Run Your Story Podcast

Allison Gaillard
  • 5.0 (19)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Where Every Story Needs to be Heard! Runners and walkers are interviewed to tell their run/walk stories, share fun memories, and provide great advice for those interested in this sport!

  1. Travis McCalla - "That sense of belonging"

    1D AGO

    Travis McCalla - "That sense of belonging"

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Podcast host Alison interviews Travis, a veteran whose running story spans childhood trauma, military service, alcoholism, sobriety, and ultra-distance racing. Travis describes hating running in high school, escaping an abusive home by joining the Marine Corps in 1997, developing a heavy drinking habit, later joining the Army Reserve in 2006, and seeking help in 2014 because he feared dying. After getting sober, deployments and a 2017 convoy crash in Germany revealed health issues, prompting him to start running, progressing quickly from 5Ks to marathons, 50 milers, and 100 milers. He became focused on multi-day, unsupported “journey runs,” especially the Fool’s Ultra (now 420 miles across New York), his favorite race. He shares lessons on belonging, consistency, embracing discomfort, planning resupplies and sleep, safety gear for dark runs, shoes, fueling, recovery, music, a key injury perseverance story, a 160-mile DNF at Infinitus 250, advice to start simple and volunteer, his mantra “you’ve been through worse,” and future goals after a 2026 deployment. Travis McCalla - https://www.facebook.com/travis.mccalla1 Races Mentioned The Fool's Ultra 420 Infinitus 250 Battleship 12k Arizona Monster 300 Coca Dona 250 Shout Outs Joshua Swank Christie Andy Weinberg Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support me on Patreon! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Steve Taylor Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Anna Szymanski Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Nell Gustavson Meredith Nations Allyson Swann Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill

    43 min
  2. Selena Daniel - "I need new friends"

    FEB 25

    Selena Daniel - "I need new friends"

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! In this conversation, Allison interviews Selena, a runner and the race director of Run the Rainbow, a multi-distance race event in Jackson, Mississippi that benefits the state’s only children’s hospital. Selena shares how she began running in her early 30s as a personal goal, progressed from 5Ks to marathons, and grew passionate about the running community. She discusses taking on trail running at longer distances, including a goal sequence with the local Muts Group (Frosty 15, Big Butts 50K, Clear Creek 50K) and an attempt at her first 100-miler (reaching 100K but missing the cutoff), with plans to complete a 100-miler and earn “Big Dog” status this year after a back issue affected her last attempt. Selena explains that Run the Rainbow started after the hospital’s former 5K ended during COVID; she expanded it from 5K/10K/half to include a full marathon and a new 50K, with an earlier start option for slower runners and a commitment to supporting participants through the final finisher. She details that all proceeds support children’s hospital needs not covered by standard funding, citing examples like patient iPads, specialized playground space, NICU “angel eyes,” transportation gaps, and hopes to add another trained facility dog like "Hollywood." She highlights Run the Rainbow’s challenging hills, frequent aid stations and entertainment (including bands and mile-by-mile encouragement), safety planning with Capitol Police, JPD, and campus police, a course feature that includes passing a castle, and an after-party. Selena also describes the event’s swag structure (shirts, kid-designed medals, towels, cups, hats/beanies, quarter-zips, and affordable donation-based expo items) and a new educational panel featuring a dietitian (Elizabeth), trainer Megan Cook, and runner Chuck Engle. Selena Daniel - https://www.facebook.com/selena.lockwood Races Mentioned Run the Rainbow Frosty 15 Fondren 50k Big Butts 50k Clear Creek 50k Mamba 100-miler Rocket City Marathon Shout Outs Muts Group Dina Boyles James Boer Jeremy Jungling RunStrong Hollywood Dana Pothole Runners Jackson Run Club Elizabeth Megan Cook Chuck Engle Dina Bulls Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support me on Patreon! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Steve Taylor Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Anna Szymanski Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Nell Gustavson Meredith Nations Allyson Swann Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill

    1h 9m
  3. Josh Coleman - "The race is never over"

    FEB 18

    Josh Coleman - "The race is never over"

