CJ Johnson - "Be legendary"

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 me 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 Steve Taylor Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Anna Szymanski Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Nell Gustavson Meredith Nations Allyson Swann Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill

Nicole Adams - "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 me 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 Steve Taylor Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Anna Szymanski Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Nell Gustavson Meredith Nations Allyson Swann Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill

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 me 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 Steve Taylor Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Anna Szymanski Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Nell Gustavson Meredith Nations Allyson Swann Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill

Jacob Martin - "Why settle for 2nd when 1st is available?"

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077335/fan_mail/new] In an interview, ultramarathon runner and Fresh Junkie Ambassador Jacob shares how he began running in his late teens after being sedentary and overweight, inspired by watching the Cajun Man Triathlon, then trained for and completed a sprint triathlon as his first race before progressing to half marathons, marathons, 50Ks, 50-milers, and finishing his first 100-miler (Loop Garoo 100), which he praises for its community and aid stations. He describes pre- and post-race routines (oatmeal, minimal stretching, pizza, Epsom salt baths, and active recovery), preferred gear (headphones, HOKA Speedgoats, Brooks Adrenalines, and New Balance Super Comp trainers), and fueling (Tailwind and Gushers with salt tablets). He highlights favorite races (Behind the Rocks 50 in Moab) and toughest experience (New Orleans Ultra 50 with severe cramps), advises beginners not to compare themselves on social media, and notes upcoming goals, including a 10-hour Louisiana Summer Nights Ultra, another 100-miler, and a possible Treadmill 100, while finishing LSU vet school. Jacob Martin - https://www.facebook.com/jacob.martin.775927 Races Mentioned Cajun Man Triathlon Loop Garoo 100 Behind the Rocks 50-Miler Georgia Death Race New Orleans Ultramarathon 50-miler Louisiana Summer Nights Ultra Dreadmill 100 Shout Outs Fresh Junkie Racing 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 me 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 Steve Taylor Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Anna Szymanski Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Nell Gustavson Meredith Nations Allyson Swann Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill

John Calabrese - "You're not good enough, John!"

Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077335/fan_mail/new] On the podcast, John shares how running began as an outlet during depression and divorce, evolving from ramping up in 2016 to his first marathon in 2017 and then ultras, where he found a supportive community and a sense of purpose. He explains lessons learned, staying true to personal goals, using past DNFs and even trash talk as motivation, and focusing on hard training and unglamorous work like PT, core, and gym strength to reduce injuries. John describes discovering Ainsley’s Angels after seeing a duo team at the Prince William Half, being recruited by Donald (now the rider he caregivers for), and advocating for duo teams’ visibility at races. He discusses favorite and redemption races (Barkley Fall Classic, Old Dominion 100), fueling and gear preferences (Welch’s fruit snacks, shoe rotation, reviewing for Believe in the Run), and finding joy in caregiving and running with his daughter. John Calabrese - https://www.facebook.com/john.calabrese.566 Races Mentioned Barkley Fall Classic Prince William Half Marathon Taco Bell 50k Old Dominion 100 C&O Canal 100 Swami Shuffle All State Heart of the South Girls on the Run 5k The Great Train Race Shout Outs Ainsley's Angels Donald Jillian 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 me 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 Steve Taylor Mary Trufant Suzanne Crist Suzanne Clark Anna Szymanski Dave McDonald Karla McInnis James Contratto Jordan DuBose Cristy Evans Sharonda Shula Nell Gustavson Meredith Nations Allyson Swann Chris Strayhorn Karen Saldivar Stefan Clayton Rachael McRae Scott Thornhill