272 episodes

Every runner has a story, and we share those stories with a few laughs along the way. Running should be fun, and so should running podcasts.

The Adventure Jogger Ryan Ploeckelman

    • Sports
    • 4.8 • 352 Ratings

Every runner has a story, and we share those stories with a few laughs along the way. Running should be fun, and so should running podcasts.

    Liz Canty: Southern Lessons Out West

    Liz Canty: Southern Lessons Out West

    Liz Canty moved from Alabama to Colorado for the love of running and the outdoor lifestyle. She discusses the challenges of adjusting to the altitude and the differences in training and gear between the South and Colorado. Liz also talks about the benefits of humidity training and the active running community in Colorado. She shares her love for the Smoky Mountains and the unique culture and beauty of the South. Finally, she reflects on the changes in ultra running and the increasing presence of college cross-country runners in the sport. In this conversation, Liz Canty discusses the competitive nature of running and the obsession with Strava segments. She shares her experiences with losing segments to younger runners and the frustration that can come with segment hunting. Liz also talks about her work as an aerospace engineer and her love for Top Gun Maverick. She addresses the internet backlash she received for not having proper rain gear at Barkley and discusses her upcoming participation in the MS Run the US relay. The conversation concludes with a discussion about regional delicacies, including moon pies and Hunt Brothers pizza.
    Chapters
    00:00 Reconnecting and Moving to Colorado
    00:40 Liz's Running Success in the East
    04:25 Adjusting to Altitude in Colorado
    05:38 Humidity vs. Altitude Training
    06:14 Differences in Running Gear and Preparation
    08:57 Altitude and Humidity Training
    09:58 Altitude and Humidity Training (Continued)
    11:01 Dressing for Runs in Colorado
    13:19 Adapting to the Climate in Colorado
    15:11 The Benefits of Humidity Training
    19:34 The Active Community in Colorado
    21:04 Strava and Competition in Colorado
    23:11 Finding Other Activities in the Off-Season
    25:23 Missing the South and the Smokies
    28:09 The Magic of the Smokies
    29:49 Things Missed About the South
    33:02 The Beauty of the Smokies
    34:26 Changes in Ultra Running
    35:12 The Competitive Nature of Running
    36:02 Strava and Segment Hunting
    37:24 Strava's Leaderboard and College Cross-Country Runners
    38:03 The Significance of Strava Segments
    38:47 The Obsession with Strava Segments
    39:29 Losing Strava Segments to Younger Runners
    40:11 The Frustration of Segment Hunting
    41:19 The Importance of Strava Segments to Some Runners
    42:30 The Future of Running and the Rise of Female Runners
    43:02 The Challenges of Running as an Adult
    44:05 Liz's Work as an Aerospace Engineer
    45:50 Liz's Love for Top Gun Maverick
    47:15 The Origins of the Phrase 'Balls to the Wall'
    48:28 Liz's Experience at Barkley and the Internet Backlash
    53:17 Liz's Participation in the MS Run the US Relay
    55:56 Regional Delicacies: Moon Pies and Hunt Brothers Pizza
    59:41 The Regional Delicacy of Colorado
    01:00:46 The Combination of Green Chili and Edibles in Colorado
    Support Liz's Run for MS https://msruntheus.salsalabs.org/2024relayteam/p/lizcanty/index.html?fbclid=IwAR07rL8LMYKoZtoBXXpDWMZU_qqm-95JYHCrwwUje5hvbqdN0MuBYU8kWUA
    Support the Podcast https://www.patreon.com/theadventurejogger
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 8 min
    Rusty Smith: Miles for Max

    Rusty Smith: Miles for Max

    In this conversation, Rusty Smith shares his journey from being a college runner to becoming an ultra runner. He discusses the role running played in his life and how it helped him maintain a healthy weight and relieve stress. Rusty also talks about his experience as a father and the special bond he shares with his children. He then shares the joy of becoming a grandfather and the overwhelming emotions that came with it. The conversation highlights the importance of family and the transformative power of parenthood. This conversation explores the tragic loss of Rusty's grandson, Max, and how running helped him and his family navigate the grieving process. Rusty shares the heartbreaking moment when Max passed away during delivery and the devastating blow it was for everyone involved. He discusses the difficulty of processing the loss and the decision to run a 100-mile race in Max's honor. Running became a way for Rusty to find solace and process his grief, and he shares how the race allowed him to go to places he couldn't have reached otherwise. Rusty also discusses the power of gratitude and how Max's legacy continues to impact others.

