Explore every episode of the podcast The People Run Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| #76 How an Olympian Balances a Full-Time Job and High-Mileage Training | Ruben Sança | 24 Oct 2026 | 00:49:04 | |
Olympian Ruben Sança has spent nearly three decades competing at a high level, all while balancing a full-time career, family, and demanding training. Originally from Cape Verde, Ruben shares his journey from a childhood marked by asthma to representing his country at the Olympics. We discuss how he manages high-mileage training alongside his role as an executive director, the importance of patience and consistency, adapting as he approaches 40, and why he believes his best running may still be ahead. We also look ahead to the New York City Marathon, his ambitions for another Olympics, and the work he's doing to support the next generation of runners in Cape Verde. Every runner has a story. Chapters 00:00 Balancing Olympic-Level Training and a Full-Time Job Follow Ruben: instagram.com/rubenpsanca/
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| #75 He's a Double Amputee Who Ran a 2:58 Marathon and First to Finish Leadville 100 | Brian Reynolds | 20 Oct 2026 | 00:46:29 | |
From hiding his prosthetics growing up to running a 2:58 marathon and finishing the Leadville 100, Brian Reynolds has spent years discovering what he's capable of. After losing both legs below the knee to meningitis at age four, Brian never imagined endurance running would become part of his life. In this episode of The People Run Podcast, we talk about his first steps into endurance sports, the challenges of running with prosthetics, and the years of training, fueling, and adaptation it took to break three hours in the marathon. We also get into his four attempts at Leadville 100, the technical challenges of Hope Pass, and the community of friends and family who helped him finally reach the finish line. Beyond the accomplishments, Brian shares how running changed his relationship with himself, why access to adaptive sports equipment matters, and what he hopes other athletes can take from his journey. Chapters 00:00 Life Before Running: Brian's Transformation Every runner has a story. Follow Brian: instagram.com/brianreynoldsrunner/ | |||
| #74 Army Ranger Dylan Truesdale Lost an Eye in a Crash. Then He Started Running Ultras. | 15 Oct 2026 | 01:11:31 | |
Dylan Truesdale served as an Army Ranger before eventually leaving the military. Later, a devastating car crash changed the course of his life. He lost his right eye, suffered lasting damage to his remaining vision, and had to rebuild from a point where even basic movement looked completely different. What followed wasn’t a straight-line comeback. It was a decision to find out what he was still capable of. That decision eventually led Dylan to ultramarathons, a 3:03 marathon, HYROX, heavy strength training, and a life built around doing difficult things with purpose. In this conversation, he talks about becoming an Army Ranger, the crash and recovery, running his first ultra with limited vision, why he wakes up at 3:30 AM, how he balances strength and endurance, and the mindset behind “nobody’s coming.” Pasted text Pasted text Pasted text The conversation also turns to the mission behind his next challenge: attempting to ruck 100 miles in 24 hours to raise money for veterans. Dylan opens up about PTSD, his own mental-health crisis after leaving the military, the veterans he has lost, and why carrying that weight has become about far more than completing another endurance event. Content Note: This episode includes discussions of PTSD, mental health struggles, suicidal thoughts, and suicide loss. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Chapters 00:00 Perseverance 01:14 Why He Joined the Army 04:26 Becoming an Army Ranger 14:39 The Crash That Changed Everything 22:22 “The Baddest Motherfer Ever”* 28:03 From Recovery to Ultra Running 35:42 His First Ultra: Heat, Falls & Getting Lost 41:30 “Nobody’s Coming” 43:00 How He Trains, Works & Lives at 3:30 AM 49:05 6'5", 200 Pounds & a 3:03 Marathon 58:40 100 Miles in 24 Hours for Veterans 1:01:16 PTSD, Suicide & Why the Mission Matters 1:08:42 What Comes Next SUPPORT DYLAN'S 100-MILE RUCK FOR VETERANS Dylan Truesdale is taking on a 100-mile ruck in under 24 hours, with a goal of raising $100,000 to support veterans. If you'd like to support his mission or learn more about the fundraiser, you can find the link below. Donate or learn more: donate.mission22.org/campaign/814545/donate Follow Dylan: instagram.com/dylanctruesdale/ | |||
| #73 What Does It Take to Become One of the World's Best Marathoners? | Zouhair Talbi | 13 Oct 2026 | 00:48:18 | |
What does it really take to become one of the best Marathoners in the world? Zouhair Talbi joins The People Run Podcast for a conversation about the years of work, belief, sacrifice, and environment behind competing at the highest level of distance running. Fresh off winning the Great North Run in 59:47, Zouhair reflects on his journey from Morocco to becoming one of America's top distance runners, and why his ambitions now extend far beyond his accomplishments so far. We talk about the mindset required to compete against the world's best, how training alongside Olympians changed his perspective, and the Boston Marathon performance that helped him see what was possible. Zouhair also opens up about the difficult years of training alone, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why his current training is the product of 17 years of consistent work rather than one breakthrough season. With the New York City Marathon ahead, he shares what he's chasing next, what success means at this stage of his career, and the legacy he hopes to leave for the next generation of runners. A conversation about running, ambition, and everything that goes into pursuing something bigger. Every runner has a story. Chapters 00:00 Winning the Great North Run 06:46 Learning How to Race the World's Best 12:44 From American Elite to World-Class Ambitions 15:26 What Separates the World's Best Runners? 22:13 Boston Marathon: The Fight Through Mile 23 25:00 What Boston Taught Him About Belief 28:28 17 Years Behind a 130-Mile Week 32:00 Consistency, Recovery & Training Around Life 34:42 Why You Need People Around You 36:54 New York City Marathon & the Bigger Picture 44:58 The Legacy He Wants to Leave Follow Zouhair Talbi: instagram.com/zouhairathle/ | |||
| #72 1:11 in His First Half Marathon | João’s Copenhagen Follow Up | 06 Oct 2026 | 00:25:24 | |
