Runners of The Bay

Runners Of The Bay
  • 4.9 (44)
  • Health & Fitness

Bringing you untold stories behind the devoted amateurs and legends of the Bay Area’s running culture. Hosted by Mimi Kellogg and Brigitte Bradford.

  1. Jul 20

    Episode 134: Erin McDonald is Your Running Big Sister

    This week, we're sharing our conversation with Erin McDonald. From running the 800 at Michigan State, to getting her OTQ alongside her Peninsula Distance Club teammates, Erin's journey is one of rediscovering her love of the sport, building community, and getting radically honest about what it really takes to get there. Some highlights from our conversation: 📈 How a  breakout senior-year 800m led to a phone call with the Michigan State coach, a leap of faith into balancing an engineering degree with D1 running, and five years of steady improvement to become a top scorer ☀️ Building a platform from scratch. Erin didn't set out with a plan when she started posting on Social Media a year ago—just a hunch that her story could help someone. We dig into the fear behind hitting "post" on her first  story, the flood of DMs from young runners that followed, and how she's used social media to become the example she wished she'd had in college 📣 Naming the scary things out loud. Erin's decision to open up online about disordered eating and rigid, anxious thinking in college, and why she wanted to be the visible proof that gaining weight can make you a stronger, faster runner 🏃🏻‍♀️ The running comeback she never expected. An unstructured, self-coached 2:51 marathon debut at CIM after a four-year layoff, followed by a 1:18 half that put her on the radar of Peninsula Distance Club 🌲 Joining the Peninsula Distance Club in 2024 and an inside look at the team's historic 2025 CIM, where seven women hit the Trials standard together 👯 Training as a team sport. Why PDC's workouts are built around packs rather than splits, how hearing teammates on the course pushed Erin (and vice versa) down the stretch, and the emotional finish that came from racing for each other, not just a time 🏆 What's next. Chasing a spot at the USA 10K Championships, a shift toward a more aggressive, even-split marathon strategy, and a longer-term goal of breaking 2:30 on the road to 2028 This episode is brought to you in partnership with  Rock 'n' Roll San Jose | Rock 'n' Roll Running Series . Listeners can get $10 off their registration by entering code BAYRUNNERS10. See you in San Jose!

  2. May 20

    Episode 133: Shannon Rowbury - from the Sunset to the Start Line

    This week, we’re sharing our conversation with San Francisco native and three-time Olympian Shannon Rowbury. From her early days as an Irish dancer in the Sunset District to dominating the global stage in the 1500 and 5000 meters, Shannon’s career is a masterclass in resilience and longevity. In this episode, we dive into the emotional reality of receiving an Olympic bronze medal twelve years late, the complex business side of professional running, and her passion for making the sport better for mothers and women. Shannon's story is a powerful reminder of what it means to pursue excellence while staying deeply rooted in community, integrity, and personal growth. Some highlights from our conversation: 🍀 The unexpected foundation of Irish dancing—how early childhood performance built the core strength, agility, and mental toughness needed to handle world-class racing pressure 📈 Navigating the competitive pipeline—balancing performance pressure and team dynamics through high school success in California and a high-stakes D1 collegiate career at Duke 🦴 The power of a rebuilding mindset—how an injury at the start of her professional career forced her to mechanically fix her foundation, ultimately unlocking a decade of elite consistency at the top of the world 🏃‍♀️ The evolution of training and racing—comparing different coaching philosophies, the shift from highly tactical championship fields to today's fast-paced environments, and the impact of modern recovery and shoe tech 🥉 The complex reality of retroactive justice—processing the life-changing news of her 2012 Olympic bronze medal, navigating the subsequent business realities, and the importance of protecting your peace 👶 Leaving the sport better than she found it—advocating from the inside to author trailblazing maternity policies for national governing bodies and empowering women through her book Strong As A Mother 🌲 Finding joy in the local community—rediscovering her love for running through Bay Area running clubs, coaching, and her favorite San Francisco training loops Follow Shannon on Instagram.  You can find us on Instagram @runnersofthebay Check out our website www.runnersofthebay.com and send us an e-mail at runnersofthebay@gmail.com. Music is California by The Spectacular Fantastic.

  3. Feb 16

    Episode 132: Trail 101 - Explore the Dirt(ier) Side of Running!