    Takeaways

    Running can be a lifelong sport that provides physical and mental benefits.
    The ultra running community is known for its camaraderie and support.
    The father-daughter relationship is unique and special.
    Becoming a grandparent is a transformative experience that deepens the understanding of family bonds. The loss of a child is a devastating blow that can shatter expectations and change the course of a family's life.
    Running can provide solace and healing in the midst of grief, allowing individuals to process their emotions and find strength.
    Expressing gratitude, even in the face of pain and loss, can bring comfort and help shift perspective.
    The impact of a short life can be profound, touching the lives of many and leaving a lasting legacy.
    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background
    03:10 From College to Ultra Running
    09:25 The Challenges and Joys of Fatherhood
    15:19 Discovering Ultra Marathons
    28:56 The Unique Bond of Father-Daughter Relationships
    31:16 Understanding the Mother-Child Bond
    32:22 The Journey of Grandson Max
    33:19 The Unexpected Tragedy
    34:47 The Crushing Blow
    36:27 The Reality Sets In
    37:05 The Moment of Devastation
    38:04 Processing the Loss
    42:22 Finding Solace in Running
    44:13 The Decision to Run the Race
    48:49 The Moment of Clarity
    51:26 Running Through Grief
    52:46 The Healing Power of the Trail
    56:06 The Finish Line and New Beginnings
    01:01:21 Max's Five: Gratitude in the Midst of Pain
    01:06:13 The Impact of a Short Life
    Support the Podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/theadventurejogger
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 19 min
    Becca Windell: Big Dreams and Golden Tickets

    Becca Windell: Big Dreams and Golden Tickets

    In this episode, Ryan interviews Becca Windell about her recent achievement of getting a golden ticket at the Black Canyon race and her upcoming participation in the Western States race. They discuss the last mile of the Black Canyon race, the excitement of getting the golden ticket, and the cost of participating in Western States. Becca also shares her early running experiences with her grandpa and how she got into cycling before transitioning back to running. They also touch on the differences between the running and cycling communities. Becca shares her journey of getting back into bike racing, transitioning to trail running, and discovering ultra running. She discusses the importance of belief and confidence in running, as well as the lessons she has learned from her coach, David Roche. Becca also reflects on the influence of her grandfather and the gift of having a great grandparent. She talks about dealing with a significant injury and her dream of running Western States. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about Chicago food preferences and fandom.
    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
    00:30 Unconventional Interview Style
    00:54 Congratulations on Getting the Golden Ticket
    02:31 Thoughts During the Last Mile
    03:14 Planning for Western States
    04:05 The Golden Ticket Experience
    04:52 The Cost of Western States
    05:27 The Evolution of Western States Entry
    06:15 The Privilege of Running Western States
    06:44 The Competitive Nature of Black Canyon
    07:45 The Experience of Black Canyon
    08:23 The Golden Ticket Prize
    09:00 The Support of Aerovipa
    09:58 The Cost of Western States Entry
    10:09 The Golden Ticket Experience
    11:22 Introduction to Running
    12:08 Early Running Experiences with Grandpa
    13:11 Rediscovering Running with Josie
    20:11 Transition from Cycling to Running
    21:12 Finding Joy in Running
    22:39 Comparison of Running and Cycling Communities
    25:11 Introduction to Cycling
    26:26 Involvement in Underground Alley Cat Bike Racing
    28:39 Reactions to Becca's Bicycle Gang
    30:28 Getting Back into Bike Racing
    31:08 Lessons from Underground Bicycle Gang
    33:08 Transition to Trail Running
    34:37 First Ultra Races
    35:50 Approach to First 50K
    36:28 Break from Racing and Wildlife Research
    37:28 Returning to Running and Discovering Ultra Running
    38:19 Building Confidence and Belief in Running
    40:28 Lessons from Coach David Roche
    41:20 Importance of Using the Brain in Athletics
    43:35 Grandfather's Influence and Wisdom
    45:05 The Gift of Having a Great Grandfather
    46:15 Dealing with a Significant Injury
    51:07 Dreaming of Western States
    56:49 Goals for Western States
    59:00 Chicago Food Preferences
    01:00:11 Chicago Bears Fandom
    01:00:29 Existential Dread and Credits
    Support the Podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/theadventurejogger
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 7 min
    Chad Sullivan: Hard Prairie

