7 Ply Podcast with Andrew Cannon Floris Gierman on breaking into the skating industry from Holland, running 100 miles and non transactional relationships
Jan 22, 2026
Floris Gierman, co-founder of Path Projects, running coach, podcaster and author of Running Breakthroughs. He recounts breaking into the skating industry from Holland and pivoting from skate culture to sustainable running. He talks long runs and a viral 100-mile GoPro run. He explains zone 2 training, product design for tough conditions, and why non transactional relationships open doors.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Leaving The Party For Startups
- At Volcom Floris lived a dream role but faced heavy partying and blackout episodes.
- He and his wife left corporate life to start a greeting-card company that was later acquired.
From Horrific First Marathon To Sub-3
- Floris' first marathon in 2007 was a disaster after a late-night video premiere, and he swore off marathons.
- Years later he learned low-intensity training and cut his marathon time from 4:11 to 2:55.
Help First, Expect Less
- Help people without being transactional and go above and beyond without expecting immediate pay.
- That approach helped Floris gain a co-founder role at Path Projects after offering marketing help.