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Alison interviews ultra runner and author Josh Coleman about his book, Moving Forward: Running With Grief, which centers on his grief after his wife Erin’s death and the importance of community support for those grieving. Josh explains he wrote the book to keep Erin’s legacy alive, capture who she was for those who never met her (including the trail running community), help process his own grief, and share how he grieved without prescribing a “right way” to others; he emphasizes that grief doesn’t end but is carried as you move forward. They discuss Erin’s passion for theater and Broadway, how she and Josh supported each other’s different pursuits, and how Josh honors her through a Broadway playlist and by carrying Erin’s obituary card during races. Allison highlights a quote from the book about runners carrying “invisible memorials.” Josh recounts his running background from childhood through marathons, qualifying attempts for Boston, and his transition to trail and ultra running after Erin’s passing in June 2022, including his first 50K (Sweat, Swat, & Swear) in May 2023 and his first 100-miler (Bighorn 100), where he drew strength from Erin’s tenacity. He describes becoming more open about grief on the trails, which encourages others to share their own trauma and loss, and frames himself as an unexpected “grief advocate.” Josh shares lessons from ultras—patience, relentless forward progress, not quitting unless injury requires it, breaking big challenges into aid-station segments, and the value of community encouragement, recovery, cross-training, and gear. In closing, Josh advises people to start small, volunteer to get involved, and highlights that supporting grief is about showing up and being present rather than trying to fix someone’s pain. Josh Coleman - https://www.facebook.com/joshpcoleman Races Mentioned Boston Marathon New Jersey Marathon Miami Marathon Sweat, Swat, Swear 50k Bighorn 100 Tahoe 200 Bigfoot 200 Moab 240 Leadville 100k Black Canyon 50k Chicago Marathon Coca Dona 250 Old Ephraim 200 Shout Outs Erin Coleman Jan Caleb Olson Ann Trason Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support me on Patreon! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Steve Taylor Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Anna Szymanski Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Nell Gustavson Meredith Nations Allyson Swann Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill

    1h 1m
  4. Blake Hughes - "Running isn't what most people think that it is"

    FEB 11

    Blake Hughes - "Running isn't what most people think that it is"

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! In this episode, Blake shares his incredible transformation from viewing running as a form of torture in his youth to becoming an ultramarathon runner. Blake discusses his initial attempts at running, propelled by a friend's encouragement, leading up to completing his first 5K and ultimately participating in marathons and ultra-races. He reflects on the lessons learned through running, emphasizing mental and spiritual aspects. Blake also delves into his training routines, gear preferences, and the pivotal role of his supportive wife. With personal anecdotes about races and the importance of a community, Blake provides advice for aspiring runners and underscores the importance of remembering the 'why' in running. His inspiring journey highlights perseverance, community support, and keeping a balanced perspective. Blake Hughes - https://www.facebook.com/blake.n.rachel.hughes Races Mentioned Lost Falls 50k Twisted Ankle Half Marathon Sloppy Floyd Race Georgia Jewel Last Man Standing, Rome, Georgia Mid-State Mile Pinhoti 100 Shout Outs Chad Wright Brooke Wright Rachel Hughes Andrew Peterson Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support me on Patreon! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Steve Taylor Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Anna Szymanski Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Nell Gustavson Meredith Nations Allyson Swann Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill

    38 min
  5. Kilian Korth - "Success and failure are not opposites of each other"

    FEB 4

    Kilian Korth - "Success and failure are not opposites of each other"

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! In this episode, Kilian discusses his impressive journey from competitive swimming in college to becoming an ultrarunner He shares how his active childhood and innate drive led him to conquer grueling races like the Triple Crown and Moab 240. Kilian also delves into his training routines, race-day strategies, nutrition, recovery methods, and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. He offers heartfelt advice for new runners, emphasizes the importance of gratitude, and shares poignant memories that define his running career. Join Kilian as he provides a window into the mindset and passion that propel him through ultramarathons. Kilian Korth - https://www.instagram.com/kiliankorth/ Races Mentioned Moab 240 Triple Crown Leadville 50 Coca Dona 250 Appalachian Trail FKT Bigfoot 200 Ouray 100 Tor des Géants 200 Colorado Trail FKT 490 Shout Outs Mike McKnight Scott Jurich Carl Melzer Phil Gore Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support me on Patreon! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Steve Taylor Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Anna Szymanski Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Nell Gustavson Meredith Nations Allyson Swann Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill

    49 min
  6. Megan Eckert - "You learn that perseverance, you learn that grit, you learn not to give up when things get tough"

    JAN 28

    Megan Eckert - "You learn that perseverance, you learn that grit, you learn not to give up when things get tough"

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! In this episode, Allison interviews Megan, an accomplished runner, ultra-marathoner, trail enthusiast, and high school coach. Megan shares her journey from being too scared to run her first 5K to becoming a passionate runner deeply embedded in the running community. She discusses how she got hooked on running during a half-marathon and explains her transition into ultra distances and trail running. Megan highlights the importance of community, the lessons learned from running, and her approach to coaching high school athletes. She also talks about her favorite races, quirky recovery routines, and the essential gear she uses. Megan offers valuable advice for new runners and emphasizes the significance of perseverance, patience, and chasing passions. Megan Eckert - https://www.facebook.com/meg.reed.587 Races Mentioned San Antonio Half Marathon Mogi on Monster High Lonesome Franklin Mountain Half Marathon Coca Dona 250 Shout Outs David Roche Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support me on Patreon! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Steve Taylor Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Anna Szymanski Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Nell Gustavson Meredith Nations Allyson Swann Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill

    43 min
  7. Jacob Travis (JT the PT) - "The matter of consistency"

    JAN 21

    Jacob Travis (JT the PT) - "The matter of consistency"

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! In this episode, Jacob, also known as JT the PT, shares his story of how he transitioned from a casual strength workout runner to a passionate long-distance runner and physical therapist. He explains his journey, starting with a challenging first run, to now running marathons and ultra-marathons. JT discusses the importance of consistency, community, and humor in running. He shares insights on his pre-race and post-race routines, favorite racing memories, and advice for new runners. JT also highlights his new PT business, his goals of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, and helpful tips on managing injuries and maintaining motivation. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to find the joy and community in running. Jacob Travis (JT the PT) - https://www.instagram.com/pt_with_jt/ https://www.ptwithjt.net/ Races Mentioned Turkey Trot Indianapolis Marathon Chicago Marathon New York Marathon Boston Marathon Nashville Half Marathon Shout Outs Cole Hawker Allie Taylor Joe Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support me on Patreon! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Steve Taylor Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Anna Szymanski Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Nell Gustavson Meredith Nations Allyson Swann Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill

    1h 5m
  8. Jme Trichell - "Dream it. Believe it. Do it."

    JAN 14

    Jme Trichell - "Dream it. Believe it. Do it."

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! In this heartfelt episode, Jamie, fondly known as 'Crazy Uncle Jamie,' shares his inspiring running journey, starting from his first 5K at Sanderson Farms to becoming a beloved figure in the running community. Jamie recounts memorable stories from various races, his unique pre- and post-race routines, and the support of his running family, the Mississippi Coffee Runners, and Fresh Junkie ambassadors. Through personal anecdotes, Jamie offers profound insights into perseverance, community, and finding therapy in running. He also gives practical advice for new runners, emphasizing the importance of finding a supportive running group and setting challenging goals. Jamie's tales of camaraderie, unexpected friendships, and life lessons make this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about running and personal growth. Jme Trichell - https://www.facebook.com/jme.trichell Races Mentioned Tiger 10k Battleship 12k Mississippi Gulf Coast Half Marathon North Shore Half Marathon Camp Shelby Run Louisiana Half Marathon Boston Marathon Azalea Trail Run Splash N Dash Casino Bridge Run Run the Rainbow Hattiesburg Half Mardi Gras Mambo Shout Outs Fresh Junkie Racing Stefan Clayton Scott Thornhill Mike Wattigny Katie Corbin Carl Chris Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support me on Patreon! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Steve Taylor Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Anna Szymanski Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Nell Gustavson Meredith Nations Allyson Swann Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill

    44 min
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5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Where Every Story Needs to be Heard! Runners and walkers are interviewed to tell their run/walk stories, share fun memories, and provide great advice for those interested in this sport!

Information

  • Creator
    Allison Gaillard
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    177
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Run Your Story Podcast
  • Show Website
    Run Your Story Podcast

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