Run Your Story Podcast

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Lenise Ligon is a Gulf Coast TV news anchor and a certified yoga instructor who swears she used to hate running. A trainer tricked her onto the pavement about two years after she moved to the Gulf Coast, signed her up for a 5K in Daphne to keep her honest, and she was hooked - she has stuck to halves, fulls, and the occasional 15K ever since. A Detroit native, she ran the Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Marathon at 19 weeks pregnant (that's where her daughter got the name Phoenix), ran until she was 36 weeks along, once qualified for Boston, and still does her long runs on the treadmill so she can zone out safely. Running, for her, is mental health: no headphones, a single water bottle, a slice of wood-fired cheese pizza at the finish, and a gratitude journal every night. Lenise Ligon - https://www.facebook.com/LeniseLigon Races Mentioned Crime Prevention 5k Seeds 5K La Jolla Half Marathon Double Bridge Run Detroit Marathon Denver Marathon Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Marathon Crescent City Classic Turkey Trot Oak Mountain trail race Alabama-to-Georgia ultra Disney Marathon Tunnel to Tunnel Run Battleship 12K Boston Marathon Shout Outs Phoenix Steven Plankas Matt Barrentine Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Matt Bilotti is retired U.S. Coast Guard. His running started in 2003–2004 with a "Boot Camp" gym class at the WVU football stadium (Law School Hill sprints and 120-some stadium steps) to get ready for Coast Guard boot camp. Today he is a vocational trainer for a personal fitness training program with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (Department of Justice). He teaches the ISSA Certified Personal Trainer course — 10 to 12 weeks, about 120 hours, two classes a day — to incarcerated men, who leave with a certification ISSA backs with a job guarantee. His students call him "Coach B." Matt Billotti - https://www.facebook.com/matt.billotti Races Mentioned Coast Guard Marathon Canaan Valley Half Marathon Pittsburgh Half Marathon Olympic-distance triathlon Moonlight at the Falls JFK 50 New York City Marathon Turkey Trot Shout Outs Dave McDonald Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Sheila Scott — author of "Miles of Motherhood" — joins Allison to talk about a running life that started with a grade-school one-mile fun run outside Rochester, New York, and never really stopped: cross-country coaches who preached "look at the foliage" and taught visualization before it was cool, stepping away from the sport and finding her way back, and raising two runners of her own (both now at Alabama — Roll Tide). She relives the mud that ate her shoe at a high-school race, the 2019 Marine Corps Marathon downpour, BQ hunting in Richmond, and why the race memories that stick are the people, not the times. Plus: the packing grid, race-morning jitters that never go away, cushy shoes, a Mountain Dew confession, negotiating with herself through hot Florida miles, and why she is saying yes to everything — including 29029 Everesting and, one day, Athens. Sheila Scott - https://www.facebook.com/sheila.scott.9041083 Author of "Miles of Motherhood" https://us.amazon.com/Miles-Motherhood-Sheila-Scott/dp/B0G6JFMPPB Races Mentioned Boston Marathon Richmond Marathon Marine Corps Marathon New York City Marathon Chicago Marathon London Marathon Tuscaloosa Half Marathon Mother's Day 5K at Chestnut Park Huntsville Marathon Athens Marathon 29029 Everesting Shout Outs Catherine Wagner's Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Host Alison Gilliard interviews Josh Sprague, founder of Orange Mud (started January 2012) and Seven Clay. Josh explains building Orange Mud’s hydration packs and the transition wrap/seat cover as “innovation from frustration,” recounts his background in endurance sports and adventure racing, and emphasizes training less to avoid overtraining, family-first balance, warming up slowly, and breaking big efforts into small, measurable goals while staying positive and caring for feet and gut. He describes racing a 12-hour adventure race with his 14-year-old son, shares nutrition strategies using Infinite Nutrition custom mixes, favors audiobooks over music, and details launching Seven Clay after poor local embroidery service, growing it into a larger customization business. Josh Sprague - https://www.facebook.com/josh.sprague.96 Orange Mud - https://www.orangemud.com/ Races Mentioned Rock N Roll Marathon Phoenix Leadman Series Jailbreak Cannonball 550 Shout Outs Aunt Sherry Marvin Mike Jack Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! John explains