João returns to The People Run after making his half marathon debut at the Copenhagen Half Marathon, running 1:11:58. We talk about why the race became the hardest effort of his life, fighting through the final kilometers, losing his bib mid-race, finishing second in his age group, and what he learned about himself when things started to hurt. João also shares what life has been like since moving to the UK to study sports science at St. Mary’s, why he chose recovery over another race, and what comes next as he turns his focus back toward the shorter distances. Chapters 00:00 Running 1:11:58 in His First Half 03:26 How Long Can I Hurt For? 06:12 The Result and What Made Him Proud 09:54 Losing His Bib & Copenhagen Atmosphere 15:00 Recovery, Restraint & the Next Training Block 18:50 Life at St. Mary’s & What Comes Next Follow João: instagram.com/joao._runs/ | |||
| #71 “I Am A Runner”: Living and Racing With Cystic Fibrosis | Katie O' Grady | 02 Oct 2026 | 00:39:35 | |
“I Am a Runner”: Living and Racing With Cystic Fibrosis | Katie Katie O’Grady has spent much of her life trying to answer one question: How far can she go? Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at six years old, Katie found running alongside her dad and discovered a talent that would eventually earn her a college scholarship. But repeated infections, pneumonia, hospital stays, and the loss of her mother continually interrupted the running career she wanted to pursue. Through it all, Katie never stopped seeing herself as a runner. In this conversation, Katie shares what it felt like to repeatedly lose fitness and start again, the doctor who saw her as an athlete while she was hospitalized, and the medication that allowed her to take a deep breath in a way she hadn't before. We also talk about her journey to the Boston Marathon, training under Nell Rojas, her 3:19 marathon and recent half-marathon PR, learning when to back off, and the voice of her late mother that she still hears during difficult miles. At the heart of it all is Katie's pursuit of her potential not simply a number on the clock, but the opportunity to keep discovering what her body can do. Every runner has a story. This is Katie's. Chapters 00:00 The Question of Potential 01:20 Finding Running and Discovering Her Talent 05:15 Losing Her Mother and Rebuilding in College 08:49 The Cycle of Illness and Starting Over 10:17 “I Am a Runner” 11:55 A Doctor Who Saw the Runner 14:41 Taking a Deep Breath for the First Time 19:33 Racing, Training, and Recovery 25:51 A 3:19 Marathon and the Joy of Running 29:02 Potential, Indianapolis, and the Future 37:04 Why Katie Wants to Keep Running Forever Follow Katie: | |||
| #70 Going All In Hyrox Elite 15 | Fran Kilinski | 29 Sep 2026 | 01:12:21 | |
Fran Kilinski is all in on the pursuit of HYROX Elite 15. At 32, Fran is chasing a place among the sport’s elite while navigating the demands of training, racing, and life outside competition. He’s even left his second job to give himself more room to pursue that goal. In this episode of The People Run Podcast, we get into his journey through running and HYROX, what it takes to compete at this level, the decisions he’s made along the way, and what he’s learning as he pushes toward Elite 15. Every runner has a story. Chapters 00:00 Going All In on HYROX Elite 15 Follow Fran: | |||
| #69 How a Middle School Teacher Became a 2:54 Marathoner | Adriana Prince | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:57:04 | |
Adriana Prince is a full time middle school teacher, a 2:54 marathoner, and a runner who regularly logs 70-90 miles a week. But what makes her story interesting isn't just how much she runs. It's how much she loves doing it. In this episode of The People Run Podcast, Adriana shares how she found her way into running, stepped away from competitive racing, and rediscovered the joy that eventually led her to a sub three hour marathon. We get into her early morning routine, balancing training with teaching, learning when to back off, and the role faith and community play in her life. Now, with the Chicago Marathon approaching, Adriana is preparing to chase a new personal best. We talk about what's changed in her training, what she's learned from previous races, and what she hopes to take away from Chicago beyond the finish time. Chapters 00:00 Why Adriana Loves Running 04:20 From Casual Runner to Competitor 10:05 From 3:14 to 2:54 19:43 What the 2:54 Finish Meant 21:55 13 Miles Before Teaching 31:00 Workouts, Treadmills & Tough Days 40:04 Running as Worship 43:12 When Running Stops Being Fun 48:19 Chicago Marathon: Chasing Sub-2:50 52:52 What Makes a Successful Race Weekend? Follow Adriana: | |||
| #68 He's Only 19 and Runs a 32-Minute 10K | João Souza | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:45:31 | |
At 16 years old, João Guilherme left Brazil for the UK and found himself navigating a new country, school, training, and stretches of living on his own. Running had only recently entered his life. What started as 20-minute treadmill runs eventually became something much bigger. Three years later, João is 19, has run 32:17 for 10K, is preparing for his first half marathon in Copenhagen, and is about to begin studying sports science at St Mary’s University surrounded by one of the strongest running environments in the UK. João shares how running gave him confidence and community, the early coach who saw his willingness to suffer before she saw his talent, learning the hard way that every workout shouldn’t be a race, and how a more science-based approach to training has changed his development. With his first half marathon ahead and ambitions of one day representing Brazil, João still has no idea where his ceiling is. He just knows he wants to find out. Chapters 00:00 From Brazil to a 32:17 10K 02:09 Finding Running & Breaking 17 Minutes 04:22 Moving to the UK & Breaking 16 Minutes 05:42 St Mary’s, Coaching & a New Environment 10:17 How Running Changed João’s Life 13:20 Inside João’s Science-Based Training 18:03 Racing the Brazilian U23 Championships 19:13 The Hardest Race He’s Ever Run 22:14 Winning a 32:17 10K & Chasing More 31:48 Preparing for His First Half Marathon Follow João: | |||
| #67 70 Mile Weeks, 5AM Runs & Fatherhood | Gio Cerisier | 12 Sep 2026 | 00:54:34 | |
