Start Lines and Swag Bags

For those who don't know, this is my third year of creating our racing team's end of year video; that means going through 365 days of photos and picking the best to represent that year.For Chris, I had to go back through 7 full years of photos to truly try and encapsulate just a fraction of my time knowing him. We recorded first and then I went on a photo scavenger hunt that made one thing clear. While opening the store for Chris was an absolute life changing event, meeting him was a life changing event for me.He and I talked about so much; how we met, kids club, C25K, relationships with vendors, Fast Track, COVID, supporting small businesses, and boiled everything down to one word: community. But when I look back at 7 years of photos, I realize we have only scratched the surface . I just hope it doesn't take nearly a year to get him to come back on the pod. Enjoy!

Sometimes I don't know how to properly introduce a show because I'm just so entertained by my guests.This one is definitely that. What was born out of casual conversation at the 4 on the 4th turned into such a fun discussion of what happens when two people early on in a relationship discover they don't exactly have the same definition of runner and how they make it work. And Becky has the best full blown dialogue that goes through every runner's mind. Don't you tell me you can't relate!

That's right! We have the founder of The Flying Pig Project on the show today to discuss what's happening with the project and her fitness journey.It really is amazing how much we have in common.And if you think I was able to do anything of this with a straight face, you just don't know me, do ya!

Can you imagine you're training for an event like a Half-Ironman?Can you imagine it's your first and Mother Nature deals you a real feel temperature of 105? Yes sir, folks. IronMan 70.3 came rolling into Rockford for the first time just about two weeks ago and Kristin shares her experiences on the pod. We talked about all sorts of things including some Ironman rules that are a bit crazy. The whole thing about having your shoulders covered at all times; who knew Ironman was such a modest sport!While in the end she did finish, she missed the final time cut off by a lousy 10 minutes. I can't wait to see her crush it next year!

I don’t care what time it is!  When Marty says the next episode is ready to go, it’s ready to go!Welcome back @ncihock to the podcast as we helped @ilaanya pop the podcast cherry!This one’s another hilarious fuel swap episode and a shout out to @againarunner for donating this episode’s mystery fuel!We talk hydration epiphanies and chemical sweeteners.  But I’ll tell y’all; three ladies doing a fuel episode?  The first person to tell me how many times we use the word swallow; well, you should win a prize!This “Start Lines and Swag Bags” episode will be available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube!  As always, thank you so much for supporting the flying pig project and be sure to embrace the crazy to unlock a world of possibilities!#theflyingpigproject #startlinesandswagbags #fasttrackracingteam #smallbusiness #runnerswhopod #supportsmallbusiness

Guess who's back!Here comes Justin and this time we are talking about a topic no one can say they haven't felt; PAIN. We talk about what pain you could work through and what should stop you in your tracks. While we do highlight that everyone has different pain tolerances, Justin and I also talk about my favorite people; the over-reactors and under-reactors. Which category do you fall in?Your biggest takeaway should be to buy a little journal keep track of your aches and pains. Your PT will love you for it!Thank you all for supporting the flying pig project and "Start Lines and Swag Bags". As always, embrace the crazy to unlock a world of possibilities.

Very excited to have Sabrina back on the show; this time in the role as Coach! She is joined by two of her athletes, Leah and Jake. Sabrina worked with them both, not only through the first marathons, but through other things as well including injuries, mental challenges, and, well, life.This is another well timed episode with 18 week training programs starting now! Does everyone need a coach? No. Does everyone have access to a coach? Also, no. But, I bet if I talked to most of the runners I know, at some point in their journey, a coach was either consulted or used.It's most definitely a personal decision and, upon reviewing the entire episode for the transcript, may have been influenced to take a second go-around with a coach for my current attempt at returning to running. Hmmmm.... I wonder who I'm going to be writing my training plans.......

Worth the wait, this one was!From cotton sweatpants to his first marathon is just about a year and a half, Byron has quite the story to tell.  He deserved every second of his 50+ minutes of fame.You can't help but feel what Byron felt that day Carmel was cancelled.  We discussed that weekend and the one two weeks later when he finally became a marathoner.Does this sound a little like a Fast Track Infomercial at times?  Well, yes, but I consider it more a testament to finding the right community for you.  He came knowing no one, but he found his group with Fast Track.Embrace the crazy to unlock a world of possibilities and find yours.

Well, isn't this good timing! Doesn't fall marathon training start in less than two weeks?It's not that the episodes are getting better; well, ok, they are. This one really hits home for me. Wes and I talk about putting aside embarrassment, egos, and all our preconceived notions of ourselves to just go see what we can do! Who cares what others think; their opinion of you does not matter! All that matters is opening your mind to the possibility that you just may be able to accomplish your goal after all. Wes exudes perseverance and mental fortitude. Hopefully, I caught a little.And, for the record, I'm now on page 78 of David Goggins' book, "Can' t Hurt Me". It's not for everyone, but it's got it's grip on me.

