Running Behind – Details, episodes & analysis

Confession…I am a slow, but persistent trail runner who likes to take on crazy running adventures.

Running Behind is a new podcast that takes a look at the wild, but beautiful world of running, trail running and ultramarathons. Mostly from the perspective of the back of the pack. Ordinary people, trying to do extra-ordinary things.

We'll talk gear, training, health, nutrition and put a heavy focus on the great trails and races here in Minnesota and the Midwest. Occasionally, we will look at the unique aspects and challenges of being an older runner, and getting a late start to the game.

Running Behind will be hosted by Joey Metzger, and will have occasional guests and panels to dig into the issues and explore our experiences. And who knows, if you have an interesting story to tell, especially as a DFL (dead freaking last) podium specialist or older runner, then you may find yourself behind the guest mic.

Get ready for an ultra slow, but highly optimistic ride. Go hit that subscribe button, episodes will be launching soon!

Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_Run

Joey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895

Running Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_pod

Artwork by Ed Linder

Well here it is…one of the most highly anticipated slow runner podcast launch episodes ever! This thing has got it all. From my early running days of dominating the 3200 meter podium (DFL podium) in the mid 1980’s at Minot High, to my crazy exploits of trying to out run a forest fire while being attacked by bees in the Mount St Helens backcountry, followed by a scintillating account of a successful Boston marathon effort (full disclosure…not my effort). From there, it only gets more thrilling as I take you through some of my wilder experiences, like the time I fell out of a plane and nearly died. I even dissect my deep love and passion for bourbon at one point (to be completely transparent, not so much dissect…but I do say the word “bourbon “ twice).

This is the inaugural episode of Running Behind. I tell the story of me: a slow running, DFL specialist, with a small motor, little natural ability, but a big heart and an unreasonable amount of stubbornness. An ordinary guy, trying to do extra-ordinary things. This is your chance to get to know a little bit about the host of this show, and how I plan to use this podcast to speak to all of the back of the pack and “ordinary” runners out there, who are pushing themselves daily to tackle amazing and seemingly impossible adventures. I would say the excitement is going to be non-stop, but as you soon will learn, I like to take a lot of walk breaks.

Sit back and get ready, because here comes Running Behind.

Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_Run

Running Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_pod

Joey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895

Artwork by Ed Linder

If that first episode left you wanting more, than want no more, because I ‘m back. And this time it's 'net downhill', because I brought some friends!

I welcome Mario & Erik to the pod, in what will be a recurring series that I am calling “Crew Access | Trail Talk With Erik & Mario. In this episode, you will get to learn all about Erik and Mario, how they got started running, how they balance running workouts with young kids, what their plans and ambitions are, and how we are all a bit nerdy but could probably put together a helluva jazz band. We also recount several race experiences, including the 2024 Wild Duluth 50K that they ran together, and Erik’s wild weekend in the desert at the 2025 Black Canyon races. Where, I might add, he made a new friend who goes by the name of Jim Walmsley.

This one runs a little long, but well worth the ride. So buckle up, grab your trumpet or sax and let’s get started. There’s no time to lose when you are Running Behind.

Erik's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mr_spiegs/

Mario's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/stories/runmariorun91/

Wild Duluth Trail Races:

https://www.wildduluthraces.com/

Black Canyon 50K Elevation Profile:

https://aravaiparunning.com/network/blackcanyon/the-trail/

Jim Walmsley:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Walmsley

Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_Run

Running Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_pod

Joey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895

Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead:

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffs

Artwork by Ed Linder

Welcome back, to the back of the pack world of Running Behind. It’s episode 3, and this time, we are picking up the pace. l am joined by good friend and “faster than me” fellow runner, Eric Walker. We spend the time catching up, hearing about how Eric got started running, and why he loves it so damn much. We also learn about Eric's several adventures with the Twin Cities Marathon. And finally, we get the details on an extra-ordinary quest that Eric achieved. Something that l simply call "The Streak"

So, buckle up and get ready for a fun ride. And if you are heading out for your long run, well you might want to kick it up to Tempo or Threshold, because it's no easy task to keep up with Eric. especially if you're running behind.

Eric’s Strava profile:

https://strava.app.link/gNbuAGstmRb

Eric’s “first” podcast stint as a guest:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-couch/id1453472927?i=1000465957338

Or

https://open.spotify.com/episode/18PGTAs37kcgHlcS4vU5j8?si=e4yJyXjpRH2hlm01VZa27A

Trout Brook 10 Mile Trail Race:

https://www.stcroixrunningcompany.com/trout-brook

Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_Run

Running Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_pod

Joey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895

Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead:

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffs

Artwork by Ed Linder

"Comfort is a disease..." 5 years ago, Tony Gillham, my guest today, had a dream. It took 2 trainers, endless training miles, countless hours, the support of family and friends and ultimately 5 arduous days and nights crossing over 250 miles in the AZ desert, but in May 2025, Tony made his dream a reality. To help tell the story, we are also joined by one of his crew and pacers (and a pretty awesome podcast host himself), Mr. Ben Mead. This is a tale not to be missed! I do apologize for the audio quality at times, but for goodness sake, Tony was calling in from an oil rig, somewhere off the coast of Alaska. Get ready for an absolutely epic episode, as we hear the story of how Tony arrived at and ultimately conquered one of the most premiere long trail races in the world...the Cocodona 250.

