For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

Bret is the founder and CEO of Freedom Solar Power passionate about being a guy of service to his family and communities in recovery and sport. In this episode we talk about: -the intersection of athletics and business -exercise as medicine and a mental reset -grit being the key to success -problem solving on the run and working through challenges -living life in a day during endurance events -goal setting -going all in and risking failure -consistency in doing the work -prioritizing and saying no -quality over quantity -committing to sobriety -getting sober and finding your why -the irrationality of fear -relating to vulnerability more than success -shifting careers and finding your niche -starting Freedom Solar Power and staying customer-focused -purpose and having a positive impact on the world Follow Bret on Instagram @bretbiggart and Freedom Solar Power on Instagram and Facebook @freedomsolarpower and on Twitter @FreedomSolarPWRThis episode is brought to you by Freedom Solar Power, the company I am using to go solar on my house. When I first started looking into solar, I thought it would be a clunky and expensive process. Going solar isn’t as hard as you think it is, and Freedom Solar Power is a turnkey solution focused on educating the consumer and making sure they have all the information they need to make sure going solar is right for them, both financially and as a way to help the planet. With no downpayment required, solar not only ads value to your home and is great for the environment, and might even allow you to save money from day one. Freedom Solar operates in Texas, Colorado, Virginia, and Florida, but there are plenty of other great options nationwide. Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode. Tracksmith just released their spring collection, and as the seasons shift yet again, I’m proud to continue this partnership with them. Tracksmith is a brand for committed runners like you and me. People who know that the best part of a busy day is squeezing in a workout. They offer products for training, racing, and rest days, which you know I’m a fan of, and create experiences that make running more rewarding, more connected, and more meaningful. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will receive free shipping, and 5% of your purchase amount will be donated to the Michael J Fox Foundation to help find a cure and support those living with Parkinsons.

Sara Vaughn is a mom of four, wife, realtor and runner. In this episode we talk about: -balancing many different hats -being more than just a runner -bringing the family along through different seasons of life -fostering a love of sport in children -the rise of running realtors -preparing for the 2022 Boston Marathon, Sara’s 2nd ever marathon and 1st Marathon Major -debuting at the 2021 California International Marathon (CIM) -lessons from a first-time marathoner -patience with pacing -Boston Marathon advice -transitioning from the track to roads -connecting with the running community and sharing miles with others -mindfulness and self-care through running -results aren’t guaranteed and falling in love with the process -balancing end goals with the process -family Previous episodes of For The Long Run we referenced: 79. Mary Johnson: “You don’t have to work out, you choose to.” 74. Vanessa Fraser: Trust The Process 72. Lindsay Crouse: Running and Writing with Bravery This episode is brought to you by Freedom Solar Power, the company I am using to go solar on my house. When I first started looking into solar, I thought it would be a clunky and expensive process. Going solar isn’t as hard as you think it is, and Freedom Solar Power is a turnkey solution focused on educating the consumer and making sure they have all the information they need to make sure going solar is right for them, both financially and as a way to help the planet. With no downpayment required, solar not only ads value to your home and is great for the environment, and might even allow you to save money from day one. Freedom Solar operates in Texas, Colorado, Virginia, and Florida, but there are plenty of other great options nationwide. Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode. Tracksmith just released their spring collection, and as the seasons shift yet again, I’m proud to continue this partnership with them. Tracksmith is a brand for committed runners like you and me. People who know that the best part of a busy day is squeezing in a workout. They offer products for training, racing, and rest days, which you know I’m a fan of, and create experiences that make running more rewarding, more connected, and more meaningful. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will receive free shipping, and 5% of your purchase amount will be donated to the Michael J Fox Foundation to help find a cure and support those living with Parkinsons.

