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. 11H AGO

    The Different Types of Runners (Which One Are You?) | Episode 202

    Send us Fan Mail What kind of runner are you… really? In this episode, we’re breaking down the different types of running communities—from Marathon Maniacs chasing finish lines to social run crews meeting for coffee, to performance-focused track clubs grinding through workouts. Because depending on who you run with… running can feel like a competition, a community, or something in between. We talk through: Marathon Maniacs and high-volume racing culture Social run crews and the rise of community-driven running Performance clubs and structured training environments Mission-based groups running for a cause The difference between chasing recognition vs building relationships At the end of the day, running isn’t just a sport—it’s a culture. And everyone finds their place in it a little differently. So… which type are you? 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, consider subscribing for more honest discussions about running. 💬 Drop a comment: What kind of runner do you consider yourself? Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    27 min

  2. MAR 22

    “You’re Racing for the Wrong Reason” — Really? | Episode 201

    Send us Fan Mail Sometimes the conversation around running isn’t about pace, training plans, or race results. It’s about something deeper than that. Why are you doing it in the first place? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch revisit the recent debate around race-day phones and cameras — but this time, they focus on what really stood out: The responses. Some runners believe you should “just follow the rules.” Others argue safety is the priority. And some take it even further… saying if you’re stopping for photos, you’re racing for the wrong reasons. But is there really a “right” reason to run? Or are we missing the point entirely? This episode dives into the comments, the arguments, and the bigger question underneath it all — who gets to decide why someone runs? — 🎙️ In this episode: * Reacting to real listener comments * The “just follow the rules” mindset * Safety vs experience during races * Are selfies and photos actually a problem? * The idea of “wrong reasons” for running * Gatekeeping in the running community — Honest conversations about running — the good, the bad, and everything in between. If you’ve ever been told you’re doing it wrong… this one’s for you. — 💬 Let us know in the comments: Why do YOU run? — 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who loves running (or argues about it) — Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    23 min

  3. MAR 15

    They Gave Marathon Medals at Mile 18?! | Episode 200

    Send a text Did runners really get a marathon medal for only 18 miles? At the 2026 LA Marathon, race organizers offered runners an early finish at Mile 18 because of extreme heat conditions. Runners who stopped still received a medal — but no official marathon time. So… does that count as finishing the race? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch break down one of the strangest weekends in distance running. Topics include: • The LA Marathon’s controversial Mile 18 early finish option • Whether giving runners a medal at 18 miles makes any sense • The dramatic elite finish decided by 0.01 seconds • The chaos near the finish when Michael Kamau was briefly disrupted in the final stretch • And the debate over whether race organizers are doing too much to protect runners — or not enough Meanwhile, Jacob Kiplimo answered recent controversy in the best way possible, returning to Lisbon and setting an official 57:20 half marathon world record — without pacemakers. This weekend had everything: world records, race-day controversy, heat safety debates, and one of the wildest marathon finishes you'll ever see. We want to hear from you: 👉 Does stopping at Mile 18 count as finishing the LA Marathon? #runningpodcast #lamarathon #marathon #jacobkiplimo #distancerunning #runningnews #worldrecord #running Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    29 min

  4. MAR 8

    Lead Vehicle Sends Runners the WRONG Way (USATF Championship Chaos) | Episode 199

    Send a text Imagine leading a national championship race with just over a mile to go… and then the lead vehicle sends you the wrong way. That’s exactly what happened during the 2026 USATF Half Marathon Championship in Atlanta. With the race nearly decided, the lead convoy turned off the certified course and the front runners followed—costing them nearly two minutes and ultimately the national title. When the athletes protested, officials admitted the course wasn’t properly marked… but the results still stood. In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we break down: • What actually happened at mile 11 • Why the lead runners followed the convoy • The rule that prevented officials from changing the results • How race organizers responded afterward • The bigger question: Who should be responsible when a race goes wrong? Running is supposed to be simple: start, follow the course, finish. But what happens when the course itself is the problem? Let us know your thoughts in the comments: If race organizers make the mistake, should the results still count? 🎙️ About the Podcast The I Don’t Know Running Podcast is about how we're all learning to run. Whether you're just starting out or you've run hundreds of races, we believe everyone has experiences worth sharing. 🏃 Subscribe for weekly episodes about: • Running culture • Race stories and controversies • Training and community experiences • The fun (and sometimes frustrating) side of running Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    20 min

  5. MAR 1

    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

  6. FEB 22

    Fastest Half Marathon Ever — But It Doesn’t Count | Episode 197

    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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (216)

Trailer

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
    216
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 I Don't Know Running
  • Show Website
    I Don't Know Running

You Might Also Like