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How far do you really have to go before you’re “remote”?
Spoiler: not as far as you think.

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, Lewis and Mitch talk about how quickly a simple run, walk, or short hike can turn into a serious situation when you’re underprepared—whether you’re a mile from the house, on a local trail, or dropping down to the Western States Trail after a race.

What starts as a story about a windy walk with the grandkids and a “quick” hike out west turns into a much bigger conversation about remote preparedness for runners and outdoor lovers.

🧭 What We Cover in This Episode

🧠 Pillar 1: Mindset & Limits

Why a go/no-go decision should be non-negotiable

How to match your route to how your body and mind actually feel that day

Why you don’t need to be 10 miles into the woods to be considered “remote”

🏃 Pillar 2: Knowing Your Body

Hydration isn’t just water—why electrolytes and sodium matter

Training your gut to handle calories over hours, not just miles

Why relying on one food source can wreck your day (hello, bar fatigue)

🚫 Pillar 3: Avoiding Unnecessary Risk

How pace can become a hazard, not a goal, on technical or exposed terrain

Adjusting expectations for climbs, descents, and unfamiliar routes

Real examples where “it’s just a short hike” almost wasn’t so simple

🎒 10 Essentials We Talk Through

We also walk through a practical list of “non-negotiables” to think about for remote runs, hikes, and adventures, including:

Navigation beyond just your watch or phone

Light/illumination if you’re out longer than planned

First aid, repair tape, and emergency blankets

Extra food and water (plus ways to treat water)

Communication plans and tools, from “tell someone where you’re going” to locator beacons

Whether you’re running trails, exploring new routes after a race, or just heading out “for a quick hike,” this episode will help you plan smarter, pack better, and get home safely to the people who care about you.

🎧 Listen, learn, and then go enjoy those adventures—prepared.

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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive deep into the hilarious, confusing, and sometimes awkward language barrier between runners and non-runners. From “easy runs” that aren’t actually easy, to why runners own more shoes than they have feet, we unpack the quirks that make running culture so unique.

Mitch also shares updates on his string of doctor visits, the ongoing search for answers, and what it’s like getting back into running slowly — only to be met with well-meaning comments like “At least you’re out there!” Meanwhile, Lewis reflects on water-cooler conversations, misunderstood jargon, and the gap between runner expectations and non-runner reactions.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner, brand new to fitness, or someone who thinks “tempo run” sounds like a medical condition, this episode will make you laugh, nod your head, and maybe even explain why your runner friend is the way they are.

In This Episode:
🏃‍♂️ Why runners say “easy” but mean “controlled aerobic suffering”
💬 Water-cooler moments between runners & non-runners
❤️ Mitch’s health updates, AFib concerns & rebuilding fitness
👟 Shoe walls, chafing, anti-chafe gear & why running is expensive
😂 Fartleks, intervals, negative splits — and all the misunderstood lingo
🔥 The emotional “why” behind running : https://x.com/runningonx/status/1991744729248329938?s=46
🙌 Why ANY movement — running, walking, lifting — matters more than the jargon

Perfect For:
• Runners who want to laugh at themselves
• Non-runners trying to understand the madness
• Anyone returning from injury or rebuilding fitness
• People who have ever asked, “Why do runners DO that?”

Join the Conversation

Share a funny moment where a runner/non-runner totally misunderstood you!
👇 Drop your stories in the comments — we’ll read some on an upcoming episode.

🎧 Listen on all platforms
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube
👍 Like, Subscribe & Share if you’re part of the running community (or trying to understand one!)

Until next time: happy running, happy resting, and whatever you do… don’t forget the anti-chafing.

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Lewis and Mitch hit record deep in a gray fog, fresh off mid-day naps and low brainpower… so of course they talk about the thing that keeps ultrarunners going when everything feels bleak: aid station food.

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, they break down the classic, the weird, and the downright magical foods that can save your race—from salty potatoes and pickle juice to Coke, ramen, grilled cheese, and mashed potatoes. They share stories from races like Tunnel Hill, Woodstock, Kettle Moraine, Javalina, and more, and why some runners sign up almost just for the buffet.

