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Virtual races exploded during the pandemic, but do they still have a place in the running world today? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Louis and Mitch dive into the debate: Are virtual races just glorified training runs with medals—or do they provide real value, accessibility, and motivation for runners everywhere?

We share our own experiences with virtual marathons, discuss programs like the NYRR Virtual 6 and runDisney’s virtual series, and explore how these events can serve as gateways to in-person races, fundraising opportunities, and community building.

You’ll hear:

The pros and cons of virtual races

Why some runners love the flexibility and inclusivity

Why others say nothing compares to lining up on race day

Whether virtual events are just a fad—or here to stay

👉 What do you think? Are virtual races the future of running, or are they best left in the past? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the question: Is running addicting—or is it just part of who we are?

From the joy of small wins (like stringing together three miles after a long layoff) to the deep lows of injury, we explore how running can shape identity, regulate mood, and even become a coping mechanism. We also talk about:

📚 Ryan Hall’s book Run the Mile You’re In and the connection between faith and running

🤯 The science behind the “runner’s high” (endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and more)

🏃‍♂️ The psychological and social drivers that keep us lacing up

⚖️ Healthy balance vs. unhealthy obsession when it comes to training

💬 How we talk to new runners and why every mile matters

Whether you’re chasing PRs, rebuilding after injury, or just starting out, this episode is a reminder that running can be life-giving—but it’s all about perspective.

👉 Tune in, subscribe, and join the conversation!

#RunningPodcast #IDontKnowRunning #RunnersHigh #AddictedToRunning #RyanHall

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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into a hot topic in the running world—AI training plans vs. hiring a coach. Can artificial intelligence really guide you through a 100K ultra, or is the wisdom and accountability of a human coach irreplaceable?

Along the way, Lewis shares updates from his California Fall Classic 100K training cycle, including how he’s handling knee flare-ups, back-to-back long runs, and even practicing “aid station” strategies with peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. Mitch opens up about his walk/run comeback approach, what the data is showing him, and why slowing down to recover is harder than it seems.

Oh, and we can’t forget the rant—Lewis is not a fan of the UTMB website (but he is a big fan of how the California Fall Classic makes race info so clear).

Whether you’re curious about AI tools for running, thinking about hiring a coach, or just want to hear real stories about training highs and lows, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and a dose of runner honesty.

👉 Subscribe and follow us for more episodes that make running fun… and sometimes not so fun.

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This week on the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Mitch shares his journey back from injury using a run-walk approach and the lessons he’s learning along the way. Meanwhile, Lewis dives into his 100K training, the grind of running in the summer heat, and why Zone 2 training has become the key to staying healthy.

We also cover:

Injury recovery, knee pain, and learning when to actually rest

How slowing down can make running more enjoyable (and social!)

Stretching & recovery routines that fit into real life

Fueling & hydration mistakes (and fixes) for long runs

The thrill of watching athletes push through at the final hours of an Ironman

Jeff Garmire’s unsupported Appalachian Trail FKT attempt

Whether you’re new to running or a seasoned ultra veteran, this conversation is packed with relatable stories, lessons learned, and reminders that—no matter how long you’ve been running—we’re all still figuring it out.

👉 Who do you think this podcast is for—beginners, veterans, or both? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

#Running #TrailRunning #Zone2Training #Ultrarunning #Podcast

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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the unspoken (and sometimes ignored) rules of trail running. From yielding to uphill runners and bikers, to respecting horses, hikers, and even wildlife, we unpack what it means to be a good steward of the trails.

We also share stories of surprising encounters, muddy mistakes, headphone mishaps, and why respecting closures is so important for preserving the spaces we love. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or just hitting the dirt for the first time, these trail etiquette tips will help you stay safe, show respect, and keep the running community strong.

👉 Topics we cover:

Yielding: who goes first (uphill runners, hikers, equestrian, bikers)

Passing safely and avoiding surprises on singletrack

Headphone and dog etiquette on the trails

Protecting trails from erosion and respecting closures

Practicing Leave No Trace and giving back to the trail community

📢 Share in the comments: What trail etiquette rules drive you crazy—or which ones do you wish more people followed?

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support the show. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Spotify, and Patreon to keep the conversation going.

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In this episode of I Don’t Know Running, Lewis and Mitch sit down with Nick, who’s about to tackle his very first full Ironman after starting from ZERO just a year ago, and Susan, a legendary triathlete with over 130 full-distance races under her belt (and 400+ triathlons total!).

We talk training highs and lows, race-day nerves, unexpected challenges, and why the “witching hour” at the finish line is pure magic. Susan shares wild and hilarious stories from two decades of racing (including racing in heels!) and Nick reveals how he went from a 5K runner to preparing for 140.6 miles.

Whether you’re a triathlon veteran, a first-timer, or just love inspiring endurance stories, this episode is packed with laughs, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome & Guest Introductions
6:12 – Susan’s Journey to 130 Ironmans
16:47 – Nick’s First Year of Triathlon Training
29:03 – Race-Day Nerves & Unknowns
41:55 – The Magic of the Witching Hour Finish
55:20 – Nutrition Wins & Fails
1:10:00 – Goals Beyond Sunday’s Race

👍 Subscribe for more running & triathlon stories!

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Would you pop a blister mid-race? Drain a hematoma on the trail? Peel off a black toenail just to keep moving? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we dive into the wild (and sometimes gross) things ultrarunners do to get to the finish line.

We’re talking toenails, vomiting stories, hallucinations, dehydration struggles, and the fine line between being a badass and being reckless. Plus, we throw in a little Michigan accent lesson and a reminder that safety always comes first (even when you're tempted by the communal M&M bowl at an aid station).

🎧 Tune in, laugh with us, and let us know in the comments: What’s the dumbest thing YOU’VE done to finish a race?

👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe, and Happy Running!

#Ultrarunning #TrailRunning #RunningFails #BlackToenails #IDontKnowRunningPodcast

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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis shares how one small heart rate monitor issue spiraled into a full-blown shopping spree—including a new Garmin watch, trail shoes, and more (thanks, Mark 😅).

Then, we break down the ultimate race research checklist—everything you should know before signing up for your next race:
✅ Where to find legit race info
✅ What every race website should include (but often doesn't)
✅ How to avoid race-day surprises (like no bathrooms or mystery start lines)
✅ Course maps, aid stations, crew rules, and more
✅ Swag, finish line vibes, and what really makes a race worth the entry fee

Whether you're running your first 5K or training for your next 100K, this episode is packed with tips, stories, and a few rants to help you prepare smarter and race better.

👇 What do you always look for when researching a race? Drop it in the comments!

📍 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or right here on YouTube.
📲 Follow us on Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more.

Until next time—happy running!

#RunningPodcast #Ultrarunning #RaceDayTips #GarminWatch #TrailRunning #IDontKnowRunning #MarathonTraining

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