Yep; I'm persistent and it paid off. David was the last of the original group I asked to be on the pod back last year when it was first born.He explains why he didn't come on then and how it came down to an actual formal decision; either he does or we never discuss it again.We talk about his running history, mental challenges, and his charity running for T2, the Team to End Aids. Can't wait for him to stop back on the show post his Chicago Marathon this fall.

Fresh off his PR performance yesterday at the Chicagoland Spring Marathon, Justin joins me as we just crack the surface of what is going to be a great addition to the podcast.We have just started our discussion about the role physical therapy can have in people's lives, but we also get straight to the point when it comes to compliance. He also drops that bombshell; how bad do you want it? Will you move mountains to reach your goal or stray at the first indication of hard work?You bet he'll be back; and soon.

You must stop whatever you are doing and go WATCH this episode!Fine, you can just listen but I just don't think it does this episode justice.  I welcomed back, for an unprecedented third time, Rupesh from Fast Track and paired him with Rebecca from the Skokie Swifters.  Rebecca and I were on the same team at the Pettit Indoor Relay in 2024 and have strongly bonded over our ability to openly discuss bodily functions.  It's the second Fuel Swap episode and I even had to pause it while watching the final cut because I was laughing THAT HARD!   Marty definitely had some editing fun with this one which makes me reiterate how lucky I am that he puts up with me and my shenanigans.Anyway, take a listen or look for yourself and I'll just leave you with this little nugget of advice I shared:  "no one else should be eating out of your gel pack"Thank you for your support of the flying pig project and remember to embrace the crazy to open a world of possibilities.

Had these two ladies on the pod for a real conversation about being “back in the pack” runners, mental struggles, and what the heck is “marathon pace”?I might’ve been a bit too honest in this episode, but that’s just what happens when you're having a real conversation with people who truly understand each other.Enjoy!

The best word to describe this episode is delightful.Yes, I admit I felt intimidated to ask Katherine to be on the pod; but the more we talked, the more in common we had. Regardless of your pace, ability, or current activity level, we all put out shoes on one at a time and all have our place in the puzzles that are running communities.I, myself, identify as an edge piece; not necessarily noticed but still a piece of what holds us together. Thank you all for your support of the flying pig project and please be sure to embrace the crazy to unlock a world of possibilities.

Holy moly; you need to STOP whatever you are doing and watch this episode! Yeah, ok, you can listen but you will be missing out for sure if you don't see this video!Marty and John joined me for our first Fuel Swap episode which I, of course, completely messed up but the results are priceless! Ok fine, one little trigger warning. We do talk about poop but if you know, you know.Thank you for your support of the flying pig project and for listening. Season 2 has just started so hang on!

I mean, how do I keep one upping myself?By having the best guests possible, that's how. In this episode, Ryan, Marie, and I explore not just how we see ourselves as runners, but how we actually define runners! We need to work on those definitions being more aligned with each other.If you take nothing else from this episode, remember the importance of surrounding yourself with those who support not only your physical challenges but also the mental ones. Just because they can't be seen does not mean they don't impact your performance; sometimes even more than any physical.Thank you for your support of the flying pig project and always remember to embrace the crazy to unlock a world of possibilities.

Wow! What an episode! I welcomed KJ Whigham onto the show and was blown away when he told me he's done 40-50 triathlons! I was not expecting that!But I love everything about our talk. Before we even started, KJ said I could ask him anything and he answered everything. You can't help but feel his authenticity when talks about his family, his journey, and Fast Track Racing Team.And the fact that he and I agreed on this week's hot takes; icing on the cake!

We are opening up Season Two in a big way! Rupesh, the regular runner, invited his friends Alli and Larry from Bravo boot camp for a chat!Restarting is harder than starting; yes, Larry, you are right. Lots of other pearls of wisdom were dropped in this episode along with the premiere of the hot takes wheel!Thank you for your support of the flying pig project and for listening to the podcast. If you like what you hear, be sure to check out Season One!

Welcome back to Start Lines and Swag Bags.After a much needed break, I am back to explain the original why and the current what. And I've started Week 1 of my 40 Week Tri Training Plan!Thank you as always for your support of The Flying Pig Project.

Only one more week to wait for the Season Two launch of Start Lines and Swag Bags!While I told myself I should record a little teaser to test my lighting/audio, I did spill the beans about what happened to all my race swag..........Thank you for listening!