    Chad Sullivan: Hard Prairie

    Chad Sullivan discusses the creation of Hard Prairie magazine, a photo-first publication that aims to capture the beauty and grit of trail and ultra running. He shares his journey into the magazine business and the inspiration behind the magazine's unique approach. Chad emphasizes the importance of tangible media in a digital age and the power of authentic and uncomfortable art. He also discusses the decision to not include ads in the magazine and the challenges of being listener-supported. Overall, Hard Prairie aims to facilitate dialogue and tell real stories that resonate with the trail running community. Hard Prairie Magazine is a labor of love that was created for the creators themselves, rather than trying to please others. The magazine features stunning photography and compelling stories that capture the essence of trail running. While initially focused on Illinois and the Midwest, the magazine expanded its scope based on the stories and interest it received. The process of publishing the magazine involved finding the right paper and learning how to put it together. The magazine aims to be a platform for storytelling and does not claim to be an authority in the sport. The positive response from readers has affirmed the creators' vision and passion for the project.
    Takeaways

    Hard Prairie magazine is a photo-first publication that captures the beauty and grit of trail and ultra running.
    The magazine aims to create a tangible and authentic experience in a digital age.
    Chad emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the power of uncomfortable art.
    Hard Prairie is listener-supported and does not include ads, allowing for creative freedom and authenticity.
    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Appreciation for Hard Prairie Magazine
    02:45 Chad's Journey into the Magazine Business
    06:26 Creating a Photo-First Magazine
    08:49 The Importance of Tangible Media
    15:34 The Decision to Not Include Ads
    21:06 The Power of Authentic and Uncomfortable Art
    26:53 Facilitating Dialogue and Telling Real Stories
    31:53 Differentiating from Polished Road Running Media
    33:11 Creating a Tangible Magazine for Conversation and Legacy
    34:38 Creating Art for Yourself
    36:05 Making the Magazine They Wanted to See
    39:00 Subscription Plans
    40:20 The Origin of the Name
    41:13 The Story of 'This Is My Why'
    42:45 The Process of Publishing the Magazine
    46:19 The Comparison to Punk Rock
    48:50 The Learning Curve of Magazine Publishing
    54:04 The Evolution of the Magazine
    57:25 Overcoming Doubts and Receiving Positive Feedback
    01:03:10 The Purpose of Hard Prairie Magazine
    Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theadventurejogger
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 11 min
    Mindy Smith: Where Did All My Running Friends Go?

    Mindy Smith: Where Did All My Running Friends Go?

    In this episode, Mindy Smith shares her running journey and the challenges she faced along the way. She talks about her transition from being an ultrarunner to dealing with personal struggles and health issues. Mindy discusses the impact of addiction in her family and how it affected her own life. She also explores the feelings of becoming obsolete in the running community and finding new passions and relationships outside of running. Mindy reflects on her experience volunteering at races and the realities of being a part of the running world. In this conversation, Mindy Smith discusses her journey of rediscovering her love for running and embracing change in her life. She reflects on the fluidity of identity and the importance of accepting evolving identities. Mindy also shares the significance of taking breaks from running and finding other hobbies. She emphasizes the need to champion what you love and not be confined by societal expectations. The conversation also touches on the challenges of parenting and the lessons learned from ultra running. Mindy concludes by highlighting the importance of feeling and processing emotions.
    Takeaways
    Running journeys can be filled with personal challenges and transitions.
    Dealing with personal struggles and health issues can impact one's identity as a runner.
    Supporting loved ones with addiction can be overwhelming and require personal sacrifices.
    Feeling obsolete in the running community can lead to exploring new passions and relationships.
    Volunteering at races can provide a different perspective on the running world. Embrace change and accept the evolving nature of your identity.
    Take breaks from running and explore other hobbies to maintain a healthy relationship with the sport.
    Champion what you love and don't feel pressured to conform to societal expectations.
    Consistency and security are key in both running and parenting.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Importance of Mindy's Story
    01:06 Mindy's Running Journey and Introduction to Ultra Running
    07:12 Challenges and Changes in Mindy's Life
    15:04 Health Issues and Diagnosis
    23:38 Exploring New Hobbies and Relationships
    25:42 Volunteering at Races and Feeling Like an Imposter
    27:08 The Realities of Volunteering at Races
    28:01 The Fluidity of Identity
    29:14 Embracing Change
    30:46 Prioritizing Personal Life
    31:43 Taking Breaks from Running
    32:44 Finding Other Hobbies
    33:03 Championing What You Love
    34:18 Accepting Evolving Identities
    36:06 The Importance of Consistency
    37:07 Parenting and Running
    38:38 The All or Nothing Approach
    39:38 The Best Version of Me
    40:06 Adopting a Child
    41:05 Lessons from Ultra Running
    43:09 Running as a Safe Space
    44:32 Consistency and Security in Parenting
    46:27 Rediscovering the Love of Running
    48:36 Feeling and Processing Emotions
    Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/theadventurejogger
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 1 min
    Jonas Deichmann: Across America......Twice

