Today we are fortunate to have Sarah Gearheart who has just published a truly amazing running book - We Share the Sun: The Journey of Kenya's Legendary Running Coach Patrick Sang and the Fastest Runners on Earth.

We Share the Sun takes us behind the scenes into the lives of Kenya’s fastest runners and their coach—one of the greatest and least-heralded coaches in the sport—Patrick Sang.

At a secluded training camp in Kaptagat, Kenya, a small town nearly 8,000 feet above sea level in the Great Rift Valley, three-dozen world-class runners, including Olympic champions, world record holders and the fastest marathoner of all-time, share simple dormitory-style rooms and endure grueling workouts six days a week.

These determined, devoted, and selfless runners are who they are because of a man named Patrick Sang, who is described by his athletes as a “life coach.”

In We Share the Sun, we are immersed in Sang’s remarkable story, from his college days in the US to winning an Olympic medal in the steeplechase, and his journey to become a man who redefines what coaching means.

In these pages, we explore Sang’s influence on his athletes — including his unique and longstanding relationship with marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge — as they prepared for the delayed Tokyo Olympics and other competitions. We witness the remarkable recovery of two-time New York City Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor after a freak accident as he strove to earn his first Olympic medal. And we follow one of the world’s most dominant mid-distance runners, Faith Kipyegon, as she attempted a historic repeat title in the 1,500 meters three years after the birth of her first child.

Through Gearhart's vivid prose, we experience the richness that exists in Kenya as we come as close as we possibly can to running alongside a current and future generation of elites—and the man who molds them into champions.

Sponsors:

Thank you to Lagoon for sponsoring this episode and for their truly amazing pillows! Take their two minute quiz and learn which pillow is perfect for you and the way you sleep at https://lagoonsleep.com/rambling and save 15% by using code RAMBLING at checkout.

Vacation Races is a running and travel company that helps people explore and enjoy the most scenic places on earth. They host half marathons, ultramarathons and trail running festivals at national parks around the country and multi-day running adventures all over the world! Use our codes to save serious money at www.vacationraces.com on these incredible adventures:

• rambling15 - New customers can use this code for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon that is not currently sold out (excludes Trailfest events and Global Adventures).
• rambling200 - New customers can use this code for $200 off any Global Adventures trip that is not currently sold out (code is only good for Global Adventures events and cannot be used toward half marathons, ultra marathons or Trailfest events)

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This episode of the podcast is with a longtime friend of the show, Jean Mike Remy. Remy was first on the show in episode 86 when he detailed is fantastic transformation into an endurance athlete. This episode is a far cry from that one.

Yesterday Remy was part of a viewing party at the top of Heartbreak Hill on the Boston Marathon course doing what he loves: cheering and supporting fellow amateur endurance athletes. Then he and his viewing party, organized by the Pioneers and TrailblazHers running clubs and primarily consisting of BIPOC athletes, was targeted and surrounded by over a dozen police officers. Video of the experience went viral and many in the running community were aghast at the display. In this episode, Remy details his lifelong connection to Boston and the marathon, what happened that day, and his perspective on the intersection of the two.

Follow Remy on Instagram: www.instagram.com/_mr1derful

Watch Remy's YouTube Channel and watch the video we discuss in this episode: www.youtube.com/@RemyBReel

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by UCAN nutrition which is powered to deliver steady, long lasting energy without the spike and crash. Add in UCAN Hydrate to get those electrolytes that you need to stay hydrated. Finally, you've got to try the award winning Edge energy gels - they are my go-to on the run. You will get 20% of all of your orders at ucan.co with code RAMBLING.

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The magic of the 2020 Olympic Trials we more than just race itself. It was also in the journey to that day. The years of training and leading to America's best runners putting it on the line to qualify for the trials. With that in mind we are introducing a new race hoping to help America's best reach their full potential.

The Bakline's McKirdy Micro! 

The vision for this marathon is to be an OTQ/Olympic Standard marathon event.

The course - Rockland Lake State Park is a truly flat and fast course. Newly paved... the surface is incredibly quick. It will also have a clearly marked tangent line along the ENTIRE 2.945 mile loop. 

