Podcasts about runningmotivation

Running is one of the most accessible forms of exercise, offering benefits that extend far beyond cardiovascular fitness. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Morgan Busko, a sports medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia and a competitive triathlete, about the physical and mental rewards of running. Dr. Busko explains why strength training is a critical foundation for runners and discusses how exercises that target the core and gluteal muscles can improve stability and help prevent injuries. She also breaks down the differences between dynamic warmups and static stretching, explaining how proper preparation can support healthier training. The conversation covers practical strategies for runners at every level, from walk-run programs for beginners to training plans for race day. Dr. Busko shares advice on gradually increasing mileage, building endurance safely, and avoiding common training mistakes that can lead to injury. Finally, she discusses the important roles sleep, nutrition, hydration, and recovery play in athletic performance, debunks the myth that running causes arthritis, and offers encouragement for anyone looking to start or return to running. Chapters 00:00 – Why Running Is Good for Body and Mind The physical and mental health benefits of running and why runners keep coming back 03:00 – Getting Started and Building Strength How to return to running after a break, why strength training matters, and exercises that help prevent injuries 06:20 – Training Smarter and Avoiding Injury Dynamic warmups, walk-run programs, race preparation, and common training mistakes 10:00 – Recovery, Fueling, and Running for the Long Term Sleep, nutrition, hydration, injury warning signs, and the myth that running causes arthritis – and tips to enjoy the sport Key Topics Covered Running Running for beginners Sports medicine Running and mental health Cardiovascular health Strength training for runners Injury prevention Core strength Glute strength Dynamic warmups Static stretching Race training Marathon training 5K training Walk-run method Running recovery Sleep and athletic performance Sports nutrition Hydration for runners Energy gels Running motivation Running injuries Arthritis and running Sports performance Healthy exercise habits Key Takeaway Running can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen the body, reduce stress, and support overall well-being, but success starts with a thoughtful approach. Building strength, progressing gradually, prioritizing recovery, and listening to your body can help prevent injuries and make running a sustainable, rewarding part of a healthy lifestyle. Doctor Bio Morgan Busko, MD is a sports medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia specializing in the non-operative treatment of chronic and acute musculoskeletal injuries and conditions in adult and pediatric patients. She has a particular interest in endurance athletes, running and overuse injuries, and injury prevention. After completing a residency in Internal Medicine at New York University, where she also received her Medical Degree, Dr. Busko completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Wake Forest University. She received her B.S. in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy at Duke University, where she competed in Cross-Country and Track & Field. Dr. Busko is an active endurance athlete who has competed in the Hawaii Ironman World Championship five times, finishing amongst the top triathletes in the world. She finds great reward in helping athletes return to sport safely while facilitating an athlete's ability to reach their optimal athletic performance. She hopes that her passion for exercise as medicine will be contagious to her patients and everyone around her.

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Sandeep is a marathoner, a fitness enthusiast and Head of the Reliance Combat K9 Unit (RCCU) at Vantara. His fitness journey began at an early age, shaped by his father's Army background, outdoor sports and NCC. What started as a passion for staying fit eventually evolved into a serious pursuit of marathon running.In 2023, Sandeep began following a more structured approach to running and training. Since then, he has achieved a 3:13 finish at the Tata Mumbai Marathon and taken on the Comrades Marathon, while continuing to manage a demanding professional role and lead a team working with K9s. His journey offers a practical perspective on discipline, consistency and making time for fitness despite a busy schedule.In this episode, we covered:Sandeep's early fitness journey, sports and NCCHis transition from running for fitness to structured marathon trainingBalancing a demanding career with running and fitnessHis 3:13 finish at the Tata Mumbai Marathon and his experience at the Comrades MarathonTraining, mileage, strength work and recoveryThe importance of self-motivation, discipline and consistencySetting priorities and managing distractionsPushing beyond your comfort zone and staying committed to your goalsAbout Vikas Singh:Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:Instagram: @vikas_singhhLinkedIn: Vikas SinghTwitter: @vikashsingh101Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Weekly Nuggets of Knowledge!

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we are celebrating a major milestone: 300 episodes of race reviews, community stories, road trips, charity conversations, bad decisions, emotional moments, and back-of-the-pack chaos. Technically, this is Episode 299, but with Episode 300 dropping Friday, we are taking this Monday episode to pause, look around, and talk about what this podcast has become since it started as a simple “I make the mistakes so you don't have to” running show. We look back at the race reviews that became the bread and butter of the show, the community organizations and race directors who gave us a chance, and the local running family that turned this podcast into something much bigger than one guy talking into an old microphone. From Rexy Run and Fighting Fentanyl to Run Liberty, Garmin Kansas City Marathon, Chasing Rabbits Run Club, Second Wind, and the growing cast of podcast mascots, this episode is a reminder that the stories around the miles often matter just as much as the miles themselves. We also dig into the numbers, including 201 race entries, more than 1,500 race miles, nearly 319 hours on course, 87 5Ks, 38 10Ks, 54 half marathons, 8 full marathons, and one wonderfully ridiculous Death by 5K. Along the way, we talk about the World Marathon Majors completed during the life of the podcast, the repeat races that have become recurring characters, the fastest times on the spreadsheet, the longest gaps between races, and why consistency matters in both podcasting and running. More than anything, this episode is a thank-you to the listeners, Patreon supporters, race directors, guests, volunteers, running friends, run club members, and everyone who has shared, watched, downloaded, commented, or told someone else about the show. Episode 300 is not the finish line, it is an aid station, and after we take inventory, refill the bottle, and eat something questionable, we are getting right back on the road toward Sydney, Rexy Run, race number 400, fall marathon season, and whatever comes next.

