The Rambling Runner Podcast

Matt Chittim

A podcast about dedicated and motivated amateur runners who are working hard to get better and achieving inspirational results.

  1. 3d ago

    #741 - Hildee Weiss - Embracing My Inner Athlete: A Mom's Journey from Couch Potato to Runner at 46

    Discover Hildee Weiss's inspiring story of late-life fitness, self-belief, and overcoming self-doubt to become an active runner and author. In this episode, Hildee shares her candid journey from a sedentary lifestyle to embracing health, all while balancing a large family and personal challenges. Main Topics Covered: Hildee Weiss's motivation to write her memoir about her fitness transformation How self-belief and confidence evolve through the physical activity journey The challenges of starting fitness in midlife, especially after pregnancy and raising five kids Overcoming setbacks, including surgery and re-engaging with running and cross-training The importance of mindset shifts: from "I have to" to "I get to" in fitness routines Strategies for cultivating self-confidence and resilience as a parent and individual The role of community, coaching, and persistence in achieving fitness goals Future plans for trail running, races, and personal redemption Embracing My Inner Athlete - Hildee Weiss’s memoir, out June 9th Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min
  2. 5d ago

    #740 - Kelsey Boyer: Competitive Snowboarder to Endurance - Overcoming Serious Brain Injury and Running a Marathon

    In this episode, Kelsey Boyer shares her inspiring journey from competitive snowboarding and traumatic brain injury to embracing marathon running and advocacy. Her story highlights resilience, self-advocacy, and the power of neuro-recovery. Key Topics Kelsey's background as a competitive snowboarder and early involvement in the sport The severity and impact of her brain injury, including the emergency surgery The challenges of navigating medical diagnoses and the importance of self-advocacy Recovery journey from initial hospital release to intensive brain rehab The emotional and physical toll of sustaining a brain injury at age 23 Debunking misconceptions around traumatic brain injuries and "mild" concussions The significance of education, prevention, and safety gear in brain health Transitioning back to snowboarding and coaching after recovery Setting the goal to run her first marathon, driven by a desire for challenge and community impact The process of training with a brain injury and managing stress and nutrition Developing a new relationship with endurance sports and embracing the beginner mindset The importance of vulnerability, community support, and redefining athletic identity Advocacy work through the nonprofit Save a Brain and the Running for Brains campaign The role of neuroplasticity and dedicated rehab in her journey to regain athletic ability Links: Save a Brain Website — Learn more about brain injury advocacy and helmets Save a Brain Instagram — Follow updates and campaigns Cognitive FX Brain Rehabilitation — Innovative neurotherapeutic facility Podcast: The Save a Brain Headquarters — Neuroscience insights and recovery stories Running for Brains Campaign — Donate and support helmet safety for children Kelsey's Instagram Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min
  3. May 26

    #739 - Amy Crain: 3rd Overall and Top American in the 45-49 Age Group at the Boston Marathon

    In this episode, Amy Crain shares her inspiring journey as a master marathon runner, highlighting how mental shifts, smart training, and a love for the sport propel her to consistent high-level performances well into her 40s. Last month Amy finished third in the 45-49 age group, and first American, at the Boston Marathon! Whether you're an aspiring master runner or simply love running, Amy’s insights reveal how to enjoy the process while competing fiercely. Main topics: Amy’s memorable Boston Marathon and the mindset shift that unlocked her potential Balancing competitiveness with fun and mental preparedness in training and racing How aging has influenced her approach to running and training strategies The role of external environment awareness and community support during races Transitioning from college to lifelong running, with stories from cross-country in Scotland and Ireland Practical tips on training, nutrition, sleep, and race-day tactics for master runners The importance of curiosity, consistency, and joy in sustaining marathon performance over decades Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min
  4. May 2

    #738 - Laura Pifer: 3rd Masters Woman at the Boston Marathon Behind Sara Hall and Des Linden

