Who You Surround Yourself With Matters
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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. 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 just the fast miles logged—it was the support. A group of Kansas ultrarunners—proudly known as the Buckle Heads—showed up for each other in a way that reminded me why I love this sport. They weren’t just out there for themselves. They were pacing, crewing, waiting at aid stations, and cheering each other on in the middle of the night. They didn’t just celebrate their own finishes—they celebrated each other’s. That kind of community is rare in society today. But it's such a great part of our sport....and it's powerful. It reminded me of something I’ve seen time and time again in ultrarunning and life: Your "Crew" Can Make or Break the RaceBy "crew" I don't mean your "race crew". I'm talking about the people you hang with. I'm talking about your homies! In ultrarunning, we know that the hardest miles usually come in the dark. When your legs are toast. When you start questioning why you’re even out there. When your mind whispers, “Just quit.” And that’s when your crew matters most. In life, it’s no different.
The voices around you make all the difference. Are they reminding you of who you are—or who you used to be? Wisdom from ScriptureThe Bible speaks directly to this truth:
You become like the people you spend the most time with. That can be encouraging… or a wake-up call. The Buckle Heads Got It RightWhat I saw this weekend wasn’t just a group of runners—it was a crew of encouragers, challengers, and uplifters. They weren’t perfect, but they were present. They brought snacks, smiles, and strength when someone else needed it most.
"You’re not alone. We’ve got you. And you can finish."
That’s what we all need, right?
This Week, Take a Look at Your Circle...your "Crew"Ask yourself:
Because the truth is: you weren’t meant to run alone. We were made for community. This week, run with people who lift you up—and be someone who lifts others....on the trail and in life. On the journey, David |
Run the Riot
Hey friends, Let’s be real for a minute—running outside in the heat, wind, or rain makes you tougher. The unpredictability of the elements sharpens both your body and your mindset. There’s no climate control. No “pause” button. You learn to adapt. You build grit. But let’s not act like the treadmill’s soft. There’s a different kind of strength required when you're staring at the same wall or window for miles. No breeze, no change of scenery—just the hum of the belt and your own voice...
Hey friends! I wanted to take a moment to share something I’m incredibly grateful for… This week, I found out that Run the Riot Podcast was listed #5 on Feedspot’s 30 Best Ultra Running Podcasts! How cool is that?? You can check out the full list here: 30 Best Ultra Running Podcasts I never started the podcast for recognition—I started it because I love this community and I’m fascinated by the stories behind the miles. That this little podcast has grown and connected with so many runners is...
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....