The Rambling Runner

Dr. Jess Mena, DPT is here for our monthly collaboration and this time we are taking a deep dive into the posterior tibial tendon, otherwise known as "post tib." Injuries to the post tib are common and difficult to overcome. They seem to linger in the foot and medial side of the heal for longer than most believe it should. So what can we do? Jess breaks it down for us! Jess also takes a deep dive into her first ultramarathon - a challenging 50k trail race that tested her completely and left her thirsty for more. Follow Jess at www.instagram.com/tempo_with_jess. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the summer winds down we begin the most important phase of the fall marathon training cycle. With that in mind, we bring you another episode of our new mini-series, "Road to Chicago" with Tim McKone. In this episode Tim and I talk about how well his recent speed sessions have have gone, making sure that we fit his long runs into his busy schedule (which is even more busy now with the NFL season about to kick-off), what marathon effort feels like in training and how to get there without staring at the watch, supershoes, and much more. _ _ _ This year Tim is committed to returning to the Chicago Marathon after a tough 2021 performance. We will follow along with his journey to the fateful day when Tim returns to the Windy City with hopes of running to the level of his fitness and talent. You can follow Tim at https://twitter.com/Tim_McKone. If you're looking to enhance your performance you can find a great coach at www.mckirdytrained.com. I've been a proud member of their deep and talented coaching roster f

Many times on this show we detail how people achieve some greatest moments in their running career. But running isn't always roses and rainbows. Sometimes it can bring us to our knees. Rhandi Orme had been dreaming of the Leadville 100 for years. After her fifth son was born 2.5 years ago she decided it was time to make that dream a reality. As an experienced marathoner, trail and ultra runner, and coach, she knew exactly how to prepare for race day. Not only that, she attended two Leadville camps to tryout the course and helped crew her husband to a Leadville 100 finish. After two decades in the sport and a great training cycle she was ready and excited for action. For 50 miles she was rocking and rolling on the legendarily brutal course. Then everything changed. In this episode Rhandi takes us through the anatomy of a DNF and the numerous lessons learned from a day that brought her to her knees, literally and metaphorically. Rhandi is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, certified run coach and sports nutrit

Amy Haas's ultimate goal is to run a half marathon in each state. Amy's goal grew out of a passion for running that developed after her first half marathon. She ran that race in 2013 and ran it both with purpose and with passion… She ran that race for her cousin, Scotty, who had passed away from cancer at a young age. His sister, Melissa, and Amy ran together in support of children's cancer research. Her training for half marathon #1 was less than ideal. She had to push herself to get to “running shape” from “my life-long soccer-player-only physique.” But every time she felt like quitting, Amy brought herself back to the memories of her cousin. Since the training and completion of her first race, Amy has turned to running as a way of life, as a way to be free, to find herself, a way to push herself as far as she can go, a way to count my blessings in a world where tomorrow isn’t guaranteed and today is a precious gift. In the process of Amy improved from a 1:56 all the way down to a 1:22 half marathon! You ca

My good friend Jon Levitt is back on the pod and we had an epic conversation. There are few people I know that are more introspective and open than Jon. In this episode we have a wide ranging conversation about how his competitive nature has evolved, how he learned to let go of traditional goals, how he has blasted past his previous understandings of fatigue, and what he has learned from interviewing and be-friending some of the top athletes in the sport. You can learn more about Jon's excellent "For the Long Run" podcast at https://forthelong.run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mind, Body, and Sole with Tommie Runz is back and we are bringing some serious takes! Both Tommie and I are known for taking strong stances when it comes to running shoes. In this episode we take it to the next level. We both came prepared with three "hills we will die on" and they are all fire takes. Later in the episode Tommie goes into Vegan Corner to talk about his favorite current dish. 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 he is a runner. Follow Tommie - www.instagram.com/tommie_runz Chip Time Running and Run Eat Sleep Show - https://linktr.ee/ChipTimeRunning Learn more ab

After years of running and marathoning Kimberlie McBride had a problem. She was sick. It was affecting her running and her life. For three years Kim rotated between doctor appointments, incorrect or partial diagnoses and, and occasional running. She was also filled with the kind of discontent that only come years of hoping for the best but getting something far less. Then, after way too long, a medical diagnosis arrived that returned Kim to her own self - running and all. Several months later she was on the starting live her first marathon and years. That starting line was a goal realized. But, it wasn't the only goal achieved that day. Kimberlie went on to run 3:13 and set a huge PR. In this episode Kimberlie details the entire journey with frankness and positivity. You can follow Kim at www.instagram.com/my.runstagram.life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carolyn Su is back for our monthly For the Love of The Run feature! We had lots to talk about this month and we have permanently moves our Family Jam segment to the end of the episode (in case it's not a match for your palette). Here is what we discuss: The balancing act of running work when you are on a family vacation Navigating the mental knots that time off put us through Returning from injury/COVID as we give ourself grace while also trying to make the most of our time and opportunity DiverseWeRun feature Family Jam 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 great and can last 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 shipping. Also, 5% of proceeds from the use of the code will g

For many runners mini-breaks in training can happen at any moment. They can be caused by job requirements, injury, family situations, and illness. These mini-breaks of 2-4 weeks do not complete derail training but they can cause a runner to rethink races and short-term goals. Especially if they are training for a marathon or ultramarathon. In this episode we talk about the decision matrix that stems from these break, making the most of them, and working through them in a way that leaves us excited for the future instead of regretting things that were out of our control. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Returning to running post-COVID, and understanding exactly what COVID and long-COVID can do to our bodies, has become one of the most important topics in running. With that in mind, one of the leading voices on long-COVID in the country, someone who has also qualified for the Boston Marathon, joins us on the show. It was an absolute honor to speak with Monica Verduzco Gutierrez, MD. In this episode, Monica talks about recovery from COVID, why it impacts individuals differently, guidelines to returning to exercise, "radical rest," how HR can play a role in the recovery, what long-COVID is and how it can be addressed, and so much more. Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez is an accomplished academic Physiatrist and Professor and Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio. She previously was the Medical Director of the Brain Injury and Stroke Program at a top three US News and World Report Best Hospital for Rehabilitation. Dr. Gutierrez grew up in South Te

In 2016, Charles Moore started a transformation that would change his life and, hopefully, the lives of many others. He was over 40 years old will little athletic training leading into his 40's. He had dedicated his lift to the financial markets and his body and mind had atrophied to unacceptable levels. Then Charles decided to embark on the marathon. Over the next three years he would run 18 marathons across the world. He would also change his career by leaving finance and embarking on a new path in the art world. These personal revolutions were the proving grounds for what would come next: A Tracksmith fellowship to chronicle his running experience and shed light on the racial disparity in the running world. In this episode Charles sheds light on his remarkable personal experiences with the kind of insight and joy that we can all aspire to have. 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 taking a deep dive into all things "core." We have all heard about the importance of our "core" and the need to do "work our core" for years from numerous fitness and running outlets. But what does that mean? What is the core? What isn't part of the core? How does it affect running performance and injury risk? Jess will answer all of these questions, and more. Follow Jess at www.instagram.com/tempo_with_jess. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seven years ago, Mitch Ammons made a decision to completely change his life and get sober. He had used heroin and other hard drugs from the age of 19 to 26. Using completely numbed his pain, but the truth was, he was hopeless. Mitch started running four years ago and now he is a sub-2:30 marathoner and on a mission to qualify for the Olympic Trials. Not only that, running has given him the community he always wanted. It’s also given him personal success, accomplishment, self discipline, motivation, patience and persistence. He doesn’t want to say running saved my life, or keeps him sober, but it has transformed his life. You can follow Mitch at www.instagram.com/mitchammons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While we are in the midst of the summer months, we are also in the beginning of most fall marathon training cycles. With that in mind, we bring you a new mini-series, "Road to Chicago" with Tim McKone. Tim is the quintessential dedicated amateur runner. He was a strong athlete in his teens, including a stint as a division three basketball player. After college Tim gained a foothold in the ultra competitive world of sports broadcasting. Over the past decade Tim spent five years as a sports anchor at NBC 10 in Providence, RI and is currently a sports anchor at 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. As his career started to take off his fitness and personal dedication to athletics started to slip. While Tim relishes the opportunity to pursue his dream, it's a job with unpredictable and long hours. After some fits-and-starts Tim decided to dedicate himself to being the best runner he could be in the spring of 2021. That's when he hired me as a running coach and decided to become a marathoner. This summer Tim is committed

