You Weren’t Meant to Run Alone Hey Reader, This past weekend, something special happened at the Prairie Spirit 100. I was out there testing out my knee and pushing through another 100-mile race. I'll probably speak to that more in a future podcast. I had some observations as I watched others around me. Photo by Mile 90 Photography Sure, there were some strong runners. Some big, crazy, buckle-worthy efforts. Records broken. And plenty of grit on display. But what stood out most to me wasn’t...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
What if You Had to Run Seven Marathons in Seven Days? Or 200 miles in 4 days? Most runners finish a marathon and take weeks to recover. But what if you had to wake up the next day and do it all over again… for an entire week? That is exactly what recent Run the Riot Podcast guest Becca Pizzi did—twice. She ran seven marathons on seven continents in seven days and broke a world record. Training for back-to-back races is not just about endurance—it is about recovery, strategy, and mindset....
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! This past weekend, Jen and I took on the Little Rock Marathon and Half—and we had a blast! But as many of you know, my knee isn’t at 100%, so I found myself doing what I always do in a race: periodic check-ins. I was constantly assessing how it felt, making sure nothing was getting worse. These little self-assessments are something every runner should practice—catching small issues early can help prevent them from turning into race-ending problems. Little Rock Marathon: As you can...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, I Believe The Strongest Muscle You Have Is Your Mind! We spend hours training our bodies—logging miles, lifting weights, and fine-tuning our nutrition. But what about our minds? When the miles get tough, when your legs are screaming, and doubt creeps in, your mindset is what keeps you moving forward. Mental training is just as important as physical training, and the best runners don’t just train their bodies—they train their minds to be unshakable. How to Build Mental Resilience...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey there, my friend! Most people hear the words “loop course” and immediately say, "Uhhh...No thanks!" Running the same stretch of trail or road for hours—or even days—sounds like a mental challenge few people want to take on. My wife, Jennifer, calls them "Hamster Wheel Races." But ultrarunner Stacey Priddy has tackled loop-style races, including the Front Range 72-Hour and soon, the Lake Viann Hilltop 100 - And she’s got a different perspective. While the idea of running in circles might...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Stop Comparing - Start Thriving! Hey Reader! We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through social media or standing at the starting line, and suddenly, you’re sizing yourself up against someone else. They’re faster. They look more prepared. Their training seems flawless. And just like that, all the pride in your own progress disappears. That’s the comparison trap. Here’s the truth: comparison is the thief of joy. It pulls you out of your lane and into someone else’s, leaving you distracted,...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hey there, my friends! Fueling your ultramarathon is more than just winging it—it takes preparation, practice, and a solid plan. A well-executed fueling strategy can optimize your performance and minimize the chance of GI issues, so let’s look at some key considerations to get you race-ready! Training the Gut Did you know that you can train your gut? Practice is key to developing a gut that can handle the demands of long-distance running. Start small: Gradually increase calorie/carbohydrate...
3 months ago • 2 min read
A message from Coach Chad: As I sit here and type this, it’s December 23, 2024. A few of the major ultra lotteries have come and gone leaving most of us disappointed… or perhaps relieved. The quest to gain entry into a major 100-mile ultra race can take the better part of a decade. With thousands of entrants and low odds of getting pulled this is becoming increasingly commonplace. Considering that most have some sort of qualifying race component to enter the lotteries each year makes the...
4 months ago • 3 min read
The Role of Resilience: Building a Stronger Runner Over Time Running is more than just physical—it’s a test of resilience. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that building strength isn’t about occasional big efforts but the consistent work we put in day after day. This truth carried me through one of my most unconventional challenges(for the 3rd time!): running 100 miles on a treadmill. The Power of Resilience When I signed up for the Dreadmill Endurance Challenge, I wasn’t in peak...
4 months ago • 1 min read