On The Runs podcast, hosts Knute and Erika welcome Sammi Sooliya (15:38), a passionate runner and positive force in the running community. Sammi shares her journey from a young athlete to a dedicated marathon runner, discussing her experiences with various races, the importance of community, and her goals for the future. The conversation delves into the significance of breathwork and meditation in enhancing performance and mental clarity, as well as the challenges faced during her quest to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Sammi's insights and experiences highlight the supportive nature of the running community and the personal growth that comes from pursuing one's goals. In this engaging conversation, Sammi shares her marathon journey, detailing the highs and lows of her experiences, including the emotional aftermath of a challenging race, her return to running, and the thrill of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. The discussion also covers the importance of mental strength, the camaraderie of winter training, and the unforgettable moments of race day. Sammi's insights into the challenges of running, particularly in tough conditions like New York and Boston, highlight her resilience and passion for the sport. The conversation wraps up with reflections on future goals and the joy of running with friends.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Thanksgiving Preparations
05:56 Thanksgiving Plans and Family Gatherings
12:48 Celebrating Achievements in Running
14:59 Introducing Sammy Sooliya: A Rising Star
15:38 Meet Sammy: A Runner's Journey
19:18 Early Running Experiences and Discovering Passion
24:18 Transitioning to Marathons and First Experiences
29:16 The Emotional Connection to Marathon Running
34:26 Community and Support in Running
39:00 The Importance of Connection and Networking
39:35 Bonding Through Running Experiences
40:57 Sammy's Evolving Running Goals
43:15 Training Connections and Support
46:29 Clarence Damar Marathon Experience
52:40 The Importance of Breathwork
01:00:54 Meditation and Mental Clarity
01:04:35 The Journey to a BQ
01:09:10 The Journey of Recovery and Rediscovery
01:12:02 Chasing the Boston Qualifier
01:15:17 Mental Strength and Mantras in Running
01:16:40 Winter Training for Boston Marathon
01:20:32 Race Day Experience at Boston
01:30:42 Mount Washington Race Reflections
01:33:48 The Challenge of Mountain Running
01:39:01 Experiencing the Summit: Cold and Connection
01:45:21 Lessons from the Race: Code Brown Commandments
01:47:27 Future Aspirations: Berlin and New York Marathons
01:52:53 The Outro
01:55:24 Fundraising Initiatives for Boston Marathon
01:58:22 Erika's Charity Run Announcement
02:01:22 Memories of Nicholas and Running for a Cause
02:04:03 Personal Updates and Running Experiences
02:06:34 Looking Ahead: Future Episodes and Plans
02:09:09 Community Engagement and Holiday Wishes

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On Episode 135 we welcome Anthony Bailey (36:30) to our PodFam.
Before we get to Anthony, we have Tara Paradactyl co-hosting and filling in for Erika who is out sick. Eric and Tara dive deep into The Great World Race. They both discuss their experiences watching the LIVE Stream of the Great World Race, a unique marathon event spanning seven continents in seven days. They highlight memorable moments from the race, talk about their PodFam out there, Justin Spencer, Becs Gentry and Ashley Paulson and all the other stars of the event like Ben with the live stream, Merry Morgan and her finish line beer, and much more. Eric and Tara introduce a new question for the PodFam in the outro, something we might do more of in 2025. This weeks question has to do with Race Day Nutrition, and do you have a plan, or do you just wing it?

Our guest on this episode is Anthony Bailey. In this engaging conversation, Anthony shares his inspiring journey from a traumatic childhood marked by abuse and alcoholism to finding solace and purpose in running. He discusses how he discovered the running community, the challenges he faced during his 14-year battle with alcoholism, and how he turned his life around through running and content creation. Anthony also highlights the importance of community, his experiences with marathons, and his efforts to give back through his nonprofit organization, Run for Grace. In this engaging conversation, Anthony Bailey shares insights on balancing responsibilities in content creation, the importance of finding joy in tasks, and the journey of building a business around his passion for running. The discussion highlights the significance of community, quality over quantity in content, and the lessons learned from both running and life experiences. Anthony emphasizes the need for persistence and patience in achieving success, while also reflecting on the power of connection through social media and YouTube.

Anthony's Links
Instagram
YouTube
Website
Everything Else

Takeaways

The Great World Race showcases the resilience and determination of runners.
Nutrition and fueling strategies are crucial for marathon success.
Community support plays a significant role in the running experience.
Memorable moments can create lasting connections among runners.
The Fab Five's journey highlights the camaraderie in competitive running.
Challenges faced during races can lead to personal growth and learning.
Live streaming events can enhance audience engagement and connection.
Runners often share their experiences and tips through social media.
The importance of having a solid nutrition plan for endurance events.
Guest stories can inspire and motivate others in the running community.
Childhood was marked by trauma and abuse.
Struggled with alcoholism for 14 years before turning his life around.
Running became a refuge and a source of strength.
A supportive community in the running world.
The LA running community is like a family.
Enjoying the process is crucial for long-term success.

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Welcome to a special bonus episode featuring a Collab with the Cultra Trail Running Podcast and On The Runs!

This episode features a collaborative discussion about the Hamster Wheel Ultra Marathon, where participants share their experiences, challenges, and the community spirit that defines ultra running. The conversation highlights the race results, the impact of cold weather, and the unexpected surprises that come with such endurance events. The participants reflect on their personal journeys, the camaraderie among runners, and the lessons learned throughout the race. In this engaging conversation, the participants share their experiences and insights from recent ultra running events. They discuss the challenges of managing cold conditions, the importance of community support, and the mental resilience required to push through difficult moments. Nutrition strategies and personal growth through running are also explored, highlighting the unique journey of each runner. The conversation emphasizes the joy and camaraderie found in the ultra running community, making it a rewarding experience despite the hardships faced during races. In this engaging conversation, the participants reflect on their experiences in ultra running, sharing insights on endurance, community support, and personal growth. They discuss race strategies, nutrition, and the emotional highs and lows encountered during long-distance events. The camaraderie among runners is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of connection and support within the running community. The conversation concludes with a call for responsibility in outdoor activities and a commitment to future races and community engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Hamster Wheel Ultra Marathon
02:45 Meet the Participants and Their Experiences
06:08 Race Results and Highlights
09:09 Challenges Faced During the Race
12:03 Cold Weather and Its Impact
14:58 Unexpected Surprises and Lessons Learned
18:12 The Role of Community in Ultra Running
21:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections
42:54 Managing Cold Conditions During Races
45:15 Reflections on Running and Personal Growth
46:41 The Importance of Community in Ultra Running
48:11 Experiences and Challenges in the Race
52:57 Nutrition Strategies for Endurance Events
01:01:00 Mental Resilience and Decision Making in Racing
01:11:08 Lessons Learned from the Ultra Running Experience
01:26:49 The Journey of Endurance
01:27:18 Celebrating Achievements in Ultra Running
01:28:43 Strategies for Success on the Course
01:30:40 Nutrition and Hydration Insights
01:32:04 Overcoming Physical Challenges
01:36:48 The Power of Community in Ultra Running
01:40:07 Reflections on Personal Growth and Connection
01:42:23 Navigating the Highs and Lows of Racing
01:48:30 The Importance of Support and Camaraderie
01:54:51 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Community Engagement
02:00:53 Closing Thoughts and Community Responsibility

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