THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

Recorded live. Fueled by the energy of the crowd. Powered by HOKA.Straight from the Big River Running Company in Missouri on June 4th, this special episode of the podcast captures the excitement, energy, and anticipation just one night before the iconic HOKA Festival of Miles.We sit down with four of the sport’s most compelling figures: Olin Hacker – NCAA champion turned pro who thrilled fans with his powerful closing speed in previous Festival races; Krissy Gear – Steeplechase star known for her fearless racing style, who brought the heat to this meet with memorable performances in the past; Brandon Miller – A local favorite and middle-distance standout whose past runs at the Festival showcased both talent and heart in front of his hometown crowd; and Colleen Quigley – Olympian and St. Louis native who’s been a longtime supporter and star attraction of the Festival, using this stage to inspire the next generation.Whether you're a die-hard track fan or just tuning in, this episode sets the stage for one of the most exciting nights in distance running.Tap into the Live Festival of Miles Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

What does it take to run for 28 hours straight?To go beyond exhaustion—when your body gives out and only your will is left?Alyssa McClellan knows.She’s a former elite CrossFit athlete, a mother of four, and an ultra-endurance machine. At the Go One More Last Man Standing Ultra, Alyssa ran nearly 120 miles in just under 28 hours, outlasting every other woman and placing fourth overall. No pacers. No excuses. Just pure grit.But her story doesn’t start there.Before ultra running,  Alyssa competed at the highest levels of CrossFit, ranking 252nd in the world and 156th in the U.S. at the 2018 Open. Her numbers speak for themselves: 320-pound back squat; 236-pound clean and jerk; 340-pound deadlift and 196-pound snatch.Now, she’s bringing that same fire to the ultra scene—trading barbells for blisters and short bursts for soul-crushing distance. And she’s doing it all while raising four boys.This episode goes deep into the pain cave—the place where most people quit and Alyssa keeps going. We talk aboutmental toughness, comebacks, and what it really means to show up, suffer, and choose to keep moving.No fluff. No finish line. Just raw endurance.Let’s go.In today's conversation, Alyssa takes me through her 28 hours of pain, how she kept pushing when things got difficult, training for these endevours as a wife and mother, her ambtions for the future, and so much more.Tap into the Alyssa McClellan Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

From rock bottom to 100 miles — today’s guest redefines what it means to fight back.Meet Sean Rhodes: former alcoholic, now ultramarathoner, mental health advocate, and the driving force behind a mission that’s bigger than any finish line.In May 2025, Sean didn’t just run a 100-mile race — he built one. The Stoney 100 was raw, solo, and powered by purpose: raising awareness for mental health and backing recovery-focused nonprofits like Quest in Recovery and Charleston Hope.His stats are legit: he has run 37:00 in the 10k, 1:23 in the half marathon, 2:59 in the marathon, and 21:27 for 100 miles.But forget the numbers for a second. What really matters is the journey — the comeback, the community, the cause.This isn’t just a running story. It’s about resilience, redemption, and the grit to turn pain into purpose.Strap in. This one’s got heart.In today's conversation, Sean takes me through his 100-mile pursuit, flipping his life around and his life transformation, the key to unlocking discipline, how to keep going when your mind is giving out, how to put on muscle while still being a runner, his future goals, and so much more.Tap into the Sean Rhodes Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

He’s gone from a four-hour marathoner to a 2:32 powerhouse — today, we’re sitting down with the unstoppable Eric Floberg.Based in Chicago, Eric has become a standout in the running world for his incredible marathon transformation — going from a 3:59 debut to a blazing 2:32:44 personal best. But his impact doesn’t stop at the finish line.Eric is also a master storyteller. Through his cinematic running videos, he’s built a powerful connection with a global audience. With over 250,000 YouTube subscribers and more than 100,000 Instagram followers, he’s proving that running isn’t just about racing — it’s about meaning, movement, and message.He’s clocked impressive PRs across the board — 16:15 in the 5K, 1:12:24 in the half, and of course, that 2:32 marathon. But what makes Eric’s story really stand out is how he balances elite-level training with family life, filmmaking, and authenticity in everything he shares.Today's podcast is a conversation between two friends. We discuss BPN's Last Man Standing, running a 2:32 Marathon, Packers vs Bears, filmaking, work / life balance, training insights, and so much more.This one is fun. A chill, convo. Perfect for your next run. Tap into the Eric Floberg Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

