Blake Colton - "Go slow, be consistent, and you'll never know where it'll take you"

Blake Colton - "Go slow, be consistent, and you'll never know where it'll take you"

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077335/fan_mail/new] On the Run Your Story podcast, Blake Colton shares how he began running in high school, paused to pursue the trades as an electrician, then returned about eight years ago through marathons inspired by his dad, repeatedly failing to qualify for Boston and nearly quitting due to burnout and gut issues. A friend introduced him to trail running, where the slower pace helped, and he became hooked, starting with a backyard ultra and progressing to 100Ks, multiple 100-milers, and a 200-miler. He recounts earning his first buckle in a -17°F 100K with a blizzard, winning his first 100-miler in Mississippi despite flooded sections, and learning through DNFs like Midwest States 100. Blake discusses pre-race planning, recovery (movement, compression boots, baths), favorite gear and shoes, fueling experiments, and running memories from Florida 200. He’s training for a 276-mile Across Iowa FKT to raise money for the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in honor of his brother-in-law who died of cancer, and emphasizes going slow, staying consistent, and chasing dreams. Blake Colton - https://www.facebook.com/blake.colton.7 Races Mentioned Boston Marathon Mississippi 100k Galena Sky Race Midwest States 100 Cocodona 250 Florida 200 Across Iowa FKT Shout Outs Stefan Clayton Michelle Hartwig Travis Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/AllisonGaillard] For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ [https://runyourstory.com/] For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ [https://gaillardts.com/] Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook [https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087007947078] and Instagram [https://instagram.com/runyourstory_podcast_training?igshid-YmMyMTA2M2Y] for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon [https://patreon.com/user?u=83687778&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link]! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy

Hildee Weiss (Author: Embracing My Inner Athlete) - "Embrace it for all that it is"

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077335/fan_mail/new] Allison interviews Hildee about her book, Embracing My Inner Athlete, and Hildee shares how, in 2014, as a busy wife and mother of five, she decided to prioritize herself after encouragement from her father-in-law and began training with Jeff, who became her trainer, coach, and friend. Initially afraid to run, she progressed from treadmill walk-jog intervals to completing her first 5K, then caught the running “bug,” trained for longer distances, and overcame a broken fifth metatarsal by following a gradual recovery plan. She discusses later setbacks, including surgery, losing confidence, and shifting from obsessing over pace and “I have to run” to “I get to run,” focusing on joy, community, and presence. Favorite races include a neighborhood cancer fundraiser 5K and the Jerusalem Marathon 10K, and she offers practical race-day, gear, recovery, and beginner advice. Hildee Weiss (Author: Embracing My Inner Athlete) - https://www.facebook.com/hildee.weiss Races Mentioned Jerusalem Marathon Father's Day 5-Miler Shout Outs Jeff Mervette Frankie Kim Jen Sherman Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/AllisonGaillard] For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ [https://runyourstory.com/] For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ [https://gaillardts.com/] Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook [https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087007947078] and Instagram [https://instagram.com/runyourstory_podcast_training?igshid-YmMyMTA2M2Y] for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon [https://patreon.com/user?u=83687778&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link]! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy

Kelsey Williams - "Running is a gift"