With the TCS Sydney Marathon just three weeks away, we are officially entering The Final Stretch and asking one deceptively simple question: what does being “ready” actually mean? Most runners expect readiness to feel like confidence, control, and unstoppable momentum, but marathon preparation usually arrives wearing fatigue, uncertainty, random aches, and a suspiciously bad attitude. In this episode, we look beyond one missed workout, one rough long run, or one ugly summer pace to examine the full body of work behind race-day preparation. We discuss why nervousness is not proof that we are unprepared and why experience often makes us more aware of everything that can go sideways. We also explore the difference between an imperfect training cycle and a truly incomplete one, especially for runners balancing heat, recovery, injuries, responsibilities, and real life. Destination races add another layer, because being ready involves far more than running fitness, from travel logistics and medications to gear, fueling, and conserving energy before race morning. As Sydney approaches, we take an honest look at the evidence, the warning signs, and the adjustments that may need to happen before stepping onto the starting line. Being prepared to finish and being prepared to chase a specific time are not always the same thing, and recognizing that difference may be one of the smartest race decisions we make. We may never feel fearless, but we can still be ready enough to take the next step.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we are catching up on a busy stretch of running, volunteering, night racing, and hot-weather half marathon chaos. We start at the Matt Mason Cowboy Up Triathlon at Smithville Lake, where Kyle traded in his race bib for a volunteer shirt and got a firsthand reminder of just how much work it takes to keep athletes moving safely through swim, bike, and run events. After surviving GPS confusion, a packed race morning, and a blazing-hot aid station shift, the episode shifts to the other side of the table and why every runner should volunteer at least once. Then it is back to Smithville Lake for the Lunartic 5K, a Friday night point-to-point race with school buses, shoe chips, glow-in-the-dark medals, headlamps, lake views, surprise hills, and enough bugs to qualify as on-course protein. From there, we head to Parkville for the Heat Wave Half Marathon at English Landing Park, where the course was familiar, the humidity was rude, and the final miles got spicy once the sun climbed over the trees. Kyle also talks about stopping mid-race to help get assistance for a runner who went down on course, because even when the clock is ticking, runners look out for runners. Despite the heat, the late-race fade, and the extra energy spent sprinting for help, the day still ended with a Heat Wave finish, a spinning medal, and a surprise first-place age group award. We also look ahead to K-State Night at Chasing Rabbits Run Club, the return of Garmin Kansas City Marathon Night on August 20, and the continued march toward Sydney. It is a full catch-up episode packed with race stories, volunteer lessons, glow-in-the-dark weirdness, summer suffering, and the kind of decisions that only make sense when you are already signed up. 