Certification - The event is currently USATF certified and USATF Sanctioned. The World Athletics certification is in processing and is a mere formality. For any athletes looking for an Olympic Standard (American or international) this race will count for that achievement and for world rankings.

Pacers: 

• 2:07:30
• 2:10:00 (if needed/requested)
• 2:17:59
• 2:26:00 (if needed/requested)
• 2:30:00 (if needed/requested)
• 2:36:59

Prize Purse - They have committed to at least a $10,000 prize purse! The vision of the race is a time standard... not a "race for place." With this in mind there is going to host a shared prize purse concept. They will evenly distribute the prize purse to all who earn the OTQ/Olympic standard. (International athletes are included)

Registration Launch - Registration will launch next week (After Boston - Wednesday/Thursday). Visit www.mckirdytrained.com to register.

We encourage all athletes considering this event to register. Even if using the race was a "back up event." Having the option to race Bakline's McKirdy Micro allows an athlete to swap out in case they are presented with poor conditions in Chicago or other races in the window. Their only aim in this event is service for what is best for the athletes. 

Sponsors:

Thank you to Lagoon for sponsoring this episode and for their truly amazing pillows! Take their two minute quiz and learn which pillow is perfect for you and the way you sleep at https://lagoonsleep.com/rambling and save 15% by using code RAMBLING at checkout.

Vacation Races is a running and travel company that helps people explore and enjoy the most scenic places on earth. They host half marathons, ultramarathons and trail running festivals at national parks around the country and multi-day running adventures all over the world! Use our codes to save serious money at www.vacationraces.com on these incredible adventures:

• rambling15 - New customers can use this code for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon that is not currently sold out (excludes Trailfest events and Global Adventures).
• rambling200 - New customers can use this code for $200 off any Global Adventures trip that is not currently sold out (code is only good for Global Adventures events and cannot be used toward half marathons, ultra marathons or Trailfest events)

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Last Monday we had our inaugural Training Talk LIVE call on Relay and it was everything we hoped it would be! More specifically, it was a space for Relay subscribers and creators to have an informal chat about our training, racing, goals, and challenges with plenty of fun randomness thrown into the mix.

We will be doing this every Monday at 2pm est so come join us!

Relay is a collaborative of elite runners and running content creators publishing high-end writing, audio/podcasts, and video. These pieces provide insight, knowledge, and entertainment to dedicated runners. Relay has some of the most collaborative and creative work in the running industry that is sure to impact runners of all abilities.

The Relay team consists of amazing people like Kara Goucher, Peter Bromka, Mike "Kofuzi" Ko, Stefanie Flippin, Lindsey Hein, and Marcus Brown.

In addition to great content, Relay also provides full financial transparency. For $9 a month subscribers get the most creative and collaborative running content on the internet. All of the Relay creators split our revenue evenly so you know exactly where your money is going.

Visit Relay today: www.patreon.com/relay

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by UCAN nutrition which is powered to deliver steady, long lasting energy without the spike and crash. Add in UCAN Hydrate to get those electrolytes that you need to stay hydrated. Finally, you've got to try the award winning Edge energy gels - they are my go-to on the run. You will get 20% of all of your orders at ucan.co with code RAMBLING.

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Cole Crosby recently completed something that has never been done - a solo run on the original relay route (OG route) from LA to Vegas as part of The Speed Project. TSP is typically reserved for team efforts but Cole wanted more. Much more. After years of testing his limits, including the Cocodona 250 last spring, he had his sights set on Vegas.

Cole puts it best in his Instagram post from March 29:

"The TSP solo adventure was earth-shattering. Mother Nature threw everything at us: rain, sleet, wind, sand storms, heat, sun, mud, and yet we never faltered.

I finally showed what I am capable of as an athlete. 346 miles averaging paces between 10-13 minute miles, tackling whatever obstacle was in our way. Our team grew stronger and deeper as the journey went on until the last 5,000 foot climb and the sprint downhill into Vegas.

This journey to me is what an OG stands for. It’s not about taking the shortest route but rather the longest. It’s about fighting adversity and not showing weakness. It’s about gaining the beauty and inspiration in the harsh desert landscape. It’s about rising above when others crumble. It’s about teamwork, solitude and the burning desire to do great for others.

