On todays show I welcome Nicholas Thompson, the CEO of The Atlantic and author of the book The Running Ground to Running Buddies. We talk about Nicks recent trail running experiences and personal updates regarding his media company before diving into his book. This interview was framed around the characters in his book and in this episode we look at Bobbi Gibb and Tony Ruiz. We also discuss demographics of competitive running, debating whether the sport is truly equitable given the geographic and financial barriers associated with ultra-marathons. Ultimately, Nick highlights the emotional and spiritual connections people form with running, framing it as a lens through which to understand larger societal narratives and personal history. Stay tuned for part two!

Partners:

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• Link: HERE
• Code: RUNNINGSCARED10

THN Labs - THN make energy gels in Canada with minimal ingredients. If you're running long and want to actually know what you're eating, hit them up at thnlabs.com.

• Link: HERE
• Code: RSP15

PLUS we have a new website: Go to runningscaredmedia.com

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On toadys show, Ari talks to Matt Huff, who represents the Sergeant Bruce Cogley Foundation. The organization honors Huff's late acquaintance, a Vietnam veteran, by raising awareness for veteran suicide and mental health. To fund fitness scholarships for veterans, the foundation organizes the "Bruce WOD," a high-intensity workout held annually around Veterans Day. These scholarships provide gym memberships to help veterans combat isolation through group-based functional fitness. Matt also highlights an upcoming partnership with the National Veterans Memorial Museum for a special outdoor event in June as well as discussing how community exercise can serve as a powerful tool for veteran recovery and connection.

Partners:

On Trail Nutrition - On Trail Nutrition, high-energy protein bars built for the outdoors. No crashes, no junk, just steady fuel for your hikes, rides, and long days. Check them out at ontrailnutrition.com and fuel your next adventure.

• Link: HERE
• Code: RUNNINGSCARED10

THN Labs - THN make energy gels in Canada with minimal ingredients. If you're running long and want to actually know what you're eating, hit them up at thnlabs.com.

• Link: HERE
• Code: RSP15

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

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The sisters are back! Kylie and Justine document their experiences following the "bad at running" plan. Kylie celebrates a major milestone by completing her first 5K without walking breaks, motivated by a Taylor Swift-themed virtual race and the supportive community on Strava. They discuss their preparations for the Reno Tahoe Odyssey and the 5peaks grit in Canmore, Alberta emphasizing how the plan helps beginners build endurance. They also highlight unconventional training methods, such as a Taco Bell-themed run and a spreadsheet-based treadmill game synchronized to pop music. Ultimately, the hosts advocate for a customizable approach to fitness that focuses on personal progress and finding joy in the journey.

Use code: runningscared10 for a discount on 5peaks races

https://www.5peaks.com/

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On todays episode of Hybrid Horizons, Ari talks to Luke Halterman, a dedicated fitness coordinator and athlete. They discuss the current landscape of hybrid racing. He evaluates the differing business models of DECA and Hyrox, noting that while Hyrox aims for the Olympics, DECA offers more accessible opportunities for everyday gym-goers. Halterman shares his passion for his role as a Road Show Coordinator, which involves traveling across the country to help local gyms become affiliates. He also introduces his new venture, the RevStrong Games, an innovative competition at TCU that features a rotating format of functional movements to keep participants challenged. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of community and providing diverse athletic options for all fitness levels. He concludes by highlighting his personal motivation, including competing alongside his family and his goal to visit all fifty states.

To sign up for the Revstrong Games ENTER HERE

Use code LUKE40 for a discounted rate

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The conversation continues....

- For a great trail race experience go To: https://www.5peaks.com

Use code RUNNINGSCARED10 for a 10% discount at 5Peaks events.

- For great trail wear and hydration go to: https://www.ostrichrunning.com/

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On part 1 of my conversation with 5Peaks National Race Director Jacob Puzey, we go back to beginning. Jacob describes his rural upbringing in the American Southwest and Pacific Northwest, explaining how his background in agriculture and community shaped his values. We explore Puzey’s transition to Canada in 2015, motivated in part by his family and desire for a different environment. He reflects on his evolution as a runner, moving from a struggling middle school athlete to an elite competitor focused on personal accountability. Finally, Puzey details his preference for steady, runnable terrain, linking his physiological traits to his success in flat-surface endurance events like his treadmill world record.

- For a great trail race experience go To: https://www.5peaks.com

Use code RUNNINGSCARED10 for a 10% discount at 5Peaks events.

- For great trail wear and hydration go to: https://www.ostrichrunning.com/

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Full Transcript: HERE

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On todays show welcome Lisa Sweetman, the new race director for the Five Peaks Ontario trail running series. Sweetman shares her personal journey, detailing how she used running as a tool for physical and spiritual recovery after surviving a brain tumor. We explore the unique challenges of training in harsh Canadian winters, the importance of safety for female runners, and the logistics of managing inclusive athletic events. Sweetman highlights her commitment to the delicate balance between race direction and environmental stewardship and diversity, aiming to make trail running accessible to athletes of all skill levels. We also discuss affordability in sports and the task of negotiating the rising costs of participating in endurance sports.

For a great trail race experience go To: https://www.5peaks.com

Use code RUNNINGSCARED10 for a 10% discount at 5Peaks events.

For great trail wear and hydration go to: https://www.ostrichrunning.com/

WANT TO SAVE MONEY?

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR AFFORDABILITY EMAIL FLYER AT: HERE

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Email us at: therunningscaredpodcast@gmail.com

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On todays episode of Hybrid Horizons, host Ari talks to Janie Stel, a world-class athlete and leader within the calisthenics community. Stel recounts her transition from competitive gymnastics and cheerleading to the raw, creative world of bodyweight movement, highlighting her preference for freestyle competition over rigid traditional forms. She details her efforts to formalize the sport through Calisthenics Canada and her entrepreneurial mission to empower women via the Women’s Calisthenics Organization. They discuss the various disciplines of the sport—including street lifting and endurance-based sets—while examining its potential for Olympic recognition. Ultimately, Stel emphasizes how shifting her focus from aesthetic fitness to functional skill has transformed her physical capabilities and personal confidence.

Follow Janie on Instagram @stellarcalisthenics

Follow Calisthentics Canada on Instagram @calisthenics_canada

Follow womens calisthenics on Instgram @womenscalisthenics

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