On The Runs

On this episode we get to know Kayla Zwirko, a passionate runner and founder of the H2gO Life Run Club in Connecticut. Kayla shares inspiring stories of overcoming marathon challenges, building inclusive communities, and blending the fun of costumes, food, and friendship into the world of running. Plus, get insights on upcoming races, the importance of mindset, and hilarious Olympic musings.
In this episode:
Kayla’s journey from hobbyist to marathoner and ultra runner
The story behind founding the H2GO Life Run Club
How running helped Kayla find community and support sobriety
The fun of themed races, costumes, and unique challenges like the Philly founding fathers marathon
Tips on balancing fun and competition in training and racing
Insights into the Boston, New York City, and Tokyo marathons
Olympic highlights and jaw-dropping sports moments
The creative ideas for upcoming events and March Madness medaling competitions
The importance of embracing setbacks, walking during races, and staying motivated
Advice for new runners and seasoned athletes on enjoying the journey
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:19 - Celebrating holidays and personal routines
02:27 - Weather, running, and outdoor adventures
04:13 - The latest on Barkley and ultra marathons
08:24 - Kayla Zwirko
10:01 - Building the Connecticut run community
12:24 - Running as therapy and sobriety support
15:11 - First marathon stories, struggles, and redemption
23:13 - How ultras and marathons shape personal growth
26:31 - Kayla’s running club events and community partnerships
44:24 - Creative race ideas: theme parks, costumes, and relay challenges
54:45 - Memorable race experiences and motivational lessons
68:09 - Fun costumes, themed challenges, and special medals
75:38 - Tokyo Marathon expectations and race day tips
80:45 - Outro
89:53 - Olympics highlights, controversies, and favorite sports
103:55 - Planning a fall marathon and guessing game
106:38 - Wrap-up, gratitude, and upcoming adventures
Connect with Kayla:
Instagram
H2gO Life Run Club
Strava Group
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Don't Fear The Code Brown and Don't Forget To Stretch!

Welcome to Episode 208 featuring Julianna Coughlin from the Runnah Podcast!
Join us for an episode packed with lively banter, deep dives into the Super Bowl, Olympics, and insider tips on the Cape Cod Marathon — all sprinkled with humor, passion, and personal stories. Whether you're a runner, a music lover, or just here for the good vibes, this episode has it all.
Main Topics Covered:
Highlights and critiques of the Super Bowl halftime show and commercials
In-depth discussion of the Olympics: sports, opening ceremonies, and favorite moments
Spotlight on the Cape Cod Marathon: challenges, community, challenges, and insider tips
Personal stories including Lindsey Vonn’s injury, NFL game frustrations, and marathon planning
A fun Olympic winter sports quiz and hot takes on trail shoes and running gear
Unfiltered conversations about music in sports, shoe collections, and travel plans
Key Insights:
The evolution of Super Bowl performances and how they reflect cultural moments
Why the Cape Cod Marathon is a community and family event you can't miss
The importance of community-building in local races and how social media amplifies it
The versatility of shoes, from budget picks to high-tech trail shoes, and their role in injury prevention
The significance of Olympic torch bearers like Courtney DeWalter and the journey of the Olympic flame
Humorous insights into group chat banter about health, humor, and everyday life
Tips for marathon lottery success and planning multi-race years in advance
Chapters
00:00 - Welcome and episode overview — what’s on tap today
02:45 - Snow obsession and Pat Patriot's latest misadventures
04:30 - NFL playoff frustration: Patriots and the worst game ever
08:11 - Halftime show critique: vibes, surprises, and favorite moments
11:09 - Social media reactions and celebrity sightings during the Super Bowl
15:56 - Commercial highlights: AI, gambling, and unexpected ads
19:20 - Julianna Coughlin host of Runnah Podcast
29:00 - Cape Cod Marathon - The energy of race weekend
33:57 - Special challenges: Chowda and Lobster challenges explained
36:49 - Race logistics, registration, and how to get involved
45:42 - The magic of race day: finish line excitement and broadcast plans
50:10 - Future races, planning, and potential live podcast episodes
54:03 - Personal insights: shoe collections, gear tips, and favorite brands
66:11 - Around the world: marathons from Boston to Tokyo and mysterious upcoming races
70:34 - Olympic winter sports challenge: can you name all 16?
112:13 - Torch relay fun, favorite moments, and Paris Olympics observations
117:30 - Wrapping up: inspiring stories, favorite bands, and the joy of sports
Julianna's Instagram
Cape Code Marathon
Runnah Podcast YouTube
Strava Group
Linktree - Find everything here
Instagram - Follow us on the gram
YouTube - Subscribe to our channel
Patreon - Support us
Threads
Email us at [email protected]


Don't Fear The Code Brown and Don't Forget To Stretch!

