Run Your Story Podcast
Where Every Story Needs to be Heard! Runners and walkers are interviewed to tell their run/walk stories, share fun memories, and provide great advice for those interested in this sport!
Becca Pizzi - "Keep showing up and stay patient"
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In this episode, Allison interviews Becca Pizzi, an accomplished runner and Ironman world champion.
Becca shares insights into her running journey, starting from her childhood in Belmont, Massachusetts, to achieving world records and running marathons on all seven continents.
She discusses her experiences in various races, including the World Marathon Challenge and the Kona Ironman World Championship.
Becca also talks about her contributions to the running community, such as organizing a local 5K in Belmont and authoring a children's book.
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Adam Williams - "You have to understand yourself"
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In this podcast episode, Adam shares his incredible journey from a casual soccer player to an esteemed ultramarathoner.
Adam discusses breaking his leg in 2024, his subsequent rehabilitation, and his remarkable comeback in 2025, during which he participated in numerous ultra-marathons, including 200+ mile races.
He highlights his start in the running world, his daily run streak of at least seven miles, and how yoga played a crucial role in his physical recovery and overall fitness.
Adam provides insights into his preparation, race recovery...
Anna Arsenault - "Telling somebody is really important"
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In this episode, Anna shares her remarkable journey from early childhood running behind soldiers to becoming a coach and part-owner of Iron Tribe Fitness.
With a background that spans from competitive Spartan races to homeschooling her four children and running Mom Strong Fitness, Anna details the development of her passion for fitness and her methods for balancing various responsibilities.
She discusses the importance of accountability, strength training, and overcoming injuries while emphasizing the significance of integrating fitness into family life and parenting.
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Rita Kennedy - "You gotta start somewhere"
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In this episode, the tables are turned as Allison engages with Rita, a dedicated and inspirational runner.
Rita shares her journey of overcoming anxiety through running, the supportive role of her husband and friends, and the adage 'You can do anything for 60 seconds' which has helped her and others persevere.
The conversation touches on the impact she has made in the running community, particularly with older adults, and her experience running in various races, including Disney runs dedicated to her late granddaughter Lily.<...
Karl Meltzer - "Live first, die later"
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In this podcast episode, legendary ultra-marathon runner Karl 'The Speed Goat' Meltzer shares his inspiring journey from an active childhood in New Hampshire to becoming a celebrated figure in the ultra-running community.
Karl discusses his passion for running, the origin of his famous Speed Goat shoe with Hoka, and his record-setting career that spans decades and boasts 100-mile race victories.
He offers insights into his training, fueling strategies, and recovery techniques, emphasizing the importance of consistency, headspace, and the joy of creating one's...
Rachel Entrekin - "I don't have to do this, I get to do this"
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In this episode, we meet the record-breaking ultra-marathoner Rachel, who shares her incredible journey and love for running.
Rachel discusses her start in running, her evolving goals, and the mindset that drives her success.
Beyond aiming for course records, Rachel emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey, fostering a supportive running community, and setting personal process goals.
From her favorite races to her fueling strategies, and the lessons learned on trails, Rachel offers valuable insights for runners of all levels.
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Allie Eslava Taylor - "I don't care where you are in life, you can always begin to change it right now"
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In this episode of the podcast, we join Allie, an ultra-marathon runner with a knack for spontaneous adventures and life lessons learned the hard way.
Allie shares her unique and colorful running experiences, from meeting fellow runners in unexpected places to enduring brutal races with adverse conditions.
She emphasizes the importance of community, the mental strength required in ultra-running, and the significance of always being prepared—or sometimes not.
Allie also delves into the topic of women's self-defense, offering valuable advice on...
Jennifer Cooley - "Perseverance"
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In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer at the United Cerebral Palsy Office in Mobile to discuss her inspiring journey, both in her personal life and at UCP.
She shares her running story, from participating in half marathons to fundraising for various causes, including the upcoming 'Night of Lights' event.
