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. 3D AGO

    He Was About to Win… Then an Official Sent Him the Wrong Way

    Send us Fan Mail Sometimes the hardest part of a marathon… isn’t the running. It’s everything that happens around it. After hearing about a bizarre finish at a marathon earlier this year—where the race leader was literally sent the wrong way just meters before the finish—we started digging into how often things like this actually happen. And it turns out… it’s not rare. In this episode, we talk through some of the strangest and most unexpected moments in marathon history—from officials interfering at the worst possible time, to historic controversies, to moments where the line between competition and compassion gets blurred. Some of these are frustrating. Some are unbelievable. And some are just… weird. But they all raise the same question: 👉 How much of a race is actually in your control? — 🎙️ Topics we cover: The 2026 marathon finish controversy Katherine Switzer and the 1967 Boston Marathon The 1908 Olympic marathon chaos When helping a runner becomes disqualification Marathon cheating and bizarre race behavior The strange role of spectators, officials, and outside interference — If you’ve ever run a race—or even just watched one—this episode might change how you see the finish line. — 👇 We’d love to hear from you: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen during a race? — 🎧 Thanks for listening to the I Don’t Know Running Podcast We’ll see you next time. Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    19 min

  2. APR 5

    Why Do Normal Runners Cheat? (It’s Not What You Think) | Episode 203

    Send us Fan Mail Why would an everyday runner cheat in a race? Not elites. Not professionals. Just… normal people. In this episode, we take a look at the strange and surprisingly relatable psychology behind cheating in running—from cutting courses and bib swapping to chasing Strava validation and Boston qualifiers. This isn’t just about the stories. It’s about the why. Because at some level, most runners have faced the same question: What matters more… finishing fast, or finishing honestly? — We also talk through: • The infamous Rosie Ruiz Boston Marathon scandal • The “porta potty time machine” ultra cheat • Why social media may be fueling bad decisions • How runners actually get caught today • And what cheating really takes away from others — At the end of the day, the real finish line might not be the tape… It might be who you choose to be when no one’s watching. — 💬 Let us know: Have you ever been tempted to cut a corner? — 🎙️ The I Don’t Know Running Podcast Real conversations about running—what works, what doesn’t, and everything in between. — #RunningPodcast #Marathon #RunningCommunity #Strava #BostonMarathon #RunningMotivation Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR Support the show

    30 min

  3. MAR 29

    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

  4. 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

  5. MAR 15

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  6. MAR 8

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  7. MAR 1

    Ironman Will DQ You for This in 2026 | Episode 198

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  8. FEB 22

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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
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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
    218
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 I Don't Know Running
  • Show Website
    I Don't Know Running

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