that after reaching his heaviest weight and feeling depressed, he quit alcohol, joined a gym, bought cheap running shoes, and began running on a treadmill, completing his first 5K in October 2023 in about 56 minutes before progressing through 10Ks, half marathons, and ultras with the Scallywags. He recounts his breakthrough first 50K at Lake Guntersville, later running a 100K (In the Heat of the Night) and his first 100 miler (Chief Ladiga 100), emphasizing discipline, giving yourself grace, and “embrace the suck,” with goals including 100 miles in a 24-hour race, Leadville 100, and Cocodona 250. John Bruce - https://www.facebook.com/john.bruce.912284 Races Mentioned Gray Ghost 5k Eagle Ridge Half Marathon In the Heat of the Night 100k Chief Ladiga 100 Leadville 100 Cocodona 250 Shout Outs Gabe Cross Dirty Soles Becky Zombie Trail Races Jeff Browning Courtney DeWater Trey Nick Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Jillian Walters went from Strongman competitor to trail ultrarunner in under three years — and she just turned 40. She shares how family 5Ks with her husband and kids turned into 50Ks on the trails, heat-training for her first eight-hour race, running in Luna sandals, the aid-station order that never changes (a cheese quesadilla and a little bit of Coke), faith and worship music in the hard miles, and the mantra that keeps her moving: "I am made in the image of a mighty God." Jillian Walters - https://www.facebook.com/jmgwalters Races Mentioned Cloudland Canyon (Run Bum) Rocket City Marathon Cocodona 250 Shout Outs Speed for Need Run Bum Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Allison interviews Tim Martin of the Warrior’s Way Podcast, who shares how he went from avoiding running to starting with a coworker-led Ragnar Relay, learning proper gear, and finding a community that pushed him to grow as a husband, father, and man of faith. Tim founded Warrior’s Way in Michigan as an outdoor men’s workout group meeting year-round on Saturdays, using cinder blocks to symbolize choosing discomfort for growth, followed by devotion and coffee. He began the podcast to share impactful stories and community lessons, emphasizing “say yes,” preparing now for unknown opportunities, and that manufactured suffering builds resilience for life’s trials. Tim Martin - https://www.facebook.com/tim.martin.5458498 Warrior's Way Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/7cHmfpkN6zW2cMLpKQcVTL Races Mentioned Ragnar Relay Race Mid-State Mile Bayshore Half Marathon New York City Marathon Ann Arbor Marathon Chicago Marathon Boston Marathon Berlin Marathon BPN Last Man Standing Backyard Ultramarathon Tokyo Marathon Sidney Marathon Shout Outs Ben Barker Doug Brian Bradley Thompson Lance Chad Wright Mark Dowdle Harvey Lewis Dylan Ledbetter John Becca Cameron Haynes Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Allison Gaillard of Run Your Story Podcast interviews runner and mom Elizabeth German, a longtime athlete from South Louisiana whose running began with a family rite of passage at age 13 in the Crescent City Classic, progressed to half and full marathons, and continued through teaching and dyslexia therapy work. Elizabeth discusses balancing running with parenting, lessons of perseverance and community, favorite races (Crescent City Classic and the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon), a mental challenge with the Louisiana Half’s lake turns, her routines, music, shoe “relationships,” fueling with gels, goals for upcoming races, and her mantra: “Quick like a bunny, sting like a bee.” Elizabeth German - https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.pool.180 Races Mentioned Crescent City Classic Louisiana Marathon Northshore Marathon Marine Corps Marathon Every Woman's Marathon Battleship 12k Shout Outs Stefan Clayton Ainsley's Angels John German Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Allison Gaillard interviews Steven Vinson of “Keep Showing Up, Steven,” who shares his lifelong struggle with weight, reaching 632 pounds, losing and regaining after injuries, surgeries, and depression, and adopting a July 2025 mindset shift from chasing perfection to consistently “keeping showing up.” Steven describes adapting training to his body and the Alabama heat through walking, swimming, and indoor options, tracking streaks, and planning for worst days. He’s training for the Rocket City Half as a promise to himself and a goal beyond the scale, emphasizing progress isn’t linear, community support, and the power of small, consistent actions. Stephen Vinson - https://www.facebook.com/stephenrolltide Races Mentioned Rocket City Marathon Mobile Marathon