The Rambling Runner

Matt Fitzgerald is back for his third appearance on the Rambling Runner Podcast and this time he discusses his new book. A good comeback makes a great story. In The Comeback Quotient, sports journalist Matt Fitzgerald shares the stories of top athletic comebacks, to give you inspiration and tools for your own comeback in sport or life. Every sports fan loves a great comeback. Is there a special quality shared by top athletes who triumph over great challenges? And can anyone acquire it? In The Comeback Quotient, celebrated sportswriter Matt Fitzgerald supplies the answer to both questions. He identifies these mega-achievers of astounding athletic comebacks as “ultrarealists,” men and women who succeed where others fail by fully accepting, embracing, and addressing the reality of their situations.  From ultrarunners like Rob Krar to triathletes like Mirinda Carfrae to rowers, skiers, cyclists, and runners all over the world, Fitzgerald highlights and speculates on just what makes these comebacks so compelling.

It is a widely held belief that runners get slower with age. Ingrid Walters, an actress and elite masters runner, has turned that belief on its head. At the age of 47 Ingrid won the female open division of the Los Angeles Marathon in a scorching fast 2:48 - 22 minutes faster than her first marathon nearly a decade earlier.  Shortly after that race, as she was preparing for Grandma's Marathon, Ingrid was diagnosed with breast cancer. She attacked this new challenge with vigor and focus. After undergoing a double mastectomy, she continued to run while undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy as well as radiation. Many weeks she even ran between 50-70 miles, the to amazement of her attending physicians.⁠ In addition to running, Ingrid has a passion for acting. She’s done over 40 national commercials, numerous television shows and films. We talk about all of this in this episode as well as her high level swimming background, and her hope to be an example for others who are facing similar challenges in the sport or w

Wow, things are getting real. In this episode we dive into the last three weeks which in which the workouts have been altered significantly. The mileage will stay in the 40-45 mile range for the next couple months but the workouts have were switched to longer segments and it has thrown me for a loop. In addition, day-after longer easy runs have been added to the weekend routine. In this episode, coach James McKirdy details why he made the changes and offers valuable advice about race shoes on workout days. Then I speak with Adrienne Langelier about how I can wrap my head around this shift in training that has proved difficult physically and mentally. Mastering 40: I had just completed the worst athletic year of my life. One beset by injuries and a 25 lb. weight gain. Finally, I decided enough was enough. With the help of a professional coach - James McKirdy and sports psychologist - Adrienne Langelier, I am determined to have the best athletic year of my life. One that will end, hopefully, with a sub-40:00 1

Kara Hepp is a mother of three, working full-time, taking an active role in her community, and training for a marathon in the freezing weather of a Minnesota winter. For these reasons, and several more, I've looked up to Kara for some time. In this episode, first dive into how she prepares herself to train during sub-zero temps at 5:00 a.m. and how she has worked with a running friend to ensure mutual success. Kara also discusses how she has had to adapt with her kids doing distance learning and that how affects her running schedule (read: hyper early runs) and nighttime routine. You can follow Kara at www.instagram.com/khepp14.  Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Four Sigmatic, a wellness company that mixes mushrooms and adaptogens with coffee, cacao, latte, protein powder. They have a special offer for the Rambling Runner audience. Receive 10% off your Four Sigmatic order. Just go to www.foursigmatic.com/RAMBLINGRUNNER or enter code RAMBLINGRUNNER at checkout. OS1st, a three-generation, family-own

Sabrina Little is a renaissance woman nearly every way.  She runs at an elite level and has been selected to represent the United States on five national teams. She is also a full-time instructor of Philosophy and the Humanities at Morehead State University where she lives with her husband David and daughter Lucy. In 2020, she completed her PhD in Philosophy at Baylor University. Before Baylor, she studied Philosophy of Religion at Yale Divinity School and Philosophy and Psychology at The College of William & Mary. Sabrina's main areas of interest are virtue ethics, moral psychology, and ancient philosophy and she is currently writing about the nature of moral habituation and exploring emotional precursors to moral virtues. Career Running Highlights: – 5-time US National Champion – 5-time US National Team Member – World Silver Medalist, Team Gold Medalist (2013) – She previously held both the 24-Hour American Record (152.03 miles) and the 200K American Record (19 hours, 30 minutes). When she set those in 2013

For Mariana Maldonado, 2020 was a year of amazing improvements in fitness with no races to test them. Several of her marathons were postponed and cancelled throughout the yeas as she continually altered her training and remained optimistic. It was a learning experience that she is hoping to capitalize on in 2021.  As Mari continued to improve, she started to reach whole new levels of speed and fitness. As exciting as this was, it became hard for her to embrace those new levels. In this episode we dive into matching her confidence with her fitness, juggling an ever-changing schedule, and how she is planning on taking the next step in 2021. Sponsors: OS1st, a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. OS1st uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, Plantar Fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Co

So many runners are passionate about their running while also working hard to advocate for a cause/mission they believe in. When we combine these two passions to help raise awareness and philanthropic support it can be a remarkable experience. It can also change how we connect to our running. No one knows this better than Jordan Marie Daniel. Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Daniel – Kul Wičasa Lakota, a citizen of Kul Wicasa Oyate (Lower Brule Sioux Tribe) as well as a passionate and devoted advocate for Indian Country and all people. Nationally known for her advocacy and grassroots organization for anti-pipelines/climate justice efforts, change the name/not your mascot, the epidemic and crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW), and native youth initiatives. Now, she is continuing this running journey and advocacy, as a professional runner with Altra Team Elite. Rising Hearts: www.risinghearts.org Running on Native Lands virtual 5k, 10k, Half Marathon: https://events.elitefeats.com/nativ

In 2020, with road races all over being cancelled, many runners decided to transition to trail running where races were much more prevalent and easier to align with COVID restrictions. But many of these folks weren't quite sure where to start. This is exactly why I was excited to speak with elite coach and podcast host Mario Fraioli. Mario coaches some of the best trail runners in the country in addition to making this same transition when he moved to the Bay Area. In this conversation Mario covers gear, volume, intensity, strength and athleticism, hills, and so much more. If you want to learn more about Mario head over to https://mariofraioli.com/.  Sponsor: OS1st is a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. There’s a lot of compression out there, but this is the real deal – no one else uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent r

While I have been chronicling my own Mastering 40 journey, I was excited to talk with Brian White who has been actively pursuing his own. Brian, who turned 40 last spring, has big goals for the marathon, 10k, and un-broken pull-ups. So far he is crushing it but don't let that fool you - he hasn't always been a runner extraordinaire. He was big into lifting for years before starting running in his late 30's. Now, Brian is on the cusp of doing amazing things and It was a pleasure to hear him talk all about it.  You can follow Brian at www.instagram.com/ka2lyst. Sponsor: OS1st is a three-generation, family-owned company in North Carolina, creates the best running socks and compression bracing products specifically for people with an active lifestyle. There’s a lot of compression out there, but this is the real deal – no one else uses Compression Zone Technology with high quality materials to ease pain and help prevent runner’s knee, Plantar Fasciitis, shin splints and more. Used by ultra-runners (Catra Corbett,

In this episode we dive into the last three weeks which were supposed to be include an elevation of mileage into the 40's but turned out to be quite the opposite. As most of us know, craziness in our lives can sometimes supersede our running goals and require an even larger chunk of time and energy. With all of that coming to fruition, fortunately my fitness has continued to improve at a rapid rate and I am excited to test myself again in the near future. Mastering 40: I just completed the worst athletic year of my life. One beset by injuries and a 25 lb. weight gain. Finally, I decided enough was enough. With the help of a professional coach - James McKirdy and sports psychologist - Adrienne Langelier, I am determined to have the best athletic year of my life. One that will end, hopefully, with a sub-40:00 10k. This is a huge stretch goal and I am determined to get it done. Over the course of this year I will also be turning 40 years old and become a masters runner. Hence the “Mastering 40.” I will be

We are back with Ramblings on the Run with Ali Feller and what a fun conversation this was. While 2021 is officially here, Ali and I decided to indulge ourselves in several of the off-beat things we enjoyed in 2020. Here are the categories we went with: Favorite podcast episode we listened to (sports and a non-sports) Favorite running performance  Favorite person to follow on IG Favorite binge watch Surprising binge watch Favorite running shoe Favorite guilty pleasure Proudest Personal Running Accomplishment Proudest Professional Accomplishment Best Use of Creativity During a Pandemic As you can see, there is a lot here and we had a blast diving into all of it. Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Four Sigmatic, a wellness company that mixes mushrooms and adaptogens with coffee, cacao, latte, protein powder. They have a special offer for the Rambling Runner audience. Receive 10% off your Four Sigmatic order. Just go to www.foursigmatic.com/RAMBLINGRUNNER or enter code RAMBLINGRUNNER at che

Meghan Matejka has had the kind of improvement and progression as a marathoner that so many strive for. Her first race after playing soccer and lacrosse in high school and college was a marathon. A huge challenge to say the least. From there, Meghan didn't formally engage with running for another six years, or so. Once she did, Meghan was able to bring her times down and qualify for the Boston Marathon - then just kept on improving. With the help of her coach, Heather McKirdy of McKirdy Trained, she was able to reach a new level by implementing speed work sessions and dedicated work on her mental outlook when she faced difficulties in workouts and races. Meghan had a habit beating herself up for days if workouts didn't go well. Something so many of us can relate to. Once she was able to start working through that feeling she was able to bounce back and not get bogged down in her training. As a full-time occupational therapist in school-based and adult rehab settings, Meghan understands the delicate balance o

As the year comes to a close I am excited to bring you seven of the best and most impactful moments of the Rambling Runner Podcast in 2020. This was an incredibly hard episode to create. We have been blessed with so many amazing guests this year. Choosing a select few was incredibly difficult. Once that happened, selecting only one part of their episodes was no picnic, either.  Here are the folks who are featured in the 2020 Best of... Mitch Ammons (ep. 207) Kiese Laymon (ep. 234)  Bart Yasso (ep. 245)  Sarah Bishop (ep. 261)  Marquis Bowden (ep. 270) Jay Hewitt (ep. 286) Leah Jantzen (ep. 290) Sponsors: Previnex is a supplement brand that I trust, use, and have greatly benefited from. They source the highest quality ingredients in the most clinically effective and beneficial forms. Previnex manufactures to the highest standards possible, testing every ingredient, every step of production and every finished product. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first orde

When you meet someone who goes after what they want with passion, energy, grace, and optimism is it beyond infectious. It is awe inspiring. There is no other way to describe Kristen Doornbos.  This force of nature is an athlete, artist, entrepreneur, and defeater of challenges. After having little to no experience in athletics growing up, Kristen started running five years ago as a social outlet from a job that left her lonely and wanting more. Shortly thereafter she was told that her exocrine pancreatic insufficiency would require her to have a feeding tube inserted into her abdomen or she could stop running. She chose the tube. That wouldn't be the last time she chose running. Over the coming years she battled her disease while diving deeper into running and triathlon. Because of her disease, nutrition was tough. Kristen was tougher. This summer, with COVID ravaging the massage industry in which she worked, Kristen decided to pursue her passion for snail mail and created Paper Trails Greeting Co. A nich

I’m am so excited to talk all things running shoes with the amazing Emily Heller of the Run Like Heller running show review channel on YouTube. We went deep into the running shoe game and it was a blast: • First favorite running shoe? • Favorite shoe that most people weren’t a fan of? • Shoe that people love that you just couldn’t get into? • Personal preferences versus reviewing for a broad audience? • Review of her favorite tempo day shoes and daily trainers of 2020. • What she is excited for in 2021. You can check out her awesome work at www.youtube.com/RunLikeHeller and follow her at www.instagram.com/runlikeheller. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Virtual Summit - https://www.theramblingrunner.com/summit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the amazing Corey Joyner: The only thing separating you from the goals you set is the work in between. I do not know who said that, but I know it rings true. The time frame of how long it takes to achieve the goal will vary, but the work has to be done. I started out as a 5 hour marathoner. You learn quickly to respect the 26.2mi distance! I worked a little harder for the 2nd attempt and was rewarded with a 32min improvement, but there was still more work to be done. Two weeks ago I was finally able to breakthrough and not only smash the sub 4 goal but get it down to 3:18. All aboard the momentum train! When big Mo’ shows up, get ready to hang on for the ride and go with it. This sport rewards those who are willing to do the work in between. Very grateful I was able to put my fitness to the test at Space Coast, and looking forward to starting out 2021 with a solid fitness foundation. Keep working, keep learning, and have fun with it most importantly - smile. We don’t have to run...WE GET TO! Lear

The new Mastering 40 episode is out and we break down the first four months and what the next season of the journey has in store. First, coach James McKirdy explains how he was framing the fall season, the primary focus of that time, how my relative fitness level matters (and doesn't), and TONS of treadmill tips. In the second half of the episode, Adrienne Langelier, my sport psychologist, and I talk through talk through many of the things I discussed with James but from a psychological point of view. Per usual, I open up and share all the things that I've been thinking about including how I can make my kids new distance learning work with running, coaching, and podcasting. Thank you to the Mastering 40 partners: - Supplements/Protein: Previnex - code: RUNNER15 for 15% off - Health Analysis: InsideTracker - Go to www.insidetracker.com/qr/onboarding/SUPERRECIPES/ to save $200 on their Ultimate Package by using code GIFTFROMRAMBLINGRUN - Attire: Tracksmith - code RAMBLINGRUNNER for 15% off first purchase

Leah Jantzen is a self-help author, speaker, triathlete and performance coach living on Long Island. Leah is a firm believer in the infinite potential residing in every one of us, and has dedicated her life to helping others realize it. The creator of Train Your Brain—a system for boosting mental fitness—Leah instructs her clients to clearly see an athletic goal in their mind, then guides them through the process of training their bodies to achieve that goal, utilizing the same principles she used to build a successful business. “At any given time, two of these facets of the self are prioritized while the third takes a back seat,” Leah explains. “For most of us, those are the family and career facets. That’s normal, but if you’re going to find balance and pursue the third facet with all your dreams and goals, then you need tools to block out distractions—to weed out anything non-essential in your life.” The discipline and mental toughness required to root out trivial nonsense can be developed—if you know h

It was an honor to speak with the wonderous Lisa Mueller for this episode of the Rambling Runner Podcast.  A year ago she listened to Mary Johnson and Lauren Floris detail their "Project: Breaking 3" women's program in episode 199. It inspired her to chase her own sub-3 goal. But, she was a bit unsure as the women in that program had already run close to 3:00, making her wonder whether a bigger improvement was possible. Lisa is a 35 years old political science professor at Macalester College. One of the best liberal arts colleges in America. Before she got seriously into sports she was a champion debater. A few years later Lisa "flunked out" of cross country in both high school and college, due to crippling race anxiety and toxic teams that fueled depression and eating disorders. A male coach told her when she quit that "running just isn't for everyone." She then made it my mission to show him! Lisa switched from running to bike racing in grad school and found a fun and supportive community. She broke too

In 2013, Stefanie Flippin ran her first ultra. She didn't make the last cut-off and was pulled from the course with 6 miles to go. She cried herself to sleep that night and vowed to never be so unprepared for anything again. In 2015, she whined her way through my first 100 miler, begging her husband and parents to just let her drop. She came in DFL (dead f'ing last) but learned at the finish why no one would allow her to give up. During those years and beyond she watched in awe as the frontrunners racked fast times and staying so mentally tough and focused for hours on end. Stefanie fell short over and over and didn't think she could every succeed at that level. Then, five years after her first ultra, Stefanie lined up with nine men on the Tunnel Hill 100 start line for the first wave, thinking "who do I think I am?" But after years of doubting herself, she knew exactly who she is now and that has made all the difference. How did she do? 1st female/7th overall. 3rd fastest female all-time on the course. 3rd