Runified Podcast

Audrey Springer joins the Runified Podcast and tells us how she went from being a serious soccer player to a runner. Although she didn’t like running at first, she was drawn to the community and friendships. An unfortunate event also helped her realize that running was for something much bigger than herself. After college, Audrey decided to challenge herself with the marathon, a distance she idolized since childhood. She tells us how she recently qualified for the Boston Marathon and what she attributes this amazing accomplishment to, including an amazing running coach and training partner. Audrey also describes how she’s not a natural runner and gives advice for runners of all abilities. Her blog, Running the Alley, and Instagram account allow her to share her story and inspire others.   This episode is hosted by Matt Sorenson and is sponsored by goodr. Use code “runified2016” at playgoodr.com for a special Runified discount and to help support Runified and our running podcast!   Runified’s Website, Instagra

Runified Podcast host Matt Sorenson reflects on common themes that were present throughout the first 19 episodes of the Runified Podcast. He focuses the topics of community, running for others, overcoming obstacles, and entrepreneurship while including sound clips from each episode. This is a great chance to learn what Runified is all about! Our guests in the first 19 episodes are Guthrie Hood, Mike Thompson, Talaya Frazier, Ben Abell, Stephen Lease, Thom Singer, Yvonne Treviño Hayek, Anna Quinlan, Ty Reagan, Jennifer Fisher, Jenni Lord, Jim Hall, Gilbert Tuhabonye, Deyl Kearin, Emily Allport, and Mike Gitre. We chat about the marathon, half marathon, ultra marathons, trail running, injury, training, running advice, coaching, challenges in life, nutrition, and more.   This episode is hosted by Matt Sorenson and is sponsored by goodr. Use code “runified2016” at playgoodr.com for a special Runified discount and to help support Runified and our running podcast!   Runified’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

On this episode of the Runified Podcast we talk with Mike Gitre about how he became a distance runner and how his running community and competitive personality have helped him recover from a very serious injury. Mike has a very unique perspective on recovering that runners of all abilities can learn from. Mike also shares stories about how his running community has been important to him in all aspects of life, including his most recent recovery process. Mike is an accomplished runner, having completed 10 marathons, including the Boston Marathon. He appreciates the unique nature of a running community and the strength and motivation that results.   Runified’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Yvonne Treviño Hayek joins us again on the Runified Podcast! Yvonne originally talked with us back in episode 6 where we talked about her 20-year journey to the Olympics as a long jumper. In this episode, we talk with her about her experience in Rio and her performance. Yvonne provides some very helpful advice for runners of all abilities.   This episode is hosted by Matt Sorenson and is sponsored by goodr. Use code “runified2016” at playgoodr.com for a special Runified discount and to help support Runified and our running podcast!   Runified’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Yvonne’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

In this episode of the Runified Podcast we are joined by the one and only Emily Allport. Emily hails from San Diego California where she started her very own running group. She began running when she signed up on a whim for a half marathon, but was really drawn to the community of runners that she was a part of while training for her first race. The social aspect of running was what led her to start a running group in San Diego when she moved there. Starting with only one friend, she went on to attract an amazing group of women that has been there for each other in good times and bad. We talk with Emily about how this running group has positively impacted her life as well as others. Emily also gives runners some helpful advice.   This episode is hosted by Matt Sorenson and is sponsored by goodr. Use code “runified2016” at playgoodr.com for a special Runified discount and to help support Runified and our running podcast!   Runified’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Emily Allport Fitness

We are joined by Deyl Kearin who tells us about how he went from being a one-and-done marathoner to literally running across the Sahara desert. Deyl will also tell us why he runs and let us know about his next race, Grand to Grand, which he’ll be running when this episode is released. For Deyl, from running a marathon to running ultra marathons, he has really learned to enjoy the experience and run for something bigger than himself. Deyl has used his ability to run to raise money for an amazing charity called Opportunity International through an effort he started called Run4Poverty. We’ll talk with Deyl about this and let you know how you can get involved and help people in 3rd world countries by providing significant microfinance loans through Opportunity International. Please consider heading over to Run4Poverty.org to learn more about Deyl’s endeavours and to donate.   This episode is hosted by Matt Sorenson and is sponsored by goodr. Use code “runified2016” at playgoodr.com for a special Runified discount

In this episode, we bring Gilbert Tuhabonye’s story to present day. Continuing from Parts I and II, Episodes 13 and 14 respectively, we talk to Gilbert about how he was able to forgive the people who tried to kill him. For Gilbert, running was a big part of this. We also talk to him about how he turned his story of loss and survival into hope by the way of the Gazelle Foundation, a nonprofit that provides clean drinking water for people in Burundi, Gilbert’s home country. We also talk with the president of the Gazelle Foundation, Peter Rauch. Peter is a long-time friend of Gilbert’s and he shares how the Gazelle Foundation was started on a long run while training for a marathon. Additionally, we talk about how the Gazelle Foundation enables runners all over the world to help people in Burundi, mainly with the Run for the Water.   This episode is hosted by Matt Sorenson and is sponsored by goodr. Use code “runified2016” at playgoodr.com for a special Runified discount and to help support Runified and our runni