    We’re back with a special episode highlighting Trail 101, a free community event happening Sunday, February 22nd at 9:00 AM at Sports Basement Presidio, created by Matt Forsman of Sasquatch Racing and Run Club SF. Trail 101 is designed for trail-curious runners—especially those coming from the roads—to demystify trail running and show that trails aren’t just for ultras. 🌉Matt shares the inspiration behind the event, what attendees can expect (shoe demos from different brands, a DJ, raffle prizes, and a curated trail run with ~3-mile and ~6-mile options), and why connecting with local race organizers is a key part of the trail community. He also talks about how the current running boom has impacted run clubs and races, and how trail running can support both mental health and road performance. 🎽We hear from Victor Ballesteros of Victory Sportsdesign and race director of the Tamalpa Headlands 50K, who shares his personal story—stepping back from running, finding support through community and volunteering—and how his Western States experience led to designing durable, modular drop bags and other gear. 🦮 Next we meet Jennifer Tobits, a board member of The Animal Run, recaps running the Monterey 50-miler put on by Inside Trail with her dog Gertie. She also shares her training approach and goals to attempt Orcas Island 100 in 2027—potentially the first official 100-mile finish with a dog. She talks about  how she found running later in life, built a Bay Area community through Run Club SF and Canicross, and why the Bay’s trail access makes it such a special place to explore. ⛰️ Finally, Craig Schmidt of Inside Trail Racing talks about his path from road and collegiate running to trail racing, and his pivot from corporate health and wellness into race directing in 2022. He shares how Inside Trail supports the local community through volunteers, trail stewardship efforts, and approachable event experiences, along with practical advice on trail etiquette and how trails and road training can complement each other. Trail 101 - Explore the dirt(ier) side of running Sunday, February 22, 2026 9am - 12pm  Sports Basement Presidio 610 Old Old Mason Street San Francisco, CA 94129 You can find us on Instagram @runnersofthebay Check out our website www.runnersofthebay.com and send us an e-mail at runnersofthebay@gmail.com. Music is California by The Spectacular Fantastic.

  4. 07/30/2025

    Episode 131: Claire Green is having a (10,000) moment (s)

    This week, we’re sharing our conversation with Claire Green, a member of the Peninsula Distance Club, Tracksmith Amateur Support Program athlete, and substitute math teacher. Claire had a breakout 10,000 race at the Sound Running meet back in March – her first crack at that distance. We talk about balancing training with a full-time job. From winters on the treadmill in Milwaukee to racing sub-32 in her first-ever 10,000m, she’s redefining what it means to pursue personal excellence with joy, self-awareness, and community support. Claire will be competing in the 10,000 meters at the USATF National Outdoor Championships on Thursday, July 31st.  Some highlights from our conversation: ❄️ Treadmill miles and mental training—what winter in Milwaukee taught her about focus and flexibility ⏱️ Swore she’d never run a 10K… until she ran a sub-32 in her first-ever attempt on the track 🧠 How she trained her brain as much as her body to handle the longer distance 😌 Comparing the 5K to the 10K—why the former is all pain and the latter is all flow 🎓 How her NCAA experience centered joy and intrinsic motivation rather than pressure and performance 🏃‍♀️ Building her relationship with running through family, coaches, and donuts at Nike Cross Champs 💬 “There was not a second of the race where I doubted what I was doing in that moment.” 👕 The power of a Tracksmith Amateur jersey—feeling part of a team without having a sponsor  📞 How a cold call to coach Dena Evans led to joining Peninsula Distance Club, a team of “the kindest, hardest-working people” she’s ever known Follow Claire on Instagram and Strava. You can find us on Instagram and Twitter @runnersofthebay Check out our website www.runnersofthebay.com and send us an e-mail at runnersofthebay@gmail.com. Music is California by The Spectacular Fantastic. Mixing and editing by Brian Walters at Singletrack Sound.

  5. 06/10/2025

    Episode 130: Chris Schierholtz Fixed Wednesdays

    This week, we’re sharing our conversation with Chris Schierholtz, the creator of Rally Wednesday—a movement that’s part run club, part social experiment, and all about building community through shared experience. From helping launch Airbnb Experiences to reimagining hump day as the most fun day of the week, Chris brings his love of the outdoors, his background in brand-building, and his belief in the power of play to everything he does. Some highlights from our conversation: 🧭 How growing up in a van life-before-van-life family instilled a deep love of adventure and connection 🏃‍♂️ The inspiration behind Rally Wednesday—reclaiming the week and creating a reason to move, connect, and explore 💬 What Airbnb and Lululemon taught him about building experiences that deliver on their promise 🌁 Why he picked Wednesdays—and why every day should be a little more fun 👨‍👩‍👧 How he and his partner juggle careers, athletic goals, and raising a daughter with grace (and a little chaos) 🧘 The importance of authenticity, “California radness,” and using tech to get people offline 🔁 How failure and collaboration helped him evolve his ideas and build something that lasts 🛠️ Applying lessons from counterculture sports and startup life to rethink how we gather 🤝 Why doing something active with others leads to deeper conversations and stronger bonds 📣 "Take the emergency brake off"—his advice for anyone thinking about joining the next Rally Wednesday A conversation about movement, meaning, and building community on your own terms. Join us on June 18... This one is gonna be good! A 12 mile MTB ride, a  5 trail run, or a 2 mile hike! Pick your Jam! After the run and ride, we’ll gather on the beautiful Filoli grounds for their Summer Nights series: food trucks, live music, art exhibits, and plenty of space to picnic and hang.Whether you’re new to Rally or a regular, this is the perfect night to run or ride, chat, and meet more of the community.⁠ Join to get the weekly Rally Wednesday text with all the details  - www.rallywednesday.com Check out Chris on ⁠Instagram⁠ and⁠ Strava⁠, and follow Rally Wednesday on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠sign up to join⁠! You can find us on Instagram and Twitter @runnersofthebay Check out our website www.runnersofthebay.com and send us an e-mail at runnersofthebay@gmail.com. Music is California by The Spectacular Fantastic. Mixing and editing by Brian Walters at Singletrack Sound.