Jennifer delves into her experience raising a child with Down syndrome and autism, connecting life's perseverance with the skills learned through running.
She highlights UCP's numerous programs, from early intervention...
Jeff Weiss (Author: Racing Against Time) - "Don't place mental limits on yourself"
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In this episode, Jeff shares his transformative journey from struggling to complete his first 10K at 17 to becoming an accomplished Ironman and ultra-marathon runner in midlife.
Jeff discusses his new book, Racing Against Time, which details his inspiring experiences, the challenges he faced, and the incredible races he has participated in, including the ultra-marathon Comrades in South Africa.
He emphasizes the importance of not placing mental limits on oneself, the value of coaching, and integrating fitness into everyday life.
Jeff also...
Bob Becker - "Never stop"
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In this inspiring episode, Bob Becker, an 80-year-old ultra-marathon runner, shares his incredible journey from casual runner to six-time finisher of the grueling Badwater 135, a race through Death Valley.
Bob recounts his surprising entry into ultra running, highlighted by completing the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert to celebrate his 60th birthday.
He provides key insights into the challenges and camaraderie of ultra marathons, the crucial role of support crews, and the importance of mental toughness and proper training.
As...
Mark Kirstein (Manci's Run-Walk Social) - "If they can do it, I can do it"
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In this episode, Mark shares his inspiring journey into running, which began in 2014 as a personal challenge and blossomed into a passion.
From running marathons to building a welcoming running community at Manci's in Daphne, Mark emphasizes the importance of inclusion and mental health awareness.
He discusses the highs and lows of his marathon experiences, the significance of helping others through organizations like Achilles and IGY6, and his vision of creating a supportive environment for everyone, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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Jared Beasley (Author: The Endurance Artist) - "There's always going to be a huge backstory to everybody's story."
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In this episode of the 'Run Your Story' podcast, Jared Beasley shares his inspiring journey from professional student and actor in Tuscaloosa to prolific writer and ultra runner in New York City.
He discusses his introduction to running, influenced by a unique and authentic Amazon man who motivated him to start.
Jared delves into his experiences with ultra marathons, detailing his encounters with eccentric figures like Al Howie and Lazarus Lake.
He describes Lazarus's unconventional and challenging races, highlighting the spirit...
Susan Hilton and Brenda Elliff - "There's never an empty finish line"
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In this episode, Susan and Brenda share their journey of friendship, running, and staying active.
They discuss their love for themed outfits, the importance of community and laughter, and their experiences with various races.
Susan recounts her battle with breast cancer and how running and walking became her therapy, while Brenda shares her transition from walking to running and how they both found a supportive group in the Exercise Warriors.
Together, they offer insights on staying motivated, the significance of proper...
Beka Dollar - "We all have our own hard and we can do hard things"
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In this episode, Beka discusses her running journey, from growing up in a running family to overcoming her initial disdain for the sport.
She shares pivotal moments, such as high school punishments turning her away from running, and then gradually finding joy and community through running races.
Beka emphasizes the importance of routines, both pre- and post-race, and the role cross-training plays in maintaining her strength.
She also speaks passionately about her professional work as a speech pathologist, her commitment to...
Mark Carroll - "You get to choose your attitude"
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In this episode, Mark shares his lifelong running journey, starting from childhood antics in Vestavia Hills to becoming deeply immersed in the running community.
He discusses how he transitioned from football to track in high school and how running became both a physical and emotional outlet, especially in dealing with depression and alcoholism.
Despite facing numerous physical setbacks, including neuropathy and a bad knee, Mark rediscovered his passion for running at 59 and began participating in races again.
He highlights the importance...
Stacy Ring - "Strength and Resilience"
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In this episode, Allison welcomes Stacy from Nebraska, an enthusiastic runner with an inspiring journey.
Despite her initial dislike for running, Stacy's story takes a remarkable turn, starting from her high school track days to participating in the Monument Marathon.
Stacy reflects on her health challenges, particularly her battle with ulcerative colitis, and how running became a transformative force in her life.
