The Rambling Runner

Marc Quiñones is one of the best chefs in America. He has appeared on Hell's Kitchen, Chopped, and Cutthroat Kitchen, been named 2017 New Mexico Chef of The Year and three time Best Chef in Albuquerque, and been featured in Forbes and many other publications. He is also one heck of a runner. Just like in his cooking career, Marc built himself from the ground up as a runner. He did so in an unconventional way and with undeniable grit and determination. Prepare to be inspired by this amazing man who has overcome many hurdles but has proven bigger and stronger than all of them. You can follow Marc's running at https://www.instagram.com/chefmqtherunner/ and his culinary career at https://www.instagram.com/chefmq/.  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch

We are back with another solo episode focused on reaching new levels in training. This episode dovetails with a recent drastic uptick in miles in my own training as I prepare for the Eugene Marathon. It's very exciting for me and there a lots of information to be gained by breaking it down. Here are some of the points that are covered: Believing 100% in an imperfect training plan is better than the perfect plan that you don’t embrace Getting past arguing for my limitations instead of embracing possibility – or at least being curious and open minded about the possibility of surprising Increase in training miles 50 – 53 – 60. First every back to back 50’s. First ever 60. What changed? Building on fitness, not overthinking it, embracing the training, not comparing it to the past, allowing the runs to take shape. Finally – knowing that I, and all of us, can do far far more than we think we can Sponsor: Join me in running the 2022 Eugene Marathon! Eugene is also known as TrackTown USA and this marathon fini

So many of us have wanted to invest in a top of the line race shoe but aren't sure to start. With so many of these shoes only available online, we need to go to the experts for assistance on what shoes can work for us. And, which shoes to avoid. In this episode I'm joined by Tommie Runz and Aaron Barnett who break down their top five carbon plated races shoes. They also include a bonus "hell-no" to a pair they'd rather do without. Follow Tommie at - www.instagram.com/tommie_runz. Follow Aaron at - www.instagram.com/aaronxworldwide. Watch their PR Project at - www.youtube.com/channel/UCnRBeYuF4rtcnqjPGSnI2og. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cate Barrett is a star. Enormously talented, tough, and brilliant. It was an honor to speak with Cate about her post-college running life (she was a six time all-conference at Baylor University) during which she had a some amazing highs, like qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials, and several challenges. Cate was able to carve out a niche in the running world as an elite yet not quite professional runner. It's a tricky situation that required her to navigate many of the same obstacles most everyday runners face. Finally, we talk about Cate's running and health journey after giving birth to her daughter roughly a year ago. Often times we hear about the women who bounce back from pregnancy on the quicker end of the spectrum. We have chronicled those stories on this podcast many times. But, the truth is, that isn't the reality for many women. Cate shares her experiences, excitement, and struggles as she continues to be a beacon for runners everywhere. You can follow Cate at www.instagram.com/beingcate.

Veronica Goebel started running in 2016 when her cousin, Aracely Richardson, convinced her to run a marathon. That's right, a conversion from non-runner to embarking on a marathon training cycle. Not only was that a big task to take on, when raceday came around she ran several weeks pregnant. By that point she had caught the running bug and it was there to stay. Six years later, Veronica has run a handful of marathons, over a dozen half-marathons, become a member of the Houston Harriers, and cut over an hour off her marathon PR from 5:20 to the low 4:00's. Veronica, a mother of three, also works as a real estate agent when is isn't crushing miles on her treadmill or doing long runs with the Houston Harriers. In this episode we talk about her later start as a runner, learning from her dad who is trying to break 3:00 in the marathon, how she has become an active member of the vibrant Houston running scene, and so much more. You can follow Veronica at www.instagram.com/vgoebruns. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambl

Jocelyn Rivas from South Central Los Angeles is a 24 year old force of nature. She broke the Guinness World Record for the youngest woman to run 100 marathons at the 2021 Los Angeles Marathon. It was perfect symmetry as the LA Marathon was also her first when she was a mere high schooler. Jocelyn also broke the Record for Youngest Latina to run 100 marathons by four years. In 2013, Jocelyn decided to go see her friend run at the LA Marathon at Mile 18. She saw runners of all ages running from teenagers to 60-year-olds. This was the moment that inspired her to run a marathon. Although she knew it was going to be hard due to her medical history of being born with a broken back, neck and feet. She decided she didn’t want to limit herself anymore. A couple of months later at 16 years old, she decided to train with Students Run L.A. and she crossed the finish line to her first marathon at the 2014 Los Angeles Marathon. You can follow Jocelyn at www.instagram.com/joselinthewarrior. Sponsor: Join me in running the

