"Fail" Forward Friday is back and we are brining you stories from two amazing people - Jared Ward and Maddie Alm. First up is Jared Ward. Jared is an Olympian, USATF running circuit champion, NCAA All-American, and one of the best and most consistent American runners of this generation. But don't let all of that fool you. Jared's story of "failure" will resonated with runners of any ability. In the second part of the show we hear from Maddie Alm. Maddie is a pro runner who trains with Team Boss and she is having a wonderful 2021. She made the final of the women's 5k at the Olympic Trials, ran a 15:19 in the 5k at the Track Meet in May, and finished 14th in a stacked field at the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler in September. Like Jared, Maddie recalls moments in her college experience that set her on the path to get to where she is today. *Yes, you read that correctly - the "Fail" in quotes.* For so many of us there have been times in our lives when we thought we had failed, or worse, that we were failures. Those moments can leave of questioning everything that came before and whether or not we should continue down our chosen path. Then, if we persist we may realize that with time those setbacks can be a gift. Rather than holding us down those "failures" prove to be a catalyst for growth. Not merely to a level which we have already reached, but one that exceeds everything that came before. If you have a story that would be a good fit for one of these episodes please email ramblingrunnerpodcast@gmail.com. Sponsors: "Fail" Forward Friday is presented by Inside Tracker. Understanding and learning about your body's biomarkers is a one of the keys to staying healthy and fit for the long term and that is exactly what Inside Tracker does. From vitamin D, iron, ferritin, glucose, hematocrit, hemoglobin, testosterone, cortisol, creatine kinase, and many others, you will know where your body stands and how it can improves. Save 25% on all orders by going to www.insidetracker.com/ramblingrunner. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ83E0U8M4V7klqZB8BF3wA Rambling Runner Podcast Community Corner private Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/125544686229661  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices