Run Your Story Podcast

Allison Gaillard
  • 5.0 (22)
  • 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. CJ Johnson - "Be legendary"

    2d ago

    CJ Johnson - "Be legendary"

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Allison interviews Baton Rouge runner CJ Johnson about his running journey, community work, and current injury recovery. CJ began running in middle school, quit in 11th grade amid family turmoil, later joined the Air Force, and was discharged after learning he had sickle cell anemia. He recommitted to running after his father’s leg amputation, and because his son has full-blown sickle cell anemia and cannot run, motivating CJ to “run for both of them.” He describes lessons on faith, training smart, and helping others, including walking miles 22–26.2 with a struggling first-time Louisiana Marathoner. CJ’s favorite race was the New York City Marathon; he also ran Amsterdam. He shares race routines, gear, fueling, playlist, and a memorable rain-soaked Boston-qualifying push with Ainsley’s Angels rider Daniel Manchester. He discusses Run Crew meetups, cross-training, and a goal to chase a 2:35 duo wheelchair-push record at the Marine Corps Marathon and Boston. CJ Johnson - https://www.facebook.com/clarence.johnson.750 Races Mentioned Tiger 10k War Eagle Fest Boston Marathon Louisiana Marathon New York Marathon Amsterdam Marathon Exotico Marathon Marine Corps Marathon Shout Outs Scott Thornhill Stefan Clayton Ainsley's Angels Run Crew Clarence Johnson Senior Clarence Johnson III Daniel Manchester Crystal Johnson Howard Jones 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

    47 min
  2. Jacob Martin - "Why settle for 2nd when 1st is available?"

    May 27

    Jacob Martin - "Why settle for 2nd when 1st is available?"

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! In an interview, ultramarathon runner and Fresh Junkie Ambassador Jacob shares how he began running in his late teens after being sedentary and overweight, inspired by watching the Cajun Man Triathlon, then trained for and completed a sprint triathlon as his first race before progressing to half marathons, marathons, 50Ks, 50-milers, and finishing his first 100-miler (Loop Garoo 100), which he praises for its community and aid stations. He describes pre- and post-race routines (oatmeal, minimal stretching, pizza, Epsom salt baths, and active recovery), preferred gear (headphones, HOKA Speedgoats, Brooks Adrenalines, and New Balance Super Comp trainers), and fueling (Tailwind and Gushers with salt tablets). He highlights favorite races (Behind the Rocks 50 in Moab) and toughest experience (New Orleans Ultra 50 with severe cramps), advises beginners not to compare themselves on social media, and notes upcoming goals, including a 10-hour Louisiana Summer Nights Ultra, another 100-miler, and a possible Treadmill 100, while finishing LSU vet school. Jacob Martin - https://www.facebook.com/jacob.martin.775927 Races Mentioned Cajun Man Triathlon Loop Garoo 100 Behind the Rocks 50-Miler Georgia Death Race New Orleans Ultramarathon 50-miler Louisiana Summer Nights Ultra Dreadmill 100 Shout Outs Fresh Junkie Racing 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

    30 min
  3. John Calabrese - "You're not good enough, John!"

    May 20

    John Calabrese - "You're not good enough, John!"

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! On the podcast, John shares how running began as an outlet during depression and divorce, evolving from ramping up in 2016 to his first marathon in 2017 and then ultras, where he found a supportive community and a sense of purpose. He explains lessons learned, staying true to personal goals, using past DNFs and even trash talk as motivation, and focusing on hard training and unglamorous work like PT, core, and gym strength to reduce injuries. John describes discovering Ainsley’s Angels after seeing a duo team at the Prince William Half, being recruited by Donald (now the rider he caregivers for), and advocating for duo teams’ visibility at races. He discusses favorite and redemption races (Barkley Fall Classic, Old Dominion 100), fueling and gear preferences (Welch’s fruit snacks, shoe rotation, reviewing for Believe in the Run), and finding joy in caregiving and running with his daughter. John Calabrese - https://www.facebook.com/john.calabrese.566 Races Mentioned Barkley Fall Classic Prince William Half Marathon Taco Bell 50k Old Dominion 100 C&O Canal 100 Swami Shuffle All State Heart of the South Girls on the Run 5k The Great Train Race Shout Outs Ainsley's Angels Donald Jillian 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
  4. Bethany Madson - "You are the only one that sets your limits"

    May 13

    Bethany Madson - "You are the only one that sets your limits"

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Scott interviews ultra runner Bethany about her running journey, which began in 2018 with a six-hour trail ultra at The Beast after returning to running post–second daughter, progressed to a first 50K at Big BUTTS, a 12-hour at The Beast in 2019, a break in 2020–2021, then a return in 2022 and a first 100-miler at Red Dirt in 2023. She completed her 10th 100-miler in March 2026. She shares lessons on pushing limits, nutrition and hydration, focus, and the supportive ultra community, plus favorite races MS 100 and Fondren Urban Ultra, where she set an overall course record (also at MS 100). Bethany details pre/post-race routines, gear and fueling preferences, a standout supportive finish memory, a tough Wildcat 100 nutrition mistake, advice for newcomers to sign up and aim to finish, and 2026 goals of her first 200 at Old Ephraim plus Pinhoti. Bethany Madson - https://www.facebook.com/madson.bethany Races Mentioned The Beast Ultra Big Butts 50k Red Dirt 100-Miler MS 100-Miler Fondren Urban Ultra Georgia Death Race Wildcat 100 Old Ephraim Pinhoti 100 Shout Outs Ms. Rennee Mr. Dennis Tiffany Josh Warren Coach Jackson 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

    32 min
  5. Ali Sudderth - "I get to do this. I get to run."