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we wrap up our July Why Are We Like This? series with Volunteering for the Chaos. After spending the month talking about the wonderfully strange things runners and endurance athletes do, we finish by looking at the people who help make race day happen. This episode takes us to the Matt Mason Cowboy Up Triathlon, where volunteering at an aid station turned into a front-row seat to heat, hydration, grit, gratitude, confusion, and full-on endurance chaos. We talk about what it is like to be on the other side of the cup, helping athletes get what they need and watching the race unfold from a completely different angle. Races do not happen by magic, and this episode is a reminder of how much volunteers matter to every start line, finish line, aid station, course turn, and athlete experience. We also dig into how volunteering can make us better runners, better race participants, and better members of the endurance community. There is plenty of triathlon talk, a few wild aid station moments, and a lot of appreciation for the people who show up so others can chase their goals. At the heart of it all is the reminder that every athlete deserves the same support, whether they are first, last, or somewhere beautifully in between. Why are we like this? Because sometimes the best way to love the sport is not crossing the finish line, but helping someone else get there.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we are joined by longtime friends of the show for one of our favorite annual conversations: The 2026 Rexy Run Preview. The Rexy Run 5K & 10K is coming up on August 15, 2026, in Lawrence, Kansas, and this race continues to be one of the most meaningful events on our calendar. Race director Kristina, Erica from Baby Jay's Legacy of Hope, and Colby, the mother of this year's Honorary Rexy, join us to talk about the race, the mission, and the family at the heart of this year's event. Rexy Run benefits Baby Jay's Legacy of Hope, a Lawrence-based 501(c)(3) that helps families with children going through cancer treatment by offering support for real-life needs like gas, groceries, utilities, travel expenses, and more. This year's event brings back the family-friendly race day atmosphere runners have come to love, along with a new 10K course, food trucks, cinnamon rolls, finisher medals, handmade awards, kids activities, and plenty of reasons to make the drive to Broken Arrow Park. But more than anything, this episode is about why this race matters, who it helps, and how showing up for a 5K or 10K can make a real difference for families walking through something no family should have to face alone. Whether you run, walk, volunteer, donate, cheer, or simply help spread the word, Rexy Run is a race worth putting on your calendar. Listen to the episode, hear the story, and then go get yourself registered for Rexy Run.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our July series Why Are We Like This? continues with a topic every runner eventually meets: FOMO, the fear of missing out. Runners and endurance athletes love filling the calendar with races, run clubs, team events, traditions, medals, group photos, and shared suffering, but sooner or later, life gets in the way. Whether it is a scheduling conflict, family responsibility, injury, illness, weather, travel, burnout, or simply needing rest, sometimes we do not make it to the start line. This episode digs into the emotional weirdness of a DNS, or Did Not Start, and why missing a race can feel like everyone else went to summer camp without us. We talk about registration guilt, medal FOMO, social media FOMO, group photo FOMO, and the way runners can convince themselves that missing one race somehow means they are less committed. Spoiler: it does not. Sometimes the smartest race decision is not showing up, especially when another responsibility, another priority, or the bigger picture needs to come first. We also look at the race calendar problem, because runners have a special talent for seeing an open Saturday and immediately trying to turn it into a bib number. At the heart of the episode is a reminder that races are supposed to be fun, not mandatory life sentences with finish-line bananas. The running community will still be there next weekend, next month, and next year. Missing one start line does not erase the miles, memories, consistency, or commitment already built.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, Kyle calls an audible from the planned episode to mark a milestone that changed the entire direction of his life: the ten-year anniversary of his first open-heart surgery. For longtime listeners, this is a story that has been referenced many times, but for newer members of the Back of the Pack community, this may be the first time hearing how a heart condition, a failed valve, and two surgeries became part of the foundation for everything that came after. Kyle looks back on the dreams that changed, the warning signs that could not be ignored, the doctors who made all the difference, and the moments from 2016 that still remain impossible to forget. This episode is honest, personal, emotional, and at times surprisingly funny, because sometimes survival stories come with scars, hospital gowns, bad timing, and a few memories that still feel unreal ten years later. More than anything, this is a reflection on what it means to keep going when life interrupts the plan in the biggest way possible. From the first steps after surgery to the long road back toward racing, this story helps explain the runner, the podcast, and the stubborn refusal to let one defective valve write the ending. Ten years later, Kyle is still here, still moving, still telling the story, and still probably fine. Join us for a very personal episode about the heart behind the miles.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our July series Why Are We Like This? continues with a look at the social side of endurance sports. Runners and endurance athletes bond over some very strange things: hills, heat, porta-potties, chafing, finish lines, race medals, bad decisions, and the phrase “never again” even though we are absolutely going to do it again. This episode dives into how shared suffering can create fast friendships, whether it happens during a rough race, on a brutal hill, at mile 10 of a half marathon, or through the shared heartbreak and celebration of something like London Marathon lottery day. We talk about the race friend pipeline, where strangers become familiar faces, familiar faces become running buddies, and running buddies become road trip partners, run club regulars, post-race beer companions, and family. There is also plenty of love for the post-race story economy, because runners trade tales of heat, hills, blisters, bathroom emergencies, forgotten registrations, and miserable races like sacred currency. We also dig into endurance peer pressure, group bad ideas, FOMO, and why “come on, it'll be fun” has probably caused more suffering than most training plans. But this episode also reminds us that life outside the miles still matters, whether that means concerts, lake weekends, family obligations, recovery, or simply putting the Garmin down for a while. Finally, we look at why run clubs work, especially places like Chasing Rabbits Run Club, where the miles matter, but the conversations afterward may matter even more. Why are we like this? Because somewhere between the miles, the misery, the medals, the group photos, and the parking lot conversations, we found our people.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we recap one of the hardest and strangest endurance weekends of the year: the Argo Half Marathon and Kyle's first official bike race, Lizard Under the Skillet. First up is Argo, the infamous “finishers only” half marathon on Argo Road, where the hills are rude, the sun is merciless, and the shirt at the end is earned the hard way. With a 9:00 a.m. July start, full sun, 60% humidity, a dew point of 71, and a finishing heat index of 102 degrees, this year's Argo was even nastier than expected. Kyle walks through the brutal out-and-back course, the repeated trips past the cooler, the lifesaving water stops and misters, the climb up Slaughter Hill, and the final push to earn the fluorescent finisher shirt. Despite the heat, the hills, and the general “why did we do this again?” energy, Kyle finished four minutes faster than last year, proving that even tiny victories on a monstrous course deserve celebration. Then, less than 24 hours later, it was off to Lawrence, Kansas for the Lizard Under the Skillet ride with the Lawrence Bicycle Club and Kyle's first official bike event. The 31-mile Gecko distance brought country roads, bike etiquette lessons, SAG stops, one very important helmet-wearing rubber duck named Crash, and a whole new appreciation for padded shorts. From scorching hills to sore legs, numb bike-seat regrets, and the realization that Argo followed by a bike race may not be the smartest scheduling choice, this episode is a full weekend of bad ideas that somehow turned into big wins.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our July series Why Are We Like This? continues with a look at the endurance decisions that sound terrible on paper but somehow end up on our calendars anyway. With the Argo Half Marathon and its 2,900 feet of elevation waiting on Saturday, followed by the Lizard Under the Skillet 31-mile bike race and an Evanescence concert on Sunday, this episode asks why runners, cyclists, and endurance people keep signing up for things that sound more like warnings than weekend plans. We talk about why hard courses tempt us, why hills expose our weaknesses, and why a flat course may give us a time, but a brutal course gives us a story. Argo becomes the perfect example of a race where effort matters more than pace, walking hills is smart instead of shameful, and simply finishing can be the real victory. We also dive into the Bad Decision Hall of Fame: signing up before checking elevation, stacking races, chasing medals, falling for peer pressure, and pretending a bike race after a hilly half marathon counts as recovery. This episode also gets into the fine line between brave and dumb, especially when heat, hydration, fatigue, elevation, and recovery are all part of the equation. There is plenty of humor here, but also a real reminder that challenge should stretch us, not wreck us. And as Kyle steps into the biking world as a beginner, we talk about how humbling it can be to start something new again after years of experience in running. Why are we like this? Because sometimes a bad decision with a bib number reminds us exactly what we are made of.

Most people found her two years ago. She's been running for 19.This week on The Runna Podcast, Ben and Anya sat down with running content creator Mary McCarthy to go behind the times, the content, and the self-belief of one of the UK's most exciting marathon runners right now.From competitive swimmer to cross-country champion to 2:50 marathoner. From zero followers to hundreds of thousands of women who started running because of her. And a sub-2:30 marathon goal she's only just getting started on.Whether you're chasing your own marathon PB, searching for running motivation, or just curious how someone builds that kind of quiet belief - this one's worth your next long run.In this episode:

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we recap a busy Fourth of July weekend full of fireworks, frantic huskies, Patreon gratitude, race reviews, and questionable scheduling decisions. Kyle starts by thanking new Patreon supporters and talking honestly about how listener support, social media interaction, and community engagement help keep the podcast moving forward. From there, we head to Clinton, Missouri for the Old Glory Days 5K, a small-town Friday night race attached to a much bigger Fourth of July festival full of carnival rides, food, music, fireworks, and classic small-town America energy. The course may have ended up short due to a misplaced turnaround volunteer, but the race still delivered hills, humidity, a beautiful evening atmosphere, a great medal, and one unforgettable trail of pre-race funnel cake regret. After a quick turnaround, it was back to Kansas City for the Ward Parkway 4 on the 4th, where heat, humidity, patriotic outfits, familiar Rock the Parkway roads, and a much-improved medal made for a solid holiday morning race. Kyle also talks about managing overheating on course, including the surprisingly helpful trick of holding ice in the left hand during the final mile. The weekend wrapped with a bike ride that became Kyle's longest adult ride so far, right up until a blown back tire led to the dreaded biker walk of shame. And with Summer Argo and Kyle's first official bike race waiting next weekend, this episode is part race recap, part warning label, and part evidence that runners will sign up for almost anything if enough friends are doing it.

