The Rambling Runner

The 2022 New York City Marathon will be known for its heat and humidity. Runners from around the world descended on NYC expecting typical northeast autumn weather. Instead, they were greeted with near summer conditions. The effect on the field was massive. Despite those nasty conditions, Maria Penner from Winnipeg, Canada negative split her race and finished with the fasted 1.5 miles of her entire race! In this episode, Maria provides a full analysis of what she did in training and on race day physically and mentally to make the most of her marathon and finish with a smile on her face. Follow Maria at www.instagram.com/maria_lovestorun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2022 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon will be known for its wind. 25-45 mph winds blew through the course all morning. The final 13.1 were into those nasty headwinds making for a supremely challenging day for all runners. Despite those nasty conditions, Steph Martin set a new marathon PR of 3:36! Not only that, she did so 15 months after giving birth to her fourth child, and after not running for six months post-partum. In this episode, Steph details the training, patience, and running "by feel" that she did to put herself in position to make the most of a very difficult day. You can follow Steph at www.instagram.com/mama_aspiring_boston26.2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of my favorite pro runners is on the pod and I am PSYCHED! Katie Asmuth is one of the best trail and ultra runners in the country, a nurse practitioner, mother of two, and podcaster for Freetrail. I was extremely excited to talk to Katie about how she has dealt with her 2022 injury, a broken foot, as a very competitive person and professional athlete. This is a topic that affects so many runners, no matter their ability. Injury will impact every runner if we run long enough. The time away from the sport can be a challenge physically but it can be just as challenging mentally and emotionally. Katie dives into all of this, and more, with her trademark energy, enthusiasm, and inspired insight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Jess Mena, DPT is here for our monthly collaboration and this time we are talking about when and how to lift after a marathon or ultra. Marathon season is quickly coming to an end. If you've run one, CONGRATULATIONS! Once race day is over all committed athletes and coaches think about how to improve on their recent experiences and how to keep the momentum going if things are progressing well. Either way, committing to a strength plan that works for you is vital. In this podcast, Jess will let you know how long you should wait after race day to engage with your lifting plan, how that first week or two should look, and other "next steps" after your big day. Follow Jess at www.instagram.com/tempo_with_jess. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maurice "Marathon Panda" Lowman is back on the show! Last weekend Maurice achieved a huge goal by completing the Javelin Jundred trail race in the Arizona desert. Maurice's 100 mile adventure took 28:09, nearly two hours under the 30 hour cut-off, but in truth his journey started long before he even arrived in AZ. In this episode Mo details all of the training and racing in 2022 that lead to Javelina, how his day became tough at mile three but he stuck with it until the end, and what he learned about his own potential when he some of his fastest miles were his last ones. Maurice also talks briefly about his run-streak reaching 2,497 days. You can follow Maurice's journey of miles and positive vibes at www.instagram.com/marathonpandamaurice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A week ago I ran the Ocean State Marathon and experienced something that I had only read about - the Central Governor theory. It was a wild experience and something I'll never forget. After cruising through the first 21 hilly miles, miles 22-24 were really tough. It took a great effort to keep running and not walk. Then, at mile 25, I experienced something entirely new to me. I'm well aware of the Central Governor model of performance but I had never put myself in the position test it out. At mile 25 my central governor let go and I felt like a new man. I finished the race with the fastest 10 minute segment I had put together all day All of that came after I was struggling to run at 11:00 pace. What and how did this happen?! I know experienced marathoners and ultra runners have gone through this but it was so new and just so amazing. In today's episode I talk all about this experience so that you may benefit from this in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mind, Body, and Sole with Tommie Runz is back! Tommie is in the midst of an audacious three marathon adventure. First, Tommie wanted to get another BQ. Check! Then he wanted to run a solid effort at Chicago. Check, and then some! Tommie's fall marathon triumvirate will conclude at the New York City Marathon where he hopes to set a new PR. In this episode, Tommie discusses the physical and mental demands of this season, how he has approached each marathon, the ways he's stayed sharp mentally after each effort, and, or course, some shoe talk. About Tommie: Tommie Runz is making big moves within the broader running community. Several years back Tommie was the picture of ill-health. He had an alcohol problem, was eating poorly, and was doing little exercise. They one-by-one he addressed all of these issues until he became the man and runner he is today - fast, fit, vegan, host of the Run Eat Sleep Show, and owner of Chip Time Running. A truly magnificent transformation for a man who's an even better person than