As we continue Gilbert Tuhabonye’s story from Episode 13, Gilbert describes how he barely escaped with his life when the opposing tribe in Burundi attacked his school. We talk about physical recovery in terms of running, as well as emotional and spiritual healing. While in the hospital, Gilbert received a letter that gave him a newfound hope in continuing his running career. Eventually, he was able to come to the United States to train for the Olympics. Gilbert describes his college years, including being a national champion, as well as how he serendipitously found himself as a running coach in Austin, TX. We close Part II of Gilbert’s story by talking with Roberto Diaz, a young man whose life was changed by being coached by Gilbert in high school. Part III of Gilbert’s story will be released on September 19, 2016.   This episode is hosted by Matt Sorenson and is sponsored by goodr, use code “runified2016” for a special Runified discount and to help support Runified!   Link to buy Gilbert’s book, This Voice

Gilbert Tuhabonye was born in Burundi, a small country in east-central Africa. Despite the natural beauty of Gilbert’s home country, Burundi has had a history of conflict between the Tutsi and Hutu tribes, which Gilbert describes in detail. This turmoil reached a peak on a day Gilbert will never forget, a day he barely escaped with his life. In Part I of our interview with Gilbert, he talks about growing up in Burundi and how running was a part of everyday life. He also describes how he began to run competitively in high school. Part I closes with Gilbert beginning to describe the day in which he almost lost his life. We also talk with Ryan Hess, a runner and owner of Ready to Run, a running shoe store in Austin, TX. Ryan shares how Gilbert and his story have influenced him as a runner and man. Part II of Gilbert’s story will be released on September 12, 2016.   This episode is hosted by Matt Sorenson and is sponsored by goodr. Use code “runified2016” at www.playgoodr.com for a special Runified discount and t

We begin Part II of Jim Hall’s story, which is continued from Episode 11, by talking with his wife Vicki to hear her perspective on how running has changed Jim’s life. Vicki also shares how she became a runner, as well as how their children have found a love for running and how running has become a familiar affair. We then continue our conversation with Jim learning about another significant curveball life threw at him, involving some serious and unforeseen health problems, including cancer. Even though life has provided many challenges for Jim, he believes that he has so much to be thankful for, helping him keep a positive outlook on life. Jim also highlights how his running community has significantly influenced him in a positive way and encourages our listeners to share their love of running with other people. Episode sponsored by goodr, use code “runified2016” for a special Runified discount and to help support Runified!   Runified’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Although Jim Hall was an active child, as he moved into adulthood he became less active. In August of 2010, at the age of 35, a very difficult and unexpected event prompted Jim to commit to running his first marathon. This was a very significant decision because he never ran more than two miles before he started training. In Part I of our interview with Jim, we focus on the circumstances that led to this drastic change in his life, as well as the process by which he became a runner. Jim also tells us how he has found motivation to keep improving as a runner, to now running ultra marathons. In becoming a runner, Jim has also been blessed to be a part of an amazing running community that has encouraged him in running and life. Episode sponsored by goodr, use code “runified2016” for a special Runified discount!   Runified’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Jenni Lord fell in love with running when she had her first “runner’s high” in her late teens. When she was at the start line of her first half marathon, she realized that she needed to run for something more than herself. This was the genesis of Chosen, which is an organization that provides adoptive families financial, educational, and mentoring services. Additionally, they are involved in orphan and foster care around the world. We talk with Jenni about her running past, what motivated her to start Chosen, and also talk about some amazing stories that have resulted from their efforts. Jenni describes that the connection between adoption and running is quite natural, as they both take a lot of time, training, sacrifice, perseverance, and endurance. One way Chosen advocates for vulnerable children in need for homes is by organizing what has been called the “Prettiest Race in Texas”, which in it’s 7th year will be a 5K and half marathon. This year’s race is on November 19, 2016 in New Braunfels, TX. Use the

Jennifer Fisher went from being a shy bookworm in elementary school to now running marathons and clawing through mud pits. Jennifer developed a love for fitness early in life and was serendipitously introduced to the idea of the marathon via a stranger in a park, leading her to barely missing a qualifying time for the Olympic trials. The Fit Fork is Jennifer’s very popular blog where she shares recipes for quick, healthy, and delicious meals. In our time together, Jennifer shares tips for leading a busy, balanced, and healthy lifestyle alongside three teenage boys and her husband. We also learn how incorporating strength training and the POSE running technique with Valerie Hunt of RUNATX and BVM Crossfit has helped her grow stronger and avoid injury. Jennifer is a Beef Team Member, as well as an ambassador for a number of running and fitness related brands.   Episode sponsored by goodr, use code “runified2016” for a special Runified discount!   The Fit Fork Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Runified’s We