SpeakersDavid GogginsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidgoggins/Website: http://www.davidgoggins.com/Coach PainYouTube: http://bit.ly/2LmRyeaInstagram: http://bit.ly/2XLcLW5Facebook: http://bit.ly/32tZdNiWebsite: http://bit.ly/2YTgWvqBook Coach Pain to speak at your organization: https://bit.ly/BookCoachPainEric Thomashttp://etinspires.com/ @etthehiphoppreacher Trent Sheltonhttps://www.youtube.com/@TrentSheltonVideoshttps://www.instagram.com/TrentSheltonhttps://www.trentshelton.comGary VaynerchukYouTube: https://bit.ly/2C8a1bzhttps://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/Andy Frisellahttps://www.instagram.com/andyfrisellahttps://andyfrisella.com/William HollisYouTube: http://bit.ly/WillHollisYouTubeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/williamkinghollishttps://www.kinghollis.co/Walter BondYouTube: http://bit.ly/WalterBondMotivationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/walter_bond/Twitter: https://twitter.com/walterbondLes Brown @LesBrownSpeaks www.lesbrown.comMarcus “Elevation” TaylorYouTube: https://bit.ly/MarcusATaylorChannelInstagram: http://bit.ly/3aLfu3PFacebook: http://bit.ly/2TB9uoiTwitter: https://bit.ly/3xXlFCPWebsite: https://bit.ly/MarcusTaylorWebsiteFREE 10 Day Challenge by Marcus Taylor: http://bit.ly/UnlockElevationPlaylist: https://evolveorexpire.com/Book Marcus to speak at your organization: https://bit.ly/BookMarcusATaylor Jim Rohnhttps://www.jimrohn.com/SUCCESS® presents: Jim Rohn®. To discover more powerful messages and timeless teachings from Jim Rohn, visit:

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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we are catching up on a very busy June with a stack of race reviews, a heat warning, and one massive personal announcement. We start with the big news: Kyle is officially heading to the 2027 London Marathon, which will complete his original World Marathon Majors journey after Chicago, New York, Boston, Berlin, Tokyo, Sydney, and finally London. From there, we dive into the June race review backlog, beginning with the Heroes 4 Hospice 5K in Overland Park, a meaningful race supporting hospice care and one of the few local 5Ks still skipping finisher medals in favor of keeping the focus on the cause. The next day brought the I Wanna Rock 5K, run on nearly the same course but in the opposite direction after a massive pre-race thunderstorm turned the morning into a soggy, humid rock-and-roll sweat fest. We also revisit the cancelled Clinton Historic Half Marathon, where severe storms and flooding wiped out the final running of the half marathon distance and threw Kyle's race-count math into chaos. Then we head to Tulsa for the Treat Trot 15K, a last-minute race added during a podcast planning getaway that featured three repetitive out-and-backs, summer heat, a second-place age-group finish, and a glorious post-race Bomb Pop. Finally, we review the Sunglasses Run 10K at Longview Lake, where excessive heat, limited shade, and thick humidity made the new 10K option a true summer sufferfest, even if the medal turned out to be one of the best sunglasses-themed medals yet. This episode is a full June running junk drawer: local races, travel miles, cancelled plans, hot-weather lessons, big goals, and the next step toward London.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we wrap up our June Running MythBusters series by taking on the gear, gadgets, gimmicks, and shiny little running trinkets we all love to buy, wear, track, trust, and occasionally blame when the wheels fall off. We talk about the myth that the “right” shoe, watch, supplement, sock, vest, belt, or gadget is what magically makes us better runners. Good gear absolutely matters, especially when it comes to shoes that fit correctly and help keep us healthy, but carbon plates do not come with fitness installed. We also dig into running watches and why Garmin, Strava, and all our blinking wrist computers can give us helpful data, but they cannot give us wisdom. From hydration packs at 5Ks to traveling-yard-sale race setups, this episode looks at the difference between being prepared and being overloaded. We also bust through supplement hype, from electrolytes and gels to collagen, magnesium, pickle juice, and whatever the internet goblin is selling this week. Then we talk cotton, compression gear, and why personal preference matters more than pretending one rule works for every runner. Finally, we close the series by reminding everyone that elite runners, influencers, and sponsored athletes live in a different running universe than most of us. Gear can support the runner, but it cannot replace the runner. At the end of the day, the best running tools are still consistency, common sense, listening to our bodies, and doing the work.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we take you with us to the Outpacing Melanoma 5K, where the podcast set up on-site for a morning of racing, conversations, interviews, and community connection. After previously having the race team on the show to talk about the mission behind the event, we had the chance to be there in person, meet the people behind the cause, and hear directly from those impacted by melanoma and skin cancer. Throughout the morning, we spoke with dermatologists, doctors, nurses, survivors, supporters, runners, and families who all brought their own perspective to why this race matters. We also caught up with Jenny from 106.5 The Wolf, the race director, and plenty of runners who were brave enough, curious enough, or just chaotic enough to step up to the microphone. This episode is less of a traditional race review and more of a race-day field trip into the heart of a community fighting for awareness, prevention, treatment, and hope. For runners, the message hits especially close to home, because hours spent training in the sun can come with real risks if we are not taking care of our skin. We talk about the energy of the event, the people who made it meaningful, and the reminder that every start line can carry a bigger purpose than just miles and finish times. Join us as we share the voices, stories, and mission from a powerful morning at the Outpacing Melanoma 5K.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our Running MythBusters series continues with a look at race day rules that may need to be retired, or at least loosened up a little. We talk about the classic “nothing new on race day” advice and why it is good guidance, but not a federal law carved into a Garmin screen. From new shoes at Little Rock to mystery fuel at mile 8, gas station burrito chaos, weather adjustments, hats, hydration plans, and Gatorade versus Powerade, this episode reminds us that race day success requires preparation, flexibility, and common sense. We also bust the idea that carb loading means eating everything in sight, because fueling should help the race, not create a pasta-powered disaster with a bib number. Then we get into one of running's biggest truths: the first mile is a liar, whether it feels amazing, awful, or just plain weird. We also break down why “banking time early” usually leads to paying it back later, why race day adrenaline is only a spark and not a training plan, and why real runners absolutely can and should use aid stations. Most importantly, we talk about how a bad race does not have to ruin the whole day. Sometimes the goal changes mid-race, and success becomes finishing, learning, helping someone else, or simply getting through the ugly miles with a story worth telling.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we were supposed to be reviewing the Clinton Historic Half Marathon, but severe storms, lightning, heavy rain, and flooding had other plans. After the half marathon was cancelled on race morning, we turned a missing race review into a much-needed conversation about runners, weather, and knowing when toughness crosses the line into bad decision-making. We talk about the difference between uncomfortable weather and dangerous weather, because a little rain is one thing, but thunder, lightning, flooding, tornado warnings, and falling tree limbs are a whole different beast. From there, we dig into why lightning should end the conversation immediately, what actually counts as safe shelter, and why a picnic shelter, dugout, tree, tent, or set of metal bleachers may not protect you the way you think. We also look at how runners can quickly read the skies, from darkening clouds and greenish storm light to sudden wind shifts, shelf clouds, rotating clouds, and that eerie calm before things get ugly. Since flooding helped cancel Clinton, we spend time on why water over roads, trails, underpasses, bridges, and creek crossings is not just an inconvenience, it can become a serious danger for runners and race directors alike. We also cover tornado watches versus warnings, what runners should do if caught outside, and why race directors have to consider not just runners, but volunteers, spectators, police, EMS, course access, and everyone else involved in race day. It may not be the race recap we planned, but it is a practical weather-safety episode for every runner who has ever looked at the radar and thought, “I can probably squeeze this in.”