🫗 In this episode:

Running in a “gray fog” and why naps can backfire

Why ultra aid stations are nothing like 5K/10K/road marathon tables

Salty & savory staples: potatoes, chips, pretzels, pickles

Sweet quick hits: candy, watermelon, gummies & why “all sweet” eventually fails

Lifeline drinks: Coke, ginger ale, broth, coffee + hot chocolate combos

The comfort foods: grilled cheese, quesadillas, bacon, mashed potatoes & pizza

Famous races known for aid stations: Western States, loop races, and more

How food can be mental fuel as much as physical

💬 Question for you:
What’s the one aid station food or drink that absolutely saved your race? Drop it in the comments—we want to hear your best (and worst) fuel stories.

👇 Stay connected:
Subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast app
Find us on Facebook: I Don’t Know Running Podcast
Support the show on Patreon - see link below

Until next time, happy running—and may your next aid station have warm grilled cheese and cold Coke.

#running #ultrarunning #trailrunning #aidstation #marathon #IDontKnowRunning

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This week on the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into one of the wildest, most chaotic, and downright unbelievable events in running history: the 1904 St. Louis Olympic Marathon.

But first… Lewis got NEW CONTACTS and he’s telling literally everyone. 😂
Mitch tries to keep him on track (he fails), but eventually they shift gears into the true highlight of this episode: a marathon so outrageous it sounds fictional.

🔥 Inside This Episode:

Why starting a marathon at 3:00 PM in August is a horrible idea

Runners inhaling so much dust they nearly died

Wagons, dogs, cars, trains… and NOT a closed course

The Cuban runner who arrived in street clothes, ate rotten apples, took a nap, and STILL finished 4th

The man who hitched a car ride, jogged into the stadium, and almost won

The REAL champion… fueled by brandy, egg whites, and rat poison (!!!)

Only 14 of 32 runners finished — the worst completion rate in Olympic history

Why this marathon changed the sport forever

🎧 If you love running lore, bizarre history, or just wild stories — this episode is a must-listen.

👟 Listen & Follow

▶️ YouTube UCTK9nr_UkR1iL2bluka2rTg
🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6UcuyDBShWsLzt3vK6LRyj?si=dcf2f93c6dfb4e50
🎙 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-dont-know-running/id1597602539
💬 Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/Idontknowrunningpodcast/
🙏 Patreon Supporters — you rock!

Thanks for tuning in!
See you next week as we keep exploring the iconic, historic (and sometimes ridiculous) world of running.
Happy running! 🏃‍♂️💨

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What makes a marathon truly iconic? Is it the history, the challenge, the crowds — or the story behind the miles?

In this episode, Lewis and Mitch explore the most historic and legendary marathons from around the world. From the ancient origins of the race in Greece to modern greats like Boston, London, Chicago, and New York, they unpack what makes these events so meaningful to runners everywhere.

🏛️ The Ancient Athens Marathon — where it all began
🏃‍♂️ Boston & Yonkers — America’s oldest races
🌍 London, Chicago, Marine Corps & more — global legends with timeless appeal
💬 What makes a race worthy of every runner’s bucket list?

Join the conversation and tell us — which marathon do you think has the most history or heart? Drop your answer in the comments, and maybe we’ll feature it in a future episode.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
👉 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Patreon

📱 Follow the I Don’t Know Running Podcast:
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In this episode, Lewis survives grasshopper season 🌱🦗 and discovers a wild new fitness challenge — combining golf and an ultra run. Yes… someone ran 92 miles and played 810 holes of golf in 24 hours. New life goal? Maybe. 😅

Meanwhile, Mitch celebrates a BIG win — not running today — and reflects on rebuilding fitness, embracing rest, and hitting his first 5-mile run again. 👏

Then, we dive into the Running Paradox: how different cultures view running — from spiritual journeys in the Himalayas, to barefoot ultrarunners in Mexico, to elite Kenyan and Ethiopian communities, and the disciplined relay traditions in Japan. How does our Western, tech-heavy running culture compare?