At 25, Gio Cerisier is balancing 70 mile weeks, 5AM runs, a full-time job, marriage, and fatherhood all while chasing the fastest times of his life. Gio shares how a self-funded trip to Flagstaff changed what he believed was possible, his progression from a 17-minute 5K runner to running 69:50 in his first half marathon, and how he rebuilt after hernia surgery. He also breaks down his approach to double-threshold training, fast long runs, and why he refuses to prove his fitness in workouts. But running is only part of the story. Gio opens up about becoming a father while still competing in college, breaking his school steeplechase record just days after his daughter was born, the role faith plays in his life, and his dream of one day representing Haiti. Now, with even bigger goals ahead, Gio is finding out just how far he can take it without losing sight of what matters most. Chapters 00:00 Meet Gio Cerisier 02:00 5AM Runs, Work & Fatherhood 06:03 The Flagstaff Trip That Changed Everything 09:58 From 17-Minute 5K to College Running 15:02 The Breakthrough 20:01 Why Your Environment Matters 25:04 Hernia Surgery & the Comeback 29:50 Double Threshold & Fast Long Runs 35:03 Save It for Race Day 40:00 How Far Can Gio Take This? 45:00 Fatherhood, Faith & Running Follow Gio: | |||
| #66 4 Olympics. 2 Sports. What’s Next? | Chirine Njeim | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:56:50 | |
Chirine Njeim spent most of her life as a ski racer, representing Lebanon at three Winter Olympic Games before eventually walking away from the sport that had defined her. Then she found running. What started as a new challenge quickly became something much bigger, eventually taking Chirine back to the Olympics this time as a marathoner. Chirine joins Fitz to talk about starting over in a new sport, chasing the Rio Olympics, representing Lebanon, taking on seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, and why after four Olympics she’s still asking: what’s next? Chapters 00:00 Chirine’s Athletic Journey 01:13 From Olympic Skiing to Marathon Running 02:38 Growing Up Skiing in Lebanon 04:11 Moving to France at 13 to Chase Skiing 07:00 Her First Olympics & Overcoming Setbacks 11:24 Walking Away From Skiing & Starting Over 13:36 Learning to Train Like a Runner 18:17 The Unexpected Road to the Rio Olympics 24:11 Favorite Races & Marathon Memories 31:45 Fear, Pressure & the Mental Side of Sport 38:32 Seven Marathons, Seven Continents, Seven Days 43:47 What’s Next After Four Olympics? Follow Chirine: | |||
| #65 Behind the Lens: The Side of Sport We Don’t See | Audrey Helle | 05 Sep 2026 | 00:46:49 | |
What does a photographer see that the rest of us miss? Fitz sits down with Audrey Helle, a Sport editorial photographer, to talk about the way she sees athletes through her lens from HYROX and track to boxing and other high-intensity sports. Audrey shares why she shoots primarily in black and white, how she uses harsh light to her advantage, why she scouts venues before shooting, and how she looks for the vulnerable, emotional moments athletes don’t always want people to see. They also talk about how street photography shaped her eye, the people who pushed her to take photography seriously, why so much sports photography can start to look the same, and why she believes an athlete’s story exists far beyond the finish line. From documenting training and injuries to capturing the moments before warm-up and after recovery, Audrey explains why the unseen parts of sport are often the most important to photograph. A conversation about sports photography, HYROX, visual storytelling, emotion, and seeing the moments everyone else misses. Chapters 00:00 Seeing What Athletes Don’t See 03:02 Composition, Light & Planning the Shot 06:57 Why Audrey Shoots in Black & White 12:07 Finding the Perfect Shot 17:23 Becoming a Photographer 19:54 Telling an Athlete’s Story 25:29 Anticipating the Moment 33:43 Gear, Preparation & Photographing New Athletes 40:11 Beyond the Finish Line: The Full Athlete Story Follow Audrey: Follow The People Run Podcast: | |||
| #64 A Brain Aneurysm Nearly Took His Life. Now He’s Running NYC | Polow Lynn | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:48:13 | |
In 2023, Polow suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm while out on a run. He woke up in the hospital days later, spent weeks in the ICU, and had to relearn how to walk before he could even think about running again. The first attempts back were brutal tears, panic, fear that it could happen again, and the question of whether he would ever feel like himself as a runner again. Eventually, he kept showing up. Polow talks about the emotional side of recovery, survivor’s guilt, therapy, the first runs he couldn’t finish, and the moment running finally started to feel normal again. He also shares how the experience completely changed his relationship with training, ego, sleep, recovery, and what it means to actually take care of himself. We also get into Run N Brunch, the Atlanta running community he built around making sure nobody feels left behind, his return to 13.1 at SeaWheeze, and why his next challenge means more than any race he has done before. Now, Polow is training for the New York City Marathon in support of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. For him, getting to that start line is about much more than 26.2 miles. “It means I made it.” Chapters 00:00 Surviving a Brain Aneurysm & Returning to Running 01:57 The Fear of Running Again 03:58 The Day Everything Changed 08:00 Waking Up in the ICU 11:56 Learning to Walk Again 16:07 When Running Finally Felt Normal Again 19:59 Working From a Place of Rest 24:03 Building Run N Brunch & Running for the Back of the Pack 28:08 Leaving Ego Behind & Returning to Racing 33:04 The Road to the NYC Marathon Follow Polow: Support Polow’s NYC Marathon: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/polow-lynn
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| #63 100 Mile Weeks, 12-Hour Shifts & Running a 2:28 Marathon | Madey Dickson | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:45:32 | |
Madey is a 2:28 marathoner chasing even bigger goals while working full time as a nurse and regularly training up to 100 miles per week. In this episode, we talk about how she balances 12 hour hospital shifts with high level marathon training, 4 a.m. runs, and the discipline required to make it all work. Madey shares how working in healthcare has changed her perspective on running, why she refuses to take her health for granted, and how she’s learned to race more aggressively and “close the gap.” Fueling 100 mile weeks, body image in distance running, recovery, relationships, the sacrifices behind chasing big goals, and why she wants other nurses and everyday runners to see that a demanding career doesn’t mean giving up the things you love. A conversation about running fast, making time, and appreciating the opportunity to do both. Chapters 00:00 Meet Madey: Nurse, Runner & 100-Mile Weeks Follow Madey: | |||
| #62 He Quit His Job to Chase Sub-2:10 & Race the Best | Joey Whelan | 22 Aug 2026 | 00:57:41 | |