A free office registration for the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon in 2017. A 2:45 finish. Cramps at every kilometre. Medical assistance on the route. And absolutely no intention of ever running again.That was Megha Kishore's introduction to running.In Episode of Run with Fitpage, Vikas Singh sits down with Megha — certified marathon coach, ASICS Delhi Coach, Hyrox Delhi gold medalist, and one of India's most competitive age category runners — for a conversation about what it actually takes to go from a reluctant first-timer to a serial podium finisher while managing a full-time career, a family, and everything else life throws at you.In this episode we covered:How a COVID lockdown in the UK turned a gym-goer into a runner — and why she never looked backTraveling 3 hours every day just to train for 1 hour — and what that kind of obsession actually costsWhat changed when she stopped trying to be perfect at everything — and how that shift unlocked her best performancesHow she trained for Hyrox Delhi in the scorching June heat — doing burpees and lunges on outdoor grass in direct sun — and finished in 1:24:45Why most people get Hyrox completely wrong — the one mistake that sends everyone crashing in the final stationsRunning by feel versus running by heart rate — and why she has never once looked at her watch during a raceWhat she would tell every Indian woman who thinks she does not have enough time, enough energy, or the right age to startAbout Vikas Singh:Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:Instagram: @vikas_singhhLinkedIn: Vikas SinghTwitter: @vikashsingh101Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Weekly Nuggets of Knowledge!

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our Running MythBusters series continues as we take on the training lies runners keep believing. With summer training heating up and fall marathon cycles getting underway, we break down the idea that more suffering automatically means better training. This episode tackles myths like “more miles always means better,” “rest days are weakness,” “no pain, no gain,” “every run needs a purpose,” “the watch is always right,” and “walking ruins the workout.” We talk about why mileage only helps if our bodies can recover from it, why rest is where training actually cashes the check, and why pain is not proof that we are training hard. Sometimes it is proof that we are training stupid. We also dig into the value of easy miles, joy miles, social miles, recovery runs, and those runs that simply clear the cobwebs from our brains. Watches, apps, and data can be helpful guides, but they do not know our stress, sleep, heat, family chaos, or life circumstances. And especially as summer heat and humidity settle in, we make the case that strategic walking is not failure. It may be the smartest thing we do. The big takeaway: train smart, recover well, use your brain, and do not let training myths wreck the miles ahead.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we head south to learn all about the Rocket City Marathon Weekend coming up this December in Huntsville, Alabama. We are joined by Eric Fritz and Rhonda Hayden from the Rocket City Marathon team to talk about the history of the race, the growth of Huntsville, and why this 50th running is shaping up to be something special. We dig into what makes Rocket City such a strong destination race, from its mid-sized field and downtown host hotels to the rare indoor finish at the Von Braun Center, complete with food, family, music, and post-race celebration. Eric and Rhonda also walk us through the Hat Trick Challenge, where runners can take on the 5K, 10K, and either the half or full marathon across race weekend, earning individual medals plus a special finisher hat. We also talk about the expo experience, the new Podcast Alley concept, and how several running podcasts will help runners get ready for race weekend from training to nutrition to mental preparation. Beyond the miles, Rocket City is also running with purpose, supporting Huntsville Hospital's pediatric work after raising more than $100,000 last year for an inclusive therapeutic playground and focusing this year on helping fund a pediatric air ambulance. And since the race lands right in the middle of December, we also get into the holiday magic of Huntsville, including the Tinsel Trail, downtown Christmas lights, family-friendly attractions, restaurants, and southern hospitality. Whether you are already signed up, thinking about joining us, or just looking for your next great race weekend adventure, this episode is your invitation to come run Rocket City with us.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we kick off our June series, Running MythBusters, by taking on one of the oldest and most ridiculous myths in the sport: the idea that there is a magical checklist we have to complete before we can call ourselves “real runners.” We break down the nonsense that says real runners have to be fast, never walk, look a certain way, run long distances, race every weekend, or love every single mile. Spoiler alert: myth busted. Whether we run, walk-run, race 5Ks, chase marathons, train on our own, or simply lace up for health, stress relief, or sanity, we belong in the running world. This episode pushes back on pace-shaming, walk-shaming, body assumptions, and the “just a 5K” mindset that makes people feel like their effort does not count. We also talk about why walking can be smart race management, why short distances still matter, and why a bib does not magically create the runner. At the heart of it all is a simple truth: running is not owned by the fast, the young, the thin, the elite, or the people in shoe ads. If we run, if we show up, if we keep moving forward, we are runners. Full stop.