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077335/fan_mail/new] Allison interviews Kelsey (“Dr. Williams”), a Mississippi runner and assistant principal at Florence Middle, about completing her first marathon at Jackson’s Run the Rainbow, a hilly race benefiting the state’s only children’s hospital. They discuss how they connected through Kelsey’s social post, the emotional impact of running past the hospital, and Kelsey’s running origin during COVID after a difficult period that included her father’s death and a divorce. Kelsey credits the Run Strong community and coaches Claire and Jeremy for personalized TrainingPeaks plans and support, shares favorite races (Run the Rainbow, Mississippi Blues, Louisiana Half, Coast), and goals including a sub-two-hour half and “Death by 5K” (10 timed 5Ks in 24 hours). They cover fueling preferences (Gu gels), recovery habits (massage gun, staying mobile), must-haves (music—mostly worship), Brooks Launch shoes, and encouragement that every pace is a good pace and anyone can start. Kelsey Williams - https://www.facebook.com/kelsey.williams.180072 Races Mentioned Run the Rainbow Molten 9-Miler The Mississippi Blues Half Marathon Louisiana Half Marathon Coast Half Marathon Big Butts Trail Run King of the Mountain Cocodonna 250 Death by 5k Madison Station Half Marathon Maine Marathon Breaking the Loop Shout Outs Selena Daniel Rod Simmons Run Strong Claire Jeremy Kinda Gritty Whitney Stopp Skye Guy Allie Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/AllisonGaillard] For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ [https://runyourstory.com/] For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ [https://gaillardts.com/] Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook [https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087007947078] and Instagram [https://instagram.com/runyourstory_podcast_training?igshid-YmMyMTA2M2Y] for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon [https://patreon.com/user?u=83687778&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link]! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy

Nicole Adams (Author: Running With God) - "Don't compare yourself. Just let it be."

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077335/fan_mail/new] Allison interviews Nicole about her book, "Running With God: A Devotional Journey Through the Race of Faith," praising its reflective questions and themes of running and scripture. Nicole shares how she began running in middle school, later experienced God speaking to her during runs, started the book 15 years ago, and, after a dark season and stepping away from faith, found healing from depression as running drew her back to God and led her to finish the book as an act of obedience despite fear. They discuss avoiding comparison, remembering that not everyone starts from the same line, and pressing on after falling. Nicole’s lessons include giving herself grace, running without performance pressure after losing her Apple Watch, and focusing on Jesus. She describes favorite races (Tough Mudder), music as a must-have, shoe support needs, fasting and hydration habits, recovery routines, basic strength training, advice for beginners and injury return, and the book’s availability on Amazon. Nicole Adams - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087568543580 Races Mentioned Tough Mudder Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/AllisonGaillard] For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ [https://runyourstory.com/] For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ [https://gaillardts.com/] Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook [https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087007947078] and Instagram [https://instagram.com/runyourstory_podcast_training?igshid-YmMyMTA2M2Y] for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon [https://patreon.com/user?u=83687778&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link]! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy

CJ Johnson - "Be legendary"

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077335/fan_mail/new] Allison interviews Baton Rouge runner CJ Johnson about his running journey, community work, and current injury recovery. CJ began running in middle school, quit in 11th grade amid family turmoil, later joined the Air Force, and was discharged after learning he had sickle cell anemia. He recommitted to running after his father’s leg amputation, and because his son has full-blown sickle cell anemia and cannot run, motivating CJ to “run for both of them.” He describes lessons on faith, training smart, and helping others, including walking miles 22–26.2 with a struggling first-time Louisiana Marathoner. CJ’s favorite race was the New York City Marathon; he also ran Amsterdam. He shares race routines, gear, fueling, playlist, and a memorable rain-soaked Boston-qualifying push with Ainsley’s Angels rider Daniel Manchester. He discusses Run Crew meetups, cross-training, and a goal to chase a 2:35 duo wheelchair-push record at the Marine Corps Marathon and Boston. CJ Johnson - https://www.facebook.com/clarence.johnson.750 Races Mentioned Tiger 10k War Eagle Fest Boston Marathon Louisiana Marathon New York Marathon Amsterdam Marathon Exotico Marathon Marine Corps Marathon Shout Outs Scott Thornhill Stefan Clayton Ainsley's Angels Run Crew Clarence Johnson Senior Clarence Johnson III Daniel Manchester Crystal Johnson Howard Jones Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/AllisonGaillard] For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/ [https://runyourstory.com/] For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/ [https://gaillardts.com/] Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook [https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087007947078] and Instagram [https://instagram.com/runyourstory_podcast_training?igshid-YmMyMTA2M2Y] for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support us on Patreon [https://patreon.com/user?u=83687778&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link]! Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Kristen Rather Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Keith & Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Meredith Nations Allyson Lamey Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill Skye Guy