Joey Whelan was running 2:13 - 2:15 marathons while balancing running with work when he decided he had one more shot to see how good he could become. With the support of his wife, he quit his job, went all in on running, and eventually broke 2:10. Follow Joey: | |||
| #61 Emily Durgin: When Will I Feel Like Myself Again? | Injury, Recovery & 2028 | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:50:22 | |
Emily Durgin has been a U.S. champion, finished ninth at the 2024 Olympic Trials, and spent years consistently improving and competing at the highest level. Then an injury changed the rhythm of everything. Emily opens up about the past year and a half of trying to feel like herself again. She shares what it was like racing at 85%, questioning whether her best years were behind her, and eventually deciding that continuing to push through wasn't worth sacrificing a full recovery. We talk about the mistakes she's made returning from injury, learning when to stop forcing fitness, rebuilding from the ground up, and separating her identity from running while still believing deeply in what she can accomplish. Emily also looks ahead to 2027 and 2028, why she believes her fastest running may still be ahead of her, and what it means to give herself the chance to go all in one more time. Chapters 00:00 – Emily’s comeback and injury reset 01:04 – Why she stopped racing through pain 05:23 – The hardest part: being away from competition 07:12 – Starting fresh in Boulder 10:59 – The lesson: stop running through it 12:21 – Why racing means so much more than workouts 17:39 – Redefining success and choosing joy 27:13 – Hill strides and rebuilding form 30:32 – The biggest mistake runners make after injury 34:12 – Faith, friendship, and joy outside running 43:15 – December marathons and the road back 47:41 – Why 2028 is the main goal 50:55 – What she’ll appreciate most when she’s back Follow Emily: Follow The People Run Podcast: | |||
| #60 She Qualified For Hyrox Worlds In Under A Year | Courtney Hayre | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:54:17 | |
Less than a year after signing up for her first HYROX, Courtney qualified for the HYROX World Championships. In this episode, Courtney shares how she balances a full-time career, family life, and training while chasing her potential. We talk about qualifying for Worlds, running a sub 40 10K, training 15+ hours a week, fueling, recovery, and the mindset that's helped her improve so quickly. Whether you're training for HYROX, running your next race, or simply trying to fit big goals into a busy life, there's something in this conversation for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: From First HYROX to Worlds 02:11 Signing Up for Her First HYROX 03:57 Training, Mindset & Finding Her Potential 07:10 The Mental Side of Racing 10:11 The Road to HYROX Worlds 15:46 Race Day at Worlds 19:01 Lessons From HYROX Worlds 23:02 Running, HYROX & Getting Faster 29:07 Balancing Work, Family & Training 33:04 Fueling, Recovery & Community 44:02 What's Next? Hong Kong & Future Goals Follow Courtney: instagram.com/courtney.hybrid.fit/ Follow The People Run Podcast: | |||
| #59 Why Running Never Leaves You | Deena Kastor | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:46:21 | |
Olympic medalist, author, and lifelong runner Deena Kastor joins The People Run Podcast. We talk about how her relationship with running has evolved, why joy matters more than chasing personal bests, what keeps her running today, the growth of the running community, writing Let Your Mind Run, and the lessons running continues to teach her decades after standing on the Olympic podium. If you’ve ever wondered why we keep coming back to running, this conversation is for you. Enjoy the episode. Chapters Follow Deena: Follow The People Run Podcast: | |||
| #58 This Wasn't the Plan: From 3:15 to a 2:46 Marathon | Sydney Levenfeld | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:32:30 | |
Sydney Levenfeld never expected running to change the direction of her life. After being diagnosed with epilepsy in 2020, running became a safe space during a difficult period. What started as a way to cope eventually led to a 3:15 debut marathon in Chicago, a growing belief in what she was capable of, and ultimately a 2:46 marathon PR. Sydney joins the podcast to talk about finding confidence through running, her rapid marathon progression, learning to love the training process, the workouts that helped her improve, racing Chicago, Boston and Eugene, and the unique pre race ritual she uses to visualize her goals. We also talk about leaving teaching, navigating uncertainty in her career, betting on herself, and co-founding Lead Pack Athletics as running became more than something she did it helped shape the person she wanted to become. Chapters Follow Sydney: instagram.com/sydney.b.fitness/ | |||
| #57 This Professor is a 2:13 Marathoner | Kristoffer Mugrage | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:52:55 | |
What does it take to balance teaching at a university while running a 2:13 marathon? | |||
| #56 He Had One Month of Rent Left... Then Under Armour Called | David Mullarkey | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:50:41 | |
David Mullarkey left the Isle of Man to chase a dream that most people thought was impossible. After moving across the world to compete in the NCAA, spending months without a sponsor, and burning through his savings with only one month of rent left, he finally got the email that changed everything—Under Armour was signing him as a professional runner. In this conversation, David shares what it was really like leaving home, adapting to life in America, competing in the NCAA, coaching himself after college, racing for Great Britain, and why patience has been the biggest advantage throughout his career. We also talk about high-mileage training, altitude in Flagstaff, becoming part of Mission Run Dark Sky, why championship racing means more than fast times, and the mindset behind the word “Relentless”—the tattoo he carries as a reminder to keep moving forward no matter what. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to become a professional runner, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Chapters Follow David: instagram.com/david.mullarkey/ | |||
| #55 Born With One Arm. Couldn’t Swim 15 Feet. Now He’s Racing 140.6 Miles. | Casey Watson | 02 Jul 2026 | 01:04:47 | |
