Off The Couch

Before Kikkan Randall was winning Olympic and World Cup gold medals in XC skiing, she was a runner, and she has never stopped being a runner. In this conversation, we discuss how she got into XC skiing; some of the keys to her longevity; becoming a mother while also being a professional athlete (and how much attitudes still need to change for women in a similar position); and going from winning an Olympic gold medal to being diagnosed with cancer, and how she is doing today.TOPICS & TIMES:Growing up in Alaska (3:33)Running vs Skiing (5:46)A fork in the road (9:09)Resisting overspecialization at a young age (15:01)Gravel Racing (17:05)Boston Marathon (18:15)Running while being a XC skier (27:15)Being a mother and a sponsored athlete (35:29)From winning Gold to being diagnosed with cancer (45:54)Advocate for yourself (50:44)RELATED LINKS:Kikkan’s websiteAvocado Green MattressJonathan’s Sleep ExperimentGear Giveaway / Newsletter Signup See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For our 100th episode of Off The Couch, Tessa Chesser (who just podium’d at the Javalina 100 miler, earning a gold ticket to Western States) came on droppin’ mics, spittin’ inspiration, telling her story and mincing no words, and talking about how she has dealt with negativity and adversity.TOPICS & TIMES:Babes & parkour dogs (2:54)Javelina 100, NYC, & Tommy Rivs (9:08)“Diesel Mode” (16:45)Golden ticket, Western States (27:54)Growing up & Bruce Lee (30:42)“Soccer Strength” (33:54)Oklahoma, Hershey’s, & a wild side (37:23)Fun & Suffering (41:36)Handling negative comments (43:39)Western States (50:08)RELATED LINKS:How to Get Here: Gunnison & Crested Butte See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Grayson Murphy is back on Off The Couch to talk about her 2021 race season; trail racing in Europe vs. the US; the Olympic trials; avoiding injuries; the biggest changes to her own training; the most ‘off the couch’ thing she’s ever done; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:“2nd breakfast” (2:24)Grayson’s sleep schedule (3:43)Cinnamon Roll loop (4:48)Recap of Grayson’s racing in 2021 (7:06)Trail racing in Europe vs. the USA (11:37)Recovery time (17:05)Biggest change to her training in the last 2 years? (18:12)Olympic trials & World Cup races (22:44)Avoiding injuries (27:40)Current favorite distances & future favorites? (34:51)Most ‘off the couch’ thing you’ve ever done? (38:06)Cross country skiing (40:50)Engineering update (42:06)Grayson’s Training Log & Planner (45:06)RELATED LINKS:How to Get Here: Gunnison & Crested ButteGrayson’s 2022 Training Log & PlannerOTC ep. #24: our 1st conversation with Grayson  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sanjay Rawal joins Jonathan Ellsworth to discuss the Boston Marathon being held on Indigenous People’s Day; why the sport of long-distance running is particularly well-positioned to create a far more equitable situation for indigenous people; what it means to have had so many high-profile marathons held so close to one another; and the mission of Shalane Flanagan.TOPICS & TIMES:Update: Self Transcendence 3100 Run (1:04)Major races are back (5:05)Boston Marathon on Indigenous Peoples’ Day (8:15)Running traditions of Indigenous communities (11:30)Shalane Flanagan’s multi-marathon mission (30:38) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Olivia Amber grew up in rural Wisconsin; headed off to Maine (where she became an all-American XC skier); found her way into the tech world of San Francisco; then started getting into ultra running. Now, Olivia is a Salomon athlete who is also juggling a career in tech. We talk about all of the above, plus coffee; sleeping / not sleeping; her current & future interests in running; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Last Weekend: the Broken Arrow 52k (0:00)Skiing, Running, & Roller Skis (2:16)Why Colby College? (16:58)Geology (19:28)Longest run before college? (21:19)Running during college (25:32)Internships & Whiteboards (28:03)“Strategic Research Leader” (36:22)Work / Life balance (38:00)A hot take on not sleeping (40:27)Coffee (42:13)Current & future interests in running (49:18)RELATED LINKS:This Week’s Gear GiveawayGear Giveaway / Newsletter Signup See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We recently talked to Anton about a number of things, including his recent return to racing; his ongoing exploration of different ways to move through the mountains; we get his completely unfiltered take on Murakami’s What I Talk about When I Talk about Running — and that turned out to be such an interesting part of the conversation that we agreed we ought to re-read that book and then later this fall, come back to record another conversation about it. So we invite you to join us in reading / re-reading Murakami’s book and then you’ll be all set for our upcoming conversation about it.TOPICS & TIMES:Leadville (1:31)“Psychotic Runner” (5:14)What were you into as a kid? (14:58)Injuries (17:56)Climbing, bike touring, & skiing (18:57)Influences (23:53)Murakami (31:17)More Leadville & a life-changing bike trip (36:34)Studying philosophy (50:32) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We talk to Tasha Wodak about her performance in last month’s Olympic games; the twists and turns of her running career; mental preparation and the mantras that inspire her; a critical insight to remember during life’s hardest moments; running playlists; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Jonathan is bad at pronouncing things (1:34)Tasha’s on-the-ground report on last month’s Olympics (3:16)Expectations going into the games (9:52)The mental game of running & Tasha’s mantras (13:59)Sports psychology - underlying principles (19:11)Super shoes (25:58)What caused Tasha to quit running (35:41)What caused Tasha to resume running (42:13)Running with gratitude, joy, & love (51:37)Tasha’s Running Playlist (55:35) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our guest today is an ultra running legend. But beyond his impressive endurance exploits, Dean is an incredibly thoughtful and generous person who just so happens to love running. It was a real honor and a true pleasure to talk to Dean about running, his life-long interest in reading, his approach to writing, and what he is currently passionate about outside of the world of running.TOPICS & TIMES:Depressing jet lag facts (1:53)Your trip to Australia (5:17)“A different sort of torture” (12:02)Longevity & Ultras (14:34)Reading (23:00)Writing (26:52)Ultramarathon Man vs. A Runner’s High (31:42)Classics (50:32)RELATED LINKS: Buy Dean's book, Ultramarathon ManBuy Dean's book, A Runner's HighConnect with Dean See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today we’re kicking off a new series on Off The Couch, and Sanjay Rawal joins us to talk primarily about track and field at the Olympics, but we also discuss the Leadville 100, as well as the longest foot race in the world, the 3,100-mile Self Transcendence race in New York.TOPICS & TIMES:Sanjay’s big night (2:37)Sifan Hassan’s 1500m, 5000m, & 10,000m (4:57)Athing Mu’s 800m American record (12:21)400m hurdles — men’s & women’s (16:30)Are decathletes underappreciated? (25:18)Overall state of track & field? (31:42)2021 Leadville 100 (37:51)Self Transcendence 3100 Run (44:31)RELATED LINKS:Camping in Gunnison & Crested ButteMountain Town Economics, Pt 3Mountain Town Economics, Pt 2Mountain Town Economics, Pt 1 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Annie Hughes is 23 years old and is quickly becoming quite a force in the world of ultra running. So we talked with Annie about her preparation for the Leadville 100 and the race itself; waiting tables; potentially running for president (which is related to waiting tables); her plans to run the Moab 240 this October, and what she’s most excited about beyond this October.TOPICS & TIMES:Congratulations! (4:25)Preparation for the race (9:33)Race recap & thoughts on ‘home court advantage’ (9:10)Other ultra experiences (12:09)Annie’s running background (14:59)Approach to training (19:21)Thoughts on the upcoming Moab 240 (22:34)Annie’s off-days (25:48)More on Moab (33:56)What else are you excited about in the ultra world? (37:01)RELATED LINKS:Camping in Gunnison & Crested ButteMountain Town Economics, Pt 1Mountain Town Economics, Pt 2 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We talk to Dakota Jones about how motivation evolves, different chapters of life, and what led to the launch of the Footprints Running Camp.TOPICS & TIMES:Breaking bones (3:27)Footprints Running Camp (6:53)‘What you should do’ vs ‘What you want to do’ (21:00)Dakota’s different chapters of life (26:19)What ignited your environmental passion (34:11)What are you currently studying? (36:10)What does the next year look like? (40:09)Fundraiser for the next Footprints (46:01)RELATED LINKS:Camping in Gunnison & Crested Butte See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ian Sharman is back on the podcast (check out ep. 12 for more with Ian) and we sat down with him in Blister HQ, along with our good friend and Ian’s favorite pacer of all-time, Dana Kracaw.We talk about how Ian and Dana met; what makes a good pacer; when & when not to DNF; Tanya Harding; deer costumes; trolling; all-mountain roller skates; and yes, murder. This one is a lot of fun, so if you dislike fun, please skip it. Otherwise, enjoy!TOPICS & TIMES:Introductions & Instagram trolling (2:18)Preparing for another Leadville 100 (11:21)Difference between a “hike” and a “run” (16:00)Heart rate monitoring (26:02)The art of pacing (30:01)Ian & Dana’s proudest running accomplishments (36:12)Hacking Wikipedia pages (44:45)Tanya Harding & deer costumes (50:48)To DNF or Not to DNF (55:14)Coaching & race selection (1:09:26)Ian’s strategy for this year’s Leadville 100 (1:17:56)More trolling, Boston, Leadville, & costumes (1:24:00)RELATED LINKS:Off The Couch ep. 12: Ian SharmanCamping in Gunni

Sanjay Rawal is back on the podcast to discuss his latest film project about the American runner, Patti Catalano Dillon; how being coached by Patti has caused him to completely overhaul how he trains; and why we all might benefit by remembering to “run easy.”TOPICS & TIMES:The Reception of the film, Gather (1:44)Sanjays' own running & latest project (8:37)Training & the signs of a "happy" runner (16:39)Running easy (36:27)RELATED LINKS:Filmmaker, Sanjay Rawal, on the World’s Longest Race (Ep.2)Sanjay Rawal on Running Dumb, Training Slow, & Finding Joy through Exertion (Ep.33)Food Sovereignty, Indigenous Rights, & the Film, Gather (Blister Podcast Ep.131)Camping in Gunnison & Crested Butte See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In part 2 of our conversation with one of the top ultrarunners in the world, we discuss Michele’s book, Ultra, that comes out today; his motivation heading into the Moab 240 last year (which he won); the “art of the pull”; death; purpose; and Michele makes an announcement about a big upcoming project.TOPICS & TIMES:Today’s release of his book, “Ultra" (2:50)Running the Atacama & Gobi deserts (5:14)Motivation going into the Moab 240 (10:50)Pulling vs Pushing (17:26)DNFs (26:16)Death (29:41)Purpose (37:33)How Dean Karnazes’ book saved his life (45:36)The backstory of his book, Ultra (57:43)Michele announces an upcoming project (1:09:12)RELATED LINKS:Part 1 of our conversationOrder Michele’s bookCamping in Gunnison & Crested Butte See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How does a kid from a little town in Italy go from working in his family’s floral business to being a top fashion model in Miami to being one of the top ultrarunners in the world? Michele Graglia has done all of that, but he isn’t just about winning long-distance races and setting world records (though he’s won the Moab 240, Yukon Arctic Ultra, Badwater 135, & more). He is most passionate about human potential, helping us redefine what is possible, and motivating each and every one of us to do the same. TOPICS & TIMES:Why Michele’s book Ultra is a big book but a fast read (2:55)Growing up in Italy, education, & the family business (11:00)How a rainstorm started Michele's modeling career (18:35)Weight, Form, & Nutrition: modeling vs ultrarunning (26:41)Being disciplined vs remaining open (34:48)Diet & experimentation (41:48)Coaching running, practicing yoga (54:23)Ultrarunning, Yoga, Vedic philosophy, & “getting to the fabric of your soul” (56:08)RELATED LINKSPart 2 of our conversa

If you want to understand one of the most important developments currently taking place in the outdoor industry, then this conversation is for you. Jenny Bruso is the founder of Unlikely Hikers, and what she has started is a movement that is growing fast, and for good reason. See why.TOPICS & TIMES:Life, presently (1:32)Navigating social media & the digital world (3:54)The mission of Unlikely Hikers (15:32)Main takeaways so far from Unlikely Hikers? (27:41)Plus-size apparel & gear (31:35)Getting real about “average” size (39:25)Proving to gear makers that there's a market (43:36)Jenny’s Unlikely Hikers podcast (52:06) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We’re talking again with one of the most influential product designers in the outdoor industry, Jean-Luc Diard. He was formerly the CEO of Salomon and played a major role in the development of Salomon’s running shoes (and the first shaped skis), he co-founded HOKA One One, and he is now the VP of innovation for the Deckers Group and the head of Deckers X Lab. Yesterday, we spoke with Jean-Luc about the design philosophy of Deckers X Lab, and why they are rethinking everything from the standard flip flop to the casual sneaker to the suspension systems of very high-end, performance shoes.TOPICS & TIMES:The Deckers X Lab philosophy & lineup (2:26)Minimalist vs Maximalist shoes (8:53)KO-Z Slipper series (31:06)Suspension & Arch Support (36:53)K-ST series 35 (44:55)X-SCAPE series (49:24)Running-Shoe Quivers (53:29)RELATED LINKS:Ep.73: Jean-Luc Diard on the Process of Innovation See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Neli Vasquez Rowland is the co-founder and president of A Safe Haven, which is a Chicago-based nonprofit whose goal is to end homelessness. So we talk to Neli about A Safe Haven’s comprehensive approach; how and why their model could be adopted by other cities around the world; their Run to End Homelessness; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Running in Chicago (0:53)What is A Safe Haven (5:14)What led you to start A Safe Haven? (6:30)A Safe Haven’s approach (15:00)Neli’s book, HEALING (18:04)Who qualifies for the program? (19:58)A Safe Haven’s housing options (28:48) How does this compare to other programs? (29:40)Providing jobs to break the cycle (33:38)What could other cities be doing better? (38:25)Expanding A Safe Haven to other locations (52:50)What policies or laws most need to be changed? (1:01:05)A Run to End Homelessness (1:08:58)RELATED LINKS:A Safe HavenRun to End HomelessnessNeli’s book: Healing: Real Stories Told By People Who Have Overcome The Homeless And Opioid Epidemics See acast.com/privacy f

Brendan Leonard and Jonathan Ellsworth talk to Daryl Murphy about his Miles For Justice project; why he’s been running 5k or more every single day for over 300 days; his running background; his ideas about the future of Miles For Justice; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:What is Miles For Justice? (1:41)What started your 5k-a-day streak? (4:13)Daryl’s background, getting into running (5:36)Did you have running heroes? (25:21)The process of fundraising (28:06)Books (35:48)Acapella poem / rap (43:02)Interest in writing? (44:29)The 5k Streak: what’s easiest & what’s hardest about it? (46:20)The future of Miles For Justice (52:08)Running goals this year? (56:37)Expanding on the "idea" of Miles For Justice (1:01:42)RELATED LINKS:Watch Daryl’s VideoDonate to Miles For Justice See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Brendan Leonard and I talk to TheGingerRunner, Ethan Newberry, about life before GingerRunner; what led Ethan to start GR and how it has evolved; anxiety and mental health; his partnership with Kim Teshima Newberry; and of course, shoe reviews.TOPICS & TIMES:On being interviewed (2:29)Life before GingerRunner (4:55)Acting Auditions (16:57)Ethan’s process of content creation (24:47)The Barkley Banana (31:58)Ethan’s partnership with Kim (37:23)Branding / the origins of the GingerRunner name (45:09)“Making It” (57:00)Anxiety & Mental Health (1:06:10)“What shoe should I run in?” (1:15:20) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.