    May 6

    Ali Sudderth - "I get to do this. I get to run."

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! In this podcast interview, runner and mom Ali shares how she began running in her mid-20s using Couch to 5K, completed half marathons, tore her ACL/MCL, then stepped away from running during surgery recovery, pregnancy, and postpartum while focusing on strength training at Burn Boot Camp. In July 2024, she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, rapidly becoming paralyzed from the chest down with partial arm and facial paralysis, and spent about three months at the Shepherd Center relearning daily tasks and eventually running five miles on a treadmill. A week after returning home she ran a 5K pushing her daughter, who turned two during Ali’s hospitalization. She later PR’d a post-GBS half marathon, ran the Classic City Marathon on Jan. 24, 2026, and plans to run the Peachtree Road Race, emphasizing gratitude, “I get to do this,” and focusing on progress over expectations. Ali Sudderth - https://www.instagram.com/ali_liftness/ Races Mentioned Classic City Marathon Peachtree Road Race Run The Rainbow for Children's 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

    46 min
  6. Corbin Harris - "Finding joy in the journey"

    Apr 29

    Corbin Harris - "Finding joy in the journey"

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Corbin shares how he started running in fourth grade, became an average high school runner, and later found deeper passion and success at Campbellsville University, eventually winning a conference 5K title and a Christian College National Championship. After college, he trained for his first marathon to qualify for Boston, won in 2:36, later ran Boston in 2:27 (55th), and began pursuing Olympic Trials standards, including a 2:23 marathon and a 2:21 at Chicago 2023, then continued despite tougher qualifying times. He coached collegiately, moved to Lexington after marriage, and built “4 Glory Running,” coaching about 15 athletes and leading a Wednesday run club centered on fellowship, discipleship, and the gospel. He discusses balancing running with family and faith, focusing on process over outcomes, routines, fueling, recovery, favorite races, injury at NYC, and consistency as key advice. Corbin Harris - https://www.facebook.com/corbin.harris.7 https://www.4gloryrunning.com/ Races Mentioned Boston Marathon Chicago Marathon Grandma's Marathon New York Marathon Comrades Marathon Rocket City Marathon 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

    51 min
  7. Ainsley's Angels at Crescent City Classic 2026

    Apr 22

    Ainsley's Angels at Crescent City Classic 2026

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! [This podcast is best experienced on our YouTube channel, which includes pictures, names, titles, and subtitles for each of the people we interviewed.] Host Allison Gaillard introduces a different kind of Run Your Story podcast episode featuring Ainsley’s Angels participants from the Crescent City Classic, including Greater New Orleans members and families who traveled from Texas. Interviews with riders, runners, parents, and volunteers highlight how the organization creates inclusion not only during races but also through post-race community and celebration. Guests describe enjoying the crowd, costumes, encouragement, and the Ainsley’s Angels after-party, while sharing personal impacts such as increased community participation, friendships, and support for families of people with disabilities. John explains the chapter’s growth, equipment (18 chariots and two trail chairs), and fundraising model for race entries. Allison encourages listeners to join or start a chapter, promotes the launch of Ainsley’s Angels Southern Alabama with a first race on September 26, thanks supporters and partners, including UCP of Mobile and Gaillard Tech Services, and closes by urging others to help people “run their story.” 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

    28 min
  8. Kyle Walker (Back of the Pack Podcast) - "Why are we taking this seriously?"

    Apr 15

    Kyle Walker (Back of the Pack Podcast) - "Why are we taking this seriously?"

    Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! At the Run the Rainbow Expo, Allison interviews Kyle of the Back of the Pack Podcast ahead of the Run the Rainbow race and a planned meetup at Rocket City Marathon’s Podcast Alley. Kyle shares that he began running after a 2010 divorce, starting at nearly 300 pounds by running short intervals, completing his first 5K in December 2010, and eventually doing about 382 races. He started his podcast to share lessons from mistakes and support all runners, pushing back on claims that back-of-the-pack and charity runners don’t belong and noting that charities raise millions (e.g., NYC Marathon). He discusses two open-heart surgeries in 2016, his return via 5Ks, favorite race (NYC Marathon 2021), and least favorite (Tokyo due to strict gun-time checkpoints), pre/post-race routines, fueling with Jolly Ranchers, indoor soccer cross-training, and goals to finish the original six World Marathon Majors (Sydney upcoming, London needed). Kyle Walker - https://www.facebook.com/kyle1180 Back of the Pack Podcast - https://www.botppod.com/ Races Mentioned Run the Rainbow for Children's Rocket City Marathon New York Marathon Boston Marathon Oak Mountain 5k Chicago Marathon Tokyo Marathon Sydney Marathon Warhorse for Veterans 5k London Marathon Dopey Challenge Shout Outs Matt Misty Scott Green David Goggins Selena Daniel Ruth Lisa Watkins Rhonda Hayden 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

    50 min
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5
out of 5
22 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
    190
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Run Your Story Podcast
  • Show Website
    Run Your Story Podcast

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