The Running for Real Podcast

Real and authentic, these two words are ones that I strive to build the Running 4 Real podcast around, by showing what running at any level can look like. Billy Yang, a wonderful film maker displays just that raw feeling of self doubt and exhaustion we all can experience in a race. By filming people while they race in half marathons, marathons, ultra-marathons, and trail races. Showing us how we can build ourselves up even when we could be feeling at our worse.

It seems that we should know by now to celebrate body diversity but how come it seems we still struggle with it? Well, one of my favorite people Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, who specializes in disordered eating, speaks so much truth on this subject. She speaks on the reality of food and just how capable our bodies actually are. She has really great insight which has helped me with my relationship with food tremendously.

There are many reasons for someone to start running, but we all know one thing. It makes us better. Bestselling author, Jeff Warren speaks about the power of meditation, how sometimes instead of just powering through life, we NEED to just stop and be still, listen to the thoughts in our minds. This episode covers HOW to meditate, and how we can improve as people by adding this simple practice.

Here in the second bonus episode that is the LIVE show I had the opportunity to host over New York Marathon weekend. It is basically just a lovely chat about our thoughts and stories on our marathon experiences with Emily Abbate, Angie Spencer and Carrie Tollefson. These subjects can apply to anyone who are starting to run or who are about to accomplish their 50th marathon. Thank you to Generation UCAN for the opportunity in putting this amazing conversation together.

Join Deena Kastor and Dr. Jonathan Fader for a pre-race sports psychology class. Giving you practical tips on nerves and protecting yourself from the pre-race self doubt. We also tackle ways to get through a tough patch in the race, both Fader and Deena have experience and wisdom in this area. For the final 15 minutes, special guest, Kubra, from Free To Run Afghanistan joins the chat for a mini talk on gratitude and mental fortitude. Thanks to NYRR for the opportunity to have a special conversation.

Are there barriers in your running or life which may be holding you back? Why? Just becuase you see yourself as a middle or back of the pack runner? So you don't deserve to take on a new and crazy challenge for fear of failing? So what?! That is what Ali Butler decided to do, she wanted to run the whole state of California just because she could. Did she succeed? I would say yes, but in a different way.

In her first podcast interview, Shannon Osika shows her strengths, weaknesses, and wonderful personality. This 1500m runner has improved steadily over her years as a professional athlete, and recently ran a 4:01 in the 1500m. Shannon shared her struggles as a teenager in a changing body, and why she thinks doing things you love outside of running is so important to long term happiness.

Mirna Valerio is one of the greatest role models for life. The Mirvinator knows how important it is to believe in your strengths, to surround yourself with people who make you feel good, and stay true to who you are. Mirna calls herself a fat runner, and is totally okay with that, she is confident in what her body can do, and is able to remove the power from criticism of those who disagree with the way she lives her life. We all need the Mirvinator in our lives!

Here is another great subject in the Beyond Running Series, speaking on Menopause. This is definitely a subject that doesn't get talked about too often and I want to change this mindset. With Dr. Stacy Sims, we were able to have a great and open conversation about Menopause. In order to help loved ones or maybe yourself to ease your way in this stage of life.

Ultramarathon Man Dean Karnazes always has an exciting story to share with us, his latest adventure or running for real moment he has struggled his way through. This time though, Dean is here to share about amazing stories of others who have shared part of their journey, but have touched Dean's heart (and will certainly touch yours) with their compassion, love, and strength.

With rising pollution levels, droughts, and harsher climates, asthma and breathing problems are more common than ever, it can make running in the summer or dry air almost impossible. Dr John Dickinson, a respiratory physiologist is here to help those who do struggle to breathe when exercising.

I know sharing your personal struggles with someone you may or may not know can be very hard to do, but it could bring you and others comfort that actually helps the situation. Nellie Acevedo is a mom and an entrepreneur who says your story, whatever it may be, is important to someone out there.

On this special episode of the Beyond Running Series it's about a tough subject, miscarriage. Again, my goal of these short episodes are to bring a voice to those tough subjects we don't necessarily want to talk about but, we need to. I hope this episode helps to empower you and to help you or maybe your loved ones feels that they are not alone.

What a great conversation with South African runner, Thabang Madiba, who has been making waves in the trail and ultra industry lately. Thabang means "happy" or "happiness", which suits his personality perfectly. He takes what he has in front of him and works with it no matter what his circumstance.

For this beyond running episode we are talking about a great organization, Achilles International, where they provide aide to runners with disabilities. Now, running with a disability doesn't always mean you can see the disability. It can be a brain injury, beating cancer, being hearing impaired, having a sight impairment, or many other challenges. I absolutely LOVED these guys, and I hope they inspire you too.