He Couldn’t Swim 15 Feet. Now He’s Racing 140.6 Miles | Casey Watson Born With One Arm. Couldn’t Swim 15 Feet. Now He’s Racing 140.6 Miles. Casey Watson once jumped into a pool believing his marathon fitness would carry him through a lap. Fifteen feet later, he was standing up, out of breath, and realizing he had no idea how to swim. That moment became the start of something much bigger. In this episode, Casey shares how he taught himself to swim, adapted a bike he could race safely, survived the fear of open water, and went from finishing his first triathlon to standing on podiums at 70.3 races and the Boston Marathon. Now he is preparing for the biggest challenge of his life: 140.6 miles at Challenge Roth in Germany. This is Casey Watson on The People Run Podcast. Chapters 00:00 From 15 Feet to a 2.4-Mile Triathlon Swim 07:59 Building a Triathlon Bike He Could Ride 13:39 Surviving the Swim, Taking Third in His First Triathlon 26:26 His First 70.3: Breaking Six Hours and Winning His Division 33:40 Why He Has to Work Twice as Hard 43:07 Training for Triathlon Without Losing Family Time 46:28 What His Kids See When He Races 48:37 Racing Boston Marathon Alone at the Front 52:50 Challenge Roth: 140.6 Miles in Germany Follow Casey: | |||
| #54 Run Clubs, Hyrox & The Search For Community | Olivia Cox | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:51:08 | |
This week on The People Run, I’m joined by Olivia, a former British Army soldier, fitness presenter, runner, and HYROX athlete. We talk about the rise of run clubs, why HYROX has exploded in popularity, and what so many people are really searching for when they sign up for races, join a community, or take on hard challenges. Along the way we discuss Olivia’s path from the Army into fitness media, how running became more than exercise, racing around the world, the culture surrounding HYROX, social media authenticity, and why community might be the most underrated part of endurance sports. Chapters 00:00 HYROX, Half Marathons & Why Everyone's Obsessed 08:49 The Accidental Path: Army, Media & Staying Busy 12:51 How Running Became Her Identity 19:31 Why We Fly Across The World To Run 25:36 Preparing For HYROX 31:07 HYROX: Online vs Reality 39:40 What's The Point? Social Media & Authenticity 45:41 Why We Keep Doing Hard Things Follow Olivia: | |||
| #53 From Paralysis to Leadville 100 | Sean Casey | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:52:20 | |
At 13 years old, Sean Casey was told he may never walk again. After being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, Sean went from playing football with his friends to spending 94 days in the hospital, learning how to walk, use his hands, and rebuild his life from the ground up. Just as he recovered, he faced another serious illness that put him back in the hospital. Today, Sean is running marathons, chasing a sub-3, and taking on one of the toughest races in the world: Leadville 100. In this episode, Sean shares his journey through paralysis, recovery, identity, endurance sports, and why movement is something he'll never take for granted again. Chapters 00:00 From Football to Paralysis 06:38 The Recovery Nobody Sees 17:09 How Running Changed Everything 22:09 Why Leadville Became the Dream 27:47 100 Miles of Chosen Suffering 31:41 Tokyo, Failure & The Sub-3 Chase 41:25 What Makes Someone Strong? 42:28 Defining Strength: Consistency Through Adversity 42:58 Preparing for Leadville: Lessons Learned 44:21 The Leadville Dream and Community Impact 47:38 Authenticity in Running: Staying True to Oneself Follow Sean: | |||
| #52 How Far Can We Push Our Potential? | Stefanie Corgel | 16 Jun 2026 | 01:02:30 | |
Stefanie Corgel is a runner, strength coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Good Pain LA. In this conversation, we discuss her journey from college strength coach to online fitness entrepreneur, what marathon training has taught her about longevity, and why getting faster sometimes means staying healthy rather than pushing harder. We dive into injuries, marathon majors, Boston and New York, chasing ambitious goals without losing yourself in the process, and the lessons learned from nearly blacking out during the London Marathon. Stef also shares her approach to strength training for runners, balancing performance with long term health, and how running has evolved from a personal pursuit into an opportunity to lead and build community. Chapters 00:00 College Strength Coach to Online Fitness Entrepreneur 04:02 Training for Life at 70 12:19 Getting Faster: Injuries, Tokyo & Marathon Goals 22:00 Why Boston Is Running's Super Bowl 32:09 Why New York Will Always Be Special 34:32 How Far Can We Push Our Potential? 42:59 Chasing Sub-3s Without Losing Yourself 47:04 Strength Training for Runners 53:55 Building Good Pain LA & Becoming a Leader 59:18 Evolving as a Leader in the Running Community Follow Stef: | |||
| #51 The Running Gamer: From Video Games to a 2:37 Marathon | Malik Jordan | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
Malik J, better known as The Running Gamer, found a way to combine two passions that don't often overlap: running and video games. | |||
| #50 The Secret Behind an OTQ and Elite 15 Hyrox Athlete | Alyssa McElheny | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:54:53 | |
Olympic Trials qualifier. Elite 15 Hyrox athlete. Most athletes spend their entire careers chasing excellence in one sport. Alyssa McElheny is doing it in two. | |||
| #49 How Zach Bitter Thinks About Training | 04 Jun 2026 | 01:09:41 | |
In this episode of The People Run Podcast, I sit down with Zach Bitter, one of the fastest 100 mile runners in history, to talk about training, longevity, recovery, and what it really takes to improve over the long term. | |||
| #48 Inside Cooldown | How Bailey Ness Built One of America’s Biggest Run Clubs | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:31:47 | |
Bailey didn’t plan on building one of the biggest run clubs in America. What started as an idea for a running clothing brand eventually turned into Cooldown a community now spanning 18 cities and helping reshape modern run culture. Follow Cooldown : | |||
| #47 How Kara Built a Life Through Running | Kara Dudley | 29 May 2026 | 01:00:46 | |