Happy Global Running Day!  Join us on a fun hour episode as we celebrate by calling friends of the pod, sharing running stories, and spreading motivation. From race experiences to fun costumes, this episode is all about community, joy, and the love of running. We love our PodFam and wanted to share that love with all of you.Chapters00:00 Celebrating Global Running Day07:21 Hanna Banana10:39 Wyatt Moss16:25 KJ20:28 Chris and Alaina Lotsbom24:02 Celebrating Global Running Day28:13 No Answers29:43 Patrick Leber "Why Run When"34:16 Michael from "Will Run For Podcast"39:08 Brittany Charboneau53:41 OutroMy Race Tatt's - Check out My Race Tatts and support the pod when you buy your next set by using our My Race Tatt's Link.Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.comDon't Fear The Code Brown and Don't Forget To Stretch!

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we kick things off with a quick review of the KC Run for the Cup 5K, a World Cup-themed race in Martin City that brought soccer energy, steady rain, soggy shoes, and a reversed version of a familiar Kansas City Running Company course. With Kansas City hosting World Cup action and the summer heat starting to settle in, this race gave us a wet but welcome reminder that sometimes rain on race day is not the enemy, it is the cooling system. From there, we shift into the main topic of the episode thanks to a listener message from Topeka about race day packet pickup and why losing that option can be a much bigger deal than some local runners realize. We dig into the hidden costs of packet pickup policies, including gas, hotels, work schedules, family obligations, travel time, and the reality that some runners may skip a race entirely if they have to make two trips just to get a bib. But we also look at the race director side of the table, where volunteer shortages, race morning chaos, timing issues, venue limitations, sponsor expectations, and expo logistics can all turn packet pickup into a tiny DMV with safety pins. This episode is not about declaring one side right and the other wrong, but about understanding how one simple policy can affect runners, race directors, vendors, volunteers, and the overall race experience. We also talk through possible compromises, including packet mailing, bib-only race morning pickup, out-of-town runner exceptions, friend pickup, convenience fees, and clearer communication before registration. If you have ever driven too far for a piece of paper, stood in a race morning line, worked an expo booth, volunteered at packet pickup, or wondered why races make the choices they do, this episode is for you.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we wrap up our May Run Your Race series by asking the question that ties everything together: how do we define success for ourselves? After a month of talking about runfluencers, comparison traps, goals that actually fit us, and what happens when the plan falls apart, this finale brings it all home with one simple truth: success is not one-size-fits-all. For some runners, success is a PR, a new distance, or an age group placement, but for others it might be finishing healthy, getting back to a start line after life knocked them down, or still loving running years from now. We talk about why letting running culture, social media, watches, or even our running friends define success for us can add pressure we were never meant to carry. This episode looks at success through different seasons of life, whether we are coming back from injury, managing work stress, navigating parenting chaos, training for a marathon, or simply trying to keep running fun. We also push back against the idea that walking means failure, slower paces do not matter, rest is weakness, or a race only counts if it looks impressive online. Instead, we focus on longevity, joy, and building a running life that keeps giving us more start lines. Before the world starts grading our run, we need to define the win for ourselves. Because the clock can tell us when we finished, but it can never tell us what the finish meant.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we celebrate Memorial Day with two race reviews from a hot, humid, hilly Kansas City weekend. First up is the Hometown Half Marathon in the Northland, where what looked like a friendly park course quickly turned into a roller coaster of hills, humidity, bike paths, confusing signage, and one very large license-plate-sized finisher medal. We talk about the good, the tough, and the “wait, are we supposed to turn here?” moments from a race that definitely made everyone earn their finish. Then we head to Loose Park for the Going the Distance 5K/10K, a Memorial Day race supporting the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City. This one brought out the Kansas City running community in full force, along with more hills, rising temperatures, and a meaningful cause connected to some truly inspiring local runners. Along the way, we discuss course prep, race-day etiquette between runners and cyclists, the return of summer running conditions, and why sometimes a cold Coke after a humid half marathon feels like bottled magic. It was a weekend of tired legs, big medals, good people, and races that reminded us why showing up matters. Join us as we recap two very different but very memorable Memorial Day weekend races from the back of the pack.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our Run Your Race series continues with a topic every runner eventually faces: what happens when the plan falls apart. We talk about missed training runs, bad workouts, illness, family chaos, work conflicts, weather, fatigue, injuries, stomach issues, and those mysterious “why do my legs feel like wet cement?” days that show up out of nowhere. The truth is, no one gets a perfect training cycle, not everyday runners, not elites, and not the perfectly filtered folks online. Instead of panicking when things go sideways, this episode focuses on adjusting without quitting, whether that means moving a long run, shortening a workout, switching to cross-training, taking an extra rest day, dropping race distance, or walking more than expected. We also break down why bad race days happen, from heat and humidity to GI issues, poor sleep, fueling mistakes, course surprises, and mental spirals. Most importantly, we remind ourselves that a bad run or rough race is information, not an indictment. Missed miles do not need revenge miles, and one bad week does not erase months of showing up. Because the plan does not define us. How we adapt does.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we head to Waterloo, Iowa for an event that sounds simple until the clock starts laughing at you: Death by 5k. The concept is one 5k every two and a half hours for 24 hours, totaling ten separate races and 31 miles through George Wyth State Park. What started with pancakes, cool morning air, and a smart conservative pace slowly turned into a battle against heat, humidity, mosquitoes, storms, sleep deprivation, and one surprisingly bold raccoon. We talk through each round, from the early confidence of race one to the brutal darkness of race nine and the rain-soaked final push at sunrise. Along the way, we learned that this event is not just about running 31 miles, it is about convincing yourself to keep showing up at the start line again and again. There were moments of strategy, moments of doubt, moments of “why are we doing this,” and moments where the only goal was to survive and advance. And yes, at the end of it all, we earned our little wooden coffin finisher award. Join us as we recap the miles, the weather, the weirdness, and the lessons learned from one very long day and night at Death by 5k.

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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our accidental-but-apparently-working Run Your Race series continues with a simple question: do our running goals actually fit us? After talking about runfluencers and the comparison traps that come from friends, watches, race results, and old PRs, we shift into rebuilding something better: goals based on our real lives. We look at the many pieces that should shape a running goal, including current fitness, schedule, health history, motivation, recovery, season of life, and the reason we run in the first place. From Death by 5K to Sydney Marathon training, we talk through why a goal can sound exciting and still be wrong for the season we are in. This episode breaks down the difference between outcome goals, like finishing a marathon or chasing a PR, and process goals, like running consistently, strength training, sleeping better, fueling properly, and finishing a training cycle healthy. We also dig into the power of setting A, B, and C goals so race day does not become an all-or-nothing scoreboard. Sometimes the dream day happens, sometimes we get a solid effort, and sometimes just finishing the dang thing is the win. At the heart of it all is one big reminder: a good goal should challenge us without punishing us. Because the goal is not just to cross one finish line, it is to keep finding start lines.

