The Rambling Runner Podcast

Join us as Esteban Trujillo shares his inspiring story of returning to marathon running after a seven-year break, fueled by a passion for pushing limits and defying age. From his Oregon cross country days to ultra-competitive Masters racing, Esteban's journey highlights resilience, strategic training, and living the sport authentically. In this episode: Esteban's early days at Oregon with stars like Galen Rupp and Matthew Centrowitz The dramatic story of quitting running at age 27 and living in Alaska How he rediscovered his love for racing and transitioned back into competitive marathon running His approach to training, injury prevention, and mental toughness as a master's athlete Insights on his recent performances, including CIM sub-2:15 and Boston Masters placement The role of coaching with Brad Hudson and the significance of athlete-supported programs like Puma Project 3 Future goals leading to the 2028 Olympic Trials and beyond Unique perspectives on balancing passion, health, and ambition in master’s athletics Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we learn how to unlock the power of running as a source of joy, community, and meaningful impact. Jess Sikorski shares her personal transformation of using running in a way that negatively affected her health to running with purpose for charity and mental health. Key Topics: Jess's journey from health struggles to joyful running The evolution of her big "why" for running The importance of community, social running, and making fitness accessible Inspiring stories of fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Tips for integrating enjoyment with health and performance goals The role of therapy and self-redefinition in overcoming food and body image issues Collaboration between run clubs and local fitness communities Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catch the remarkable story of Bill Volpe, who at age 60, achieved a Boston Marathon qualifying time and 3:11 marathon, after starting his running journey at 52. His disciplined approach to training, nutrition, and mental resilience exemplifies that age is just a number when it comes to athletic achievement. In this episode: Bill’s initial foray into running and how he transitioned from no running to marathon success How disciplined routines and strategic pacing contributed to a marathon PR at 60 How hiring a coach helped him step up his training and confidence The evolution of his competitive mindset and his goals for the future Discussions on aging, motivation, and staying injury-free The importance of mindset, consistency, and seizing opportunities in athletic growth Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to curranzusa.com to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how Jesse Gauf turned his life around within a year, shedding over 100 pounds and conquering marathon distances, all while sharing his progress openly online. This episode explores the mental shifts, practical strategies, and community support behind his transformation. In this episode: Jesse recounts his fitness journey starting from Navy days to weight ballooning over 340 pounds Emphasis on focusing on personal versus comparative progress as a key motivator The importance of consistent habits like walking, training, and strategic goal setting Overcoming mental hurdles related to masculinity and body image, especially for men How social sharing has fueled Jesse’s accountability and inspired others The role of rest, recovery, and strategic nutrition in sustainable progress Setting ambitious goals like Ironman 70.3 while embracing the process The power of embracing discomfort and pushing through adversity in endurance events Recognizing that ordinary stories of perseverance resonate more deeply than superhero tales Practical tips for beginners on starting with walking, mindset shifts, and setting intentional goals Follow Jesse at www.instagram.com/jesse.in.motion. Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. The Marathon Project returns December 11–13, 2026 in Chandler, Arizona, offering one of the fastest, most athlete-focused marathon experiences in the country. The event features a Gold Wave amateur race on Saturday and the professional race on Sunday, giving runners the chance to race fast and then watch some of the best athletes in the sport compete the next day. The course is flat and criteria-style with pacers every five minutes from 2:20 to 3:30, bottle service, bag drop, and a top-tier race experience designed for performance. The Gold Wave is open to runners who have run under 3:30 since 2022, and last year 81% of finishers hit their Boston Qualifier. Registration is currently $400 but increases to $500 on April 1. Visit ⁠themarathonproject.com⁠ and use code roadtothetrials (all lowercase, no spaces) to save $25 on your entry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the remarkable story of Wilbur Vale — from struggling with his health and weight as a child to becoming a dedicated runner and advocate for holistic wellness. In this episode, Wilbur shares how faith, community, and resilience propelled his transformation and how he uses his journey to inspire others to live healthier and meaningful lives. Key Topics: Wilbur’s pivotal moment: a challenging hike in El Salvador that revealed his pre-diabetic condition His childhood influences and family culture around food and survival The mental and emotional challenges of gaining weight again and self-compassion strategies The importance of community in endurance sports and personal growth How faith shapes Wilbur’s approach to setbacks, goals, and perseverance The 90-day challenge focused on physical, mental, and spiritual renewal Tracking progress with body composition scans versus scale weight Tips for integrating faith and community into fitness pursuits Wilbur’s current focus on sustainable health practices and goal setting Follow Wilbur’s Instagram Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. The Marathon Project returns December 11–13, 2026 in Chandler, Arizona, offering one of the fastest, most athlete-focused marathon experiences in the country. The event features a Gold Wave amateur race on Saturday and the professional race on Sunday, giving runners the chance to race fast and then watch some of the best athletes in the sport compete the next day. The course is flat and criteria-style with pacers every five minutes from 2:20 to 3:30, bottle service, bag drop, and a top-tier race experience designed for performance. The Gold Wave is open to runners who have run under 3:30 since 2022, and last year 81% of finishers hit their Boston Qualifier. Registration is currently $400 but increases to $500 on April 1. Visit themarathonproject.com and use code roadtothetrials (all lowercase, no spaces) to save $25 on your entry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canyon Woodward has progressed from casual runner during his college years to one of the best trail and ultra runners in the world. It is a remarkable rise for a Harvard educated political operative who balances a calm equanimity with a passion for competition. In this episode, Canyon describes his rise from living at the doorstep of the Appalachian trail to a Western States golden ticket. Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. Fooster - Check out the player in the online sports nutrition retail world - Fooster! While you're at it, you can pick up the new Rambling Runner Pack to try a variety of sports nutrition options and use code "Runner" to save 15% on your order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefooster.com/products/rambling-runner-pack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Abdul Said shares his transformative journey from a sedentary lifestyle and health scare to running his first marathon in Osaka. Discover how he shifted his perspective on food, incorporated running into his daily routine, and embraced the vibrant Japanese running culture along the way. You can follow Abdul at www.instagram.com/osakamiles. Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. Fooster - Check out the player in the online sports nutrition retail world - Fooster! While you're at it, you can pick up the new Rambling Runner Pack to try a variety of sports nutrition options and use code "Runner" to save 15% on your order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefooster.com/products/rambling-runner-pack⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how Laken transformed her life from weighing 290 pounds to conquering a half marathon in 2:05 (9:34 pace). Dive into her mindset shifts, actionable habits, and the power of perseverance that can inspire anyone on their health and fitness journey. You can follow Laken at www.instagram.com/laken_40. Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. Fooster - Check out the player in the online sports nutrition retail world - Fooster! While you're at it, you can pick up the new Rambling Runner Pack to try a variety of sports nutrition options and use code "Runner" to save 15% on your order at ⁠⁠www.thefooster.com/products/rambling-runner-pack⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me as I chat with Josh Lerch, whose running journey is both inspiring and unconventional - and lead him to a 2:30 marathon, and 6 minute PR, at Surf City last weekend. Starting in Michigan, Josh unexpectedly found his passion for cross country, learning crucial lessons from a memorable bonk at the state meet when going after one of the best runners of our generation. It's a story you won't want to miss! His path led him through college challenges and into the vibrant New York City running scene, where he rekindled his love for the sport. Life took another turn as Josh moved to California, discovering trail running and surfing, which reshaped his relationship with running. He shares how career changes and life transitions influenced his athletic pursuits, emphasizing adaptability and joy in the journey. Josh's approach to nutrition, training, and mental resilience in marathons and ultramarathons offers valuable insights. A key theme is the role of relationships, coaching, and goal-setting in his evolution as a runner. Josh candidly discusses overcoming setbacks, including postpartum depression, and finding renewed purpose. His future plans are ambitious, with high-speed track races and trail adventures ahead. Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Kim Urmaza shares her inspiring story of turning her life around through endurance sports, the importance of listening to your body, and evolving from a competitive mindset to one of sustainable growth. You'll learn how her approach to training and racing shifted from metric obsession to intuitive efforts, emphasizing mental resilience and self-awareness - resulting in 3:10 marathon at Houston. Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. Rocket Money - Rocket Money has saved users over $2.5 billion, including over $880 million in canceled subscriptions alone. Their 10 million members save up to $740 a year when they use all of the app's premium features! Go to ⁠www.rocketmoney.com/gorun⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Bart Yasso, a legendary figure in the running community. We discuss the most underrated and races in the U.S. along with an alternate for each if the timing of the race doesn't work with your schedule. Bart shares his experiences and insights on these races, highlighting their unique features and the vibrant running communities they foster. Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at www.mounttocoast.com. Amazfit - The GPS running watch I trust is Amazfit. It is loaded with features, top tier GPS technology, and is incredibly well-priced. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/47AOxzW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more and use code RAMBLING to save 10%. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this minisode, I discuss the importance of zoomed-out and zoomed-in goals for the new year as well as the need to plan for potential setbacks and maintain consistency in pursuing goals. I also share my personal fitness goals and introduce the Winter Challenge with the Race Cancer Foundation, encouraging you to join and support the cause. I’m officially signed up for the Winter Challenge with Race Cancer Foundation and I want you in it with me. It’s a daily walk/run challenge all January—log at least 1 mile a day to keep your streak alive. We’re building consistency, holding each other accountable, and raising money to fight cancer. Join me and save $5 on registration with code RAMBLINGRUNNER and be sure to join my team, the Rambling Runners, while you're at it. Let’s start the year strong—one mile at a time. Sign up at app.winterchallenge.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices