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Run The Riot Podcast

Run The Riot Podcast

Written by: David TheRiot
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About this listen

 Run The Riot Podcast is a podcast dedicated to ultrarunning, ultra runners, trail runners, and endurance athletes, their mindset, methods, and accomplishments. Check out our website at http://www.theriot.run Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtheriotpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runtheriotAll rights reserved Running & Jogging
Episodes
  • EP189 - The Long Game: Injury, Identity, and the Ultrarunner’s Comeback - Melanie Mathews

    EP189 - The Long Game: Injury, Identity, and the Ultrarunner’s Comeback - Melanie Mathews
    Feb 7 2026
    In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, David sits down with ultrarunner Melanie Mathews for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about grit, setbacks, and what it really takes to stay in the game of ultrarunning. Melanie’s running story starts long before ultra racing. Growing up on a Nebraska farm, she learned hard work, discipline, and toughness early—qualities that later carried her from road races to trail running and into ultra racing. She shares how she transitioned from marathons like the Little Rock Marathon to rugged mountain events, her early mistakes in trail racing, and why the ultrarunning community hooked her for good. The conversation goes deeper as Melanie opens up about DNFs, injury, grief, and seasons when running was taken away entirely. From her first 100-mile attempts to finishing the Love It 100, Melanie reflects on mental toughness, stubborn determination, and the lessons that only ultra racing can teach. She also talks about hormone health, depression, and the identity struggle many ultrarunners face when they can’t train or race the way they want to. Now heavily involved in volunteering and running aid stations, Melanie shares why giving back to the trail community matters so much—and how being on both sides of the race has shaped her perspective as an ultrarunner. This episode is packed with perspective for anyone chasing big goals in ultrarunning, navigating setbacks, or simply trying to stay grateful for the miles they get to run. More at http://www.theriot.run/melaniem
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • MWM Episode 88 - Stop Waiting Until You're Ready

    MWM Episode 88 - Stop Waiting Until You're Ready
    Jan 28 2026
    In this episode of the Run the Riot podcast, David Theriot discusses the common trap of waiting until one feels ready to take action. He emphasizes that readiness is often a feeling that can delay progress, and instead encourages listeners to take action to build momentum. Through personal anecdotes and examples from ultra running, he illustrates how starting small can lead to significant changes and growth. The episode serves as a motivational call to action, urging listeners to stop waiting and start moving towards their goals.
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    19 mins
  • EP188 - When FKTs Break You (and Make You Stronger): Katie Gunvalson

    EP188 - When FKTs Break You (and Make You Stronger): Katie Gunvalson
    Jan 24 2026
    In this episode of Run the Riot, David sits down with Katie Gunvalson, an ultrarunner known less for traditional races and more for her relentless pursuit of Fastest Known Time (FKT) efforts. Katie shares her journey from road marathons to multi-day ultrarunning challenges that test not just fitness, but resilience, problem-solving, and mental toughness. Katie opens up about repeatedly falling short on major FKT attempts — including the Pacific Crest Trail and the Arizona Trail — and how those setbacks nearly convinced her to quit. Instead, she chose to keep showing up, learning, and refining her approach. That persistence paid off with a breakthrough performance on the Oregon Coast Trail, followed by a gritty, emotional FKT on the Ouachita Trail, where she battled exhaustion, poor visibility, fueling issues, and long nights alone in the woods. Throughout the conversation, Katie explains why FKTs appeal to her more than ultra racing, how thru-hiking skills have made her a stronger ultrarunner, and why embracing discomfort is essential for growth. This episode is a powerful reminder that success in ultrarunning — and in life — often comes only after repeated failure. Whether you’re an aspiring ultrarunner, an ultra racing veteran, or someone struggling to stay resilient after setbacks, Katie’s story will resonate deeply. Key Topics Covered: Transitioning from road running to ultrarunning Why FKTs demand a different skill set than ultra racing Learning to manage failure and repeated setbacks Mental strategies for multi-day ultrarunning Fueling, sleep deprivation, and problem-solving on long efforts Why not giving up ultimately leads to breakthroughs Show notes: http://www.theriot.run/katieg
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    1 hr and 16 mins
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