Rust Belt Running Rust Belt Running

This week the boys talk alone for a little bit to discuss how to deal with disappointment on race day. There are so many factors that can disrupt our goals, but dealing with them appropriately and celebrating the victories that still exist is key to moving forward.

Summary

Marissa and Austin discuss their experience running the Myrtle Beach Marathon. They chose this race as a weekend getaway and to use their flight credit and hotel points. Marissa started planning the race in November and gradually increased her training. The race had a small expo and packet pickup was quick and easy. The race course was primarily on roads and had a few turns. The water stops were frequent, but the water tasted soapy. The crowd support was minimal, but the volunteers at the water stations were enthusiastic. After the race, there were post-race activities and a party at the baseball stadium. Marissa enjoyed the quietness of the weekend and the opportunity to take a nap. They also discussed their upcoming races and their fandom for the Cleveland Guardians and Boston Red Sox.

Takeaways


Plan your race in advance and gradually increase your training.
Check the quality of the water at the water stops before drinking.
Enjoy the quietness and relaxation of a weekend race getaway.
Take advantage of post-race activities and parties to celebrate your accomplishment.
Support your favorite sports teams and incorporate them into your race experiences.

Summary

In this conversation, Adam Wheeler shares his experience running the Boston Marathon. He discusses his desire to qualify for Boston and the challenge it presented. He talks about his accommodations in Somerville and recommends restaurants like Highland Kitchen. Adam also shares his expo experience and the logistics of transportation to the start line. He describes the race day atmosphere, the congestion at the start, and the incredible crowd support throughout the course. He highlights a moment of solitude around mile 8 where runners can take a deep breath and assess their performance. In this conversation, Adam and Andrew discuss Adam's experience running the Boston Marathon. They cover topics such as the internal check and the Wellesley section of the course, the Newton Hills and how they compare to the Pittsburgh Marathon, the significance of Heartbreak Hill and the net downhill section of the course, the iconic Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston turn, post-race logistics and the challenges of getting back to the hotel, and plans for post-race celebrations. Overall, Adam emphasizes the importance of enjoying the race and taking in the special moments.

Takeaways


Take the time to do an internal check during the race and remove distractions to get into your own rhythm.


The Newton Hills in the Boston Marathon provide opportunities for recovery with flat stretches and downhill sections.


Heartbreak Hill is a significant point in the race, but once you pass it, the course becomes mostly downhill.


The Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston turn is a memorable and emotional moment for runners.


Consider making changes to post-race logistics to avoid long walks and crowded transportation.


Take the time to celebrate and enjoy the post-race experience, whether it's attending parties or spending time with friends and family.



Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Desire to Run Boston

06:40 Accommodations and Restaurants

09:08 Pre-Race and Post-Race Activities

10:57 Expo Experience

14:02 Transportation to the Start Line

19:05 Race Day Logistics

31:10 Crowd Support and Moments of Solitude

33:07 Internal Check and Wellesley

35:17 Newton Hills and Pittsburgh Comparison

36:13 Heartbreak Hill and Net Downhill

39:36 Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston

45:00 Post-Race Logistics

49:06 Changes for This Year

52:46 Post-Race Celebrations

Summary

In this episode, Adam and Andrew catch up and discuss various topics related to running. They talk about Adam's training for the Boston Marathon and how it feels different this time around. They also discuss the controversy surrounding Shohei Ohtani and gambling. The conversation shifts to the need for lower mileage in training and the potential risks of pushing too hard. They also reflect on the untimely death of Kelvin Kiptum and discuss Andrew's current running journey. In this conversation, Adam and Andrew discuss the importance of taking care of oneself, reevaluating goals, dealing with injuries, finding balance, and prioritizing mental health. They reflect on work-life balance, the need for a break, and the decision to seek therapy. They also discuss setting personal goals, embracing aging, and enjoying simple pleasures. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the sitcom Modern Family and looking ahead to future episodes.Takeaways


Training for a marathon can feel different each time, even if it's the same race.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on sports, including the Olympics.
There is a need for runners, both elite and recreational, to consider the risk-reward factor of high mileage training.
The untimely death of Calvin Kiptema highlights the importance of appreciating and celebrating athletes' accomplishments.
Each runner's journey is unique, and it's important to listen to your body and adjust training accordingly.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