In this episode of the On the Runs podcast, hosts Eric and Erika welcome Alex Baker (11:00), a father who turned his grief from losing his wife to cancer into a mission to raise awareness and funds for cancer research through running. The conversation explores themes of loss, resilience, and the importance of community support. Alex shares his journey of self-discovery as a single dad, the humor he finds in hardship, and the motivation behind his running endeavors. The episode also touches on the excitement of Super Bowl week, blending personal stories with lighthearted banter. In this engaging conversation, Alex Baker shares his transformative journey from a grieving father to a passionate runner and fundraiser for cancer research. He discusses the challenges of balancing parenthood and fitness, the unexpected love story that blossomed during a family outing, and the importance of setting goals. Alex reflects on his marathon experiences, the power of community, and the impact of sharing personal stories. He emphasizes the significance of charity runs and the need for inclusivity in the running community, while also highlighting the legacy of his late wife, Amanda. The conversation concludes with Alex's aspirations for future races and the motivation behind his fundraising efforts.
Chapters

00:00 Intro
11:27 Meet Alex Baker: A Journey of Loss and Resilience
17:03 The Ketchup Conundrum: A Unique Fundraising Approach
20:03 Facing Cancer: Alex's Personal Story
26:00 Navigating the Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
33:49 Rediscovering Self After Loss
40:27 The Journey to Health and Fitness
48:44 Navigating Grief and New Relationships
56:55 Fundraising for a Cause
01:01:41 Experiences in Major Marathons
01:02:47 Marathon Experiences: City vs. Course
01:15:07 Legacy and Personal Growth
01:18:44 The Impact of St. Jude's
01:24:41 Hot Takes on Running and Charity
01:29:21 Outro
01:32:29 Football Trivia
01:38:06 Wrapping Up

Takeaways

Alex Baker lost his wife to cancer and turned his grief into action.
He started running marathons to raise money for cancer research.
The importance of humor and positivity in difficult times.
Navigating parenthood as a single dad after loss.
The impact of cancer on family dynamics and personal health.
Finding motivation to take care of oneself after a loved one's passing.
The significance of community support in times of hardship.
Using personal experiences to inspire others facing similar challenges.
The role of humor in coping with grief and loss.
The journey of self-discovery after a major life change. Everything was about convenience in parenting.
Finding time for fitness is crucial for well-being.
Walking 500 miles was a transformative experience.
Unexpected connections can lead to beautiful relationships.
Setting goals helps maintain momentum in life.
Running can strengthen relationships and create shared experiences.
Marathon experiences can be both challenging and rewarding.
Fundraising for cancer research can make a significant impact.
Building a brand around a cause can raise awareness and funds.
Inclusivity in the running community is essential for growth.
Strava Group
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Patreon - Support us
Threads
Email us at [email protected]


Don't Fear The Code Brown and Don't Forget To Stretch!

In this episode, Erika and Tara recount their adventurous trip to Myrtle Beach, where they participated in the Myrtle Beach 24-hour ultra race. They share their travel experiences, including airport mishaps, family interactions, and the excitement of planning their race. The conversation highlights the joy of running, the challenges faced during the race, and the fun of creating a unique race experience with friends. They also touch on their golfing adventures and the importance of family support throughout their journey. In this episode, we recount our fun-filled trip to Myrtle Beach, including our first experience at Medieval Times, family time, unexpected connections, and travel adventures. We also dive into our Ask Me Anything segment, sharing insights and answering listener questions about our experiences. Join us as we relive the highlights and laughter from our weekend getaway.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Trip Overview
03:09 Myrtle Beach Ultra Race Plans
09:46 Travel Challenges and Race Postponement
10:40 Arrival and Family Time
13:17 Brunch and Planning for the Weekend
13:42 Aid Station Preparations
19:38 Trivia Night and Future Plans
23:25 Golfing Adventures
24:27 Golfing Highlights and Experiences
25:33 Squirrel Adventures and Golfing Fun
30:52 Creative Race Bibs and Family Time
35:41 Preparing for the 50K Challenge
40:25 The Inaugural 50K and Celebrating Wins
47:32 Reflections on the Experience and Future Plans
48:39 Medieval Times Experience
56:10 Theatrical Show Highlights
59:09 Sunday Recovery and Family Time
01:08:15 Race Cancellation and Reflections
01:09:44 Final Day Adventures and Goodbyes
01:13:27 Game Night Chaos
01:15:08 Neighborhood Drama and Community
01:17:00 Retirement Life and Community Bonds
01:19:17 Travel Adventures and Flight Experiences
01:24:00 Ask Me Anything: Reflections and Insights