• 346 miles run
• 17,000k of vert
• 92 hours 57 minutes
• 1 runner, 3 crew aka family
• That’s OG!

I hope this run inspires you to take on this challenge. Because records are meant to be broken. But what I hold up high is that there will only ever be 1 OG Solo runner to be the first to complete the route and OG crew that got me to the sign. And for that experience I will cherish those moments forever."

You can follow Cole at www.instagram.com/colecrosby41.

Sponsors:

Thank you to Lagoon for sponsoring this episode and for their truly amazing pillows! Take their two minute quiz and learn which pillow is perfect for you and the way you sleep at https://lagoonsleep.com/rambling and save 15% by using code RAMBLING at checkout.

Vacation Races is a running and travel company that helps people explore and enjoy the most scenic places on earth. They host half marathons, ultramarathons and trail running festivals at national parks around the country and multi-day running adventures all over the world! Use our codes to save serious money at www.vacationraces.com on these incredible adventures:

• rambling15 - New customers can use this code for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon that is not currently sold out (excludes Trailfest events and Global Adventures).
• rambling200 - New customers can use this code for $200 off any Global Adventures trip that is not currently sold out (code is only good for Global Adventures events and cannot be used toward half marathons, ultra marathons or Trailfest events)

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Nigel Mcgregor is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. Not merely in running, but in all areas of life.

14 years ago, Nigel ran is first marathon in 5:21 and it was a huge accomplishment. In the preceding years Nigel worked full-time driving a delivery truck while going to night-school in a full-time capacity to become an engineer. After the job and the school work Nigel would head out on his nightly run. Those runs would often end at or after midnight. This man was dedicated to his goals - no question about that.

Today, Nigel is a masters runner with marathon PR of 2:56. He has run dozens and dozens of marathons and "marathon runner" is a part of his identity he embraces and cultivates. In this episode we talk about his amazing journey and finish with a fun conversation about his beloved Boston Marathon (he's about to run his fourth!).

You can follow Nigel at www.instagram.com/nmarvelous212.

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by UCAN nutrition which is powered to deliver steady, long lasting energy without the spike and crash. Add in UCAN Hydrate to get those electrolytes that you need to stay hydrated. Finally, you've got to try the award winning Edge energy gels - they are my go-to on the run. You will get 20% of all of your orders at ucan.co with code RAMBLING.

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Percell Dugger is a NYC-based wellness consultant, certified strength coach, and NIKE running coach. The founder of GOODWRK, Percell helps athletes of all abilities reach their potential, creates thriving spaces that celebrate movement, and champion health equity.

Percell's sprint to share his message of health equity has since turned into a marathon. He recently trained actor Winston Duke for his role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and he launched Fit For Us, a wellness-focused creative agency that aims to create equitable health and wealth outcomes for the historically marginalized.

In this episode, Percell shares his thoughts on internal vs. external motivation, why improving the aerobic system can take longer than people think, and how our mental game can impact our daily training and longer term goals.

You can follow Percell at www.instagram.com/goodwrk.

Sponsors:

Thank you to Lagoon for sponsoring this episode and for their truly amazing pillows! Take their two minute quiz and learn which pillow is perfect for you and the way you sleep at https://lagoonsleep.com/rambling and save 15% by using code RAMBLING at checkout.

Vacation Races is a running and travel company that helps people explore and enjoy the most scenic places on earth. They host half marathons, ultramarathons and trail running festivals at national parks around the country and multi-day running adventures all over the world! Use our codes to save serious money at www.vacationraces.com on these incredible adventures:

• rambling15 - New customers can use this code for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon that is not currently sold out (excludes Trailfest events and Global Adventures).
• rambling200 - New customers can use this code for $200 off any Global Adventures trip that is not currently sold out (code is only good for Global Adventures events and cannot be used toward half marathons, ultra marathons or Trailfest events)

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Spring is now here and with it comes in an increase in running, outdoor fun, and marathon training. Fueling our longer efforts can provide several challenges. That is especially true for those of us who are preparing for a marathon by stacking up some serious long runs.