Vaibhav is a runner next door whose story will make you relate with you and inspire you to get out of the door and start running yourself. He was an absolute beginner up until 2021, struggled with Bronchitis and had never run before. Since then, he has come a long way and he is only getting started.Vaibhav spent time in being consistent, stayed disciplined and relentlessly prioritized his fitness.He then debuted in a marathon at Rome in 2025 and got to the finish line in an impressive time of 3:03.  He improvised it in Paris a month later to xxxx. He stayed patient, trained further and clocked an even more impressive finish time of 2:48:50 in 2026 London Marathon. Did you know he cramped at around 29 kms and so he had to cut back on his paces in the remaining 13 kms. If he stays on track, he may very well be running a much faster time in the months and years to come.In this episode we cover:How setbacks from UPSC results and bronchitis did not deter him from getting fitter, and eventually fasterWhy two years of 10 kilometres a day with no watch and no plan built a large aerobic baseHow Vaibhav went from 3:03 at Rome to 2:48 at London in under a yearThe 26-week training block that took him from 60 kilometres a week to 100 to 110 kilometres a weekHow interval sessions with his run club, Clapham Chasers, brought his 5K time from 18:30 to 17:16What went wrong at London — cramping at 28km due to a complete lack of electrolytes — and what he would do differentlyHow a corporate lawyer in London manages to train twice a day while working long hoursWhy discipline, not talent, is the only thing that separates people who achieve from people who do notAbout Vikas Singh:Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:Instagram: @vikas_singhhLinkedIn: Vikas SinghTwitter: @vikashsingh101Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Weekly Nuggets of Knowledge!

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we head back to Bucyrus, Kansas for the 2026 Running with the Cows Half Marathon. After a few years away from this race, we return to see how this beloved local event is holding up, and whether we could finally make peace with a course that has not always been kind to us. The morning started nearly perfect, with cool temperatures, a strong crowd, smooth race morning packet pickup, and that familiar small-town energy that makes this race special. Of course, as the sun climbed higher over the wide-open Kansas roads, things started to warm up quickly, reminding us that summer running season is right around the corner. We break down the course, the hills, the out-and-backs, the mental grind of hearing the finish line before actually getting there, and the challenge of keeping a goal pace when the day starts heating up. Along the way, we also talk about seeing familiar faces, meeting podcast listeners on course, and the community support that keeps this race feeling like more than just another half marathon. As always, Running with the Cows delivered its famous post-race spread, complete with chocolate milk, great food, and even a smoked ham donation situation that may have been the true victory of the morning. We also give an honest look at a few small hiccups, from pacing confusion to medal expectations, while still celebrating what was overall a very successful return to Bucyrus. If you enjoy race reviews with sunshine, hills, cows, barbecue, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting, this episode is ready for you.

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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our Run Your Race series continues with a look at one of the sneakiest traps in running: comparison. Last week, we talked about the loud pressure of runfluencer culture, but this week we dig into the quieter ways comparison creeps into our minds through faster friends, local race results, Strava posts, Garmin data, and even old versions of ourselves. We break down how seeing someone else's PR, “easy run,” or big training week can make our own progress feel smaller, even when we're doing exactly what we need to do. We also talk about the danger of comparing ourselves to the runner we used to be before injury, surgery, weight gain, aging, burnout, or busy seasons of life changed the equation. Technology can help us train smarter, but when watches, spreadsheets, VO2 max estimates, HRV scores, and race result pages start judging our worth, running can quickly become a scoreboard instead of a release. This episode asks us to define success before the run, celebrate consistency, follow people who make running feel possible, and remember the season of life we're actually in. Because someone else's good day does not make our run a bad one. Run the season we're in, not the season someone else is posting about.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we finally get back to race reviews after several weeks of tackling some of the running world's heavier topics. Kyle recaps the always-popular CCVI Trolley Run in Kansas City, a fast and fun four-mile race supporting children with visual impairments, complete with beautiful spring weather, packed streets, and one pacing mistake that somehow still ended in a PR. The episode also revisits the “Too Slow for Boston” Marathon situation and what the future may hold as the chase toward completing the World Marathon Majors continues. Then it's off to Topeka for the newly revived Top City Half Marathon, now under new management, where Kyle breaks down the course changes, race atmosphere, and a few things that caught runners by surprise along the way. Along the way, there's discussion about race-day strategy, rebuilding fitness after time off, the mental side of pacing, and why one particular race medal sparked a surprisingly passionate rant. It's a lighter, funnier return to classic Back of the Pack storytelling with plenty of Midwest running chaos mixed in. Plus, with Sydney Marathon training officially about to begin, the next big chapter of the journey is almost here.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we kick off May by asking a big question: are running influencers helping the sport, or quietly making it harder for everyday runners to feel like they belong? We dive into the growing world of “runfluencer” culture, where marathon training can look effortless, high mileage looks normal, rest days get treated like weakness, and every run becomes a piece of content. But for most of us, running has to fit around jobs, families, stress, sleep, recovery, and real life. We talk about the danger of comparing our behind-the-scenes to someone else's highlight reel, especially when the full picture may include editing, privilege, sponsorships, and a lifestyle built around training. This episode breaks down why elite-level advice does not always translate to beginners, comeback runners, older runners, or weekend warriors just trying to stay healthy and enjoy the miles. We also look at the mental side of this trend, from body image pressure to feeling like our 5K, half marathon, or marathon somehow “doesn't count” because someone online did more. At the heart of it all is one simple message: follow the people who make running feel more possible, not less. Run your race, not the influencer's race, not the algorithm's race — your race.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we dig into the Nike controversy that lit up Boston Marathon week after a storefront sign declared, “Runners welcome. Walkers tolerated.” What might have looked to some like a careless joke felt to many runners like a flashing neon sign for a much deeper problem in the sport: elitism. We break down why that message landed so badly, especially in a city like Boston, where resilience, adaptation, and the full spectrum of the running community should matter. We talk about why walking is not the opposite of running, but often a very real part of racing, surviving, and finishing. From back-of-the-pack runners to run-walkers, charity entrants, adaptive athletes, and everyday marathoners, this episode is about who gets welcomed in running culture and who gets merely “tolerated.” We also dive into the reaction from our own social media post, where the comments revealed a sharp divide between people pushing for inclusion and others who doubled down on gatekeeping. Some responses were thoughtful, some were supportive, and some said the quiet part out loud about how certain corners of the running world really view slower runners. We also zoom out and talk about why Nike did not get much benefit of the doubt here, given the brand's long history of tone-deaf decisions and controversies. This is not an episode about canceling a company just because it got called out. It is an episode about respect, belonging, and why the soul of this sport has always lived in the full field, not just at the front of it.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we wrap up our Back of the Pack Survival Guide series by flipping the script on what it really means to run at the back of the pack. This episode is for all of us — the everyday runners, the grinders, the comeback stories, and the ones who refuse to quit. We explore how perspective changes everything, from actually experiencing the race course to appreciating the volunteers, the moments, and the miles that others might miss. We talk about how time shifts from pressure to freedom, allowing us to run with purpose instead of panic. This episode also dives into the power of gratitude — being thankful not just for the finish line, but for the ability to even stand at the start. We redefine what it means to “win,” where finishing, fighting through, and coming back matter more than podiums or pace. And along the way, we celebrate the stories that only back-of-the-pack runners get to tell — the chaos, the connections, and the unforgettable moments that happen when you're out there long enough to really live the race. Because at the end of the day, this isn't about being fast… it's about being resilient, determined, and persistent. And no matter your pace, your place, or your finish time — you belong here.