Kara never planned for running to become her life. Before coaching runners, building a community, and becoming one of the first women to complete all seven World Marathon Majors, she was pursuing dance and theater in New York City while trying to figure out where life was taking her. In this episode, Kara shares the leap from corporate life into coaching full time, the relationships and breakups that shaped her running journey, how she unexpectedly became faster over time, and why running eventually became about freedom more than performance. We also talk about race anxiety, building confidence, mental performance, balancing coaching while training at a high level, creating community through running, and what it really feels like to build a life around something you genuinely love. This is one of the more honest conversations we’ve had about identity, growth, and what running can become when it turns into more than just training. Chapters 00:00 The Turning Point: From Dance to Running 06:20 The Coaching Leap 12:13 Finding Her Voice 16:08 Chasing Seven Stars 20:56 Freedom & Getting Faster 28:27 Inside Her Training 31:03 Lessons From The Marathon 39:51 The Mental Side of Racing 47:47 Building Something Bigger 53:09 Community & Connection 57:46 Betting On Herself Follow Kara: Instagram: instagram.com/karagracedudley/ Follow The People Run Podcast: Instagram: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube: The People Run Podcast Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/ | |||
| #46 The Heart of the Race | Pro Runner Kasey Knevelbaard | 26 May 2026 | 01:10:35 | |
In this episode of The People Run Podcast, Fitz sits down with Under Armour pro runner Kasey Knevelbaard for a conversation on racing, mindset, gratitude, and what it really means to chase your potential in today’s golden era of running. From Team Mission Run Dark Sky and life as a professional runner to racing internationally, injury prevention, shoe innovation, and learning how to stay present in competition, this episode goes far beyond splits and training plans. Chapters 00:00 Chasing The Best Version of Yourself Follow Kasey: Instagram: instagram.com/kaseyknevelbaard/ Follow The People Run Podcast: Instagram: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube: The People Run Podcast Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/ | |||
| #45 The Long Way to a 2:15 Marathon | Paxton Smith | 22 May 2026 | 00:45:08 | |
Paxton Smith accidentally qualified for the Olympic Trials in his first marathon but the real journey started after that. In this episode, Paxton shares the long process of chasing a 2:15 marathon while balancing full-time teaching, coaching, high mileage training, and life in Miami after running at the University of Colorado. Chapters Follow Paxton: Instagram: instagram.com/paxtonsmith18/ Follow The People Run Podcast: Instagram: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube: The People Run Podcast Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/ | |||
| #44 How Running on Blades Set Her Free | Tanya Khvitsko-Trimb | 19 May 2026 | 00:47:38 | |
Born in Belarus in the aftermath of Chernobyl, Tanya Khvitsko-Trimb grew up between orphanages, boarding schools, and years of hiding her prosthetic legs from the world. In this episode, Tanya shares her journey from Belarus to the United States, getting her first running blades, discovering freedom through running, and eventually chasing big goals like the Boston Marathon. We also talk about identity, motherhood, recovery from injury, what people misunderstand about disability, and why she wants to be seen as more than just “inspiring.” This is one of the most honest and powerful conversations we’ve had on The People Run Podcast. Chapters 00:00 Growing Up After Chernobyl 05:03 Finding a Future In America 10:14 The Day Running Found Her 15:08 Running on Blades 17:32 The Cost of Competing 20:54 Boston, Falling, and Getting Back Up 29:13 Running as Gratitude 32:04 More Than an Inspirational Story 35:43 The Reality Behind the Story 39:31 Freedom Through Running 42:17 Healing, Patience, and Running 45:14 Effort Over Excuses Follow Tanya: Instagram: instagram.com/tanyakhv/ Follow The People Run Podcast: Instagram: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube: The People Run Podcast Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/ | |||
| #43 How A Civil Engineer Reached HYROX Worlds | Aycan Kara | 15 May 2026 | 00:46:28 | |
In this episode of The People Run Podcast, Fitz sits down with Aycan Kara a civil engineer who started running and lifting in her late 20s and is now preparing for the HYROX World Championships. Aycan shares her journey from growing up in Turkey to discovering fitness after moving to the United States, how consistency changed her life, and what it’s been like balancing HYROX training with a full-time engineering career. They talk about overcoming gym intimidation, racing HYROX doubles with her boyfriend, training for her first marathon, chasing big goals while staying realistic, and the emotional story of racing alongside her dad in Turkey a moment that inspired her entire family to become more active. Chapters Follow Aycan: Instagram: instagram.com/aycan.fit/ Follow The People Run Podcast: Instagram: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/ Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube: The People Run Podcast Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/ | |||
| #42 Running Was Never Mine To Lose | Nell Rojas | 12 May 2026 | 00:44:37 | |
Professional runner Nell Rojas joins The People Run Podcast for an honest conversation about identity, recovery, and rebuilding her relationship with running. After stepping away from racing while battling Lyme disease and multiple co-infections, Nell opens up about the physical and mental toll of losing the thing that once defined her, learning how to slow down, and finding perspective through it all. We talk about the road to finally getting answers, how chronic illness changed her relationship with running, fear and validation in elite sport, signing with Altra during recovery, coaching athletes through breakthrough moments, and what it really takes to compete at the highest level. This episode is about more than racing. It’s about purpose, perspective, and learning who you are when running gets taken away. This is The People Run. Chapters 00:00 Where Running Left Nell Rojas 03:28 When Her Body Started Breaking Down 12:25 The Long Road to Answers 15:04 A Different Relationship With Running 18:03 Coaching Through Recovery 21:33 Missing Running & Learning Patience 27:48 Finding New Opportunities 32:05 What it Takes To Compete At The Top 37:21 This Is Part Of The Process 43:07 Why Running Still Matters Follow Us:
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| #41 What Happens When Keira D’Amato Has to Stop Running | 07 May 2026 | 00:53:24 | |
