<p>“If your determination is fixed, I do not counsel you to despair. Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance.” - Samuel Johnson. How badass is Crystal Seaver? She recently climbed up Stratton Mointain 17 times in less than 24 hours, the equivalent of climbing of Mount Everest, and it’s not even the hardest thing she has ever done. In this episode, we talk about this amazing challenge, how lifting has influenced her running, and why she challenges herself so completely. You can learn more about Crystal at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/crystalseaver">www.instagram.com/crystalseaver</a>.</p>

<p>All you need to know about Thomas Paquette is that he is just starting to scratch the surface of his immense potential. A strong, if unspectacular, Division III runner, Thomas has improved year-after-year since he graduated from Keene State. Over the last three years he has improved his marathon time from 3:07 to 2:36 and there is plenty more where that came from. In this episode, we talk about the mental shift that he made five years ago, how his training has changed, what it was like to run next to some of the elite women at the Chicago Marathon, and his hopes for running in the next Olympic Games for Paraguay. You can learn more about Thomas at <a href="//www.instagram.com/thomaspaquette">www.instagram.com/thomaspaquette</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Erin Strout is one of the best journalists in the running world and can be found writing for Runner’s World and Outside. In this episode, we discuss the state of elite women’s and men’s running in the U.S., it’s impact on younger runners, and how social media is changing the relationship between professionals and their fans. We also take a deep dive into her article detailing the state of female coaches in the NCAA and professional running. Here is a link to this important article: <a href="https://www.outsideonline.com/2342711/why-we-need-more-female-coaches">https://www.outsideonline.com/2342711/why-we-need-more-female-coaches</a>.</p>

Brian Reynolds is the marathon world record holder for bilateral below knee amputees and owns a personal record of 3:03:22. Despite those remarkable achievements already, Brian is not resting on his laurels. He is driven to break the three hour marathon barrier and was on the cusp of doing just that at the 2018 Chicago Marathon before disaster struck at mile 22. Learn all about that experience and what drives this incredible athlete in this episode of the podcast.

“You’re done. You’re done with running.” When Hollie Hughes learned of her Addisons diagnosis she was confronted with these words. A couple years later this incredibly strong, and strong-willed, person ran a 3:08 at the Wineglass Marathon. Not only that, she did so while pushing her son Jonah. Jonah’s Journey began on September 2, 2010, when he was delivered prematurely at 29 weeks following a placental abruption. As a result, Jonah suffered a stroke and subsequent oxygen deprivation ultimately leading to multiple CNS malformations. Due to these malformations, Jonah has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, medically refractory epilepsy, and cognitive visual impairment, CSWS/ESES. He also has a contagious positive attitude and an intense passion to run. This amazing episode is one of a kind and Hollie is one of the most incredible people to appear on the podcast. This episode is brought to you by Megaton Coffee. Megaton makes great tasting coffee with twice the caffeine. It’s what fuels the Rambling Runner Podcast. Learn more at www.megatoncoffee.com.

<p>Hearing great people talk about how they reached an important stretch goal is one of the joys of this show. Janae Baron has spent years dreaming, writing, and talking about running a sub-3:00 marathon. Then, at the St. George Marathon, she finally turned her dream into reality. Janae has one of the most popular running blogs in the country, www.hungryrunnergirl.com, and she has written countless words about the trials that can impede a runner’s progress. In this episode, we take a deep dive into her marathon triumph, her nine months of training after the birth of her daughter, her doubts about this marathon effort, and so much more.&nbsp;</p>

What a pleasure it was to talk with my professional role model, and amazing person, Lindsey Hein. Lindsey is the host of the I’ll Have Another podcast - one of the most popular and inspiring running podcasts in the country. She is also a talented runner who just gave birth to her fourth boy in six years. We take a deep dive into how she is feeling, getting back into running, future running goals, and all things podcast related. You can learn more about Lindsey and get links to her social media pages and podcasts at www.lindseyhein.com.

<p>In this episode, Heather Jenson dives into how she worked her butt off to go from a 4:35 marathoner to a six time Ironman finisher and 17 time marathoner. There were plenty of hurdles along the way, including a near miss for the Boston Marathon that left her heartbroken days before the St. George Marathon. How did she respond? With the race of her life. We also talk about her appearance on Quest for Kona 2017, forming a tight-knit training/racing group, and setting huge goals. You can follow her athletic journey at www.instagram.com/triandrungirl.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This edition of the Coach’s Corner segment with my coach, James McKirdy, touches on a broad range of topics. We discuss how sickness can affect race performance, the drive and dedication necessary to reach your athletic potential, the new Boston Marathon qualifying standards, and James’s strong opinion in banking time in the marathon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Like many of you, I had heard of Tony Post’s exploits long before I knew his name. Specifically, that he ran both the NYC and London Marathons in dress shoes (in 2:47, to boot!). In this episode we discuss what it was like to see his story chronicled in the famous book “Born to Run,” his college conversion from scholarship golfer to runner, his experience in the Boston-area during the running boom, working in the show industry at Rockport and Vibram before founding Topo Athletic, and pursuing a career in a field that you are passionate about.&nbsp;</p>

“When you know your why you can bear any how.” With those words Stefanie Flippin sets the stage for how she, or anybody, achieves remarkable running success. On September 15 she ran a 50 mile trail race through tough terrain. A week later she set ran a 1:30 half marathon in the wind and rain - a new PR. This amazing double header was after a year of nonstop racing. Not only that, she is also a foot and ankle surgeon. In this episode, we dive into those topics, how she went from a 3:50 to 3:25 marathon in one training cycle, and the differences between the ultra and road racing communities. You can follow Stefanie at www.instagram.com/stefanieannflippin. This episode is brought to you by Run4Prs. If you want to reach your running potential you can learn more at www.run4prs.co and mention the Rambling Runner Podcast in the “how did you hear about us” section on the registration form.

100 episodes. Can you believe it? I am truly grateful for the amazing guests who have come on the show. They have imparted countless pointers and lessons and in this episode I dive into the most impactful. These six have made an impression on me and I’m excited to share them. Here’s to another 100! This episode is brought to you by Mercury Mile. You can get a box of apparel and goodies that any runner will love at www.mercurymile.com and save $10 by using promo code “ramblingrunner10” at checkout.

Prohibited from playing sports as a kid to dreaming and training for an Olympic trials qualifying time in the marathon. Jenn Kistler-McCoy is nothing if not on fire for her goals. This amazing woman is getting faster at an amazing rate and there is plenty more where that came from. In this episode we talk about that transition, her last three years of serious racing that included remarkable improvement, and the ten years of running foundation that made it possible. In addition to kicking butt as a runner, Jenn is also the founder of the Sac Tour Company that leads running and walking tours through Sacramento. You can learn more about this venture at http://sactourcompany.com/. This episode is brought to you by Run4Prs. If you want to reach your running potential you can learn more at www.run4prs.co and mention the Rambling Runner Podcast in the “how did you hear about us” section on the registration form.

If you are looking for proof of the power of positivity, look no further than Natalie Mitchell. This 3:11 marathoner, and mother of three, is a bright shining light. Her positity in infectious in this episode as we talk about how running became a social outlet as a child and a chance to prove herself again after her third child. We also talk about her new venture, www.suiterun.com, that provides travelers with safe running routes across the country. You can learn more about Natalie at www.natrunsfar.com. This episode is brought to you by Mercury Mile. You can get a box of apparel and goodies that any runner will love at www.mercurymile.com and save $10 by using promo code “ramblingrunner10” at checkout.

If you start running seriously age 40 what would you be capable of achieving? For Jenny Hitchings that would include winning the Mountains 2 Beach marathon, setting an American 55-59 age group records in the 5k (18:02) and the 10 mile (1:01.20), and setting a huge PR. In this episode, Jenny explains how she was able to accomplish these feats and much more. This episode is brought to you by Run4Prs. If you want to reach your running potential you can learn more at www.run4prs.co and mention the Rambling Runner Podcast in the “how did you hear about us” section on the registration form.

What do you call a working mother of four who sets a string of PR’s and qualifies for the Olympic Trials in the marathon? A true inspiration. Sarah Bishop is one of my favorite people and one heck of an athlete. In this episode, we talk about her evolution as a runner, picking it back up in 2014, being a serial racer, setting audacious goals, and the joy she has found in coaching. You can learn more about Sarah at www.instagram.com/sarahbishopruns. You can get more info about her coaching at www.mckirdytrained.com. This episode is brought to you by Mercury Mile. You can get a box of goodies that any runner will love at www.mercurymile.com and save $10 by using promo code “ramblingrunner10” at checkout.

Three years ago Philippa Godoy was beset by anxiety and panic attacks. She was advised to start exercising for the first time in her life. Three years later, this amazing woman will be running the Berlin, Chicago, and New York City marathons in three consecutive months... after running two Under Armor Mountain races this summer! In this episode, Philippa also talks about overcoming mental obstacles, dreaming big, and the NYC running community. You can follow Philippa’s running journey at www.instagram.com/philippa_runs and www.instagram.com/harlemrun. This episode is brought to you by Run4Prs. If you want to reach your running potential you can learn learn more at www.run4prs.co and mention the Rambling Runner Podcast in the “how did you hear about us” section on the registration form.

Ebony Blackwell has big goals for herself and her community and committed on both fronts. This former officer in the Louisiana National Guard is working to complete 50 marathons in 50 states. In addition, she works full-time at an amazing youth based non-profit called You Run NOLA that teaches the value of running and community. We also discuss goal setting, parenting, and cultivating a positive/mindful mindset. You can learn more about Ebony at www.instagram.com/livinginthebreeze and www.instagram.com/youthrunnola. This episode is brought to you by Mercury Mile. You can get a box of goodies that any runner will love at www.mercurymile.com and save $10 by using promo code “ramblingrunner10” at checkout.

Robert Ressl-Moyer is one of the most amazing guests in the history of the Rambling Runner Podcast. Robert lost his younger brother to brain cancer before developing a brain tumor as well. After years of recovery Robert started running and became an elite level runner in a very short amount of time. You can learn more about this incredible man at www.instagram.com/robertcorre. This episode is brought to you by Run4Prs. If you want to reach your running potential you can learn learn more at www.run4prs.co and mention the Rambling Runner Podcast in the “how did you hear about us” section on the registration form.

When was the last time you decided to make a significant change in your life? Did you stick with it? If you’re like me, that change may not have lasted more than a couple of weeks. In this episode, Ken Des Vignes talks about how, when he was facing a significant diagnosis, he successfully turned his life around by overcoming a devastating car crash and subsequent surgeries, and how he walked for eight months before transitioning to running. After losing over 100 lbs., Ken is now a rare physical specimen, a doctor, and an inspirational figure. You can learn more about Ken at www.instagram.com/ken868. This episode is brought to you by Mercury Mile. You can get a box of goodies that any runner will love at www.mercurymile.com and save $10 by using promo code “ramblingrunner10” at checkout.

In this episode, I hand the mic, and hosting duties, over to my friend Laura Pierce while I switch roles and become this week’s guest. Many listeners have requested this episode and I finally relented. I had a blast talking with Laura about why and how I started the show, my running goals and failures, balancing the show with my job and parenting responsibilities, my favorites workouts and races, and so much more. As you’ll see, Laura is an excellent host. I can’t thank her enough for helping me with this episode and pushing me to do it in the first place.

In this episode of Coach’s Corner, my coach, James McKirdy, talks with me two days before a 5k I ran in July. We discuss the importance of racing during a tough training week, overcoming the mental block that has stopped me from fighting through pain in the past, and many other topics that runners of all abilities can relate to. If you want to learn more about James and McKirdy Trained you can visit www.mckirdytrained.com. This episode is brought to you by Mercury Mile. You can get a box of goodies that any runner will love at www.mercurymile.com and save $10 by using promo code “ramblingrunner10” at checkout.

The most elusive, elite multi-day race in the world, the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race, takes place in Queens, New York City each summer. This race is held around one square sidewalk block (0.56 miles) and requires at least 59 miles a day for 52 straight days to complete the event. In this episode, director & producer Sanjay Rawal dives into the themes that lay at the heart of this amazing documentary. The Race promises personal expansion and, indeed, participants come from around the world to shatter their limitations and discover a deeper sense of self. The film follows Aspirants of the Highest from three cultures whose own narratives parallel that of two 3100 Mile Runners – a diminutive paperboy from Finland, and a female cellist from Austria. These three heroic Aspirants (Shaun Martin-Navajo, Gaolo-San Bushmen, Gyoman-san-Monks of Mt. Hiei Japan) run for spiritual enlightenment, universal oneness or because they simply have the responsibility to run. More - www.3100film.com.

If you’re like me, dialing in the proper nutrition is frustrating and challenging. What should we eat? When should we eat it? What foods should we stay away from? Heather answers all of these questions, and more. Not only that, she is also a 3:14 marathoner and mother who has learned from first hand experience. You can follow Heather at www.instagram.com/run4prs.dietitian. If you interested in getting a weekly meal plan and grocery list from her you can go to www.run4prs.co. If you use promo code RAMBLINGRUNNER you will be entered into a drawing for a free 45 minute conversation with Heather. This episode is brought to you by Mercury Mile. You can get a box of goodies that any runner will love at www.mercurymile.com and save $10 by using promo code “ramblingrunner10” at checkout.

As a former scholarship runner at UCF turned 12 time sub-3:00 marathoner, Heather Schulz has gained 25 years of experience as an elite amateur runner. In this episode, Heather talks about how she chipped away at her marathon goal over a number of years, her low mileage training schedule, and why she trains more like a 5k or 10k runner. We also take a deep dive into how and why she now prioritizes a positive mindset before and during her runs. Finally, Heather talks about raising and parenting a child who is interested in pursuing running. You can follow Heather’s running journey at www.instagram.com/heatherunz.