  6. 05/25/2025

    Episode 129: Bay to Breakers with Skechers

    In this episode, Mimi and Stephen from Skechers team up at the Bay to Breakers expo to talk all things Bay Area running, the joyful chaos of Bay to Breakers, and what makes the new Skechers AERO Series so exciting for runners chasing speed and fun. Highlights include: 🦍 Pontificating how fast you can actually run in a gorilla suit 🎭 Why Bay to Breakers is the most uniquely human race in the world 🌁 What makes the Bay Area running community so welcoming and wonderful 💡 The fascinating, wildly talented people you meet while running in the Bay Area 👟 The science behind the Skechers AERO Series — next-gen shoe tech making fast feel fun again ❤️ How running is evolving — and why community will always be at the heart of it Learn more about the Skechers AERO series. You can find us on Instagram and Twitter @runnersofthebay Check out our website www.runnersofthebay.com and send us an e-mail at runnersofthebay@gmail.com. Music is California by The Spectacular Fantastic.

  7. 05/21/2025

    Episode 128: Sylvie Abel

    This week, we’re talking to Sylvie Abel, a superstar trail runner and incredible human who found her sense of belonging on the trails of a new country. Sylvie’s journey wasn’t just about discovering running—it was about navigating a new country while finding her strength, her people, and ultimately, herself. Sylvie is an open book and shares what resilience and bravery looks like in the face of uncertainty and struggle. Some highlights from our conversation:🌍 How moving to a new country challenged Sylvie to navigate new social norms 💭 The feeling of being lost and how a race gave her the sense of home she was searching for🏞️ Running as a way to break through tough times, and finding freedom and self-expression on the trails🏁 The journey to Quicksilver, navigating motherhood and racing💡 How motherhood reshaped Sylvie’s perspective on both life and running🏅Finding redemption at Quad Dipsea and being as close to satisfied as she’s ever been in a race📅 Her goal to revisit every race she’s DNF'd—showing her child the value of resilience and perseverance Follow Sylvie on Instagram You can find us on Instagram and Twitter @runnersofthebay Check out our website www.runnersofthebay.com and send us an e-mail at runnersofthebay@gmail.com. Music is California by The Spectacular Fantastic. Mixing and editing by Brian Walters at Singletrack Sound. . . . #runningpodcasts #runnersofthebay #bayarearunning #sfrunning #sanfranciscorunning #trailrunning #ultrarunning

  8. 05/12/2025

    Episode 127: Bay to Breakers, ROTB x Skechers (it's gonna be May)

    Some reflections on the past 5 years and an exciting announcement. We’re teaming up with @skechers to bring the hype for this year’s Bay to Breakers! Come hang with us for a LIVE podcast on Saturday 5/17 at 2:30pm at Sports Basement Stonestown (📍🎙️). 🏁 HAYES HILL CHALLENGE IS ON! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ This is your chance to crush the most iconic climb at Bay to Breakers and score some serious gear. We’re talking a “race within the race”—powered by @skechersperformance 🔥 📍 Laguna St ➡️ Pierce St📈 Strava segment is LIVE📊 We’re keeping a real-time leaderboard🎁 9 FREE pairs of Skechers AERO Series up for grabs for the winners! 🏆 Top 3 fastest up and down Hayes Hill💥 Categories: Male, Female, Non-Binary Oh—and we’ve got something for YOU! (👟🎉) GIVEAWAY TIME!Win a FREE pair of the new Skechers AERO Series shoes 👟 and a race entry to Bay to Breakers 🏁! How to enter: On Instagram, Follow @runnersofthebay Follow @skechersperformance Comment below with the answer to this question:Who is the only athlete to win a major marathon wearing Skechers—and which marathon did they win? (Hint: It’s legendary.) 🏆 Winner will be chosen at random from correct answers.Giveaway ends Tuesday at 5pm PT! ⏰ Let’s goooo! 🏃‍♀️🔥 See you Saturday!

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4.9
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About

Bringing you untold stories behind the devoted amateurs and legends of the Bay Area’s running culture. Hosted by Mimi Kellogg and Brigitte Bradford.

Information

  • Creator
    Runners Of The Bay
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    133
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 195609
  • Show Website
    Runners of The Bay