02:06 Training for the Boston Marathon

03:33 Reflecting on the Past Year

06:02 Discussion on Shohei Ohtani and Gambling in Sports

09:25 The Future of Eliud Kipchoge's Career

11:10 The Need for Lower Mileage in Training

22:39Andrew's Running Journey

23:12Taking Care of Yourself

24:00Reevaluating Goals

25:17Dealing with Injuries

26:06Finding Balance

27:02Prioritizing Mental Health

28:14Reflecting on Work-Life Balance

30:18Seeking Therapy

31:16Setting Personal Goals

32:02Embracing Aging

33:25Enjoying Simple Pleasures

35:15Prioritizing Self-Care

36:31Feeling Old

40:41Getting Older

43:38Appreciating Modern Family

45:33Looking Ahead

If you have a race you'd like to review with us or want to find more information on a race, email us (rustbeltrunning@gmail.com) or visit our website. Thank you for listening and your support!



Summary

Brennon shares his experience running the Austin Marathon, including his motivation to run in Austin, his arrival and food choices, the expo experience, transportation and start line logistics, water stops and aid stations, congestion and corrals, course markings and hills, crowd support, the finish line, post-race experience, and his overall experience working with Rest Belt Running.

Takeaways


The city of Austin and its running community create a unique and supportive environment for runners.


The Austin Marathon course is known for its challenging hills and deceptive elevation.


Working with a coach like Matt from Rest Belt Running can provide personalized training and support to help achieve running goals.


Despite setbacks, completing a marathon is an accomplishment to be proud of and can provide valuable learning experiences.



Chapters

04:35 Introduction and Background

05:34 Motivation to Run the Austin Marathon

07:51 Expo Experience

10:07 Transportation and Start Line

10:43 Water Stops and Aid Stations

12:36 Congestion and Corrals

13:38 Course Markings and Hills

28:22 Post-Race Experience

33:00 Working with Rest Belt Running

36:32 Conclusion and Plugs

Summary

The conversation discusses the Houston Half Marathon, including the course, race organization, and post-race experience. It covers topics such as parking and transportation, recommended restaurants, the expo experience, and the swag and official merchandise. The conversation also touches on pre-race logistics, including corral navigation and the porta-potty situation. It highlights the water stops and aid stations along the course, as well as the course markings and split for the half and full marathon. The finish line organization, post-race party, and changing areas are also discussed. The chapter concludes with other highlights of the race experience. In this episode, Andrew and Megana discuss the Houston Marathon and Half Marathon. They talk about the fun and excitement of the race, the flat and fast course, and the experience of running alongside elite athletes. Megana shares her sales pitch for the race, highlighting the beautiful course and the warm Texas welcome. They also discuss the unique Texas-shaped artifacts that participants receive. The episode concludes with a call to support the podcast and a reminder to follow Megana on Instagram.

Takeaways


The Houston Half Marathon offers a fast and flat course, making it ideal for setting personal records.


The race provides a well-organized and enjoyable experience, with frequent water stops and aid stations.


The finish line celebration includes a PR bell, all-you-can-drink Michelob Ultra, and changing areas.


The race offers a variety of swag and official merchandise, including a towel and shirt.


Houston is a great race destination, with diverse neighborhoods and a vibrant food scene. The Houston Marathon and Half Marathon offer a fun and exciting race experience.


The course is flat and fast, making it ideal for achieving personal records.


Running the Houston Marathon allows you to be part of the same course as elite athletes and witness record-breaking performances.


The race provides a great opportunity to explore Houston and enjoy the Texas hospitality.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Support

05:30 Discussion of Houston Half Marathon

08:03 Course Description and Experience

11:15 Houston as a Race Destination

14:46 Parking and Transportation

16:53 Recommended Restaurants

19:46 Expo Experience

21:12 Swag and Official Merchandise

25:11 Pre-Race Transportation and Timing

27:05 Corral Navigation

28:53 Porta-Potty Situation

29:20 Gear Check

30:15 Congestion at the Start

31:24 Water Stops and Aid Stations

32:57 Course Markings and Split

37:42 Finish Line Organization

39:31 Post-Race Party and Changing Areas

42:04 Medal Design

43:35 Finish Line Celebration

46:25 Other Highlights

46:51 The Fun and Excitement of the Houston Marathon

48:10 Why You Should Run the Chevron Houston Marathon

49:12 The Texas Experience

50:18 Closing Remarks and Call to Action