With that in mind, Holley Samuel RD, CPT, is here to guide us through the process. Holley is a registered dietitian with a BS in Dietetics from the University of New Hampshire. She also has a Masters in Health Education and Promotion with an eating disorder focus from Plymouth State University. She has over four years experience working in endocrinology, weight management, bariatric surgery, sports nutrition, and prevention in wellness and clinical settings. Holley is also a certified personal trainer through ACSM and a dedicated amateur runner. In short, she has all of the technical and personal experience needed to make sure we are at our best. 

Learn more about Holley at @holleyfuelednutrition and website is www.holleyfuelednutrition.com.

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by UCAN nutrition which is powered to deliver steady, long lasting energy without the spike and crash. Add in UCAN Hydrate to get those electrolytes that you need to stay hydrated. Finally, you've got to try the award winning Edge energy gels - they are my go-to on the run. You will get 20% of all of your orders at ucan.co with code RAMBLING.

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our second conversation with Nico Montañez on the Road to the Trials Podcast, Nico shares an amazing amount about training and racing. First, Nico does a nearly 30 minute breakdown of his recent training heading into the United Airlines NYC Half and the upcoming Boston Marathon. In the second half of the podcast Nico discusses his 7th place performance, and 2nd U.S. finisher, at the stacked United Airlines NYC Half. It was a freezing day in which Nico ran well against some of the world's best. It was a clear sign that his fitness is trending well for Boston. Finally, we end with a little shoe talk and Nico shares which Asics shoes he uses for various runs and races.

Sponsors:

Thank you to Lagoon for sponsoring this episode and for their truly amazing pillows! Take their two minute quiz and learn which pillow is perfect for you and the way you sleep at https://lagoonsleep.com/rambling and save 15% by using code RAMBLING at checkout.

Vacation Races is a running and travel company that helps people explore and enjoy the most scenic places on earth. They host half marathons, ultramarathons and trail running festivals at national parks around the country and multi-day running adventures all over the world! Use our codes to save serious money at www.vacationraces.com on these incredible adventures:

• rambling15 - New customers can use this code for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon that is not currently sold out (excludes Trailfest events and Global Adventures).
• rambling200 - New customers can use this code for $200 off any Global Adventures trip that is not currently sold out (code is only good for Global Adventures events and cannot be used toward half marathons, ultra marathons or Trailfest events)

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We are re-releasing our conversation with Andrea Pomaranski from October, 2021 after she finished as the 10th American woman at the Boston Marathon at the age of 39 because Andrea is at it again! She just won the 50K national title along with setting a new American masters record at the distance.

Andrea's story is much more than merely running well as a masters athlete. Here is her post after the 2021 Boston Marathon that puts her accomplishments into the context of her life:

"My heart is so full of gratitude …..10th American in the Boston Marathon in my very first pro start at a major marathon at the age of 39, which to be honest is the least of why I couldn’t stop smiling through the streets of Boston yesterday.

Every step felt like such a celebration….8 years ago this week I had just given birth to severely premature twins and spent every single day for the next 5 months in a hospital room for hours upon hours until we eventually lost both of our sons. 11 years ago this week, doctors told me I’d never run another marathon.

So to be here now, exactly 8 years later with 3 wonderful children and the love and support from such incredible family and friends, running through the streets of Boston in the fall after a worldwide pandemic I can’t help but feel utterly overwhelmed with gratitude and joy.

I wouldn’t be here without so many beautiful people in my life, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you. 💕💕💕

Also, if you’re reading this and find yourself in a dark/overwhelming/hard season of life, just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you never know….one day you might just find yourself exceeding your wildest expectations."

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by UCAN nutrition which is powered to deliver steady, long lasting energy without the spike and crash. Add in UCAN Hydrate to get those electrolytes that you need to stay hydrated. Finally, you've got to try the award winning Edge energy gels - they are my go-to on the run. You will get 20% of all of your orders at ucan.co with code RAMBLING.

Join Relay to get some of the best running content on the internet. You can also hop into amazing calls and Book Club conversations with people like Kara Goucher, Lindsey Hein, Kofuzi, Peter Bromka, Stefanie Flippin, Carolyn Su, Marcus Brown, and Matt Chittim. Join today at www.patreon.com/relay.

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