Mind, Body, and Sole with Tommie Runz is back and we bringing some fire on four pairs on newly released running shoes. Matt breaks down the HOKA Mach 5 and the Saucony Ride 15 while Tommie gets into the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 (he has an early release) and the New Balance 1080 v12. Later in the episode Tommie dives into why he took on a 30 day yoga challenge, what it helped him with, and why he has found himself going back to it, again. 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 he is a runner. Follow Tommie - www.instagram.com/tommie_runz Chip Time Running and Run Eat Sleep Show - h

Five year anniversary podcast! The first episode of the Rambling Runner Podcast was published July 11, 2017. Since that day the podcast has slowly evolved from a fun hobby into a dream job. It's been a remarkable journey that I didn't think was possible. Along the way I learned a tremendous amount from my many ups-and-downs. In this episode I detail the five lessons that I learned that can be applied to help anyone launch a successful new venture. No matter what your new project is, the lessons detailed in this episode will you make the most of whatever you're hoping to accomplish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer, elite marathoner, and new masters runner Peter Bromka is back on the show. In our free-wheeling conversation we discuss his recent race at the Grandma's Marathon, shifting race goals from a previous linear progression, crewing for friend and Editor in Chief of Trail Runner Magazine Zoe Röm at the Western States Endurance Run, and the Master World Championships. Read more from Peter here: https://linktr.ee/bromka. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The third episode of our new monthly feature on the Rambling Runner Podcast, For the Love of The Run with Carolyn Su, is here! An awful lot has transpired since our episode last month and, as usual, our lives seem to parallel each others in various ways. Here is what we discuss: Family Jam of kid camps and summer plans DiverseWeRun feature Carolyn's exciting new venture with Mary Johnson from Lift Run Perform which will improve access and resources for a number of runners A detailed breakdown of the new era of live-streaming trail races. what that means for future TV coverage, and how it can spotlight amateur runners as well as the elites 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 great and can last for years, even in tough New England weather. You can visit our link at www.Tracksmith.com/loveoftherun to see thei

Metabolic Profiling (MetPro) is the advanced methodology created by Transformation Specialist Angelo Poli that analyzes a person’s specific response to diet and activity, and adjusts based on their personal needs and goals. It has allowed Poli and his highly respected team to quickly redirect his clients in the direction they’ll personally see the greatest results. MetPro clientele from all over the world range in scope from NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, among other elite athletes, to physique models, businessmen and serial entrepreneurs. Those who have worked with Poli and his team of coaches have consistently achieved exceptional results regardless of hectic schedules, significant injuries, crippled metabolisms, and lives with exceedingly-heavy responsibilities. In this episode Angelo takes a deep dive into the importance of fueling properly, attaining peak performance, and how he advises clients who are looking to lose weight safely while still trying to attain fitness goals. You can take an assessment and get a

Dr. Jess Mena, DPT is here for our monthly collaboration and this time we are taking a deep dive in plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis, otherwise known as PF, has been described as the vampire bite of running injuries. It starts as a slight pain in the heel and can progress all the way to weeks, months, or even years of discomfort. It is one of the most common running injuries and can become debilitating. In this episode, Jess describes the warning signs of PF, the different stages of the ailment, the kinds of runners it can impact and why, ways to treat the issue, and much, much more. Follow Jess at www.instagram.com/tempo_with_jess. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices