When we first met Mike, we found out that he had a dream to compete for Team Lebanon at the Cross Country World Championships. After some challenges and missed opportunities, we got word that Mike had moved closer to his dream. So, we caught up with him to go for a run and learn what exactly has been happening over the last couple months. On today's show Mike shares his journey of qualifying for and competing with the Lebanese national team at the World Cross Country Championships. He recounts the intense physical and mental preparation required to earn his spot, including a pivotal 10K qualifying race where he significantly improved his personal best. Despite facing challenges like illness and travel fatigue, he describes the profound experience of racing against elite global athletes on a grueling course in Tallahassee, Florida. While his performance was hampered by heat and obstacles, he emphasizes that the personal growth and the honour of representing Lebanon outweighed the final race time. We finished off by discussing how this experience will influence his coaching philosophy and his future goals in marathon running

Follow Mike on Instagram @thedarazi

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The Ruck is back! Today Ari talks with fitness enthusiast Danielle Parsons about her transition from a sedentary lifestyle to competitive functional racing. A stay-at-home mother of three, Parsons describes her evolution from being unable to perform a single pushup to completing multiple five-kilometer races and training for her first HYROX event. They discuss the technical structure of functional fitness competitions, which combine heavy strength stations with significant running distances. Parsons also highlights her commitment to mental health advocacy, using her upcoming race in Las Vegas to fundraise (Race for Impact) for accessible therapy and medication. Danielle emphasizes that consistency and personal mindset are more important than athletic perfection or speed.

For details on how to donate to Race for Impact:

Follow Danielle on TikTok and Instagram @healthy.fit.momx3

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It's 2026 and the sisters are back! Today, hosts Justine and Kylie interview Camille Malmquist, the captain of the Mikkeller Running Club (MRC) Reno, to discuss the intersection of fitness, community, and New Year’s resolutions. Camille recounts her journey from a casual runner in Paris to establishing a local chapter in Nevada, emphasizing how the club’s socially-oriented "no drop" philosophy fosters inclusivity for all skill levels. The conversation highlights the McCarathon, an unofficial "underground" marathon around Reno’s McCarran Boulevard, which began as a personal training run and evolved into a major annual group event. Beyond race logistics, the speakers explore motivational strategies, such as using phone screen time statistics to set weekly mileage goals and the importance of high-quality gear like moisture-wicking socks. They finish it off with personal reflections on safety, including encounters with wildlife and the psychological benefits of group support during ultra-marathons.

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Full episode transcript: here

Support the show

Subscribe to Running Scared Media wherever you get your podcasts for more episodes!

RunningScaredMedia.com
Visit our shop to purchase our jogcasts and other merch
Email us at: therunningscaredpodcast@gmail.com

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