With no race review on deck this week, we take a different route and dive into a topic that matters deeply to so many everyday runners: which races truly welcome the back of the pack. Fresh off a weekend in Las Vegas, we use this episode to spotlight marathons, half marathons, and shorter races that make room for runners and walkers who need extra time, extra grace, and a finish line that still feels alive when they arrive. We break down what actually makes a race Back of the Pack friendly, from no-cutoff events like Honolulu to early-start options at races like Little Rock and Run the Rainbow. We also dig into races that are building real late-finisher culture, including places that keep the energy up instead of packing everything away before the final runners get home. Along the way, we call out the difference between races that truly plan for slower runners and races that simply allow them on paper. This episode is part resource guide, part love letter to the runners who keep showing up, no matter their pace. If you have ever worried about cutoffs, being swept, or whether you belong at the starting line, this one is for you. Because the best races do not just celebrate the winners, they celebrate the finishers.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our Back of the Pack Survival Guide continues with a deep dive into one of the toughest parts of running — when the miles feel slow and the progress feels invisible. We break down the mental battle that so many runners face, from the comparison trap to that frustrating feeling of “I should be better by now.” But this time, we're not just talking feelings — we're bringing the science to back it up. From understanding how your body adapts through General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) to the truth behind the SAID principle, you'll learn what's actually happening inside your body even when your watch says otherwise. This episode also pulls back the curtain on race day realities for back-of-the-pack runners — the quiet miles, the cutoff pressure, and the moments where mental toughness matters most. We share our personal story from the Gulf Coast Marathon in Biloxi — the only DNF of this running journey — and why that experience didn't end our story, but helped shape what came next. If you've ever felt stuck, slow, or unsure if your effort is paying off, this episode will remind you that progress is happening… even when you can't see it yet.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, Kyle is juggling a full plate of spring running chaos, big announcements, and a weekend that turned into more than just one race story. He kicks things off with updates on upcoming podcast appearances, run club plans, future races, and a chance for listeners to connect with the show in person at the Outpacing Melanoma 5K. Then it is on to a lively, detailed recap of the Rock the Parkway Half Marathon, where great weather, familiar faces, and one of Kansas City's signature spring races helped deliver Kyle's third-fastest half marathon ever. There is plenty of fun along the way too, from race morning misadventures and hill-by-hill course breakdowns to giant medals, chocolate milk, and all the little moments that make race day feel electric. But the episode does not stop there. Kyle also shares the story of a quieter, more personal Sunday morning 5K that carried a lot more meaning than a medal ever could. What starts as a bonus race review becomes a heartfelt reflection on memory, friendship, and why some runs matter for reasons far bigger than pace or finish time. It is an episode that mixes laughs, gratitude, race-day energy, and a meaningful reminder of what running can really hold. Whether you are here for the big local race vibes, the honest runner perspective, or the emotional threads that make this show what it is, this one has a little bit of everything.

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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we kick off our April mini-series, Back of the Pack Survival Guide, by going back to where it all begins — the first mile. Whether you're brand new to running or finding your way back after time away, this episode is your reminder that every runner starts exactly where you are. Kyle breaks down the real, unfiltered truth about starting (or restarting) your running journey — the awkwardness, the doubt, and the feeling that maybe you don't belong. We talk about the biggest mistakes new runners make, from doing too much too soon to chasing pace instead of progress. You'll learn how to approach running in a smarter, more sustainable way using simple strategies like run/walk intervals, time-based training, and effort over ego. More importantly, this episode dives into the mindset shift that changes everything — understanding that you don't have to earn the title of runner… you already are one. If you've ever felt intimidated, discouraged, or unsure of where you fit in this sport, this conversation is for you. Because the truth is, the hardest mile isn't mile 20… it's mile one. And if you're willing to take that step, you're already further than you think.

This week, we take a step back and ask a bigger question—who is running really for? After a recent experience got us thinking, we dive into the growing tension between the business of big races and the heart of the running community. We explore how expos and events have evolved, what drives decision-making behind the scenes, and where everyday runners fit into it all. Along the way, we remind ourselves that while sponsors may shape the experience, it's the runners who give it meaning. From first-timers to back-of-the-pack finishers, we talk about why every mile matters and why every story deserves a place. This isn't about calling anyone out—it's about pulling everyone in. Because at the end of the day, we aren't just part of the race… we are the race.

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