I Don't Know Running

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Sometimes a race gets canceled…

and no matter what the reason is,
someone’s going to be upset.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the Carmel Marathon cancellation—and the bigger question behind it.

Should races cancel early to protect runners…
or wait and risk making the wrong call?

Because the reality is:
there’s no perfect answer.

We talk through the race director’s perspective, the runner’s frustration, and the growing divide between the two.

From last-minute...

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What happens when finishing isn’t guaranteed?

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Mitch shares the story behind one of the hardest races of his life—the Jersey City Marathon.

On paper, it doesn’t stand out.
6 hours and 12 minutes. His slowest marathon ever.

But what led up to this race is what makes it different.

Over the last few years, Mitch has dealt with:

a herniated disc
heart monitoring and health scares
Achilles surgery
a st...

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In 2019, it felt like women in sport had forced a turning point.

When Alysia Montaño, Kara Goucher, and Allyson Felix spoke publicly about pregnancy-related sponsorship penalties, major brands promised change.

Contracts changed. Protections were added. The sport moved forward… or did it?

In this episode, we unpack the “Pregnancy Penalty,” the recent controversy involving Emma Bates and UCAN, and a bigger question:

Did this problem go away… or did it just move into the fine print?

This isn’t just a conversation about one a...

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Sometimes the hardest part of a marathon…
isn’t the running.

It’s everything that happens around it.

After hearing about a bizarre finish at a marathon earlier this year—where the race leader was literally sent the wrong way just meters before the finish—we started digging into how often things like this actually happen.

And it turns out… it’s not rare.

In this episode, we talk through some of the strangest and most unexpected moments in marathon history—from officials interfering at the worst pos...

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Why would an everyday runner cheat in a race?

Not elites.
Not professionals.

Just… normal people.

In this episode, we take a look at the strange and surprisingly relatable psychology behind cheating in running—from cutting courses and bib swapping to chasing Strava validation and Boston qualifiers.

This isn’t just about the stories.

It’s about the why.

Because at some level, most runners have faced the same question:

What matters more… finishing fast, or finishing honestly?

—...

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What kind of runner are you… really?

In this episode, we’re breaking down the different types of running communities—from Marathon Maniacs chasing finish lines to social run crews meeting for coffee, to performance-focused track clubs grinding through workouts.

Because depending on who you run with…
running can feel like a competition, a community, or something in between.

We talk through:

Marathon Maniacs and high-volume racing culture
Social run crews and the rise of community-driven running
Performance clubs and structured training environm...

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Sometimes the conversation around running isn’t about pace, training plans, or race results.

It’s about something deeper than that.

Why are you doing it in the first place?

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch revisit the recent debate around race-day phones and cameras — but this time, they focus on what really stood out:

The responses.

Some runners believe you should “just follow the rules.”
Others argue safety is the priority.
And some take it...

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Did runners really get a marathon medal for only 18 miles?

At the 2026 LA Marathon, race organizers offered runners an early finish at Mile 18 because of extreme heat conditions. Runners who stopped still received a medal — but no official marathon time.

So… does that count as finishing the race?

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch break down one of the strangest weekends in distance running.

Topics include:

• The LA Marathon’s controversial Mile 18 early finish option
• Whet...

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Imagine leading a national championship race with just over a mile to go… and then the lead vehicle sends you the wrong way.

That’s exactly what happened during the 2026 USATF Half Marathon Championship in Atlanta.

With the race nearly decided, the lead convoy turned off the certified course and the front runners followed—costing them nearly two minutes and ultimately the national title. When the athletes protested, officials admitted the course wasn’t properly marked… but the results still stood.

In this episode of the I Don’t Know...

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If you pull out your phone during an Ironman race in 2026… you could be disqualified.

No selfies.
No GoPros.
No smart glasses recording.

Starting March 2, 2026, Ironman has officially banned athletes from recording photos or video while racing. Violation? Immediate DQ.

You can carry your phone.
You can use it for GPS.
You can call for help.

But you cannot actively record your race experience.

Ironman says this is about:
• Athlete safety
• Competitive fairness
• Reducing distractions

Crit...

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He ran 56:42.

He shattered the half marathon world record by 48 seconds.

And it doesn’t count.

World Athletics declined to ratify Jacob Kiplimo’s performance at the Barcelona Half Marathon — not for doping, not for traditional cheating — but because of alleged pacing assistance from the lead vehicle and possible in-race coaching.

So… where’s the line?

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we talk about:

• Whether drafting behind a lead car should invalidate a record
• Who’s responsible...

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Trail runners talk about Leave No Trace.

But what about road runners?

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we dive into the unwritten rules of road running — the small behaviors that shape how the public sees runners.

Because running isn’t a solo sport.

Drivers see you.
Walkers see you.
Homeowners see you.
Cyclists see you.

And whether we realize it or not, every runner represents all runners.

We talk about:

Runnin...

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Endurance isn’t a straight line — it’s a steep curve.