Tony's podcast episode on Ben Mead's Chasing Cutoffs: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qOM4TL4zNNydreJy5bqLg

Ben Mead's 2024 Cocodona 250 podcast episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gV6At4mg3SuivT3idkucK

or

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5MvIk9e2YcIUP5zYkYF6ya

The Cocodona 250 by Aravaipa Running: https://www.aravaiparunning.com/cocodona2/

Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_Run

Running Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_pod

Joey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895

Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead (Go listen! It's awesome!):

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffs

Artwork by Ed Linder

The boys are back in town, the boys are back.  That’s right, Erik and Mario are back.  Thanks for meeting up with us again at the back of the pack in the world of Running Behind.  In this episode Mario, Erik and I talk about some of our races and experiences; including the time Mario took a wrong turn after running in a loop in the rain for 13 hours, the time Erik forgot his water bottles back in MN (but once again hob-knobbed with running royalty at his event, and the time I apparently DID NOT run, even half of the Zumbro 34 mile race.  We talk a lot of other stuff too. In fact, we talk so much this time, that if you are lacing up those Topo’s for your long run, you better pack some bacon, quesadillas, cookies and a whole freaking jar of pickles, cuz we have a ways to go.  Get laced up, get ready and let’s get this show...on the trail.

Erik's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mr_spiegs/

Mario's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/stories/runmariorun91/

Buffalo Run 50K Race:

https://www.buffalorunadventures.com/buffalo-run/

Elm Creek Backyard Ultra Race:

https://bigsbackyardultra.com/races/elm-creek-backyard-ultra/

Ashley Paulson on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ashkickn/

The Great World Race (7 Marathons, 7 Continents, 7 Days):

https://thegreatworldrace.com/

Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_Run

Running Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_pod

Joey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895

Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead (Go listen! It's awesome!):

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffs

Artwork by Ed Linder

Welcome again to the Running Behind start line. Nothing less than epicness will do for episode number 6. I am joined by fellow MN trail runner, Jason Reeve. In less than 36 months, Jason went from running 0 miles to completing a 100 mile trail race, at the notoriously challenging Zumbro Endurance Trail Run. We get to hear his story and history, how in his early forties he decided to get himself to a place where he could run 100+ miles, and maybe most importantly, how he got the nickname "The Undisputed Big Eddy". Get ready and get some anti-chafing cream on, because we have a long ways to go.

Zumbro Endurance Run 100 Mile Info: https://www.zumbroendurancerun.com/100-mile-info/

The Storm Trail Race Series: https://www.stormsportingevents.org/event-cms/

iFIT: https://www.ifit.com/

Jason on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/105288161

Jason on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jason.reeve.98#

Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_Run

Running Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_pod

Joey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895

Artwork by Ed Linder

Thanks again for slowing down to hang out with me at the back of the pack. For episode 5, it’s just me…just Joey. I thought a solo effort would be in order. After all, I need to catch you up on what’s coming up on the pod, how my training is (ISN’T) going, and I want to talk to you about a topic near and dear to me…optimism. So, get those shoes on and headphones in, it’s time for a little steady state with Running Behind.

Zumbro Endurance Run 34 Mile Info:

https://www.zumbroendurancerun.com/34-mile-info/

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Artist%27s_Way

Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_Run

Running Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_pod

Joey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895

Artwork by Ed Linder

In episode 4, we chart a new path, we head down trails unknown. We leave our familiar roads and routes behind as my guest leads us towards things like Quantum Nutrition Testing, 6 centimeter brain lesions, Eastern vs Western, chiropractic adjustments, winning bikes at bar trivia (that you then use to race a triathlon), and most importantly, how to get 12 million views on your Instagram post. I am joined by special guest, and my chiropractor, Dr. Adrienne Castrovinci. We talk all things intriguing ...oh yeah, and we even talk a little running too.

Dr Adrienne’s business website: https://www.healthylivingchiropractic.com/

Dr Adrienne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthyliving_chiro

Dr Adrienne’s Instagram post with nearly 12 MILLION views: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgCQPACjBpL

Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_Run

Running Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_pod

Joey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895

Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead:

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffs

Music: “Nicer” by Houses On The Hill, Rue Rosa (Epidemic Sound subscription)

Artwork by Ed Linder

Mandy and Bill Hansel have created what has quickly become one of the premier trail race and sporting event organizations in Minnesota and the Midwest. Not only does their Storm Sporting Events provide first class and accessible but challenging events, but the mission behind it all is what really matters. From day one, they knew that it would be important that Storm Sporting Events be a vehicle to help provide resources and bring awareness to youth mental health issues. In 2025, they were able to award their first scholarship to someone who is studying to become a resource in that field. We talk about how this whole thing got started, how its grown and where it’s headed. We also chat about some of the fun and crazy things they like to do in their spare time (not that they have any). Get ready for an absolutely delightful conversation.

Mandy & Bill's Event Organization: https://www.stormsportingevents.org/

Direct link to donate to their cause: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/storm-sporting-events

Bill's crazy Arrowhead 135 race: https://arrowheadultra.com/

Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_Run

Running Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_pod

Joey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895

Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead (Go listen! It's awesome!):

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffs

Artwork by Ed Linder