Takeaways

The importance of planning and spontaneity in travel.
How peer pressure can lead to new adventures.
The joy of experiencing warm weather after a cold spell.
The significance of family support during events.
The fun of creating a unique race experience with friends.
The challenges of running long distances and managing health.
The camaraderie built through shared experiences in sports.
The humor found in travel mishaps and unexpected situations.
The excitement of trying new activities like golfing.
The value of making memories with loved ones. It was my first time at Medieval Times and it was so much fun.
The dinner show was a unique experience with no silverware.
We had a great time with family and friends during the trip.
Unexpected connections can happen anywhere, even on vacation.
Traveling can lead to unexpected adventures and flight changes.
The community in the neighborhood was very supportive and caring.
We had a blast playing games with neighbors and family.
The weather affected our travel plans but we made the most of it.
The Ask Me Anything section was fun and engaging for listeners.
We are excited to plan future trips and races together.

Strava Group
Linktree - Find everything here
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YouTube - Subscribe to our channel
Patreon - Support us
Threads
Email us at [email protected]


Don't Fear The Code Brown and Don't Forget To Stretch!

In this sample of the Re-Crap, hosts Loony Lindsey and PTara PTeradactyl welcome Chad Ultra, a well-known figure in the running community. They discuss Chad's recent experiences at the Ghost Train race, his aspirations to become a race director, and his upcoming events, including the unique Chad Ultra Ultra. The conversation also touches on the importance of community, self-defense for runners, and light-hearted personal anecdotes, creating a fun and relatable atmosphere for listeners. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss the challenges and joys of running, including injuries, upcoming races, and the supportive running community. They share personal experiences, including awards and favorite races, while emphasizing the importance of camaraderie in the sport. The discussion also touches on future goals and dream races, highlighting the unique experiences that come with ultra running.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:26 Meeting at Ghost Train
03:06 Chad's Experience at Ghost Train
07:20 Becoming a Race Director
09:58 Introducing Ultra Prom
13:15 Self-Defense for Runners
15:07 The Chad Ultra Ultra Race
21:22 Nostalgic Movie Memories
22:49 Childhood Fears and Scary Movies
25:32 The Challenges of Aging and Injuries
26:09 Upcoming Races and Goals
30:34 Community and Support in Running
36:36 Finding the Right Lube
37:59 Favorite Races and Awards
44:11 Future Race Aspirations
46:39 Mindset in Ultra Running
50:59 Community and Humor in Racing

Takeaways

Chad Ultra shares his experience at the Ghost Train race.
The importance of meeting fellow podcasters in person.
Chad is pursuing race directing and has exciting plans ahead.
The Chad Ultra Ultra is a unique running event with a fun twist.
Self-defense seminars for runners are being organized.
Community and connection are vital in the running world.
Chad's humorous take on aging and running injuries.
The significance of supporting local races and initiatives.
Chad's creative ideas for engaging race themes.
The joy of sharing personal stories and experiences in the podcasting space. Injuries are a common challenge for runners, especially as they age.
The running community provides invaluable support during recovery.
Participating in races is about more than just competition; it's about connection.
Winning awards can be a fun and motivating aspect of running.
Training for ultra races requires a different mindset than shorter distances.
Rest and recovery are crucial for long-term running success.
The camaraderie among runners often outweighs the physical exertion of the sport.
Unique awards, like handmade medals, can make races memorable.
Dream races often involve personal challenges and overcoming fears.
Running into older age can be a goal for many runners. 

Strava Group
Linktree - Find everything here
Instagram - Follow us on the gram
YouTube - Subscribe to our channel
Patreon - Support us
Threads
Email us at [email protected]


Don't Fear The Code Brown and Don't Forget To Stretch!