Run The Riot Podcast

This week on the Run the Riot Podcast, we’re hanging out with ultrarunner Mason Phillips — and what a story this guy brings to the trail! From growing up in California to working remote trail systems in Alaska, Mason’s path to ultrarunning is as rugged and adventurous as the mountains he trains in. At just 26, he’s already crushed a 100-miler at Rio Del Lago and took on the monster that is the Moab 240 — and did it with grit, creativity, and just a little bit of chaos (spoiler: he carried dog food as training weight and wore trash bags for warmth during a bike race). We talk about: How Mason transitioned from college rugby to thru-hiking and long ultras The trail magic that led to meeting fellow ultrarunner Nick Fowler on the PCT Why he chose the Moab 240 as his first 200+ mile race What it was like running solo for nearly 100 miles without a crew His fueling, sleep strategy, and how he managed Alaska’s snow while training for a desert race Lessons learned, including why efficiency beats perfection every time And yes — he beat David Goggins. Mason brings a refreshing, raw perspective to the world of ultra racing — not everything has to be perfectly planned to achieve something incredible. If you’ve ever thought about going farther, pushing harder, or embracing the unknown in your running journey, this episode is for you. Video and show notes: http://www.theriot.run/masonp

This week, we’re talking about something most of us don’t slow down long enough to consider — identity. Not the surface-level kind. The deep, heart-level “who am I, really?” kind. A moment at a men’s retreat opened my eyes to how quickly we define ourselves (and others) by what we do. Someone called me “the ultra guy,” and while that’s part of my story, it’s not who I am. That pushed me into some honest reflection. In this episode, we get into: • Why performance-based identity is such a trap • How easy it is for good things — like running — to become labels • The danger of rooting your identity in something you can lose • What Scripture says about who we belong to • How running reveals character without defining identity • Why your unshakable identity anchors you through injury, age, success, or failure • How running becomes worship when it’s a gift, not your name If you’ve ever let a title, a role, or an achievement tell you who you are, this one’s for you. At the end of the episode, I share a song I wrote that captures this whole message — stick around for it. Thanks for listening, friends. Take a minute today to ask the hard question:What am I letting define me? Link to "Hidden in You" song: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/davidtheriot/hidden-in-you-special-version

Chad Bruce is back on the podcast, and this time he’s fresh off the Mammoth 200 — 200+ miles through the high country of the Eastern Sierras. From long stretches of soul-sucking gravel to alpine climbs and a thunderstorm finish that tested every ounce of grit, Chad takes us inside what it really takes to finish a race like this at age 52. We talk about how his training has shifted with age, what gear and nutrition worked (and what didn’t), how he balances racing with life, and the mental strategies that carry him through the lows. Whether you’re looking to run your first ultra or eyeing a 200-miler yourself, there’s something here for everyone. Mentioned in this episode: Mammoth 200, Moab 240, Cocodona 250, Bigfoot 200 Recovery and training tips for ultrarunners over 50 The role of mindset, mid-race nutrition, and sleep in 200s Follow Chad: Instagram: @chadbruce78 Learn more about coaching: www.theriot.run/coaching Episode Page: www.theriot.run/chadbruce2 Hashtags: #runtheriot #ultrarunningcoach #mammoth200 #ultrarunner #ultrarunning #ultraracing #trailrunner

Welcome back, friends! After a busy season, it’s time for a reset. Today isn’t about perfection — it’s about taking the next step. What we talk about: When life gets full and priorities shift Why stopping for a season doesn’t mean failure Recap: a powerful men’s retreat and lessons on identity Family updates (Jennifer’s knee surgery + travel softball chaos) Why the Heartland 100 got pushed — and why that’s OK Why comebacks don’t need to be dramatic The power of a single small step Today’s challenge: Choose one small action that moves you closer to the life, health, or goal you want. Just one. You don’t need: A new week A new month A perfect plan You just need to start. Quotes from the episode: “A pause isn’t the end.” “The finish line isn’t for people who never struggle — it’s for those who refuse to quit.” “Momentum changes everything.” I’m back behind the mic. Interviews are coming. New episodes are coming. Let’s reset together — and move the needle.

In this episode of Run the Riot, we reconnect with Peter Defty, a pioneering force behind the fat-adapted movement in endurance sports. Peter is the man behind Vespa and OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism), and today, he shares powerful insights into how ultrarunners can unlock performance, recover faster, and sustain longevity by training their bodies to burn fat as a primary fuel source. We dive into: Peter’s first 100-miler at the hottest Western States ever recorded 🌡️ How Vespa was inspired by a Japanese study of a wasp species The science behind OFM and how it improves fat utilization Why many athletes suffer from GI issues—and how OFM can solve them Why it’s not about keto or carbs—it’s about balance and metabolic capacity Practical advice for those looking to transition to fat-adapted running The real cost of "science-backed" sports nutrition and how to cut out 75+ lbs of sugar annually How Vespa and OFM have helped elite athletes like Jeff Browning, Peter Mortimer, and Andrea Moore thrive in the sport for years Whether you’re an ultrarunning veteran or just starting to explore performance nutrition, this episode is packed with science, stories, and real-world results. Show notes: http://www.theriot.run/peterd

In this episode of Run the Riot, ultrarunner Andrea Moore shares how a post-Boston road runner became a desert-loving, mountain-climbing 200-miler—finding joy, grit, and community along the way. We talk about the fire-shortened Oregon 200 experience, redemption arcs at Moab 240 and Tahoe 200, and what it really takes—physically, logistically, mentally—to string together Cocodona 250, Monster 300, and Summit 200. Andrea opens up about mindset over mileage, the power of gratitude, and how OFM/Vespa fueling helps her bounce back fast between huge efforts. What you’ll learn Mindset that lasts past mile 200: Why belief, gratitude, and adaptability keep you moving when the plan falls apart. Race-as-training strategy: How Andrea used back-to-back big efforts to prepare for Cocodona 250—and beyond. Fueling the long game (OFM + Vespa): What goes in during 200–300 mile races, why fat adaptation works for her, and how she manages electrolytes and calories. Logistics that don’t crumble: Pace charts vs. reality, packing for mountain weather swings, and building a flexible crew plan. Community matters: “Voluntary trauma bonding,” trading snacks at aid stations, and why ultra friends feel like family. Course character: How Monster 300’s southern AZ desert differs from the Cocodona storyline, what makes Summit 200 feel like a mountain family picnic, and how Tahoe 200 and Moab 240 teach humility. Episode highlights Leaving a 28-year banking career, moving to Flagstaff, and delivering mail—why service beats sales. From hating running to loving trails: the slippery slope that started at Rocky Raccoon 100K. The “burn the boats” approach to 200s—no plan B, only problem solving. Gear that works at 200+: belts vs. packs, why a bigger-volume vest matters when mandatory gear stacks up. Future goals: a 200-heavy calendar now, then technical vert focus (think Ouray/Speedgoat) on the way to Tour des Géants ambitions. More at http://www.theriot.run/andream

Ever feel stuck? Like you’ve drifted too far off course and don’t know how to get back? In this Midweek Motivation, we talk about the power of one sentence — and how it can be the spark that changes everything. Inspired by Run the Riot athlete Phil Klinkner, this short episode unpacks the moment he stood still in the woods, took a deep breath, and said out loud:“Something has to change.” Whether you’re battling self-doubt, stuck in a rut, or just coasting through your week, this episode reminds you that you don’t need the full plan — you just need a starting point. That starting point might be a sentence. Listen to Phil’s full story here: www.theriot.run/philk Ready to make your own shift? Learn more about coaching: www.theriot.run/coaching

In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Christopher Ange from Sulphur, Louisiana. Chris shares his journey from growing up in Lake Charles surrounded by Cajun and Sicilian culture to becoming a passionate ultrarunner and race director. We talk about: His early days running the Crescent City Classic with his dad. Pacing a friend at his first 50K and discovering the trail running community. Founding the No Man’s Land Trail Run after hurricanes nearly destroyed local trails. The unique challenges and beauty of running in South Louisiana — humidity, banana spiders, gators, and all! Balancing family, work as a chemical engineer, and training for ultras. His experiences at Boston and Houston Marathons, and plans for the 100-mile distance at Lugaroo. More info: http://www.theriot.run/chrisr

In this episode of Run the Riot, we dive deep into the powerful story of Phil Klinkner, an everyday guy with an extraordinary mindset. From growing up with the nickname "Fatty" to transforming into a determined ultrarunner who finished the Badger 100, Phil’s journey is raw, real, and undeniably inspiring. Phil opens up about: His early days growing up in a trailer park in Wisconsin Discovering confidence through martial arts as a kid The struggles of post-COVID life, drinking, and feeling stuck How a wake-up moment during deer season sparked his health transformation Dropping 65 pounds and changing his life — one disciplined day at a time Walking 14 miles a day as a mail carrier and training for his first ultra Tackling his first Badger 100 — and finishing 14th overall! The emotional toll and healing process of losing his father How ultrarunning helped him reconnect with his purpose and inspire his family We also talk about what it’s like to coach someone like Phil, who shows up with discipline, grit, and a positive mindset every single week. His wife Malia and sister were part of his crew, and their support played a big role in making this a team victory. If you’re feeling stuck in your training, struggling with motivation, or wondering whether it’s too late to change your life — this episode is for you. Show Link: http://www.theriot.run/philk Interested in improving your ultrarunning skills? Check out the Run the Riot coaching page for structured guidance and support on your running journey: http://www.theriot.run/coaching #runtheriot #ultrarunning #ultrarunner #ultrarunningcoach #badger100 #ultraracing #trailrunning #trailrunner

Feeling stuck in your training? Wondering if all those miles and early mornings are actually getting you anywhere? In this episode of Midweek Motivation, I’ll remind you that you’re further than you think — in running and in life. We’ll talk about: Why progress often feels invisible until you look back How to recognize the ground you’ve already covered The “messy middle” and why it’s where strength is built A simple exercise to see just how far you’ve really come Whether you’re chasing an ultramarathon finish line, a personal PR, or just trying to stay consistent, this episode will give you the perspective and encouragement you need to keep going. Listen in and remember: You’re not where you started — and you’re not finished yet. Magic Mind!