Mercedes Half Marathon Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! In this conversation, Erica shares how she began running in her late twenties during an abusive marriage as a way to escape and regain strength, and how running stayed with her after leaving. Encouraged by her now-husband Joey, she skipped shorter races and ran a first half marathon, later completing more halves and many 5Ks/10Ks, with a goal to try a full marathon to see if she wants to continue beyond 13.1. She explains how her Instagram (started July 2025) gained traction, leading to a friendship with Laura Green and the creation of their “Probably Fine” podcast, named after their habit of downplaying running ailments. Erica discusses lessons like the importance of fueling, her preferred foods and race-day celebrations, favorite local races, playlists, gear and shoe preferences, patellar tendonitis recovery tied to back stiffness, and advice to slow down and make running your own journey. Erica Kennedy - https://www.instagram.com/heyericak/. Races Mentioned Boston Marathon Christie Clinic Race Mahomet Half-Marathon Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon Shout Outs Joey Kennedy Laura Green Probably Fine podcast Alice Grey Gaillard Kristen Rather Anna Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Sean describes growing up as an athlete who disliked running until he developed Guillain-Barré syndrome at 13, rapidly progressing from numbness to full paralysis, ICU ventilation, and a 94-day hospital stay, followed by relearning movement and returning to football within months with a full recovery. At 22, while teaching English in Korea, he joined an international run club and impulsively ran his first marathon with minimal training, which inspired him to learn and improve, leading to races like Miami, LA, Chicago, and Tokyo. Drawn to trails and the outdoors, he entered ultrarunning through fundraising with First Descents and ran the Leadville 100, calling it life-changing, supported by his parents and pacers. He discusses over-preparation, fueling with real foods, injury and cross-training, preferring trail culture, and his mantra “take the stairs,” emphasizing movement as a privilege. Sean Casey - https://www.facebook.com/scaseyfitness Races Mentioned Korea Marathon Leadville 100 Moab 240 Tokryo Marathon Shout Outs First Descents Make-A-Wish Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! On the Run Your Story podcast, Blake Colton shares how he began running in high school, paused to pursue the trades as an electrician, then returned about eight years ago through marathons inspired by his dad, repeatedly failing to qualify for Boston and nearly quitting due to burnout and gut issues. A friend introduced him to trail running, where the slower pace helped, and he became hooked, starting with a backyard ultra and progressing to 100Ks, multiple 100-milers, and a 200-miler. He recounts earning his first buckle in a -17°F 100K with a blizzard, winning his first 100-miler in Mississippi despite flooded sections, and learning through DNFs like Midwest States 100. Blake discusses pre-race planning, recovery (movement, compression boots, baths), favorite gear and shoes, fueling experiments, and running memories from Florida 200. He’s training for a 276-mile Across Iowa FKT to raise money for the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in honor of his brother-in-law who died of cancer, and emphasizes going slow, staying consistent, and chasing dreams. Blake Colton - https://www.facebook.com/blake.colton.7 Races Mentioned Boston Marathon Mississippi 100k Galena Sky Race Midwest States 100 Cocodona 250 Florida 200 Across Iowa FKT Shout Outs Stefan Clayton Michelle Hartwig Travis Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Allison interviews Hildee about her book, Embracing My Inner Athlete, and Hildee shares how, in 2014, as a busy wife and mother of five, she decided to prioritize herself after encouragement from her father-in-law and began training with Jeff, who became her trainer, coach, and friend. Initially afraid to run, she progressed from treadmill walk-jog intervals to completing her first 5K, then caught the running “bug,” trained for longer distances, and overcame a broken fifth metatarsal by following a gradual recovery plan. She discusses later setbacks, including surgery, losing confidence, and shifting from obsessing over pace and “I have to run” to “I get to run,” focusing on joy, community, and presence. Favorite races include a neighborhood cancer fundraiser 5K and the Jerusalem Marathon 10K, and she offers practical race-day, gear, recovery, and beginner advice. Hildee Weiss (Author: Embracing My Inner Athlete) - https://www.facebook.com/hildee.weiss Races Mentioned Jerusalem Marathon Father's Day 5-Miler Shout Outs Jeff Mervette Frankie Kim Jen Sherman Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Allison interviews Kelsey (“Dr. Williams”), a Mississippi runner and assistant principal at Florence Middle, about completing her first marathon at Jackson’s Run the Rainbow, a hilly race benefiting the state’s only children’s hospital. They discuss how they connected through Kelsey’s social post, the emotional impact of running past the hospital, and Kelsey’s running origin during COVID after a difficult period that included her father’s death and a divorce. Kelsey credits the Run Strong community and coaches Claire and Jeremy for personalized TrainingPeaks plans and support, shares favorite races (Run the Rainbow, Mississippi Blues, Louisiana Half, Coast), and goals including a sub-two-hour half and “Death by 5K” (10 timed 5Ks in 24 hours). They cover fueling preferences (Gu gels), recovery habits (massage gun, staying mobile), must-haves (music—mostly worship), Brooks Launch shoes, and encouragement that every pace is a good pace and anyone can start. Kelsey Williams - https://www.facebook.com/kelsey.williams.180072 Races Mentioned Run the Rainbow Molten 9-Miler The Mississippi Blues Half Marathon Louisiana Half Marathon Coast Half Marathon Big Butts Trail Run King of the Mountain Cocodonna 250 Death by 5k Madison Station Half Marathon Maine Marathon Breaking the Loop Shout Outs Selena Daniel Rod Simmons Run Strong Claire Jeremy Kinda Gritty Whitney Stopp Skye Guy Allie Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Allison interviews Nicole about her book, "Running With God: A Devotional Journey Through the Race of Faith," praising its reflective questions and themes of running and scripture. Nicole shares how she began running in middle school, later experienced God speaking to her during runs, started the book 15 years ago, and, after a dark season and stepping away from faith, found healing from depression as running drew her back to God and led her to finish the book as an act of obedience despite fear. They discuss avoiding comparison, remembering that not everyone starts from the same line, and pressing on after falling. Nicole’s lessons include giving herself grace, running without performance pressure after losing her Apple Watch, and focusing on Jesus. She describes favorite races (Tough Mudder), music as a must-have, shoe support needs, fasting and hydration habits, recovery routines, basic strength training, advice for beginners and injury return, and the book’s availability on Amazon. Nicole Adams - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087568543580 Races Mentioned Tough Mudder Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Allison interviews Baton Rouge runner CJ Johnson about his running journey, community work, and current injury recovery. CJ began running in middle school, quit in 11th grade amid family turmoil, later joined the Air Force, and was discharged after learning he had sickle cell anemia. He recommitted to running after his father’s leg amputation, and because his son has full-blown sickle cell anemia and cannot run, motivating CJ to “run for both of them.” He describes lessons on faith, training smart, and helping others, including walking miles 22–26.2 with a struggling first-time Louisiana Marathoner. CJ’s favorite race was the New York City Marathon; he also ran Amsterdam. He shares race routines, gear, fueling, playlist, and a memorable rain-soaked Boston-qualifying push with Ainsley’s Angels rider Daniel Manchester. He discusses Run Crew meetups, cross-training, and a goal to chase a 2:35 duo wheelchair-push record at the Marine Corps Marathon and Boston. CJ Johnson - https://www.facebook.com/clarence.johnson.750 Races Mentioned Tiger 10k War Eagle Fest Boston Marathon Louisiana Marathon New York Marathon Amsterdam Marathon Exotico Marathon Marine Corps Marathon Shout Outs Scott Thornhill Stefan Clayton Ainsley's Angels Run Crew Clarence Johnson Senior Clarence Johnson III Daniel Manchester Crystal Johnson Howard Jones Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! In an interview, ultramarathon runner and Fresh Junkie Ambassador Jacob shares how he began running in his late teens after being sedentary and overweight, inspired by watching the Cajun Man Triathlon, then trained for and completed a sprint triathlon as his first race before progressing to half marathons, marathons, 50Ks, 50-milers, and finishing his first 100-miler (Loop Garoo 100), which he praises for its community and aid stations. He describes pre- and post-race