Andrew Simmons is a runner and run coach who finds joy on the run himself alongside his own athletes. In this episode we talk about: -Endeavorun and the running community -from wrestling to triathlon and running -imposter syndrome at all levels of success -being honest with yourself and asking for help -leaving corporate America to go all in on coaching -untraditional career moves -problem solving in life and running -youth coaching with belief and freedom -learning from failures and other athletes -balancing community with individual interests -personalized coaching and building relationships -Andrew’s podcast: Defining Endurance -sharing stories to connect with others -leading by example and having an impact -taking pride in your journey -many shades of success This episode is brought to you by Freedom Solar Power, the company I am using to go solar on my house.  When I first started looking into solar, I thought it would be a clunky and expensive process. Going solar isn’t as hard as you think it is, and Freedom Solar Power is a turnkey solution focused on educating the consumer and making sure they have all the information they need to make sure going solar is right for them, both financially and as a way to help the planet. With no downpayment required, solar not only ads value to your home and is great for the environment, and might even allow you to save money from day one. Freedom Solar operates in Texas, Colorado, Virginia, and Florida, but there are plenty of other great options nationwide.  Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode. Tracksmith just released their spring collection, and as the seasons shift yet again, I'm proud to continue this partnership with them. Tracksmith is a brand for committed runners like you and me. People who know that the best part of a busy day is squeezing in a workout. They offer products for training, racing, and rest days, which you know I'm a fan of, and create experiences that make running more rewarding, more connected, and more meaningful. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will receive free shipping, and 5% of your purchase amount will be donated to the Michael J Fox Foundation to help find a cure and support those living with Parkinsons. This episode is also brought to you by Goodr. Spring is here and Goodr has the slickest shades around, for only $25 and $35. They don't slip or bounce, and stay on my face way better than more expensive sunglasses.  If you'd like to support me and the show, treat yourself to a pair (or two) and head over to Goodr.com and get 15% off your entire order with the code FTLR. That's 15% off at Goodr.com and the code FTLR. Your face will thank you.

Tyler is an endurance athlete, runner and mountain climber, who has been pushing his limits since he was a teenager, and is now living at altitude in Ecuador. In this episode we talk about: -motivation -transitioning from the roads to longer trail runs -altitude training -balancing different goals: road marathons and mountain ultras -taking big swings -learning from losses and failing forward -breakfast conversations with Jim Walmsley -surrounding yourself with role models and inspirations -being a student of the sport and unpacking excellence -no overnight success stories -internal and external motivators -immeasurable improvements -seeing the bigger picture and years of progress -always levelling up, mentally and physically -rediscovering motivation and happiness on the run -depression and mental health -separating success from outcomes and objective measures -redefining success and recognizing effort This episode is brought to you by Freedom Solar Power, the company I am using to go solar on my house.  When I first started looking into solar, I thought it would be a clunky and expensive process. Going solar isn’t as hard as you think it is, and Freedom Solar Power is a turnkey solution focused on educating the consumer and making sure they have all the information they need to make sure going solar is right for them, both financially and as a way to help the planet. With no downpayment required, solar not only ads value to your home and is great for the environment, and might even allow you to save money from day one. Freedom Solar operates in Texas, Colorado, Virginia, and Florida, and there are plenty of other great options nationwide.  Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode. Tracksmith just released their spring collection, and as the seasons shift yet again, I’m proud to continue this partnership with them.  Tracksmith is a brand for committed runners like you and me. People who know that the best part of a busy day is squeezing in a workout. They offer products for training, racing, and rest days, which you know I’m a fan of, and create experiences that make running more rewarding, more connected, and more meaningful.  Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will receive free shipping, and 5% of your purchase amount will be donated to the Michael J Fox Foundation to help find a cure and support those living with Parkinsons. 

