

Run The Riot Podcast
David TheRiot
Run The Riot Podcast is a podcast dedicated to ultrarunning, ultra runners, trail runners, and endurance athletes, their mindset, methods, and accomplishments. Check out our website at http://www.theriot.run Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtheriotpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runtheriot
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 18, 2025 • 1h 39min
EP173 - No Shortcuts, Just Miles: Matt Pruitt’s Ouachita Trail FKT Run
In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Matt Pruitt, who recently achieved the supported Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the 223-mile Ouachita Trail, spanning Oklahoma to Arkansas. That’s right—Matt didn’t just try it. He got it done.Matt walks us through every gritty, inspiring detail of the journey. From dialing in logistics to managing exhaustion and weather, he shares what it takes to go all-in on a dream and make it happen.Here’s what we talk about:
Why the Ouachita Trail was calling Matt Pruitt’s name
How he prepared for a multi-day supported effort over 223 rugged miles
The role of community and crew in a successful FKT attempt
Sleep management, trail conditions, and the mental battles on the move
What it feels like to stop the clock on a long-held goal—and hold the record
Whether you're aiming for your own FKT or just want a deeper look into the mindset of an ultrarunner at the edge, Matt’s story is full of honesty, strategy, and heart.More info here: http://www.theriot.run/mattpLooking to chase big goals of your own? Let us help. Check out the coaching page: Run the Riot Coaching

Apr 6, 2025 • 1h 5min
EP172 - State Records & Stroller Runs: Angela Smith's Record-Breaking Run at the Prairie Spirit 100!
In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Angela Smith, an amazing ultrarunner and mother who recently set the Kansas state record for the 100-mile race at Prairie Spirit 100. Angela’s journey from her first ultra race to conquering this major milestone is nothing short of impressive. We dive into her story, from pushing strollers during training to her unwavering determination to balance family life, faith, and ultrarunning.Angela shares her experience of running the Prairie Spirit 100, revealing the mental and physical challenges she faced, the importance of a structured fueling plan, and how her training prepared her for this monumental achievement. With the help of her supportive husband, pacers, and strength coach, Angela finished her first 100-miler in under 16 hours, all while maintaining a positive attitude and learning valuable lessons along the way.Key takeaways from this episode:
Fueling Strategies: How Angela perfected her nutrition plan with a mix of gels, carbs, and electrolytes.
Mindset in Ultras: The mental game behind pushing through tough miles and staying focused when things get hard.
Training Insights: Angela’s approach to training, including strength work and stroller pushing!
Balancing Life & Racing: Angela discusses how she manages family life, parenting, and being an ultrarunner.
Show notes: http://www.theriot.run/angelasGet your Magic Mind subscription here: http://magicmind.runtheriot.runYou get up to 48% off with my code:RUNTHERIOTPOD

Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 22min
EP171 - Chased, Lost, and Hallucinating Dragons: Leah Vincent’s Ultra Adventures
On this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, we sit down with Leah Vincent, an adventurous ultrarunner, backpacker, and all-around endurance junkie. From hiking the John Muir Trail to tackling Moab 240, Leah shares her wild journey of overcoming extreme conditions, hallucinations, and the unexpected challenges that come with pushing human limits.We chat about:
Her terrifying first backpacking trip, which involved drug addicts and a blizzard
The mental battles of ultrarunning and how she overcame a tough DNF
Moab 240 stories, including the highs, the lows, and hallucinations of dragons and video games
The power of community and why ultrarunning is not just a solo sport
Her upcoming races, including Badwater Salton Sea and crewing the inaugural Monster 300
Whether you're an ultrarunner or just love stories of endurance and grit, this episode will inspire you to push beyond what you thought was possible.Show notes: http://www.theriot.run/leahvGet Magic MindYou have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% offyour first subscription with code RUNTHERIOTPOD at checkoutYou can claim it at: http://magicmind.runtheriot.run

Mar 12, 2025 • 14min
MWM Episode 76 - The Finish Line is Worth It
The Finish Line is Worth It – Why You Should Keep Going, Even When It’s HardEvery race has a moment when quitting feels like the best option. The pain sets in, the miles drag on, and the finish line feels impossibly far away. But here’s the truth—the struggle is temporary, but the finish line lasts forever.In this episode, I’m sharing stories from my own races—times when everything in me wanted to stop, but I pushed through. We’ll talk about:- Why the hardest miles come right before the breakthrough- How to keep going when the journey feels overwhelming- The mindset shifts that help you push through pain and doubt- Why crossing the finish line changes you foreverIf you’re in a tough season—whether in running or in life—this episode is for you. Keep going. The finish line is closer than you think.Get your Magic Mind here: http://magicmind.runtheriot.run You get 20% for one time purchase and up to 48% off for subscriptions with my code: RUNTHERIOTPOD

Mar 8, 2025 • 54min
EP170 - Becca Pizzi - Seven Marathons. Seven Continents. Seven Days. Twice!
Becca Pizzi is an endurance legend. The first American woman to complete the World Marathon Challenge, she went back and set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest time.In this episode of Run the Riot, we talk about:
Training for seven back-to-back marathons
Running in Antarctica and Africa within twenty-four hours
Completing marathons in all fifty states and twenty Boston Marathons
Her best tips for fueling, pacing, and staying mentally strong
If you love running and pushing limits, you do not want to miss this one.Show Notes here→ http://www.theriot.run/beccap