Keira D’Amato has built one of the most inspiring stories in running. From stepping away from the sport to coming back and breaking records, she’s become one of the most respected voices in distance running. But this time… she had to stop. In this conversation, Keira opens up about what it actually feels like when running the thing that gives you purpose, structure, and community is suddenly taken away. From injury and surgery to rebuilding from zero, this is a raw look at identity, patience, and starting over. We also get into race day rituals, international racing, the evolution of the sport, and why running today might be in its golden era. This isn’t just about elite running. It’s about what happens when you’re forced to slow down and how you build yourself back up again. Chapters 00:00 The Injury 09:33 Choosing Surgery 12:13 Life Without Running 14:58 Race Day Mindset 18:12 How Strava Jokes Started 18:50 The Big Reset 21:13 Kilometers vs. Miles 23:38 Favorite Races and International Races 29:18 Would Keira Write Another Book? 34:11 Women's Running and The Growth of the Sport 40:02 Are We in the Golden Era of Running? 41:43 Starting Over and Beginning Again 44:55 The Power of Small Wins 49:26 What's Next Follow Us: | |||
| Boston Marathon: 4 Runners, 4 Different Stories | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:46:43 | |
The Boston Marathon means something different to everyone. For some, it’s chasing a PR. For others, it’s years of work just to get to the start line. And for some, it’s something much deeper than the race itself. In this episode, four runners share their Boston experience from completely different perspectives from a 2:31 performance, to a pro debut, to a dream years in the making, to a story of resilience and redemption. Same race. Different journeys. Different meaning. Chapters 00:00 Max - 2:31 PR at Boston 07:53 Polly - Pro debut at Boston 12:30 Emily - Chasing The Dream Race 17:19 Maurice Boston in a Suit 21:37 What Boston Marathon Meant 30:31 The Hardest Moments 38:17 The Magic of Boston | |||
| #40 400 Laps. 100 Miles. More Than Just a Race | Sean Rhodes | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:55:29 | |
There are hard things… and then there’s choosing to run 100 miles in circles. Sean Rhodes is getting ready for the Stoney 100, 400 laps around a track, but this isn’t just about distance. It’s about purpose. It’s about pushing into uncomfortable places and seeing what’s on the other side. We talk about what it actually takes to train for something like this, the mental lows that hit in the middle of an ultra, and what happens when you come out of it stronger than you expected. But this goes deeper than running. Sean shares the path that led him here from a rough stretch earlier in life, to finding discipline through bodybuilding, to building something meaningful through running. We get into chasing big goals, balancing life outside of training, and why sometimes the hardest things we choose end up teaching us the most. This one isn’t just about a race. It’s about the kind of person you become while chasing something that big. Chapters 00:00 The Stoney 100 - More Than a Race 08:08 Training for 100 Miles on a Track 10:05 Building The Stoney 100 16:37 2:44 Marine Corps Marathon to BPN 50 Miler 6 Days Apart 22:05 Can You Do It ALL? Lifting + Running + Ultra 29:22 How Running Found Him 33:05 Faith Running & Purpose 36:46 Why He Chooses Hard Things 38:55 Being Present Beyond Running 40:33 Big Goals at Chicago Marathon after Stoney 100 45:50 How He Recovers From Big Miles 48:55 A Rough Past and a Turning Point Follow Us: | |||
| #39 HYROX Mistakes That Are Holding You Back | Anthony Di Paolo | 24 Apr 2026 | 00:44:59 | |
Anthony Di Paolo has done it all Ironman, ultras, and now over 20+ HYROX races, including competing at Worlds. In this episode, we break down what actually matters if you’re trying to get better at HYROX and what most people are getting wrong. From going out too fast on race day, to trying to train everything at once, to the mental side when a race doesn’t go to plan this is a real look at the mistakes, lessons, and adjustments that come with chasing progress in a hybrid sport. If you’re training for HYROX, thinking about it, or just trying to balance strength and endurance without burning out this one’s for you. Chapters 00:00 Why Hyrox 04:48 Ironman to HYROX 06:25 Transitioning to High Rocks and Early Success 09:07 First HYROX to Worlds 10:43 Doing Too Much & How He Trains Now 14:59 HYROX Mistakes on Race Day 19:45 Threshold Training Insights 25:28 Pro Weights, Podiums, The Diffrence 31:16 When It Doesn't Go Right 36:51 The Hybrid Athlete's Dilemma 40:33 Where Progress Comes From Follow Us: | |||
| #38 He Wasn’t Supposed to Walk… Now He’s Chasing 100 Miles | Scott Davidson | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:54:12 | |
Scott wasn’t supposed to walk. Now he’s chasing 100 miles. This isn’t a clean, polished story. It’s what it actually looked like growing up being told what he couldn’t do, dealing with how people saw him, and figuring it out the hard way. At one point he stopped going outside. Didn’t want to be seen. Didn’t like what he saw in the mirror. Now he’s training for distances most people won’t even attempt. We talk about the part people don’t see the pain, the judgment, the self doubt and the decision to keep moving anyway. “No one’s better than you. You just have to go again.” Chapters Follow Us: | |||
| #37 He Thought Running Was Over… Then Started Again at 74 | David Krygier | 17 Apr 2026 | 00:40:26 | |
David stopped running for years after back issues and thought that chapter was over. At 74, he found his way back building a daily run streak and rediscovering something he thought he lost. We talk about what that actually looks like, how he adapted his running, and why showing up every day changed more than just his fitness. Chapters 00:00 Running Again at 74 04:18 How He Runs Every Day Without Breaking 09:17 Defiance 11:47 Family Support and Sharing the Journey 16:53 Reflections on Running and Life Lessons 20:32 His Running Form & Technique 23:14 Consistency Over Intensity 27:16 Why He Keeps the Same Course 28:58 Nutrition and Lifestyle Choices 30:18 Community Engagement and Support 32:22 Tracking the Journey & Daily Rituals 37:55 The Gift of Running Again 38:53 It's never Too Late Follow Us: | |||
| #36 Adversity, Discipline, and Chasing a 100 Miler | Rio Mata | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:43:41 | |