We love the idea of a breakthrough—the dramatic finish, the record-shattering time, the race where it finally clicks.But what if that moment you’re chasing isn’t about magic… but mindset?Returning to the show today is Alex Ostberg, former NCAA standout and the thoughtful voice behind The Rundown. In this episode, we dive into the psychology of high performance and unpack four of Alex’s most powerful recent essays.We begin by debunking the myth of overnight success, revealing how real progress is built quietly—through patient, consistent effort. From there, Alex explores how belief isn’t just motivational—it’s foundational. Because if you don’tbelieve you’re capable, your body won’t act like it is.We then tackle what it means to find “the edge” as a runner—and why growth begins the moment you step beyond your comfort zone. Finally, we discuss the internal narratives that unfold on race day, and how the stories we tell ourselves can shape—or sabotage—our performance.This episode is more than a conversation about running. It’s about mindset, identity, and learning how to rewrite your limits from the inside out.In today's conversation, Alex tackles key subjects like breakthroughs, the central governor theory, breaks down scientific studies that you can apply directly to your running/life, how to deal with pre-race nerves, pressure, anxiety, and more.This episode is VALUE packed and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. Tap into Alex Ostberg Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Some people push the limit. Kim Gottwald treats it like a starting line.Meet Kim Gottwald: ultra-endurance athlete, viral content creator, and founder of Rappid Runs, a running apparel brand built for the brutal reality of long-distance races.If his name isn’t on your radar yet, it will be. Kim just co-won the Go One More Ultramarathon in Texas, racking up a mind-bending 378 kilometers (234 miles) before the race was shut down for extreme weather.But here’s what really sets Kim apart: it’s not just his mileage. It’s his grit. His no-filter honesty. His ability to blend raw toughness with sharp humor.He’s run 100K on an 800-meter loop in Cologne. He has blown up on TikTok for telling it exactly like it is. He’sredefining what an ultra athlete looks and sounds like.In this episode, we’re talking last man standing races, the mental warfare of endurance, and what it actually feels like to hit hour 50 of a run with no finish line in sight.Whether you're a hardcore runner, an intrigued outsider, or just into seeing what the human body—and mind—can reallydo, you’re in for a ride.Strap in. Kim Gottwald is here.In today's conversation, Kim takes us deep into the untold stories behind his 234-mile effort — from hallucinations and heartbreak to the mindset shifts that kept him moving through the dark, the mental tools he used to survive it, what it really takes to go beyond your limits when your body is begging you to stop, and his thoughts on lining up again in 2026. Tap into the Kim Gottwald Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Charlie Vause didn't just make waves this past season — he tore through the high school cross country scene like a storm, and today, we're fired up to welcome him back.Charlie, a senior at Rio Rancho High School in New Mexico, returns to the podcast after emerging as a standout in U.S. high school cross country during the 2024–2025 season. His achievements include winning the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) and being named the Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year.Vause has committed to run at Brigham Young University (BYU) after serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.He was honored as the 2025 Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year, presented by Olympian Grant Fisher, recognizing his athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character.Vause clinched the national title at the 2024 Nike Cross Nationals with a time of 15:28.1, finishing 2.5 seconds ahead of the runner-up.He has PRs of 14:30 5k, a 4:01 converted Mile, 1:51.86 in the 800m, 8:51 two mile. In today's conversation, Charlie takes me through the last six months after winning NXN, his track season, handling newfound pressure and expectations, his goals for Festival of Miles, and why he shows up when it matters the most. This is Charlie's last chance at the 4:00 minute barrier. Expect him to put on a show. Tap into the Charles Vause Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word "PODCAST" below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Quentin Nauman—remember that name. Just a few weeks ago, he became the first high school athlete in U.S. history to run both sub-1:50 in the 800m and sub-4:00 in the 1600m... at the same meet. (Quentin clocked 1:49.41 in the 800m and 3:59.60 in the 1600m at the Iowa State Track and Field Championships.) Let that sink in.From sweeping the Drake Relays to dominating cross country with a 14:59 course record, Quentin has built a résumé that rivals the legends—and he’s still not done.This next week, he heads to the HOKA Festival of Miles, not just to compete—but to win.In April 2025, Nauman achieved a rare trifecta by winning the 800m, 1,600m, and 3,200m races at the prestigious Drake Relays. He became the first Iowa high school boy to sweep all three distance events in the same weekend, setting a state record of 4:05.17 in the 1,600m.Quentin’s prowess isn't limited to track. In November 2024, he won the Class 3A Iowa state cross country title with a state record time of 14:59. As a sophomore in 2024, The Oregon commit placed fifth in the boys' 800m at the HOKA Festival of Miles with a time of 1:51.09.So whether you’re lacing up for a workout or just love the grind behind the glory—get ready. This is Quentin Nauman, and this is what the next generation of running looks like.In today's conversation, Quentin takes me through the impact that Jackson Heidesch had on him two years ago, how he'scarrying on the legecy, what he wants to do in the next 12 months of his HS career, why he thinks he can be one of the greatest to ever do it, and his thoughts leading into the 2025 HOKA Festival of Miles meet. Tap into the Quentin Nauman Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