    Jonas Deichmann: Across America......Twice

    In this episode, Ryan interviews Jonas Deichmann, a professional adventurer known for his extreme endurance challenges. Jonas shares his experience of biking across the United States and running back, as well as his previous adventures around the world. They discuss the relationship between running and cycling, the benefits of cross-training, and the challenges of finding nutritious food in small towns. Jonas also shares his favorite moments from his journey and the misconceptions he had about the United States. Finally, he reveals his next challenge: completing 120 Ironman distances in 120 days. In this conversation, Jonas discusses his new challenge of swimming across the Atlantic Ocean. He explains how his previous experience of running across the US prepared him for this new endeavor. Jonas also shares his recovery process and time management strategies. The availability of his book and film is discussed, with the film being available in English on his YouTube channel. Lastly, the possibility of an English version of the book is explored.

    Takeaways

    Cross-training in running and cycling can have mutual benefits and improve overall endurance.
    Cycling can help injury-proof the body and strengthen endurance for running.
    Small adventures can provide valuable experiences and serve as a starting point for bigger challenges.
    The United States offers diverse landscapes and cultures, and it's important to avoid generalizations.
    Starting now is crucial to pursuing dreams and overcoming challenges. Jonas's previous experience of running across the US prepared him for his new challenge of swimming across the Atlantic Ocean.
    Jonas aims to spend around 12 hours each day on his swimming challenge, allowing for a comfortable speed.
    Jonas's book is currently only available in German and Spanish, but the film is available in English on his YouTube channel.
    The decision to release an English version of the book is up to the publisher, as the English book market can be complicated.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Jonas' Epic Adventure
    03:13 Jonas' Journey into Extreme Endurance Challenges
    05:14 The Relationship Between Running and Cycling
    09:24 The Benefits of Cross-Training
    12:14 Cycling vs. Running: Jonas' Preference
    13:06 The Strangest Clothes in Cycling
    14:36 Numb Nuts and Cycling Comfort
    15:59 American Contributions to the World
    18:38 German Contributions to the World
    21:26 The Challenges of Finding Nutritious Food in Small Town America
    25:10 Planning and Logistics for the Journey
    27:38 Favorite Moments and Scenic Highlights
    31:46 Lessons Learned and Misconceptions About the United States
    40:35 The Value of Small Adventures and Starting Now
    47:28 Jonas' Next Challenge: 120 Ironman Distances in 120 Days
    49:00 Preparation and Training
    49:26 Recovery and Time Management
    50:18 Availability of Book and Film
    50:34 English Version of the Book
    Support the Podcast on Patreon theadventurejogger
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 56 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
352 Ratings

352 Ratings

MLC1983 ,

My favorite podcast

My favorite running podcast. Certainly not a tertiary podcast. A great balance of fun with great stories. Very refreshing to have such a variety of guests

islaofhope ,

Always entertaining and informative

Ryan interviews runners who have been on plenty of other podcasts and asks questions that give me new information about the runners and events in which they participate.

The recent interview with Andrew Drummond might be my favorite. It was so interesting to hear about his many activities and how they relate to ultra running!

Sephorafan ,

Andrew Glaze⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great interview with Andrea Glaze after his CocoCanyons races!!! Amazing & fun to listen to. Crushing the run streak with 100 mile weeks! Over 3 years!!! Wow🎉

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