I Don't Know Running

Lewis Hayden and Mitch Brouwer
  • 4.7 (15)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The I Don't Know Running podcast is about how we're all learning to run in some way or another. Whether you're just starting to run a mile or you've ran 100's of marathons and are now in the ultra world, this is for you. We all continue to learn and have something to share. So join us in the discussion and help us make everyone's running experience better. We will talk about our experiences, your experiences, gear, races, and much more.

  1. 4D AGO

    How Rare Is a 100-Mile Finish? (The Endurance Curve Explained) | IDKR Episode 195

    Send us a text Endurance isn’t a straight line — it’s a steep curve. In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch break down the “endurance curve”: how each distance milestone (5K → marathon → 50K → 50 miles → 100 miles → 200+) filters runners out for totally different reasons. Past a certain point, it stops being “fitness” and becomes life management — nutrition, decision-making, heat, sleep deprivation, and emotional regulation. We talk about: Why the marathon is already rare (and what “rare” actually means) Why 50K is the most “accessible” ultra Why 50 miles is where the sport shifts into management mode Why the 100-mile distance is a psychological breaking point (and the DNF reality) The wild world of 200-mile events: dirt naps, hiking, and multi-day survival Why the ultra community feels different — and why that matters ⚠️ Note: We reference several stats and percentages that are best understood as directionally accurate (databases vary and participation tracking isn’t perfect). The goal is the big idea: how quickly the field narrows as distance increases. If you’ve ever wondered “Am I really an ultrarunner?” or felt the pressure of “the next thing”… this one’s for you. Question for you: What distance felt like the biggest shift for you — marathon, 50K, 50 miles, or 100? 📌 Subscribe for weekly episodes: running conversations that are fun… and sometimes not so fun. 👍 If you enjoyed this, like the video — it helps YouTube show it to more runners. #runningpodcast #ultrarunning #marathontraining #trailrunning Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    33 min

  2. FEB 1

    The Illusion of Precision: Why Your Running Watch Might Be Lying to You | IDKR Episode 193

    Send us a text Are your running watch numbers telling you the truth — or just a convincing story? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we dig into what your watch can tell you… and where it quietly gets things wrong. From heart rate and VO₂ max to calorie burn, recovery time, and HRV, we talk about why wearable data often feels precise — but isn’t always accurate. We cover: Why wrist-based heart rate can spike or “cadence lock” VO₂ max: badge of honor or educated guess? How cold, snow, age, stress, and life circumstances skew your data Why calorie burn numbers are often wildly off Recovery scores, HRV, and when it’s okay to ignore your watch Using trends instead of single data points Learning to trust effort, feel, and experience again This episode is for runners who love data — but don’t want to be ruled by it. As we age, train through real life, and run in imperfect conditions, expectations need to reset. Your watch is a tool… not the truth. Listen, question the numbers, and reclaim your training. 🎙️ New episodes available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. 📱 Follow us for more conversations about running — and the things we’re still figuring out. Until then, happy running. 🏃‍♂️ Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    39 min

  3. JAN 25

    If You Had $1,000–$6,000 to Run Anywhere… Where Would You Go? | IDKR Episode 193

    Send us a text What if your next running goal wasn’t about a PR… but about the experience? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch talk through non-traditional running events that are less about racing the clock and more about racing the landscape, navigating terrain, and building unforgettable memories. We dive into: 🧭 Adventure Racing — team-based navigation, trekking, biking, paddling, and thinking your way through the course ✈️ Runcations — guided running adventures in incredible places like Japan, the Alps, and beyond 🏕️ Multi-Day Stage Races — where recovery becomes the race 🏃 Running Camps for Adults — skill building, community, and immersive training experiences We also talk training approaches, fueling strategies, costs, logistics, and the kind of runner each format is best suited for. If you’ve ever felt burned out on traditional races—or just curious what else is out there—this episode is for you. 👉 Question for you: If you had a free week and anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000, where would you choose to run in 2026? Drop your answer in the comments 👇 🎙️ The I Don’t Know Running Podcast — honest conversations about running, adventure, and why we keep showing up. Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    33 min

  4. JAN 18

    Is Ultrarunning Healthy Long-Term? What Science Still Can’t Answer | IDKR Episode 192

    Send us a text In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we dig into a question a lot of long-distance runners quietly wonder about: What does ultrarunning actually do to your body over the long term? This isn’t an episode meant to scare anyone away from endurance sports. Instead, we talk honestly about what science does know, what it doesn’t, and how real runners experience these things in real life. We discuss: How long-term endurance training reshapes the heart and cardiovascular systemWhy some adaptations may be neutral, beneficial, or still poorly understoodReal medical findings one of us is currently navigating with doctorsThe difference between healthy adaptation and accumulated stressWhy recovery, fueling, and sleep matter just as much as mileageHow to stay in the sport longer — not just push harderWe’re not doctors. We’re not experts. We’re runners sharing lived experience, research, and honest conversation — because longevity in ultrarunning isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing it wisely. If you run ultras, marathons, or any long-distance endurance events — or you’re thinking about it — this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen, share it with a running friend, and let us know your experience. Happy running. Support the show

    29 min

  5. JAN 11

    Treadmills: Why They Become $2,000 Clothes Hangers (And What To Buy Instead) | IDKR Episode 191

