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
  • EP187 - Built by Consistency: Chris Avery’s Ultra Journey

    EP187 - Built by Consistency: Chris Avery’s Ultra Journey
    Jan 16 2026
    On this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, ultrarunner and coach David Theriot sits down with Chris Avery, an ultrarunner on a mission that sounds impossible at first glance: running an ultra marathon every day for an entire year while circumnavigating the perimeter of the United States. What makes Chris’s story so compelling isn’t just the miles — it’s how it all started. No running background. No love for the sport. Just a willingness to say yes to a single mile a day. That simple act of consistency sparked a transformation that now has Chris running 17+ miles daily, building toward 30+ miles a day for 365 consecutive days. This conversation dives deep into: How a no-training marathon changed Chris’s life Why consistency beats motivation every time Running as a tool for spiritual growth and identity Balancing ultra training, faith, family, and business Why starting small is the key to long-term success How suffering strips away ego and reveals purpose For ultrarunners, trail runners, and anyone chasing growth — physically, mentally, or spiritually — this episode is a reminder that you don’t need a perfect plan. You just need to take the next step. Whether you’re an experienced ultrarunner, a new runner wondering where to start, or someone looking for clarity in life, this episode will challenge and encourage you to keep moving forward. Chris Avery is an ultrarunner, men’s coach, husband, and father of two. After years of avoiding running, he committed to running one mile a day, slowly increasing distance every 90 days. Four years later, he’s running over 120 miles per week and preparing to run the perimeter of the United States — approximately 30 miles per day for a full calendar year. Chris uses running as a vehicle to help men pursue purpose, discipline, faith, and resilience through physical challenge and accountability. Website: https://www.chrisrunsamerica.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.avery.9083/ Instagram (Coaching): https://www.instagram.com/chrisaverycoaching/ Instagram (Run Across America): https://www.instagram.com/chrisrunsamerica If this conversation stirred something in you and you’re ready to take your running — or your life — to the next level, check out Run the Riot Coaching. Whether you’re training for your first ultra, chasing a PR, or just trying to build consistency, personalized coaching can make all the difference. 👉 Learn more at: http://www.theriot.run/coaching About Chris AveryFollow Chris AveryCoaching with Run the Riot
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    1 hr
  • MWM Episode 87 - Building Your Pain Cave

    MWM Episode 87 - Building Your Pain Cave
    Jan 14 2026
    In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, we discuss the concept of the 'pain cave' in ultra running, inspired by a conversation with Philip Klinkner. We emphasize the importance of mental preparation and creating a supportive environment before facing challenging races. We share insights on how to mentally prepare for tough moments, using mantras, motivational quotes, and past successes to build resilience. We encourage listeners to prepare their 'pain cave' in advance, highlighting the significance of mental training alongside physical training.
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    15 mins
  • EP186 - Executing the Vision: Phillip Klinkner’s Road to the Badger Slam and 200 Miles

    EP186 - Executing the Vision: Phillip Klinkner’s Road to the Badger Slam and 200 Miles
    Jan 10 2026
    In this episode, we catch up with ultrarunner Phillip Klinkner, a blue-collar beast who’s chasing big goals, grinding out tough training blocks, and trusting the process as he heads into a huge year of ultra racing. From battling brutal foot issues at Hennepin 100, to a breakout 17:10 performance at the Dreadmill 100, to planning an all-out push for 200 miles at Last Dot Standing — Phil is on a mission. You’ll hear us talk training strategies, treadmill mental battles, aid station efficiency, and the power of community and support. Phil shares how this sport has not only transformed his life but also brought strength to his relationships, mindset, and mission. We break down: Lessons learned the hard way at Hennepin 100 Why Badger Trail races aren’t created equal How Phil built a pain cave in his house to prep for the Dreadmill 100 The mental and physical shift that unlocked a new level of performance What it takes to stay strong during racing AND hunting season His plan to crush the Badger Slam: Sugar Badger 50, Badger 100, and Last Dot Standing How to build toward 200 miles — and why it’s not about the title, but the team If you’re training for an ultra or looking for inspiration to get through the grind, this conversation will fire you up. Phil is proof that consistency, a little stubbornness, and the right support system can take you places you never thought you’d go. Whether you're an ultrarunner, an aspiring ultrarunning coach, or just love stories of resilience, this one’s for you. More here: http://www.theriot.run/philk2
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • MWM Episode 86 - The Skill Every Ultrarunner Needs in the New Year

    MWM Episode 86 - The Skill Every Ultrarunner Needs in the New Year
    Dec 31 2025
    The Skill Every Ultrarunner Needs in the New Year The start of a new year brings motivation, fresh goals, and big plans—but for ultrarunners, that energy can be a double-edged sword. In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, we talk about one of the most important (and overlooked) skills in ultrarunning: training patience. This isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing the right things at the right time so you can stay healthy, consistent, and excited about training all year long. Drawing from years of coaching ultrarunners and recent conversations on the podcast, including insights from athletes who have stayed competitive for decades, this episode focuses on how patience protects long-term progress. January isn’t the race. It’s the foundation. If you’ve ever felt the urge to ramp up too fast, chase fitness early, or “win January,” this episode will help reframe how you approach the new year. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why January motivation often leads to mid-season burnout or injury How training patience becomes a competitive advantage in ultrarunning The difference between being disciplined and being reckless with volume Why connective tissue, recovery, and consistency matter more than big weeks How experienced ultrarunners think long-term instead of chasing short-term wins A better way to set New Year goals that actually last Whether you’re training for your first ultra or planning another season of ultra racing, this conversation will help you start the year with intention—and stay in the game. Want help building a patient, sustainable training plan? If you’re looking for guidance from an experienced ultrarunning coach, learn more about Run the Riot coaching here:http://www.theriot.run/coaching
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    19 mins
  • MWM Episode 85 - Choose Joy

    MWM Episode 85 - Choose Joy
    Dec 24 2025
    Life doesn’t always give us a choice in what happens — but it does give us a choice in how we respond. In this Midweek Motivation, we talk about what it really means to choose joy, even when life feels heavy. Not pretending things are easy. Not ignoring pain. But choosing gratitude, perspective, and faith in the middle of hard circumstances. This message is a reminder that joy isn’t a feeling reserved for perfect seasons. It’s a decision we can make — one step at a time. As we head into Christmas, this episode also challenges us to slow down, tune out the noise, and focus on what truly matters most. Why joy is a choice, not a mood How gratitude reshapes your mindset What endurance running teaches us about perspective Choosing joy in the middle of uncertainty A Christmas reminder about hope and what really matters Whether you’re out on a run, driving, or just needing a reset, this episode is here to encourage you to keep showing up — with gratitude and joy. Merry Christmas, my friends.
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    14 mins