She discusses her involvement with the Monument Marathon, an event close to her heart that raises funds for Western...
Brandon Guy - "Just turn the doorknob"
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In this episode, Brandon shares his inspiring journey from a debilitating Achilles injury to becoming an accomplished runner.
He discusses how running changed not just his physical health, but also brought spiritual and mental transformations.
Brandon emphasizes the importance of discipline, perseverance, and the motivational parallels between running and life.
He offers practical tips for race preparation and recovery while recounting memorable races and lessons learned.
This heartfelt conversation highlights the power of community and the irreplaceable value of...
Suzie Wilder - "Don't beat up on yourself"
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In this episode, Allison welcomes Suzie, a long-time runner and member of the Bay Area Runners, to the podcast.
Suzie shares her journey, which began in 1995 and was inspired by life changes and a friend's suggestion.
From running her first two-mile race to completing Marathon and half-marathon challenges, Suzie highlights the evolution of the running community over the years, the value of relationships built through running, and the significant contributions of the Bay Area Runners to local causes.
She offers insightful...
Ann Jackson - "Find a friend or a group to run with"
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Join us for an engaging conversation with Ann, a passionate runner who shares her incredible running journey.
Discover how she transitioned from a novice runner, inspired by Red Cross events in her childhood, to a dedicated marathoner aspiring to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Ann recounts memorable races, the impact of community and accountability on her training, and the lessons learned from both triumphs and setbacks.
Whether it's her love for half marathons, her unique fueling strategies, or her amusing collection...
Cecilia Schmierer - "Just get out there and do what you need to do"
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In this heartwarming episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Cecilia, affectionately known as Sill, as she shares her transformative adventure with running.
From a childhood filled with sweet memories in her mom’s ice cream shop to shedding 40 pounds through determination and the guided push from Coach Turnipseed, Cecilia’s story is a testament to discipline, love, and community.
We explore her strong bond with her mother, highlighted by their shared runs and mutual encouragement.
Cecilia offers insights on t...
Shawn McDaniel - "Continue to run forward, continue to press hard, continue to do well."
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Join us as Sean shares his incredible journey through the Tuscaloosa running community!
From starting the first cross country team in high school to running 28 marathons, Sean's story is filled with heartfelt anecdotes, valuable life lessons, and a deep passion for running.
Dive into his experiences, from early morning runs and misadventures on college campuses, to becoming a race director and mentoring young runners.
Discover his tips for beginners, his favorite running gear, and the camaraderie that makes the Tuscaloosa running...
Kimmie Blaich - "I. Can. Handle. This."
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In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Kimmie, a dedicated athletic coach, and marathon pacer.
Kicking off with a shout-out to Rachel from Run N Tri who introduced Kimmie to Allison, Kimmie shares how a chance introduction led to a lifelong friendship.
Discover how Kimmie, part of a Coast Guard family, transitioned from a complete running novice to a marathoner and pacer.
Relocated from flat Savannah to hilly Mobile, Kimmie provides great insights into her pacing experiences, including...
Mike Wattigny - "Summer miles lead to Fall smiles!"
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Join us at Fly Llama Brewing in Biloxi for a thrilling halfway celebration of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon!
Mike and Allison delve into the upcoming 10th anniversary of this race, reflecting on its impactful past and previewing what's to come.
They celebrate the equally iconic 10th anniversary of the Battleship 12K, a race dedicated to honoring veterans.
Mike also shares insights about the Louisiana Marathon, gearing up for its 15th anniversary with ambitious plans to pack 10,000 participants!
Fresh...
Rebecca Nicole Butler - "Just keep going"
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Join us in this heartwarming and motivational episode featuring Rebecca, famously known as the Dancing Donut Queen!
She opens up about her incredible journey from struggling with weight loss and hating running, to becoming an ultra-marathoner and a celebrated Fresh Junkie ambassador.
From her humorous and candid revelations about fueling on gummy bears to her powerful mantra, 'Just keep going,' Rebecca's story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of community and running.