    In this episode, Laura Pifer shares her remarkable journey from her early days of national record performances in high school to running her first marathon at age 40, culminating in a third-place finish at the Masters Division at the Boston Marathon. We delve into her life balancing family, her creative endeavors with sewing and upcycling, and her fresh approach to running in her 40s. Also, Laura shares the remarkable story of her husband offering up his gps watch to Sharon Lokedi on the bus to the Boston starting line! Key Topics: Laura Pifer’s high school running success, including a national 5K record Transition from collegiate athletics at Colorado to family life and less structured running Her late start in marathon training, debuting at age 40 with a 2:45 finish Recovery from illness during taper week leading to her Boston race Boston marathon race strategy: conservative start, feeling great in the second half, negative splits The mental and emotional boost from passing runners late in the race Unique story of her husband's watch being borrowed by Sharon Lokedi on race day Perspectives on aging in running and the importance of health, nutrition, and consistency Laura's entrepreneurial journey: founding and growing Trash to Couture, her upcycling fashion blog Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min
  5. Apr 28

    #737 - Esteban Trujillo: From Oregon Walk-On, to Quitting Running and Moving to Alaska, to an OTQ and Second Masters Runner at Boston

    Join us as Esteban Trujillo shares his inspiring story of returning to marathon running after a seven-year break, fueled by a passion for pushing limits and defying age. From his Oregon cross country days to ultra-competitive Masters racing, Esteban's journey highlights resilience, strategic training, and living the sport authentically. In this episode: Esteban's early days at Oregon with stars like Galen Rupp and Matthew Centrowitz The dramatic story of quitting running at age 27 and living in Alaska How he rediscovered his love for racing and transitioned back into competitive marathon running His approach to training, injury prevention, and mental toughness as a master's athlete Insights on his recent performances, including CIM sub-2:15 and Boston Masters placement The role of coaching with Brad Hudson and the significance of athlete-supported programs like Puma Project 3 Future goals leading to the 2028 Olympic Trials and beyond Unique perspectives on balancing passion, health, and ambition in master’s athletics Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m
  6. Apr 24

    #736 - Damian Hall: The Secrets to Becoming an Ageless Athlete

    Discover how top ultra runner Damian Hall challenges age-related decline in his new book Run Forever: The Secrets to Becoming an Ageless Athlete. Damian's book includes exhaustive research into many topics that can help runners of all abilities and ages. This episode dives into science-backed strategies for runners looking to stay strong and motivated. In this episode: Damian Hall's journey from late start to ultra legend The role of adventure and curiosity in building endurance Critical insights from Damian’s new book, Run Forever The importance of strength training, sleep, and nutrition for longevity Examples of athletes thriving into their 60s and beyond Practical tips for incorporating speed work on safe platforms The mental side of aging and how perception impacts performance Personal stories of late bloomers achieving competitive success Run Forever: The Secrets of Becoming an Ageless Athlete by Damian Hall Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠curranzusa.com⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min
  7. Apr 22

    #735 - Finding Joy and Purpose in Running – Jess Sikorski's Inspirational Journey

    In this episode we learn how to unlock the power of running as a source of joy, community, and meaningful impact. Jess Sikorski shares her personal transformation of using running in a way that negatively affected her health to running with purpose for charity and mental health. Key Topics: Jess's journey from health struggles to joyful running The evolution of her big "why" for running The importance of community, social running, and making fitness accessible Inspiring stories of fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Tips for integrating enjoyment with health and performance goals The role of therapy and self-redefinition in overcoming food and body image issues Collaboration between run clubs and local fitness communities Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min
  8. Apr 14

    #734 - Martin Dugard - The Long Run: Steve Prefontaine, Frank Shorter, Joan Benoit, Grete Waitz, and the Decade That Made the Marathon Cool

    In his newest book, The Long Run: Steve Prefontaine, Frank Shorter, Joan Benoit, Grete Waitz, and the Decade That Made the Marathon Cool, U.S. Track & Field Foundation board member, life-long runner, high school track coach, and bestselling author Martin Dugard takes us through the historical moments that sparked the running boom across America, including Frank Shorter’s Olympic marathon win in 1972, Steve Prefontaine’s career that ended too soon—and not to mention Greta Waitz and Joan Benoit, both with their own historic marathon wins that inspired women all over.  Along the way, Dugard shares the history of the sport—from the myth that originated the modern marathon, to how it became 26.2 miles (and how the British Royal family had a hand in it), how the sport saved NYC from bankruptcy, and more! Martin's perspective and research into the race we love is awe inspiring and worth a read (or listen if you're an Audible fan like me). Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min

Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
496 Ratings

About

A podcast about dedicated and motivated amateur runners who are working hard to get better and achieving inspirational results.

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