The first Coach’s Corner episode of 2022 is here and it features two legends: Megan Roche, M.D. and Jacob Puzey. In this episode we discuss what marathoners can learn from ultra runners and what closely held beliefs in the marathon road running community aren’t necessarily gospel in the ultra world. Here are some topics we discuss: Running on pavement versus various types of trail Lengths of long runs and/or weekend doubles  Embracing fun and exciting challenges Effort focused versus time/pace focused Nutrition on the run Megan Roche, M.D.: Megan was the 2016 USATF Trail Runner of the Year at the ultra and sub-ultra distances. She is a five-time national champion, a North American Mountain Running Champion, and a six-time member of Team USA. She graduated from Duke University with a degree in Neuroscience and received her M.D. from Stanford Medical School. Megan and her husband, David Roche, created the Some Work All Play Adventure Team where they coach some of the best athletes in the world and dedica

Today on the show I am joined my good friend, and super successful host of the I'll Have Another podcast, Lindsey Hein. We had a fun conversation about what we would change and what we learned from 2021, what we want to do differently in 2022, what we want to double down on, and much, much more. Our entire conversation was inspired by a post from Justin Su'a - a mental performance coach for professional athletes and an inspiring figure for athletes across the globe. You can read the post from Justin that prompted our episode here: www.instagram.com/p/CYBl_ADL7_U. Sponsor: Join me in running the 2022 Eugene Marathon! Eugene is also known as TrackTown USA and this marathon finishes at world famous Hayward Field. It is also the a top 20 Boston Marathon qualifier and one of the fastest races each spring. Visit www.eugenemarathon.com today! Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ83E0U8M4V7klqZB8BF3wA Rambling Runner Podcast Community Corn

When it comes to taking on audacious challenges Nikki Cannon is an amateur runner like no other. An experienced racer at distances from 5k to ultramarathons, and a full-time teacher, Nikki is always game for a challenge. When she turned 40 in 2021 she decided to run 40 marathons in 40 days during the heat of a Houston summer. She got over halfway but had to pull-out after sustaining an injury. Nikki was down but she was not out! At the beginning of December she started the challenge again. She is now 29 days into her 40 days. In 11 days her journey will conclude at the Chevron Houston Marathon. Not only is she doing this for herself but as a fundraiser for Soles4Souls - a nonprofit dedicated to delivering shoes to those who need them. Follow Nikki's journey at www.instagram.com/iwasborn2run. You can support her fundraising initiative by clicking here. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ83E0U8M4V7klqZB8BF3wA Rambling Runner Podcast

Alexis McCoy is back for the final episode of the Marathon Milestone mini-series. After back-to-back personal bests at Boston and New York, Alexis had some of her best training of the year. Then tragedy struck her family. In this episode we take a deep dive into what transpired in Alexis's life after Thanksgiving, what she learned from this challenge, and her ambitious plans for 2022. Background: Alexis is a dedicated amateur runner who took a big leap this fall registering for Boston, New York, and California International Marathons. Not only that, we followed her every step of the way. Tune-in to Alexis's last appearance on the show by downloading episode #387. Sponsor: Join me in running the 2022 Eugene Marathon! Eugene is also known as TrackTown USA and this marathon finishes at world famous Hayward Field. It is also the a top 20 Boston Marathon qualifier and one of the fastest races each spring. Visit www.eugenemarathon.com today! Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner

Maurice Lowman, the Marathon Panda, is back!!! In this episode, Maurice talks about how he has busted through a fitness and speed plateau. Two years ago he was doing amazing things in the running world but he was stuck in a bit of a rut. He wasn't getting faster and, even with his constant positivity, was a little frustrated by his lack of improvement. Then, he made some key changes and is now better than ever! Learn all about this changes and more in this episode. You can learn more about Maurice in is first two appearances on the show in episodes 12 and 58. You can follow Maurice and get is daily dose of inspiration at www.instagram.com/marathonpandamaurice. 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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tracie Hunter is on the show fresh off a marathon PR and learning that she has qualified for the Abbott Wanda Age Group World Championships. What a combo! Tracie has been running marathons for nearly 20 years. Yet, she is faster now than ever. In this episode we talk about how she made that happen. We also take a deep dive into the new Age Group World Championships, what it means, how to qualify, and much, much more. You can learn more about Tracie at www.indianarunnergirl.com. You can learn more about the Age Group World Championships at www.worldmarathonmajors.com/rankings/how-it-works. Sponsors: Gift giving season is here and breo massagers have great gift ideas for family and friends. Especially the breo foot massager! Winter is coming, and we are the foot massager's an unreplaceable choice to warm feet in the comfort of home. breo also offers multiple wellness bundles available that are up to 30% off (no code required)! Go to https://us.breo.com/discount/RAMBLINGRUNNER to save 20% on your order today!