He’s back. Not just on this show — but back in the sport, back on the world stage, and back to blow your mind with what’s possible when talent meets resilience.Returning to the show is none other than Cordell Tinch — the hurdler whose journey reads like a Hollywood script. A former cell phone salesman turned world-class athlete. The guy who stepped away from the sport, then came back to dominate Division II track with three national titles in one weekend — and now he’s out here running 12.87 in the 110 hurdles, tied for the fourth-fastest time ever."From selling phones in Green Bay to beating world champions on the Diamond League circuit — Cordell's story is a masterclass in self-belief, raw talent, and grinding when no one's watching.In June 2023, Tinch clocked a world-leading 12.96 seconds in the 110m hurdles at the Arkansas Grand Prix. He furtherimproved to 12.87 seconds at the Shanghai-Keqiao Diamond League in May 2025, tying him for the fourth-fastest time ever in the event.At the 2023 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships, Tinch made history by winning the 110m hurdles, long jump, and high jump—becoming the first athlete in Division II history to secure three individual titles at a single championship.In today's conversation, Cordell takes me through his past two years as a pro, being friends with Tyrese Haliburton, what his story means to him, why he thinks he can beat Grant Holloway at the highest level, his ambitions for the season, and wisdom to anyone willing to hear it. Tap into the Cordell Tinch Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Today’s guest is a true game-changer in the world of track and field — a visionary whose passion, leadership, and creativity have helped transform one of the sport’s most electric meets: Tim Cornell.Since 2021, Tim has served as the Meet Director for the HOKA Festival of Miles, one of the most electric and meaningful meets on the track and field calendar. Under his guidance, the event has grown tremendously — not just in performance level, but in heart, energy, and community spirit.Tim has made it his mission to create more than just fast races. Through his thoughtful integration of local stories and a true celebration of athletes — from elite pros to rising high school stars — he's cultivated a meet that captures what makes the running community so special.In today's conversation, Tim takes me through why the 2025 edition of the HOKA Festival of Miles is the best one yet, hebreaks down both fields, the behind the scenes of making this meet all that it is, the mission behind the meet, and so much more.I've known Tim for two years now, and he's not just a remarkable meet director, but an incredible person. I hope you all enjoy this conversation as much we did having it! Tap into the Tim Cornell Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz