The Running for Real Podcast

Emily Abbate is the host of Hurdle Podcast, which has a smiliar goal to Running 4 Real; get influential, inspiring, role model figures to share their struggles and how they made it through. We all have tough times in our lives, things we have to work through, but all too often, those in powerful positions make it seem like life is just east for them. Spoiler alert, it is not. I loved having Emily on the show to talk about her passions, how she has changed, and how we can continually grow to be better.

Shanna Burnette has been a powerful force in women's running, and I am excited for you to get to know her. Shanna is not just Kara Goucher's agent, but is an entrepreneur, the Global PR and Communications Manager at Altra, founder of Clean Sport Collective, AND a mother of three. How she handles it all, I don't know, but this inspirational woman knows how to fight for women and to make a difference in the world. Get to know Shanna in this episdoe, and let's celebrate all she has done.

Grayson Murphy went from not being a runner to being one of the best collegiate athletes in the country, including the 2019 World Mountain Running Champion. She went from college to NAZ Elite, and then found a sponsorship with Saucony not long after moving home to Salt Lake City. It sounds like Grayson has THE life, but as we know by now, these situations are never quite what they seem. There are big downsides to such a big jump in performance, and Grayson knew how to handle the doubts that come with it.

Tyler McCandless is a professional runner who has a PhD in Meteorology and is a Certified Energy Risk Professional. Tyler has worked hard to balance his demanding job with his running career and making time for being a great dad. Despite setbacks along the way, Tyler, along with his coach, Steve Jones, has trained hard to chase down big goals and leave it all out there. This Altra athlete will inspire you to go for the big goals becyase, you will learn so much about yourself that will make it worthwhile.

Altra disrupted the running shoe industry, there is no doubt about that, but it is the backstory of how this happened that is so intriguing and appealing. Today, one of the cofounders, Brian Beckstead shares the story of Altra, which in itself, is very similar to the ups and downs of a running journey for an individual. There were laughs from other brands, many sacrifices, and a relentless belief that something totally unique could work. An amazing underdog story and I can't wait to hear what you think.

Anna Frost was one of the first trail runners to become professional. Paving the way for a whole new world, Anna accomplished a lot very quickly, winning races all over the world. But what about once sponsors came into the picture, that can only be a good thing, right? Yes, but the downside is that meant more media, more appearances, and most of all, a lot more pressure. The pressure that can easily rob joy from running. Anna's vulnerability and ability to share the struggles of her life make her REAL.

Alison Desir started running when she was struggling with depression, but immediately saw an opportunity for community, camaraderie, and the ability to become a game changer. The founder of Harlem Run, Run 4 All Women, and Global Womxn Run Collective, Alison has already made her mark on the running world. This episode will inspire you to see running as more than keeping you healthy, but something to help you discover your potential. Alison is the name for your to remember and after this episode you will.

COVID19 has been devastating to our world. And we know we will be dealing with the impacts for many years to come. If you have lost your job, fear you will lose your job, own a small business that you fear may not make it through the year, are a college senior about to graduate, or even just someone who feels helpless for family and friends in a tough financial position, this two part podcast episode with psychiatrist, Dr Mike Dulchin, and Business Coach Alli Worthington will answer all your questions.

While I thought I was trying to get Meb on the podcast to get it before Boston I didn't factor in that the race would be cancelled. But I do appreciate Meb's advice and pure wisdom through these uncertain times we are going through. Races cancelling, schedules completely changed, different working atmospheres, and I could go on and on. Could this be a time to really see why we started running in the first place? Take a listen to this genuine and personal conversation, it may be just want you needed.

19 year old Rosalie Fish is wise beyond her years. Rosalie has taken a stand in the mistreatment of Native American women, using her running as a talking point to promote conversation. She has already done a TED talk, and been a speaker all over the country. Rosalie will not only educate us on a topic that has been brushed aside, but the way she uses her running to be a catalyst for change is very inspiring. This teenager has a bright future ahead, and her story is inspiring for us all, no matter what age.

Anxiety, fear, overwhelm, panic is everywhere. We have no idea what the future looks like or when our lives will be back to normal. There is a lot for us to work through. Michael Gervais is here to give us his advice on how to take control of life during this stressful time.

When Amanda Brooks started running, she noticed almost immidately that the middle and back of the pack runners were being ignored. It is hard to believe that the majority of the running world fell into this group, and many felt that they weren't "real" runners! Amanda has been on a missoin since 2005 to show runners in the middle that they DO matter, and there is information out there to help. Amanda and I have a great conversation about how every runner can find their place in this world, and to grow.

Special report episode on Coronavirus. I interviewed Dr Emily Stoneman, an Infectious Disease Specialist from the University of Michigan, to ask her all the questions we have been wondering. Emily has been working 18 hour days, but gave us almost an hour of her time to help the running community feel at ease. In the second half of the episode, I address what to do if your goal race has been cancelled or postponed and give Ideas for how to organize the rest of the year.

It has been a while, so let's dig back in to the science. Margo Mountjoy, has been a lead author and advocate in the RED-S sciences, which doesn't just affect women, but many men are also putting their long term risk at health. Margo works on many impressive committees around the world who are trying to make the right changes and guidelines for the future of athletes everywhere. This is an impactful conversation, and one we can learn from one of the greatest minds in our sport, take a listen.

Liza Howard has a reputaion for being one of the kindest, hardest working, and resilient ultra runners out there. Oh, and she is really fast, even as she has moved through her 40s, Liza has not allowed that to hold her back. Known for running up to 40 miles on the treadmill, getting in her ultra training while working full time, and looking after her two kids, Liza has a "find a way" attitude that will inspire you to love the busy-ness, appreciate the craziness, and just do the best you can.