Ty Reagan joins the Runified Podcast to tell our community about how he went from following an unfulfilling career as a musician and band director to, through running, finding his path as a business owner and ultra marathon runner. Ty shares advice concerning setting goals and provides insight into what makes a great running coach. He is a co-founder of Motiv8 Health and Fitness, a fitness company with a holistic approach to running that helps their athletes stay injury-free. Ty lives in Austin, TX, loves trail running, and recently completed his first 100-mile race.   Episode sponsored by goodr, use code “runified2016” for a special Runified discount!   Motiv8 Health and Fitness Website, Blog, Facebook, Instagram Runified’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Anna Quinlan shares the story by which her son Noah joined their family through adoption and the reason Anna chose to run her first marathon. It’s a unique and amazing story of sacrifice, endurance, and hardship. She also provides some helpful lessons learned from training and completing for the Big Sur International Marathon, in which she also raised money for the charity Every Mother Counts. Anna lives in Sacramento, CA, is the mother of two active boys, and is a professional writer.   Episode sponsored by goodr, use code “runified2016” for a special Runified discount!   Anna Quinlan’s Website, Instagram, CrowdRise, The Hardest Mile Every Mother Counts Website, Run for EMC, Instagram Runified’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Yvonne Treviño Hayek joins the Runified Podcast to talk about her 20-year long journey to the Olympics. Yvonne shares how she was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, where she was introduced to running and long jump at the age of 8. Her childhood coach saw something special in Yvonne and told her that she had the potential to be great, maybe even the best. Yvonne shares the story of developing as an athlete, including some significant personal and physical setbacks on her quest to qualify for the Olympics. Yvonne currently lives and trains in Houston, TX, holds the women’s Mexican long jump record, and will represent Mexico at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.   Episode sponsored by goodr, use code “runified2016” for a special Runified discount!   Yvonne’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Runified’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

In this episode of the Runified Podcast we talk with Thom Singer. Thom is a professional speaker and is known as the “conference catalyst”. We talk with Thom as he is beginning to venture into the world of running. He provides a great perspective as a middle-aged man who very recently started to run to connect with his daughter and for health benefits. Even though Thom is adamant that he is not a runner, we chat about how he is gradually fitting running into his busy life. He highlights how he has learned to gradually increase his running mileage and also about the benefits he has already noticed.   Episode sponsored by goodr, use code “runified2016” for a special Runified discount!   Thom Singer’s Webpage Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do Podcast Runified’s Webpage Runified on Instagram

In this episode of the Runified Podcast we talk with Ben and Stephen, the co-founders of goodr, a startup company that has developed affordable running sunglasses that not only function well while running but also make you look cool no matter what you’re doing. We talk with Ben and Stephen about how they became avid runners and about the genesis of their company. Join us as we dig into the nuts and bolts of their lives as entrepreneurs and ultramarathoners and you’ll be able to take away some solid advice for running and life. As a note, this episode was recorded before goodr offered to sponsor the Runified Podcast.   Episode sponsored by goodr, use code “runified2016” for a special Runified discount!   playgoodr.com Runified.co Runified on Instagram

Talaya Frazier joins the Runified podcast and shares how she started running to advocate for children around the world. Talaya shares her personal story of her daughter battling a rare condition as an infant, which led her to starting Cheyana’s Champions for Children (CC4C) in 2012. CC4C is a foundation that helps children with rare and undiagnosed conditions in Austin, TX. CC4C forms a support network around each child to help them reach their recovery finish line. This includes a Champion Teammate, who utilize their platform to serve as an advocate for the child, as well as provide unforgettable experiences. Champion Teammates range from celebrities like The Undertaker and Jack Ingram, to athletes like Desiree Ficker and Jeni Raymond. In addition, Talaya has finished 10 Boston marathons, is a fitness model, and owns her own jewelry business. Episode Sponsored by goodr, use code “runified2016” for a special Runified discount!   http://cc4c.org/ http://www.talayas.net/ http://www.neu.fit/ runified.co

Mike Thompson tells us the story of going from being a very active 10-year-old boy, to suddenly being shackled to an IV pole, thrown into the gauntlet of fighting cancer. Mike is now a four-time cancer survivor with an amazing story of how running and endurance athletics has helped him to not only beat cancer but to thrive. Despite cancer wreaking havoc on his body, he describes how he has gone on to run a number of endurance events, including the IRONMAN World Championship. During our time together, Mike unpacks his belief that running creates happiness in a unique and exhilarating way. Mike has been an active member of the running and triathlon community in Austin, TX and is currently at his dream job as a Community Engagement Champion at LIVESTRONG. Mike loves sharing his story and encouraging those impacted by cancer. We also chat with Melissa Lewis at LIVESTRONG to learn how runners can get involved with LIVESTRONG.   Episode Sponsored by goodr, use code “runified2016” for a special Runified discount!