In this episode of The People Run Podcast, Fitz sits down with Rio Mata to talk about what it really means to build yourself through adversity. At a young age, Rio faced injuries, family challenges, and isolation. Instead of folding, he found the gym, leaned into discipline, and started chasing something bigger. That path led him into bodybuilding, running, coaching others, and now preparing for one of the toughest 100 mile races in the country. This conversation goes beyond training. It’s about learning through struggle, investing in guidance instead of going it alone, and developing the mindset to keep showing up when things aren’t ideal. From running a marathon through pain to using breathwork to stay locked in, Rio shares how he’s continuing to evolve and push his limits. Chapters 00:00 Early Struggles & Finding the Gym 04:34 Taking the Risk (Hiring a Coach) 08:10 Why Doing It Alone Keeps You Stuck 13:00 The Breathwork Trick That Helped Him Run Through Pain 19:03 Coaching Others & Leading a Team 22:14 Purpose & Doing Hard Things 30:00 Mindset, Identity, Belief 37:39 First 100 Miler: Why IMTUF? 40:04 Training for the Mountains From Texas 42:19 What He'd Tell His Younger Self Follow Us: | |||
| #35 What Happens When a Marathon Runner Tries Bodybuilding | Bobby Milioto | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:49:14 | |
After years of chasing a sub 3 marathon, Bobby finally hit his goal… and started asking what was next. Instead of doubling down on running, he decided to try something completely different stepping on a bodybuilding stage for the first time. Chapters Follow Us: | |||
| #34 D1 HYROX Athlete: What It Really Takes | Eric Zalewski | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:51:14 | |
Eric went from a D1 basketball background to competing in Hyrox and recently dropped 8 minutes off his time. | |||
| #33 She Works Full Time and Runs at an Elite Level | Amy Hoagland | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:49:25 | |
In this episode of The People Run Podcast, I sit down with Amy Hoagland a full time neurosurgery nurse practitioner chasing elite level running while balancing work, family, and everyday life. Chapters 00:00 Amy's Breakout Half Marathon 04:22 130° Sauna Cycling at Hotworx 08:08 Racing Mesa & Catching Elites Runners 10:03 Why Amy Runs 90% of Her Miles on a Treadmill 14:21 Marathon on a Treadmill + Chasing OTQ 18:00 Gaining Weight & Getting faster than Before 24:21 Injury & Finding Balance 25:33 What Working Hard Looks Like Now 28:39 4am Mornings, Kids, and Making Elite Level Training Work 34:34 Boston Marathon Then vs Now: Running it as a Mother 40:16 Support and Family in Athletic Pursuits 47:12 Getting Faster Intentional Training Follow Us: | |||
| #32 400m Hurdles to the Marathon | Brown Bambi on Competing, Coaching & Staying True to Yourself | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:54:28 | |
Asia, also known as Brown Bambi, joins the show to talk about her journey from the 400m hurdles to the marathon, coaching athletes while still competing herself, and what it takes to stay confident and authentic in the sport. | |||
| #31 Twenty Years of Running and Still Chasing PRs | Michelle Baxter | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:48:19 | |
Michelle Baxter has been running for more than 20 years and she’s still chasing progress. In this episode of The People Run Podcast, Michelle shares what it really takes to stay consistent in running for decades. From early morning runs in −20° weather to raising a family while training for marathons, she talks about discipline, stacking years of consistent training, and the mental battles that show up late in the race. We talk about falling in love with the process, learning through injuries and setbacks, and why progress in running is rarely linear. Because after 20 years in the sport, Michelle is still asking the same question many runners are: How much better can I still get? Chapters 00:00 Running in −20° Weather 04:29 Training Consistency & Sleep 10:53 The 8 Year Journey to Sub 3 Marathon 17:05 The Sub 3 Finish Line Moment 19:18 Training Process & Balancing Running With Family 26:14 Getting Faster After 40 30:13 The Missing Piece: Mental Side of Running 32:49 Stacking Training Cycles 35:28 Houston PR Attempt & Mile 22 Incident 37:51 Boston Marathon & Choosing The Right Races 42:32 Long Term Ceiling & Why She Runs Follow Us: 👉 Subscribe to The People Run Podcast for more real stories from everyday runners, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with a friend who needs some inspiration. | |||
| #30: Western States to Badwater in 8 Days & Life as an Elite Ultra Runner Sierra Degroff | 10 Mar 2026 | 01:08:20 | |
Ultra runner Sierra DeGroff joins The People Run Podcast fresh off a podium finish at Jackpot 50 to talk about one of the wildest challenges in endurance running: racing Western States and Badwater just eight days apart. We break down what that experience was really like the recovery, the mental battle, and what it takes to compete at that level. Sierra also shares her journey through ultra running, from podium finishes to the brutal Wyoming Range 100, pacing elite runners like Tara Dower, and balancing high level training with a full-time job. We also talk about the rapid rise of the women’s field in ultra running, fueling strategies, recovery, and what keeps her chasing her potential. Chapters Follow Us: URL: sierradegroff.com 👉 Subscribe to The People Run Podcast for more real stories from everyday runners, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with a friend who needs some inspiration. | |||
| #29: Cancer at 26: The Marathon Promise | Nathaniel “Cheezy” | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:47:30 | |
At 26 years old, Nathaniel was diagnosed with cancer. While sitting in a hospital room, a friend made him promise something unexpected run a marathon after he recovered. He hated running. Today, he’s known as “Cheezy” a smiling marathoner chasing big dreams and using his story to inspire runners and young cancer survivors that you are not defined by your diagnosis. Chapters Follow Us: 👉 Subscribe to The People Run Podcast for more real stories from everyday runners, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with a friend who needs some inspiration. | |||
| #28: She Lost the Joy of Running Then Came Back Faster Bianca | 24 Feb 2026 | 01:00:05 | |
Bianca was once an elite athlete whose entire identity was built around performance. When figure skating ended and running stopped being fun, she walked away from racing for nearly five years. In this conversation, we talk about losing the joy of running, rebuilding a healthier relationship with the sport, separating performance from identity, and what it really takes to come back stronger mentally and physically. Chapters Follow Us: 👉 Subscribe to The People Run Podcast for more real stories from everyday runners, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with a friend who needs some inspiration. Bianca references the “identity house” concept from author Brad Stulberg (via the Rich Roll Podcast) | |||