Run The Riot Podcast

As temperatures rise and summer training settles in, many runners find themselves asking the same question: "Why am I so much slower than I was a few months ago?" In this Midweek Motivation episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, ultrarunner and ultrarunning coach David Theriot shares an important reminder for every runner grinding through the heat and humidity: the work you're doing now is building the fitness you'll rely on later. With Western States just around the corner and many runners preparing for fall marathons, trail races, 50Ks, 100 milers, and 200-mile ultra racing adventures, it's easy to focus on race-day performances and finish-line celebrations. What we don't see are the countless training miles, early mornings, difficult workouts, and uncomfortable summer runs that make those moments possible. David explores why summer training often feels discouraging, why pace can be a misleading metric during hot-weather running, and how endurance fitness is built beneath the surface long before the results become visible. In This Episode Why heat and humidity slow every runner down The difference between effort and pace during summer training How ultrarunning fitness develops over time Why consistency beats intensity The "summer deposit" mindset for endurance athletes Lessons from Western States and elite ultra racing Building earned confidence through the training process How today's choices create tomorrow's race-day success One of the biggest mistakes runners make is expecting immediate results. Endurance sports don't work that way. The long run you complete today may not reveal its value until mile 18 of your marathon, mile 75 of your 100-miler, or deep into your next ultrarunning adventure. Every run is a deposit. Every early morning matters. Every hot, uncomfortable mile is helping build the runner you'll become. Whether you're training for your first race, chasing a personal best, preparing for a 100-mile finish, or tackling your next ultra racing challenge, this episode is a reminder to trust the process and keep showing up. The fitness you're building today may not be visible yet—but it's there. Work with Run the Riot Coaching Looking for guidance on your next race, ultrarunning goal, or endurance challenge? David Theriot provides personalized coaching for runners of all experience levels, from first-time trail runners to experienced ultrarunners preparing for ultras. Learn more about coaching here: http://www.theriot.run/coaching Listen, Watch, and Connect Website:http://www.theriot.run YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@runtheriot

The Skill Every Ultrarunner Needs in the New Year The start of a new year brings motivation, fresh goals, and big plans—but for ultrarunners, that energy can be a double-edged sword. In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, we talk about one of the most important (and overlooked) skills in ultrarunning: training patience. This isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing the right things at the right time so you can stay healthy, consistent, and excited about training all year long. Drawing from years of coaching ultrarunners and recent conversations on the podcast, including insights from athletes who have stayed competitive for decades, this episode focuses on how patience protects long-term progress. January isn’t the race. It’s the foundation. If you’ve ever felt the urge to ramp up too fast, chase fitness early, or “win January,” this episode will help reframe how you approach the new year. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why January motivation often leads to mid-season burnout or injury How training patience becomes a competitive advantage in ultrarunning The difference between being disciplined and being reckless with volume Why connective tissue, recovery, and consistency matter more than big weeks How experienced ultrarunners think long-term instead of chasing short-term wins A better way to set New Year goals that actually last Whether you’re training for your first ultra or planning another season of ultra racing, this conversation will help you start the year with intention—and stay in the game. Want help building a patient, sustainable training plan? If you’re looking for guidance from an experienced ultrarunning coach, learn more about Run the Riot coaching here:http://www.theriot.run/coaching

Jeff “Bronco Billy” Browning returns to the Run the Riot podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on staying competitive in ultrarunning for decades, not just seasons. From rebuilding after tendonitis to preparing for Cocodona 250 and another run at Western States, Jeff shares practical insight every ultrarunner and ultrarunning coach can learn from. This episode covers what it really takes to manage big ultra racing goals, recover from hard efforts like the Colorado Trail, and keep showing up healthy—physically and mentally. In this episode, we talk about: Training for Cocodona 250 and managing a Western States double What Jeff learned from the Colorado Trail and why tendon and connective tissue damage often shows up months later Taking a rare full month off running and rebuilding intelligently Strength training for ultrarunners: heavy lifting, isometrics, mobility, and durability Ankle taping for technical trail racing and why Jeff tapes for every race Ultra shoe design: ideal drop, rocker, stack height, and stability for long distances Nutrition, recovery, and why Jeff prioritizes protein for longevity Coaching, family life, and balancing training with real-world responsibilities Mental resilience when races don’t go as planned and how to move forward as a competitor Show Notes: https://www.theriot.run/jeff-browning2 Whether you’re training for your first ultra, chasing a PR, or focused on staying healthy long-term, this episode is packed with real experience from one of the most durable ultrarunners in the sport.

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

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, 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

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