Get ready for laughter, tears...
Jacob Plocher - "Don't tell yourself that this is all that you can do"
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In this episode, Jacob shares his inspiring story of overcoming childhood obesity and rising to become a top marathon runner.
From his initial struggles in middle school cross country to his remarkable achievements in college and beyond, Jacob reveals the secrets behind his success.
Learn how a disciplined routine, consistent training, and the ability to overcome disappointment propelled him to greatness.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned runner, Jacob's journey offers motivational insights and practical tips that can help you...
Elizabeth Kalifeh Waters - "I'm so much stronger than I ever thought I could be"
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Join us for an exhilarating episode as we dive into Elizabeth's transformative journey from a non-runner to conquering marathons in all 50 states.
Elizabeth shares the challenges and triumphs she's faced, including starting her running journey in 2009, overcoming a traumatic assault, and balancing motherhood with her passion for running.
Elizabeth offers invaluable advice on training, injury recovery, and the importance of exploring new places through races.
With a heartwarming and motivational narrative, Elizabeth's story is a testament to perseverance, strength, and the...
Stefan Clayton - "You gotta do what you are capable of doing and then build from there"
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In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Stefan, a dedicated runner and Fresh Junkie ambassador, who went from a challenging childhood to becoming an unexpected hero during the Crescent City Classic.
Stefan shares his initial struggles with fitting in, his journey to discovering running, and how it transformed his life.
A significant highlight is his heroic act of helping a fellow runner during the Crescent City Classic, showcasing the true spirit of the running community.
Tune in to...
Morgan Walker - "Running helped me stay connected to the present reality"
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In this heartfelt episode, Morgan shares her deeply personal and evolving relationship with running.
From teenage sports conditioning to a powerful tool for overcoming life's most challenging moments, Morgan takes us through various chapters of her running story.
She recounts the trials of postpartum life, battling medical issues, and the devastating loss of pregnancies.
With the support of friends, especially her dedicated running companion Annie, and her husband, Morgan finds healing and strength through running.
She transforms her pain...
Greg Phillips (Author: Into the Storm) - "We can do a lot more than we think we can"
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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Greg Phillips as he shares his incredible journey from playing college football at Alabama to becoming an ultra-marathon runner.
Greg talks about his struggles with weight and fitness, his life-changing decision to embrace running, and the mental and physical challenges he overcame.
He also highlights the importance of discipline, patience, and the unexpected lessons learned through long-distance running.
You'll hear about his favorite and most challenging races, his supportive partnership with his wife Leslie...
Andra Bruce - "Get your butt up and go!"
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Join us for an exciting journey through the world of running, as we dive deep into the experiences of an elite athlete who shares heartfelt stories, inspiring moments, and invaluable lessons learned along the way.
From competing in marathons to exploring the 50 states challenge, get ready to be motivated by tales of perseverance, community, and the pure joy of running.
Discover the importance of strength training, recovery strategies, embracing challenges, and living life to the fullest.
Whether you're a seasoned runner...
Rachael McRae - "I really can do a whole lot more than I thought I could"
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In this episode, we join Rachel, a dedicated runner and mom, as she shares her incredible journey through the world of running.
From growing up with a marathon-running mom to becoming a part of a vibrant running community herself, Rachel discusses the transformation from disliking running as a punishment in school sports to embracing it as a vital part of her life.
She talks about the importance of social media encouragement, running partners, and the camaraderie that bolsters her love for the sport.<...
Hilary Scheinuk - "Put shoes on your feet!"
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Join us on a unique podcast interview conducted carpool karaoke style, where we dive into Hillary's inspiring running story.
From dealing with personal struggles through running as a therapeutic outlet to signing up for 30 races, Hillary opens up about her journey in the running community.
Learn about her favorite races, her experiences running at unconventional hours in the scorching Louisiana heat, and the camaraderie that the running community brings.
She shares practical advice for new runners, discusses her race routines, and...