routines (oatmeal, minimal stretching, pizza, Epsom salt baths, and active recovery), preferred gear (headphones, HOKA Speedgoats, Brooks Adrenalines, and New Balance Super Comp trainers), and fueling (Tailwind and Gushers with salt tablets). He highlights favorite races (Behind the Rocks 50 in Moab) and toughest experience (New Orleans Ultra 50 with severe cramps), advises beginners not to compare themselves on social media, and notes upcoming goals, including a 10-hour Louisiana Summer Nights Ultra, another 100-miler, and a possible Treadmill 100, while finishing LSU vet school. Jacob Martin - https://www.facebook.com/jacob.martin.775927 Races Mentioned Cajun Man Triathlon Loop Garoo 100 Behind the Rocks 50-Miler Georgia Death Race New Orleans Ultramarathon 50-miler Louisiana Summer Nights Ultra Dreadmill 100 Shout Outs Fresh Junkie Racing Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! On the podcast, John shares how running began as an outlet during depression and divorce, evolving from ramping up in 2016 to his first marathon in 2017 and then ultras, where he found a supportive community and a sense of purpose. He explains lessons learned, staying true to personal goals, using past DNFs and even trash talk as motivation, and focusing on hard training and unglamorous work like PT, core, and gym strength to reduce injuries. John describes discovering Ainsley’s Angels after seeing a duo team at the Prince William Half, being recruited by Donald (now the rider he caregivers for), and advocating for duo teams’ visibility at races. He discusses favorite and redemption races (Barkley Fall Classic, Old Dominion 100), fueling and gear preferences (Welch’s fruit snacks, shoe rotation, reviewing for Believe in the Run), and finding joy in caregiving and running with his daughter. John Calabrese - https://www.facebook.com/john.calabrese.566 Races Mentioned Barkley Fall Classic Prince William Half Marathon Taco Bell 50k Old Dominion 100 C&O Canal 100 Swami Shuffle All State Heart of the South Girls on the Run 5k The Great Train Race Shout Outs Ainsley's Angels Donald Jillian Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! Scott interviews ultra runner Bethany about her running journey, which began in 2018 with a six-hour trail ultra at The Beast after returning to running post–second daughter, progressed to a first 50K at Big BUTTS, a 12-hour at The Beast in 2019, a break in 2020–2021, then a return in 2022 and a first 100-miler at Red Dirt in 2023. She completed her 10th 100-miler in March 2026. She shares lessons on pushing limits, nutrition and hydration, focus, and the supportive ultra community, plus favorite races MS 100 and Fondren Urban Ultra, where she set an overall course record (also at MS 100). Bethany details pre/post-race routines, gear and fueling preferences, a standout supportive finish memory, a tough Wildcat 100 nutrition mistake, advice for newcomers to sign up and aim to finish, and 2026 goals of her first 200 at Old Ephraim plus Pinhoti. Bethany Madson - https://www.facebook.com/madson.bethany Races Mentioned The Beast Ultra Big Butts 50k Red Dirt 100-Miler MS 100-Miler Fondren Urban Ultra Georgia Death Race Wildcat 100 Old Ephraim Pinhoti 100 Shout Outs Ms. Rennee Mr. Dennis Tiffany Josh Warren Coach Jackson Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! In this podcast interview, runner and mom Ali shares how she began running in her mid-20s using Couch to 5K, completed half marathons, tore her ACL/MCL, then stepped away from running during surgery recovery, pregnancy, and postpartum while focusing on strength training at Burn Boot Camp. In July 2024, she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, rapidly becoming paralyzed from the chest down with partial arm and facial paralysis, and spent about three months at the Shepherd Center relearning daily tasks and eventually running five miles on a treadmill. A week after returning home she ran a 5K pushing her daughter, who turned two during Ali’s hospitalization. She later PR’d a post-GBS half marathon, ran the Classic City Marathon on Jan. 24, 2026, and plans to run the Peachtree Road Race, emphasizing gratitude, “I get to do this,” and focusing on progress over expectations. Ali Sudderth - https://www.instagram.com/ali_liftness/ Races Mentioned Classic City Marathon Peachtree Road Race Run The Rainbow for Children's Support the show For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ For web development, app development, or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon ! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy Andrew Williams Kellie Landrum Download our new app on Apple or Android!!!