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch break down the “endurance curve”: how each distance milestone (5K → marathon → 50K → 50 miles → 100 miles → 200+) filters runners out for totally different reasons. Past a certain point, it stops being “fitness” and becomes life management — nutrition, decision-making, heat, sleep deprivation, and emotional regulation.

We talk about:

Why the marathon is already rare (and what “rare” actually means)

Why 50K is the most “accessible” ultra

Why 50...

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Are your running watch numbers telling you the truth — or just a convincing story?

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we dig into what your watch can tell you… and where it quietly gets things wrong. From heart rate and VO₂ max to calorie burn, recovery time, and HRV, we talk about why wearable data often feels precise — but isn’t always accurate.

We cover:

Why wrist-based heart rate can spike or “cadence lock”

VO₂ max: badge of honor or educated guess?

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What if your next running goal wasn’t about a PR… but about the experience?

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch talk through non-traditional running events that are less about racing the clock and more about racing the landscape, navigating terrain, and building unforgettable memories.

We dive into:

🧭 Adventure Racing — team-based navigation, trekking, biking, paddling, and thinking your way through the course

✈️ Runcations — guided running adventures in incredible places like Japan, the Alps, and beyond

🏕️ Multi-Day Stage Races...

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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we dig into a question a lot of long-distance runners quietly wonder about:

What does ultrarunning actually do to your body over the long term?

This isn’t an episode meant to scare anyone away from endurance sports. Instead, we talk honestly about what science does know, what it doesn’t, and how real runners experience these things in real life.

We discuss:

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Winter running hits different in Michigan—one day you’re “getting it done,” the next you’re sliding around wondering why you even left the house. 😅

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch get into a super practical (and slightly ranty) conversation about treadmills:

Why so many treadmills turn into $2,000 clothes hangers

The real reason specs matter: body weight, impact, and durability

What “CHP” (continuous horsepower) actually means for runners

Used vs. new: when Marketplace is a steal… and when i...

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What do your running dreams actually mean?

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the strange, vivid, and sometimes stressful dreams runners experience — from being late to the starting line, to legs that won’t move, to those magical dreams where you’re flying effortlessly down the trail.

We explore how sleep, training load, stress, and recovery all influence dream content, and what those dreams might be telling you about your performance, fatigue, and overall health. Is it anxiety? Adaptation? Overtrai...

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Pacing isn’t just about splits, GPS watches, or fitness — it’s about decision-making under stress.

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive deep into the psychology of pacing and why so many runners blow up before fatigue ever truly sets in. From race-day adrenaline and comparison traps to fear-based pacing and watch obsession, we unpack the mental mistakes that quietly sabotage great races.

But this episode goes beyond running.

We explore how mindful pacing — patience, restraint, awareness, and emotional...

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Running in your 50s is different—and that’s not a bad thing.

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we talk honestly about what changes as runners get older: slower recovery, new aches and pains, declining speed, shifting motivation, and learning to let go of chasing PRs. We also share what still works, what needs to change, and how adjusting expectations can actually make running more enjoyable and sustainable.

We cover:

- Why speed and VO₂ max decline with age (and why it’s nor...

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Winter is here, the roads are icy, and somehow our houses are falling apart — so naturally, we decided to talk about Christmas gifts for runners 🎄🏃‍♂️

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch break down the best gift ideas for runners at every price point, from easy stocking stuffers to big-ticket items you only buy for someone you really love (or yourself).

We cover:

Budget-friendly stocking stuffers every runner actually uses

Cold-weather essentials like base layers, gloves, and traction

Mid-ran...

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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...

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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 o...

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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...

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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 ide...

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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 appea...

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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 trad...

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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...

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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 str...

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This week’s episode takes a very real — and unexpected — turn.
Lewis and Mitch dive into the chaos of everyday running life, from impatient drivers to moments of pure kindness on the road. But what starts as a lighthearted chat quickly becomes a powerful conversation when Mitch opens up about a sudden stroke that changed everything.

🎙️ In This Episode:

The growing rush of drivers — and how runners can stay safe.

The surprising kindness of strangers (and how we sometimes react).

Mitch’s frightening stroke experience whil...

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Race registrations used to be simple — mail in a form, get a cotton T-shirt, and go run. But today? It’s a maze of add-ons, cancellation policies, and sneaky fees.

In this episode, Lewis and Mitch break down the true cost of racing — from marathon entry fees that have doubled, to $50 5Ks, to whether those “insurance” and “VIP” packages are even worth it.

We’ll dig into:

How registration sites and convenience fees quietly add up

Why cancellation and deferral policies are so strict

What happens...

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In this week’s episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive deep into a topic every runner struggles with: recovery. From mixing up training with walk/run intervals to recognizing when slowing down actually makes you stronger, they share honest stories, laughs, and research-backed insights about the importance of rest.

We cover:

Why active recovery beats complete rest 🏃‍♂️

The dangers of the “no days off” mentality

How even elites like Kipchoge use slow miles to recover

Practical ways to add recov...

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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 commun...

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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 be...

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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 c...

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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...

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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, thes...

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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 fro...

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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...

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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 ru...