Today on the podcast we have one of the most fascinating people I have even spoken with - Canyon Woodward. Canyon is a championship level trail and ultra runner, political campaign manager, and climate activist. Canyon’s new short film, RURAL RUNNERS, is an intimate look into what it takes to show up, rain or shine, and how to balance running for yourself and running for your country. The film follows Maine State Senator Chloe Maxmin’s House & Senate runs, as well as Canyon’s demanding trail running career. It’s a unique pairing of affairs - a fun, relevant and inspiring story that humanizes the political process and extends beyond the dark state of party politics. It’s also about avoiding burnout - a common occurrence on the campaign trail - by prioritizing self-care, and bringing a bit of joy and purpose to everything we do. Canyon and Chloe also co-authored Dirt Road Revival, a fascinating book that details their work together and a path forward for important political work in rural communities. Here are s

We all know the importance of the marathon cycle to prepare us for our 26.2 adventures. But, what if I told you that the key to improving your marathon time may not happen during your marathon cycle? In the past two weeks athletes I've been working with have had a string of huge PR's. They are all different people, with different routines, and different running histories. But, they all one thing in common. That's exactly what this episode is all about. Have you checked out Relay yet?! Relay is a Patreon bundle that features some of the best running content on the internet. The Relay team is Kara Goucher, Peter Bromka, Lindsey Hein, Stefanie Flippin, Mike "Kofuzi" Ko, Zoe Rom, Marcus Brown, Carolyn Su, and yours truly. We are putting out 4-5 pieces of audio, video, or written work each week that we are sure that you'll enjoy. We even have a monthly Book Club with Kara, Carolyn, and Lindsey! Join us at Relay - www.patreon.com/relay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carolyn Su is back for our monthly For the Love of The Run feature! As usual, we had lots to talk about this month. First we dive into Matt's preparation for the Ocean State Marathon on October 23. We also discuss lessons learned from Matt's coaching clients who have PR'd at an astonishing rate so far this fall. Then Carolyn gives an update on her knee injury that detailed last month. Finally and most importantly, a few days removed from National Mental Health Day, Matt and Carolyn detail their experiences with depression, how they came to realize the truth of what they were experiencing, how they have dealt with it, and how people can help themselves and others if they are experiencing something similar. For the Love of the Run is presented by Tracksmith. Both Carolyn and I been wearing and loving Tracksmith for years and we couldn't think of a better brand to partner with on this endeavor. They have even have a new running shoe coming out soon called the Eliot Runner that we are very excited about! You can

Taylor Bodin is one of the top running shoe reviewers in the country and it's an honor to have him on the show! Taylor writes for www.believeintherun.com and is one of their lead trail shoe reviewers. In this episode Taylor shares his trail shoe expertise in a fun and engaging conversation. We do a mix of shoe battles and trail shoe talk, featuring: Saucony Endorphin Edge vs. HOKA Tecton X HOKA Speedgoat 5 vs. Saucony Xodus Ultra HOKA Mafate Speed 4 vs Nike Zegama The rise of high priced boutique trail shoes Merrell vs Nike: Is this a legit question Road shoes that can actually be trail shoes on the majority of trails If you're looking for more fun and engaging content check out Relay at www.patreon.com/relay where we have some of the best running content on the internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. That is why we are re-airing this episode from last year. This was one of the most popular episodes of 2021 and ideal for anyone about to run a marathon or trying to push through a challenge in their life Tia absolutely rocked the London Marathon yesterday after doing exactly the same at the 2021 Chicago Marathon. In Chicago 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 future held for her. It was the first spring that didn't include a marathon in over a decade. Tia rebounded slowly in the spring - then kept building little by little. Then, when autumn finally arrived she had one of the best races of her life. Follow Tia at

Dr. Jess Mena, DPT is here for our monthly collaboration and this time we are taking a deep dive recovery technology and techniques. The importance of recovery is well-known by most runners. But, for many, their knowledge of the importance of recovery is similar to their knowledge of broccoli - they know it's important but they often decide against it. In this episode Jess offers her professional perspective about sleep, elevating, scraping, cupping, compression boots, massages, massage guns, and much more. Follow Jess at www.instagram.com/tempo_with_jess. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marathon season is here and it's exciting to see everyone finish off their marathon cycle, start their taper, and get ready for race day! But, before you head to that starting line you need to make sure you have a race plan in place. The first order of business for that plan is simple yet potentially befuddling: What is your actual marathon pace/effort? In this episode, I dive head first into these murky waters to help you answer this question for yourself. I will also touch on several pacing and racing strategies that you should avoid at all costs! Finally, a compliment to this episode can be found on Relay (www.patreon.com/relay) where I am posting a written piece comparing some of the most popular marathon pacing calculators on the internet. Sponsor: Exakt Health is a sports physical therapy app for the most common running injuries. The app simplifies access to professional and customized physical therapy without long waiting times and costs. Exakt Health offers individualized plans, that automatically ad