Katie is a writer, runner, mother, human, aspiring zen student, mountain lover, wanderer and seeker, in an order that changes with the day. In this episode we talk about: -using writing and storytelling to work through problems and difficult emotions -curiosity and creativity -the human experience -staying present with the process rather than always looking forward and chasing more -stillness and meditation -being open to possibilities and holding goals lightly -looking within for answers and doing what moves you -identity -the zen of running and flow -the purpose of races -gratitude and humility -ultra running and going long -psychology and mindset when running gets hard -connecting with nature -grief and running -Katie’s memoir: Running Home -fearlessness Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode. Tracksmith just released their spring collection, and as the seasons shift yet again, I’m proud to continue this partnership with them.  Tracksmith is a brand for committed runners like you and me. People who know that the best part of a busy day is squeezing in a workout. They offer products for training, racing, and rest days, which you know I’m a fan of, and create experiences that make running more rewarding, more connected, and more meaningful.  Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will receive free shipping, and 5% of your purchase amount will be donated to the Michael J Fox Foundation to help find a cure and support those living with Parkinsons.  This episode is brought to you by Performance and Recovery Labs, in Boulder Colorado.  PR Labs is all about truly collaborative care between practitioners. Women owned and women led, they’re a group of sports med pros who are invested in fully supporting their clients and goals with their hybrid care option which lets you build you own sessions.  They have PT, sports massage, dry needling, and Chiro, and will be adding an infrared sauna and a cold saltwater plunge pool to round out their recovery options. They’re cash-pay, and can supply you with invoices and notes to submit to your insurance company. If you live, or find yourself in Boulder, Colorado, check them out and let them know I sent you!

Emily Abbate is a wellness coach, podcaster and freelance journalist living in New York on a mission to help others live happier and healthier lives for themselves. In this episode we talk about: -being curious and asking questions -her passion for writing about health and wellness -working your dream job -creating your own opportunities -storytelling and connection -helping just one person -learning through listening -vulnerability -community -overcoming hurdles -reciprocity and leading with kindness -choosing optimism -Emily’s running evolution -moving with joy and gratitude -defining success by helping others -living with intention -showing up as your true and authentic self Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode. Tracksmith just released their spring collection, and as the seasons shift yet again, I’m proud to continue this partnership with them. Tracksmith is a brand for committed runners like you and me. People who know that the best part of a busy day is squeezing in a workout. They offer products for training, racing, and rest days, which you know I’m a fan of, and create experiences that make running more rewarding, more connected, and more meaningful. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will receive free shipping, and 5% of your purchase amount will be donated to the Michael J Fox Foundation to help find a cure and support those living with Parkinsons. Thanks again to FORS Labs for supporting this episode of the podcast as well as my own recovery. I’ve been loving the cryo-thermo massage gun ever since I got it a few months ago, and yes, a therapy gun that has both a hot and cold head is as awesome as it sounds. It’s light weight and portable, and incredibly easy to take on the road, which you know is important to me. Grab yours today at FORSLABS.com with the code FTLR to save 15%.

Will Bodewes is a generalist with a wealth of experience despite being only 24.  Will was a Division 1 cross country skier before starting his own  business, and he continues to explore his limits in endurance sports. In this episode we talk about: -the crossover between entrepreneurship and endurance sports -learning from failures -problem solving in business and sports -starting his own audio company: Spoke Sounds -growing up as a competitive skier -competing with yourself -choosing to endure and chasing limits -ultra challenges and sleep deprivation -being fuelled by curiosity -joy in the process of chasing goals -not being defined by results -doing epic endurance challenges as a child -mountain biking for days -using athletics to manage ADHD -finding groundedness and focus in sports Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode. Tracksmith just released their spring collection, and as the seasons shift yet again, I’m proud to continue this partnership with them.  Tracksmith is a brand for committed runners like you and me. People who know that the best part of a busy day is squeezing in a workout. They offer products for training, racing, and rest days, which you know I’m a fan of, and create experiences that make running more rewarding, more connected, and more meaningful.  Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will receive free shipping, and 5% of your purchase amount will be donated to the Michael J Fox Foundation to help find a cure and support those living with Parkinsons.  This episode is also brought to you by Freedom Solar Power, the company I am using to go solar on my house.  When I first started looking into solar, I thought it would be a clunky and expensive process. Freedom Solar walked me through the economics of it, where if you choose financing, you can potentially be up $50 a month, every month, starting the day you turn your system on. With no downpayment required, solar not only ads value to your home and is great for the environment, but allows you to save money from day one. Freedom Solar operates in Texas, Colorado, Virginia, and Florida, but there are plenty of other great options nationwide. 