    Send us a text Winter running hits different in Michigan—one day you’re “getting it done,” the next you’re sliding around wondering why you even left the house. 😅 In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch get into a super practical (and slightly ranty) conversation about treadmills: Why so many treadmills turn into $2,000 clothes hangers The real reason specs matter: body weight, impact, and durability What “CHP” (continuous horsepower) actually means for runners Used vs. new: when Marketplace is a steal… and when it’s a headache Thoughts on popular picks like the Sole F80, NordicTrack 1750/2450, 3G Cardio, Landice, and why Life Fitness keeps showing up in gyms Why subscriptions and fancy screens can turn your treadmill into an “expensive brick” And a quick detour into curved/manual treadmills (Woodway style)—cool, brutal, and not cheap If you’re trying to stay healthy, avoid winter wipeouts, and actually build fitness without beating yourself up on bad footing, this one’s for you. Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts / wherever you get podcasts And find us on Facebook + YouTube for more episodes. #RunningPodcast #Treadmill #WinterRunning #Ultrarunning #TrailRunning #MarathonTraining #RunMichigan #RunningGear Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    51 min

  6. JAN 4

    Decoding Runner’s Dreams: What Your Sleep Reveals About Performance | IDKR Episode 190

    Send us a text What do your running dreams actually mean? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the strange, vivid, and sometimes stressful dreams runners experience — from being late to the starting line, to legs that won’t move, to those magical dreams where you’re flying effortlessly down the trail. We explore how sleep, training load, stress, and recovery all influence dream content, and what those dreams might be telling you about your performance, fatigue, and overall health. Is it anxiety? Adaptation? Overtraining? Or just your brain doing its thing? We also talk about: Common runner dreams (heavy legs, missed starts, endless climbs) What science says about sleep, REM cycles, and motor learning How bad sleep often shows up before bad performance When dreams can be a warning sign vs. a positive signal Ultra-running, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and trail weirdness Practical ways runners can use sleep as a training metric We’re not dream experts — just runners sharing interesting research, personal experiences, and a few laughs along the way. 👉 Drop a comment: What’s the weirdest running dream you’ve ever had? 👉 Subscribe for more honest, relatable conversations about running — fun, frustrating, and everything in between. Happy running. 🏃‍♂️ Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    26 min

  7. 12/28/2025

    The Psychology of Pacing: How Runners Blow It Early (And How to Fix It) | IDKR Episode 189

    Send us a text Pacing isn’t just about splits, GPS watches, or fitness — it’s about decision-making under stress. In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive deep into the psychology of pacing and why so many runners blow up before fatigue ever truly sets in. From race-day adrenaline and comparison traps to fear-based pacing and watch obsession, we unpack the mental mistakes that quietly sabotage great races. But this episode goes beyond running. We explore how mindful pacing — patience, restraint, awareness, and emotional control — applies not just to marathons and ultras, but to training, work, relationships, and life itself. If you’ve ever gone out too fast because you felt amazing early… or played it too safe and left time on the table… this one’s for you. In this episode, we cover: Why pacing is mostly a mental skill, not a physical one Common psychological traps that ruin race execution How adrenaline, ego, fear, and comparison derail pacing plans Mindful pacing strategies for race day Training your brain to pace, not just your legs Why “boring” early miles are a sign you’re doing it right How better pacing on race day mirrors better decision-making in life Whether you’re chasing a PR, a BQ, or just trying to run smarter and enjoy the process more, this episode will help you stay controlled when it matters most. 👉 Drop a comment and share your own pacing lessons or race stories — we’d love to hear them. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations about running, mindset, and everything we don’t know. Happy running. Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    43 min

  8. 12/21/2025

    Running in Your 50s: What Changes, What Hurts, and What Still Works | IDKR Episode 188

    Send us a text Running in your 50s is different—and that’s not a bad thing. In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we talk honestly about what changes as runners get older: slower recovery, new aches and pains, declining speed, shifting motivation, and learning to let go of chasing PRs. We also share what still works, what needs to change, and how adjusting expectations can actually make running more enjoyable and sustainable. We cover: - Why speed and VO₂ max decline with age (and why it’s normal) - Recovery, sleep, and why rest matters more than ever - Strength, mobility, and training smarter—not harder - Managing mindset, ego, and expectations as a runner in your 50s - Finding joy in running beyond pace and race times - How to keep running for decades without burning out or breaking down If you’re in your 40s or 50s—or heading there—this episode is about giving yourself grace, adapting your training, and continuing to love running for the long haul. 🎧 Listen, laugh, nod along, and remember: you can’t outrun Father Time—but you can run alongside him. 👉 Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Patreon for more conversations about running, aging, and all the things we still don’t know. 🏃‍♂️ Happy running. Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    37 min
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4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

The I Don't Know Running podcast is about how we're all learning to run in some way or another. Whether you're just starting to run a mile or you've ran 100's of marathons and are now in the ultra world, this is for you. We all continue to learn and have something to share. So join us in the discussion and help us make everyone's running experience better. We will talk about our experiences, your experiences, gear, races, and much more.

Information

  • Creator
    Lewis Hayden and Mitch Brouwer
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    209
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 I Don't Know Running
  • Show Website
    I Don't Know Running

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