dive into her post-college running journey that has so many wild and layered twists and turns. Sam is a beacon of light for all runners and it was an honor to have her on the show.

Samantha's fundraising page: https://givetonursing.networkforgood.com/projects/152794-samantha-roecker-marathon-fundraiser

Samantha's feature in Runner's World: www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a39601798/sam-roecker-boston-marathon-scrubs/

Follow Matt:

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#424 - Coach's Corner with James McKirdy: How to Run the Boston Marathon Apr 01, 2022

Show notes

The 2022 Boston Marathon is around the corner and we are here to help you have the best race possible. James McKirdy, Founder and Head Coach of McKirdy Trained, is back on the show to share is considerable expertise. In this episode, James and I cover nearly detail in how to run Boston up to your capabilities, fitness, and talent. We discuss the days leading up to the race, weather, packing for the athlete's village, the course, race strategy, fueling, and maximizing the finish line feeling.

Follow Matt:

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YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ83E0U8M4V7klqZB8BF3wA
Rambling Runner Podcast Community Corner private Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/125544686229661

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#423 - Jason Fitzgerald: Bodyweight Power Mar 28, 2022

Show notes

Finally! Bodyweight strength training that focuses on power (with no gym or experience required)!

Jason Fitzgerald from Strength Running here on the show to talk about his new offering Bodyweight Power.

As Jason loves to say: Stronger Runners are Faster Runners. Strength train explosively and you’ll soon be able to run explosively. Other than delaying fatigue or preventing injuries, the other big benefit to strength training is that you’ll be able to sprint faster at the end of a race.

Several powerful factors make strength workouts a great tool for speed:

You’ll recruit more muscle fibers, increasing your capacity for speed
Higher muscle tension means your legs will return more energy - making you run faster with the same level of effort
Better economy and coordination gives you a smoother, more powerful stride

If you’ve ever struggled to finish strong at the end of a race – to find that “higher gear” to power through the finish – then the strength workouts in this program will give you the power to smash through your next finish line.

There’s no doubt that finding the time for a high-quality strength session (on top of your normal running schedule) can be difficult. But the real issue isn’t whether you have time, it’s whether you’re ready to improve. Do you love running? Do you want to take your racing to the next level? Passionate runners like you are often willing to make a small sacrifice to transform their running. You don’t need hours every week. You’re not a bodybuilder. And you don’t need to hit the gym 4-5 times every week. Who has time for that? All that’s needed to dramatically improve your strength, athleticism, injury resilience, power, and speed are two 30-60 minute sessions per week (that you can do at home). That’s it.

You can learn more about Bodyweight Power at www.strengthrunning.com/bodyweight and use code "RAMBLING" to save 20%.

Follow Matt:

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