Holly Proulx is a super curious, adventurous learner who is between being a student and full-time worker. She highly driven, motivated and enjoys running. In this episode we talk about: -the intersection between the environment and athletics -being a newer runner -starting out in trail and ultra running -connection in nature and on the run -finding yourself through tragedy and trauma -addiction to progress and doing more -exploring limits with curiosity -valuing life and prioritizing -respecting sleep and nutrition -planning an FKT attempt on the Colorado trail -forging your own path -daring to try something new and not settling -Bravey and running through grief -fun with food and self-acceptance -role models -finding the positivity in your situation -using your skills for good Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode. Tracksmith just released their thaw collection, and as the seasons shift yet again, I’m proud to continue this partnership with them.  Tracksmith is a brand for committed runners like you and me. People who know that the best part of a busy day is squeezing in a workout. They offer products for training, racing, and rest days, which you know I’m a fan of, and create experiences that make running more rewarding, more connected, and more meaningful.  Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will receive free shipping, and 5% of your purchase amount will be donated to the Michael J Fox Foundation to help find a cure and support those living with Parkinsons.  Thanks again to Goodr for supporting this episode. I have a few different styles and love them all. At $25 a pop, you can leave a pair in your car so that you’ll never be without some shades.  You can feel good about your purchase too, as 1% of goodr’s annual gross sales (not profits!) go directly to environmental nonprofits working towards making our world a better place.   If you’d like to support me and the show, treat yourself to a pair (or two or three) of Goodr and head over to Goodr.com/FTLR and get 15% off your entire order. That’s 15% off at g o o d r dot com slash FTLR. Your face will thank you.

Roberta Groner is a mother, nurse, and runner who loves to challenge herself in all aspects of life. In this episode we talk about: -getting into running for the challenges and friendships -shifting from high school miler to masters marathoner -rediscovering running in adulthood -crazy progressions later in life -balancing different hats -chasing World Records -playing the long game and loving the process -being a single mom -prioritizing family vs all in on running -consistent routines in running and life -“oh sh*t” moment when life happens -reaching new limits and setting personal bests as a masters runner -staying present and giving your best today -ultra running and new challenges -ultra training in cities without trail access -shifting mindsets and goals throughout life -mind games in tough moments -the closeness of the running community -taking risks and having no regrets -doing the hard right not the easy wrong Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode.  Tracksmith released their fall collection, which was designed to celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit https://www.tracksmith.com/collections/for-the-long-run to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will contribute towards this donation!  Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running.  In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward.  Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you

Henry Howard is a father, husband, runner, professional editor and writer, and running coach. In this episode we talk about: -getting into running in his 40s -from struggling to run 1 mile to finishing 26.2 -chasing adventures and challenges as we age -finding trail and ultra running -the allure of Western States Endurance Run -preparing for big challenges -building habits and making them automatic -consistency cause and effect -visualizing success -breaking free from goal times and numbers -focusing on the process and trying your best -buy in and trust in your coach and training -success is growing the sport and giving back -increasing representation in marathon and ultra running through coaching scholarships -sharing the journey and inspiring others -the role of coaching and community -Run Spirited Thank you to Tracksmith and Recover Athletics for sponsoring this episode.  Tracksmith released their fall collection, which was designed to celebrate the seasonal shifts as we find our rhythm this fall. I’m proud to partner with Tracksmith, and they’re going to donate 5% of your order value to the Michael J Fox Foundation for all orders, and you’ll also get free shipping. The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinsons. Both of my grandfathers have or had Parkinsons, and I’m grateful of Tracksmith’s support for something so personal. Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will contribute towards this donation!  Recover Athletics is a supporter of not only this podcast, but my own running. It was built in Boston by two lifelong training partners who got tired of aches and pains getting in the way of their running.  In 90 seconds, their app will customize a program for your body and your training. I plugged in some of my more common aches and pains, and I got a custom built program designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons that will help avoid those issues going forward.  Your first custom prehab program is free, AND they have an unlimited free trial. Give Recover a try today. Your legs will thank you.