Chris Moorer (Spring Hill Bootcamp) - "It's you vs. you"
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In this engaging podcast episode, Coach Chris shares his journey from a young middle school track runner to becoming a passionate and motivational bootcamp trainer at Spring Hill.
He discusses the balance between running and playing football in high school and college, meeting his wife, and how his love for running persisted through various life stages and challenges.
Chris opens up about his running influences, the importance of patience, discipline, and community in fitness, and his experiences with coaching, cross-training, and maintaining a...
Jackson Heckert (Bubbles) - "If you can do it, do it!"
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In this heartwarming episode, we welcome Jackson and Doris from Ainsley's Angels to discuss their transformative journey in the running community.
Jackson shares his story of how he got involved with Ainsley's Angels during the Louisiana Marathon in 2016, the challenges and joy he experienced, and the importance of the supportive community they've built.
Listen in as they recount memorable races, the motivation behind their efforts, and their plans for the future, including Jackson's upcoming college adventures.
This episode captures the spirit...
Sarah Hopton - "Get out there!"
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Join us as we dive into the inspiring and heartfelt run story of Sarah, a dedicated marathoner who grew up in a running family.
In this episode, Sarah shares how she overcame physical setbacks, unsupportive voices, and the challenges of balancing life with her passion for running.
From her early influences and cherished memories of running alongside her dad to her transition from real estate to working at a running store, Sarah's journey is marked by resilience, self-belief, and community support.
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Dr. Justin Southall (Eastern Shore Chiropractic) - "You gotta crawl before you walk"
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Join us as Dr. Justin shares his fascinating journey from being a high school athlete turned pole vault state champion, thanks to an unexpected encounter with a chiropractor, to his calling as a chiropractor himself.
Learn about his philosophy on injury prevention, patient care, and the advanced techniques he employs at Eastern Shore Chiropractic Clinic.
Dr. Justin also delves into the specifics of treating athletic injuries, the importance of strength training, proper footwear, and how he balances his busy professional life with coaching...
Janie and Gerald Ross - "Do not let Can't get into your head"
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Join us as we dive into the inspiring and entertaining world of Gerald and Janie, a dynamic duo whose lives are intertwined with the joy of running!
From working part-time at Wagner’s to completing marathons in all 50 states, their stories are filled with humor, perseverance, and a deep passion for the sport.
Learn about their unique journeys, from Gerald's unplanned entry into marathon running to Janie's impressive consistency and dedication.
Get behind-the-scenes insights into their training routines, race day rituals, an...
Skye Guy - "Contentment. Gratitude. And God-Given Endurance"
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In this engaging podcast episode, Allison speaks with Skye, a dedicated runner from Tuscaloosa, about her inspirational running journey.
Skye shares how she discovered her passion for running in middle school, earning the fastest mile time and surprising her parents with a physical fitness award.
Despite giving up running for a period, Skye rediscovered her love for it in adulthood, transitioning from walking 5Ks to running regularly.
She discusses her involvement with the local running store, Wagner's Run/Walk, and highlights...
Marshall Wade - "Running next to somebody is much better than reading their post online"
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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Marshall at Wagner's Run Walk store as he prepares for his first half marathon in Tuscaloosa.
Discover Marshall's unique running journey that began with self-doubt, evolved through casual college jogs, and eventually led to serious training.
Learn about his unstructured approach to running, his motivating experiences with community runs, and his goals of maintaining long-term fitness for his two children.
This episode is packed with Marshall's personal anecdotes, lessons learned, and refreshing perspectives on...
Dale Boyd - "Mind over matter"
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In this episode, Dale shares his exhilarating journey from playing college basketball to discovering a passion for mountain biking and running.
He narrates how a hilarious hazing incident with his college basketball team led to a 25-year hiatus from running, only to rediscover it later in life.
Dale opens up about overcoming weight challenges, embarking on a fitness journey with the keto diet and mountain biking, and eventually returning to running.
He emphasizes the importance of mental health, discusses the profound...
