Run The Riot Podcast

David TheRiot

Run The Riot Podcast is a podcast dedicated to ultrarunning, ultra runners, trail runners, and endurance athletes, their mindset, methods, and accomplishments. Check out our website at http://www.theriot.run Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtheriotpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runtheriot

  1. APR 28

    MWM Episode 92 - Doing What it Takes

    This week the mileage is going up. More running. More lifting. A midweek double. Early mornings when it would be easier to stay in bed. And if I’m being honest… it’s inconvenient. That’s the part most people don’t talk about. We all like the idea of big goals—running your first ultra, pushing further than you ever have, proving something to yourself. But what those goals actually require? That’s where most people hesitate. In this episode, I break down what it really looks like to train when life is already full—and why waiting for the “right time” is usually what keeps people stuck. If you’ve been thinking about going after something big but aren’t sure how it fits into your life… this one is for you. What You’ll Learn: Why inconvenience—not ability—is what holds most runners back The difference between “fitting training in” vs building life around a goal How to stay consistent when your schedule is already full Why big goals require uncomfortable adjustments A mindset shift that changes how you approach hard days Key Takeaways Big goals demand intentional structure—not leftover time Your life won’t clear space for your training—you have to create it Discipline shows up when it’s inconvenient Growth is built through repeated, consistent effort The work you don’t feel like doing is often the most important Faith Focus: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” — Luke 16:10 Faithfulness in the small, unseen moments builds the foundation for bigger things. Coaching: If you’re ready to: Run your first or furthest ultra Stop guessing and follow a real plan Stay consistent when training gets hard Check out coaching:https://www.theriot.run/coaching-services/ Connect: Website: https://www.theriot.run Share: Know someone waiting for the “right time” to start? Send this to them. Closing Thought: The goal doesn’t adjust to your comfort. You adjust to the goal. Take one more step.

    21 min
  2. APR 22

    MWM Episode 91 - Don't Listen to That Voice

    That voice will show up. “Just give up.” In this episode, David shares a real, honest moment from a sleepless night filled with worry—and the familiar whisper that tries to convince us to quit. Whether it’s in the middle of a long run or a difficult season of life, the battle is often not physical—it’s mental. Drawing on years of ultrarunning experience, this episode breaks down: Why that voice sounds so reasonable How it shows up in both running and life What happens when we start agreeing with it And how to push forward even when you don’t feel strong Anchored by a quote from Babe Ruth: “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” This is a reminder that you don’t have to eliminate the voice—you just have to stop listening to it. Key Takeaways The urge to quit usually starts as a quiet, reasonable thought Mental endurance matters more than physical strength You don’t need motivation to keep going—you need a decision Strength often shows up after you take the next step Refusing to quit builds resilience in running and life Quotes from this Episode “The race is not against the distance. It’s against that voice.” “You don’t win by feeling strong. You win by deciding not to quit.” “Don’t agree with the voice.” “Take one more step.” Resources & Links Website: https://www.theriot.run Coaching: https://www.theriot.run/coaching-services/ If this encouraged you, share it with a friend, training partner, or someone going through a tough season. Final Thought You don’t need to have it all figured out today. Just don’t agree with the voice. Take one more step.

    15 min
  3. FEB 27

    EP 190 - From Back Surgery to Boston: Ryane Broussard’s 20-Year Goal

    In this episode of Run the Riot, David sits down with Ryane Broussard, a driven runner, mom of four, and woman of faith who chased one goal for nearly two decades: qualifying for the Boston Marathon. But Ryane’s path wasn’t a straight line. After a sudden back injury left her unable to feel or control her left leg, doctors told her she’d need to find a new hobby and stop running. Ryane refused to accept that as the final word. What followed was years of rehab, identity rebuilding, and learning what perseverance really looks like—until she finally put it all together on race day and earned her Boston qualifier. This conversation is packed with practical lessons for any ultrarunner (or anyone training for marathons, ultrarunning, or ultra racing) who’s faced setbacks, self-doubt, or the weight of a long-term goal. What You'll Hear in This Episode: Ryane’s start in sports (including lacrosse) and how competition shaped her mindset Moving from Texas to South Louisiana and finding a running community The back injury that changed everything (and the hard season that followed) Doctors said “no more running”—how Ryane approached recovery anyway Identity shifts: when running becomes who you are (and how to reset it) The Boston qualifier chase: flu, self-sabotage, vomiting at mile 19, and trying again The power of words, self-talk, and what you “partner with” mentally Why community matters: pacers, training partners, and people who believe with you How she fits training into real life: faith, marriage, kids, work, then running Key Moments Starting point: sports background + love of achievement Back injury + surgery: the moment everything changed Rehab reality: relearning basic movement and rebuilding confidence The Boston goal: 30 marathons, setbacks, and alignment on race day The win: qualifying—and keeping it in the right place Practical Takeaways for Runners Race-day alignment matters: sleep, health, weather, and fueling can make or break the day Mindset is trainable: negative self-talk can sabotage fitness you’ve already earned Fueling is personal: don’t introduce “new” habits (like NSAIDs) without understanding the cost Build a support system: a coach, a pacer, and training partners can carry you when your brain gets loud Keep running in its place: what you do isn’t who you are—especially when setbacks hit Races Mentioned in the Episode Louisiana Summer Nights 50K/ultra effort Zydeco Marathon Stennis Marathon Boston Marathon qualifying standards shift

    1h 4m
  4. FEB 7

    EP189 - The Long Game: Injury, Identity, and the Ultrarunner’s Comeback - Melanie Mathews

    In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, David sits down with ultrarunner Melanie Mathews for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about grit, setbacks, and what it really takes to stay in the game of ultrarunning. Melanie’s running story starts long before ultra racing. Growing up on a Nebraska farm, she learned hard work, discipline, and toughness early—qualities that later carried her from road races to trail running and into ultra racing. She shares how she transitioned from marathons like the Little Rock Marathon to rugged mountain events, her early mistakes in trail racing, and why the ultrarunning community hooked her for good. The conversation goes deeper as Melanie opens up about DNFs, injury, grief, and seasons when running was taken away entirely. From her first 100-mile attempts to finishing the Love It 100, Melanie reflects on mental toughness, stubborn determination, and the lessons that only ultra racing can teach. She also talks about hormone health, depression, and the identity struggle many ultrarunners face when they can’t train or race the way they want to. Now heavily involved in volunteering and running aid stations, Melanie shares why giving back to the trail community matters so much—and how being on both sides of the race has shaped her perspective as an ultrarunner. This episode is packed with perspective for anyone chasing big goals in ultrarunning, navigating setbacks, or simply trying to stay grateful for the miles they get to run. More at http://www.theriot.run/melaniem

    1h 20m
4.9
out of 5
104 Ratings

About

Run The Riot Podcast is a podcast dedicated to ultrarunning, ultra runners, trail runners, and endurance athletes, their mindset, methods, and accomplishments. Check out our website at http://www.theriot.run Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtheriotpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runtheriot

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