Feb 23, 2025 • 1h 11min
EP169 - Perseverance, Pacing, and Pain: Jen Johnson's Sub 24 hr. 100 Mile Debut at Rocky Raccoon
In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Run the Riot athlete Jen Johnson to talk about her inspiring journey to conquer her first 100-mile ultramarathon at the iconic Rocky Raccoon 100. From her early days running loops around her neighborhood as a kid to lining up at one of the most popular ultra races in the U.S., Jen’s story is one of grit, joy, and an unshakeable passion for trail running.Jen shares what it was like preparing for her first 100 miler, including the ups and downs of ultra training, how she balanced life as a coach and athlete, and the unexpected knee issues that nearly derailed her race. But with determination (and a little tough love from her husband and pacer, Jake), she powered through to finish in under 24 hours!We dive deep into:
Jen’s background in sports and how she transitioned from softball to ultrarunning
Her experience training for the Rocky Raccoon 100
How she overcame unexpected challenges during her race (including knee pain and mental hurdles)
The importance of community and having the right crew and pacers
What it really feels like to cross the finish line after 100 miles
This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a real look at what it takes to push through ultra racing’s toughest moments. Whether you're training for your first ultra or looking for inspiration, Jen’s journey is sure to motivate you.Show Notes here: http://www.theriot.run/jenniferjYou have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with codeRTR20 at checkout! You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/RTR20

Feb 19, 2025 • 19min
MWM Episode 75 - Mental Training - Building Resilience
Train Your Mind Like You Train Your BodyDescription:Your legs will take you far, but your mind will take you further. In this episode, we’re talking about mental training—how to push through tough runs, stay strong when doubt creeps in, and build the resilience that separates good runners from great ones.You'll learn:Why mental strength is just as important as physical enduranceHow to reframe negative thoughts and push through the hard milesSimple strategies like visualization, mantras, and controlling the controllablesWhether you're running an ultra or facing challenges in life, your mindset is the key to success.Listen now and train your mind like you train your body.Connect with me:Website: www.theriot.runInstagram: @RunTheRiotYou have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% offyour first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with codeRTR20 at checkoutYou can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/RTR20

Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 15min
EP168 - Hot Yoga and Hundred Milers - Stacey Priddy’s Secret to Ultra
Stacey Priddy hated running in high school. It was punishment. Conditioning. The worst part of sports.But now? She’s raced Cactus Rose 100 (49 hours), Front Range 72-Hour, Javelina Jundred, and more. What changed?In this episode, we talk about:
How she fell into ultrarunning by accident.
The mental toughness it takes to survive self-supported races.
Why hot yoga has been a game-changer for her endurance.
Why she no longer cares about Strava or pace goals.
Show Notes: http://www.theriot.run/spriddyMagic Mind!You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% offyour first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with codeRTR20 at checkoutYou can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/RTR20

Jan 29, 2025 • 26min
MWM Episode 74 - The Comparison Trap
Welcome back to another Midweek Motivation episode of the Run the Riot Podcast!Today, we’re tackling a topic that hits home for so many of us—the comparison trap. Whether it’s at the starting line of your first ultra or while scrolling through Instagram, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking everyone else has it all together. But remember: Your race is YOUR race.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Why comparison is natural but how it steals your joy
How social media can lead to unrealistic expectations
Why focusing on others distracts you from your own progress
How to stay in your lane and run your own race
The power of gratitude and celebrating your progress
The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.Take a moment this week to celebrate how far you have come. Whether it is running, work, or life—acknowledge the progress you have made and keep moving forward.Support the Podcast:Magic Mind - Boost Your Focus and Sleep!Take control of your mental game with Magic Mind’s Focus and Sleep shots. Get 45 percent off for a limited time when you order the 24-hour pack at:http://www.magicmind.com/RTRJANConnect with Me:
Website: www.theriot.run
Instagram: @runtheriot
Subscribe and leave a review
Let’s keep training hard, running strong, and staying grateful. Talk soon!

Jan 23, 2025 • 16min
MWM Episode 73 - Setbacks Aren't Stop Signs
In this episode of Midweek Motivation on the Run the Riot Podcast, we dive into the topic of setbacks. Whether you’re a runner who has faced a tough race or someone navigating life’s unexpected detours, this episode is for you. David shares his personal experience of a tough DNF at the Moab 240 and how it taught him that setbacks are not the end of the road—they're opportunities to grow.Listen in as David discusses:
Why setbacks are a reality for everyone, even the pros.
How to reframe setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.
Building resilience through challenges to come back stronger.
Practical steps for evaluating your setbacks and setting fresh goals.
How reconnecting with your “why” can reignite your passion and purpose.
Finally, hear how David overcame his own challenges and returned to Moab to finish the race that once knocked him down.Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind. Build your mental resilience with their focus and sleep shots. David has been using them to enhance focus and sleep, and they’ve made a big difference. Get 45% off their new 24-hour pack (Focus and Sleep shots bundle) at www.magicmind.com/RTRJAN.Call to Action:
Reflect on a recent setback in your running or life. What did it teach you?
Write down what went right, what went wrong, and what you’d do differently next time.
Set a new goal and take small steps toward achieving it.
Let’s embrace those setbacks as milestones on the road to becoming our strongest selves.Links:
Follow the Run the Riot Podcast: www.theriot.run
Check out Magic Mind: www.magicmind.com/RTRJAN
Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review.Talk soon!