Topics in this Episode
🏃‍♂️ Mitch’s comeback + rest day success
🦗 Lewis vs. grasshopper season
⛳ Ultra-golf challenge (92 miles + 810 holes!)
🌍 Exploring global running cultures
🧠 Running as lifestyle vs hobby
🎧 What would runners from other cultures think of our GPS watches, headphones & Strava obsession?

Challenge for listeners:
Try running without your watch or headphones this week — and tell us how it went! 👇

👍 Support the Show
Like, subscribe & share with a running friend
Join us on Patreon to keep the podcast growing!

👇 Comment of the Week

Why do you run? Community? Fitness? Adventure? Therapy? Let us know!

🎙️ Thanks for listening to the I Don’t Know Running Podcast — where we share what we love about running… and all the things we still don’t know.
Happy running! 🏃‍♀️💨

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We went all-in on the California Fall Classic 100K—remote aid, relentless climbing, and a day that turned into a masterclass in ultra mindset. Lewis ran ~50 miles (≈11,000 ft gain) before pulling the plug at Warm Springs, and this episode is the honest debrief: what went right, what tanked, and how to fix it next time.

What’s inside

Course reality check: almost no flat; it’s either up or down

Crew logistics: easy to crew, minimal cell service, simple station access

The hard middle: Lone Rock ↔︎ Falcon’s Nest is where times (and spirits) go to die

Nutrition lessons: when nausea hits, salt + broth first; stop sipping only water

Training gap: enough miles for distance, not enough quad conditioning for descents

Mindset tools: how to avoid talking yourself into quitting when you still have time

Would we go back? Yes—100% recommend (with eyes wide open)

Key takeaways for ultrarunners

Start electrolytes early; salt tabs + broth can flip the script

Be radically honest with your crew so they can problem-solve for you

Train the downs (controlled descents, weighted hill repeats)

When the “quit voice” gets loud, sit, reset, fuel, and reassess, not DNF

Finishing is a valid goal—protect it

Shout-outs

Healdsburg Running Company (great stop pre-race)

Aid station crews who wouldn’t let “quit” be easy

The legend Gordy sighting 👀

If you’re eyeing CFC, expect steep, exposed climbs, remote vibes, and beauty for days. We’ll cut a short race film from the crew cam footage soon.

👇 Tell us in the comments: What’s your go-to fix when the wheels come off—broth, salt, coke, or a sit-and-reset?

—
🎧 Listen everywhere: “I Don’t Know Running” Podcast
📸 Follow along on Facebook & Instagram
▶️ Subscribe for weekly episodes, race recaps, and gear talk

#hashtags
#IDontKnowRunning #UltraRunning #100K #CaliforniaFallClassic #DNFtoDNFNT #TrailRunning #EnduranceMindset #RunningPodcast #CrewLife #PrecisionFuel
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This week on the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch are soaking in race week vibes — the California Fall Classic 100K is here, and Lewis hopes he’s celebrating a finish by the time you hear this one!

Between healthy-eating jokes, beet salad debates, and a surprise virtual 100-miler signup attempt 🤣, the guys dive into something we all need more of: getting off the pavement and finding peace on the trails.

Join them as they unpack:
🌲 Why trail running (and time in nature) is proven to lower stress and boost mental health
🏙️ How city life quietly drains us — and what to do about it
👣 Real stories from the trail — including close encounters with deer, snow runs, and mental resets
📱 The surprising impact of blue light and screen time on sleep and recovery

Whether you’re training for your next ultra, stuck in the city grind, or just need a reason to get outside — this episode will remind you why the trails call us back again and again.

🎧 Listen, laugh, and maybe even challenge yourself to a screen-free night before bed.

👉 Subscribe, like, and share this episode to help other runners find peace beyond the pavement.
📍 Follow the California Fall Classic 100K tracking/results here: https://www.ultralive.net/cfc100k#tracking/info

#IDontKnowRunningPodcast #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #CaliforniaFallClassic100K #MentalHealth #NatureTherapy #RunningPodcast #GetOutside

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