In today's episode I have a conversation with Finn Melanson, one of the most interesting people in the running podcast space. This conversation first came out on his fantastic show, The Singletrack Podcast. Finn asks wonderful questions and thoughtful follow-ups that show he is a student of the interview game. In this episode, we talk about Relay, a new venture in the running media space, the business of podcasting, and our interests and inspirations in other sports and realms of business. Learn more about Finn and the Singletrack podcast at www.runsingletrack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the podcast we welcome Seattle runner Richard Dizon. Richard has a wonderful story to tell about the power of community, how representation can inspire action, and making the most of opportunities. Richard began running on a whim later in his high school years. He entered a local 5k after one of his teachers told his class that she'd be running. After she blew his doors off, while pushing a stroller, Richard was entranced by the sport. Running had the added benefit of being inexpensive. His parents, who had emigrated from the Philippines, where not in a position to pay for some of the more expensive sports. As Richard's passion for running grew, as did he parent's hesitancy toward him spending too much time on sport and not enough on academics. Richard shares some humorous anecdotes on this topic that he and he parents still giggle at today. Finally, we talk about Richard's amazing running progression over the last few years. He ran his first marathon this year, the Boston Marathon, and he nailed it.

Carolyn Su is back for our monthly For the Love of The Run feature! As usual, we had lots to talk about this month. First we dive into Carolyn's good news/bad news doctor's appointment regarding both her short running prowess and long term running health. Then Matt and Carolyn talk about the allure of attempting a goal race that you aren't quite prepared for versus backing off and planning for a different day. Finally, we take a deep dive into Zoë Rom's "My Body is Not a Brand" piece that was published last week on Relay. Here is a link to Zoë's article: www.patreon.com/posts/71755612 For the Love of the Run is presented by Tracksmith. Both Carolyn and I been wearing and loving Tracksmith for years and we couldn't think of a better brand to partner with on this endeavor. They have incredible running attire that fits well and lasts for years, even in tough New England weather. You can visit our link at www.Tracksmith.com/loveoftherun to see their new arrivals and use code LOVEOFTHERUN to receive free shippin

In this episode of the Rambling Runner Podcast we discuss a topic we've never touched on before - the efficacy and potential of remote physical therapy. Runners of all ages and paces are familiar with the services that a physical therapist can provide. We are also familiar with the how frustrating it can be to book an appointment as many PT's already have a full calendar. For this topic there is nobody better to speak with than Maryke Louw. Maryke is originally from South Africa but spent 10 years in the UK where she gained most of my experience in sports physiotherapy. She started a specialist telehealth sports injury practice in 2014 - at that point every single person Mayke told about it in the UK thought it was crazy, because they all believed "physios have to touch people." As Maryke says, "luckily I can be selectively hard of hearing," as she stuck with it, it has now turned it into a top notch specialist telehealth sports injury service for both general injuries (https://www.sports-injury-physio.com) a

Fall marathon season is here and races are right around the corner. With that in mind, Stefanie Flippin is here to help discuss the ways in which runners inadvertently sabotage their marathon training in the final six week before their race. Running a marathon is a challenge under the best circumstances. Conversely, It can be brutal when things don't go well. In this episode we share some of the things we've seen with our runners, runners we know, and our own experiences. Sometimes the best advice is what not to do and this is exactly what we provide in this episode. Stefanie is a top ultra runner and a USATF 100 Mile Champion. She is also a running coach with Lift, Run, Perform. This episode is also running on Relay - a Patreon bundle that features some of the best running content on the internet. Stefanie and I will be doing live Coach's Corner episodes, with subscriber interaction, monthly starting in October. Join us at Relay - www.patreon.com/relay. More on Relay: Relay is a collaborative of elite runn

Today is one of the most special days in my professional life. It is the day we launch a new media company that will be at the forefront of running media for years to come. Today we launch Relay! 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. ​​Relay will be publishing 20+ pieces of content per month including 3-4 live video sessions. These will include the Relay Book Club, Coach's Corner, and interviews with professional runners. The live sessions will also have substantial interaction. Subscribers can participate in the conversations, ask insightful questions, and connect with the Relay community. The Relay team consists of: Kara Goucher - Two time Olympian, World Champion, analyst for NBC Sports, and author of “Be