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

    Ironman Will DQ You for This in 2026 | Episode 198

    Send a text If you pull out your phone during an Ironman race in 2026… you could be disqualified. No selfies. No GoPros. No smart glasses recording. Starting March 2, 2026, Ironman has officially banned athletes from recording photos or video while racing. Violation? Immediate DQ. You can carry your phone. You can use it for GPS. You can call for help. But you cannot actively record your race experience. Ironman says this is about: • Athlete safety • Competitive fairness • Reducing distractions Critics say it’s about: • Brand control • Broadcast rights • Protecting official photo revenue So what is it really? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we break down: Does a selfie actually create a competitive advantage? Are age-group athletes being treated like competitors… or customers? Is this a safety move — or a control move? Will this hurt Ironman’s brand long-term? Would YOU risk a DQ for a finish line memory? At $800+ per race, do you own your experience? Let us know what you think in the comments. #Ironman #Triathlon #RunningPodcast #EnduranceSports #RaceDay Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    27 min

  2. FEB 22

    Fastest Half Marathon Ever — But It Doesn’t Count

    Send a text He ran 56:42. He shattered the half marathon world record by 48 seconds. And it doesn’t count. World Athletics declined to ratify Jacob Kiplimo’s performance at the Barcelona Half Marathon — not for doping, not for traditional cheating — but because of alleged pacing assistance from the lead vehicle and possible in-race coaching. So… where’s the line? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we talk about: • Whether drafting behind a lead car should invalidate a record • Who’s responsible — the athlete or the race organizers • The gray area in World Athletics Technical Rule 6.3.1 • Why this feels different from (but similar to) Kipchoge’s sub-2 marathon • Super shoes, pacing lights, and how much “assistance” is too much He still won the race. He still ran 56:42. But he’s not the world record holder. Does that feel right? We’re curious what you think. Do you believe World Athletics got this one correct? Or did they punish the wrong person? Drop your thoughts below. 🎙 I Don’t Know Running Podcast Where we share our experiences that make running fun… and sometimes not so fun. If you enjoy honest running conversations without hype or gatekeeping, consider subscribing and joining the conversation. Until next time — happy running. Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    23 min

  3. FEB 15

    Running Etiquette 101: What Every Runner Needs to Remember | Episode 196

    Send a text Trail runners talk about Leave No Trace. But what about road runners? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we dive into the unwritten rules of road running — the small behaviors that shape how the public sees runners. Because running isn’t a solo sport. Drivers see you. Walkers see you. Homeowners see you. Cyclists see you. And whether we realize it or not, every runner represents all runners. We talk about: Running group etiquette (two-abreast awareness) Shared-use paths and bike path behavior Corral honesty on race day Aid station flow Gel wrappers and micro-trash Bathroom planning (yes… that conversation) Traffic laws runners ignore The “public tolerance budget” for runners The reality? Every time a runner blows a red light, startles a walker, tosses trash, or blocks a sidewalk… it affects how the next runner is treated. So how do we protect the sport we love? Let’s talk about it. 👇 What’s the biggest etiquette mistake runners make? Or what’s something you’ve learned over time? Drop it in the comments. Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    22 min

  4. FEB 8

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

    Send 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

  5. FEB 1

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

    Send 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

  6. JAN 25

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

    Send 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

  7. JAN 18

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

    Send 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

  8. JAN 11

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

    Send 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
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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
    212
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 I Don't Know Running
  • Show Website
    I Don't Know Running

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