2014 was meant to be a banner year of running for Connor Meakin, not (maybe) his last as a runner. He enjoyed early success, winning races and feeling amazing in the process, which motivated him to want more and push even harder. Things completely derailed soon after as he got blasted with devastating prognosis for an injury that didn't initially seem too serious. Connor had developed a serious foot injury that prompted his doctor to him that he may never run again. For two years Connor tried everything from the conventional to the other end of the spectrum. Soon his mental and emotional health were also in need of rehabilitation. Through it all, Connor kept pushing to find answers to get back to something he loved. In the process he not only rebuilt his body but created a new life for himself. Sponsors: Gift giving season is here and breo massagers have great gift ideas for family and friends. Especially the breo foot massager! Winter is coming, and we are the foot massager's an unreplaceable choice to warm

The California International Marathon - what an incredible weekend! The best people combined with a huge physical challenge never disappoints. It had been a decade since my previous marathon and a short window to build-up fitness and strength. I knew this going into the race but approached the challenge with positivity, confidence, and a can-do attitude. In this episode I analyze the factors that influenced my race that I had no control over, the positives I took from the race and training, and the things that didn't go well and what I have learned from them. Finally, I talk about what the future holds and what excites me about future training cycles. Sponsors: Gift giving season is here and breo massagers have great gift ideas for family and friends. Especially the breo foot massager! Winter is coming, and we are the foot massager's an unreplaceable choice to warm feet in the comfort of home. breo also offers multiple wellness bundles available that are up to 30% off (no code required)! Go to https://us.bre

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. Sponsors: This episode is presented by Inside Tracker. Understanding and learning about your body's biomarkers is a one of the keys to staying healthy and fit for the long term and that is exactly what Inside Tracker does. Fr

Sara Vaughn crushed her marathon debut and took the win at the California International Marathon in 2:26:53. That’s the 5th fastest performance by an American woman in 2021 and a new course record. Sara is one of the best track athletes of this era and her conversion to the marathon is legendary. Not only that, Sara is a full-time real estate agent and a mother of four. In this episode Sara discusses her training, mindset, and expectations the day before she made history. 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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this panel discussion at the California International marathon expo we discuss going after big goals in the marathon. For  Mike "Kofuzi" Ko, Michelle Baxter, and Alissa Kolarik their big goal is breaking 3:00. It's an audacious goal and one that they have each been striving for, for years. No matter what pace you run, if you have big goals, or need one, you will gain a lot from these amazing people. Follow Mike at www.instragram.com/kofuzi. Follow Michelle at www.instragram.com/therunnersplate. Follow Alissa at www.instagram.com/alissakolarik. Sponsors: Gift giving season is here and breo massagers have great gift ideas for family and friends. Especially the breo foot massager! Winter is coming, and we are the foot massager's an unreplaceable choice to warm feet in the comfort of home. breo also offers multiple wellness bundles available that are up to 30% off (no code required)! Go to https://us.breo.com/discount/RAMBLINGRUNNER to save 20% on your order today! Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_run

The 2021 California International Marathon is here! In this heavily requested episode, I take a deep dive into my training for the first marathon I've done in a decade and discuss how that relates to my race plan. My build up for this race went well but it wasn't without it challenges that can instructive for runners of all abilities. Sponsors: Gift giving season is here and breo massagers have great gift ideas for family and friends. Especially the breo foot massager! Winter is coming, and we are the foot massager's an unreplaceable choice to warm feet in the comfort of home. breo also offers multiple wellness bundles available that are up to 30% off (no code required)! Go to https://us.breo.com/discount/RAMBLINGRUNNER to save 20% on your order today! 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  Learn more abo

We are at the tail-end of the wildest marathon season we have seen. Many runners of all abilities and experience levels took advantage of the overwhelming marathon opportunities. So, what comes next? Simple - recovery! While we all know that recovery is important, we may not know what we need to do to make sure we are ready to take on our next challenge with ideal health and strength. In this Coach’s Corner episode fellow McKirdy Trained coach Laura Galeazzo and I take a deep dive into what those runners can do to set themselves up for success, happiness, and optimum health leading into 2022. More specifically, we address: First time marathoners with a limited running background First timers with a more extensive background Runners who ran for fun but average 45-55 miles/week, or more Runners who raced more than one fall marathon Runners who eased up and didn't push due to a GI distress, cramping, or other non-injury reasons Elite/sub-elite runners who raced hard I will be doing a follow-up to this ep

Seemingly every time I check on Dr. Stefanie Flippin's progress as a runner she is reaching greater heights. This 2021 was no different for this dynamo. Earlier this year Stefanie took a big leap by signing with HOKA and becoming a professional trail and ultra runner. This was after she won the USATF 100 Mile Championship in a blistering time. Two weeks ago Stefanie returned to her favorite distance and finished fourth overall and top female at Tunnel Hill 100 Miler. In this episode we talk about her decision to turn pro and step away from her medical practice, why it was a good fit for her, what it's like to be nominated as one of USATF's trail and ultra runners of the year, and what about 100 mile distance suits her so well. Sponsors: Gift giving season is here and breo massagers have great gift ideas for family and friends. Especially the breo foot massager! Winter is coming, and we are the foot massager's an unreplaceable choice to warm feet in the comfort of home. breo also offers multiple wellness bund