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In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jordan Moon...as he prepares to attempt to break the World Record of Running Across America in 42 days or less (beginning September 2)! Wow!!! We talked about his journey from USAF veteran to endurance athlete. We also spent time discussing mental health in the loss of one of his close friends, as well as his commitment to supporting the lives of those around him. Part of that support comes in his fundraising to find a cure for brain diseases experienced by his grandparents. From discussing the logistics of what it means to run across the country to answering life's big "why" questions, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Jordan Moon / American Runner Links: Instagram: @theamericanrunner Website Fundraising Page American Brain Foundation Fundraising National Suicide Prevention Hotline (USA): 1-800-273-8255

Episode Notes: In this episode, I had the pleasure of getting to know David Richman and learning about his new book Cycle of Lives. This book describes David’s solo six-week, 5,000-mile cross-country bike ride from L.A. to Florida to N.Y….to meet individuals he had been interviewing over the last year regarding the life-altering nature of cancer. I’m so honored to have David in the podcast to hear about how his journey started, where he’s headed, and all of the individuals he’s impacted through story sharing along the way. Bio: David is an author, public speaker, philanthropist, and endurance athlete whose mission is to form more meaningful human connections through storytelling. In his first book, Winning in the Middle of the Pack, he discussed how to get more out of ourselves than ever imagined. With Cycle of Lives, David shares the interconnected stories of people overcoming trauma and delves deeply into their emotional journeys with cancer. He continues to do Ironman triathlons and a wide range of endurance athletic events, having recently completed a solo 4,700-mile bike ride. He is married, lives in Southern Nevada, and has twins who are in college. Links: Instagram: @davidrichman_cycleoflivesPurchase David's Cycle of Lives BookDavid Richman's Website

I LOVED the chance to chat with Cali Werner in episode #16 of the Run Into Life Podcast. She is such an inspiration as a clinician, author, advocate, and competitive athlete. In this episode, we attempted to debunk myths around OCD and athletics (from the perspective of both an athlete and a clinician!). We also dove into Cali's competitive running career, racing at the Olympic Trials, and the release of her new book! Cali (Roper) Werner is an athlete and clinician specializing in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Cali's research focuses on competitive athletes with debilitating anxiety that negatively impacts their performance.  Cali's struggle with OCD began at the young age of four. However, Cali did not receive a proper diagnosis or evidence-based care until she went to college. Cali's OCD symptoms increased during times of stress. As her successes grew as a Division I distance runner at Rice University, her symptoms worsened. These circumstances made Cali's love for her sport turn into dread. While at Rice, Cali won 9 conference championships and was named an honorable mention All-American in the 10k. Cali was able to reignite the love for her sport after receiving appropriate evidence-based care. Cali hopes to help others with mental illness know that they are not alone, and that appropriate treatment is available to reobtain the joy that mental illness takes away. Cali recently qualified and competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon in 2020 and continues to pursue her passion for running while advocating for those struggling with mental illness through her research, therapy, and her own personal testimony.    While obtaining her Ph.D. at Baylor University, Cali also works at the McLean OCD Institute at Houston as a mental health clinician. In her free time, Cali enjoys growing in faith, learning about new cultures through travel, and spending time outdoors with her pups, family, and friends. Instagram: @caliroperwerner Cali's Book: Anxious Annie

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing former collegiate teammate Nicole Esplin. We traveled down memory lane, as well as caught up on all of her running endeavors. Through our conversation, we tackled the concept that running is so much more than "just running." Nicole runs to watch the world wake up, to connect with those around her, to connect with God, and as a reminder that she's alive. This episode truly made me want to go (right now!) and run with Nicole in Colorado! Instagram: @nesplin

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Johnny Crain on both his coaching and professional running career. We shared the lessons running can teach you...through conversations on self-compassion, mental health, pushing beyond your limits, and always keeping running as the best part of your day! Johnny Crain is a 4 time NCAA DIII National champ, 3 time Olympic Trials qualifier as a professional runner, former University of Oklahoma XC/TF coach, and head coach of his own business (TWB Running). Throughout his years as a high-level athlete learning from legendary coaches (and now as a coach himself!), he's seen firsthand the power of mindset and mental health. He's a mental health advocate and a believer that we should watch what we feed our minds like we would feed our bodies.  Links: Personal Instagram: @jcrain27Coaching Instagram: @teamwickedbonkproofTeam Wicked Bonkproof

I had a blast talking with Cori James in episode #13 of the Run Into Life Podcast! Cori is a tattooer, triathlete, and self-love advocate...who also founded Fill the Well Athletics. I love the way her creativity, humor, and passion for life combines areas of art and athleticism that are often kept separate...all in the name of self-compassion! We chatted about our fun triathlon rivalry at different races back in the day...but after our chat, I honestly just want to go out to hang out, ride bikes, and get a tattoo from Cori in Colorado. I'm so excited to experience her passion for life in this episode! Follow Cori: @colorful_tri_cori and @fill_the_well_athletics

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Coach Tim Hamling...who is finishing 26 years teaching/coaching at Woodward Academy. Coach Hamling has won multiple awards for his inspiring coaching, and the Timothy J. Hamling Track & Field Complex was even named after him in 2017. I've appreciated the chance to grow and learn from Coach Hamling, and I can't wait to share his insight in this special episode...especially after the girl's AAAAA state championship track & field win this weekend!

In this episode, I walked away so inspired by Tracey Roberts and her journey! Tracey was a 3-sport varsity athlete in high school, followed by a collegiate field hockey athlete studying to become an engineer! Soon after, she became a casual runner but picked up the distance to half and full marathons after the birth of her kids. Tracey had a PR at the Chicago marathon in 2011 and qualified to run Boston in 2012. Because of her own passion for running, she has supported her kids through their own running endeavors (like Girls on the Run, track, and cross country). Eventually, Tracey made the shift to triathlons and continued to build in distance to a full Ironman in 2018. She was registered to complete Ironman Chattanooga in 2020 but was diagnosed with breast cancer in February just before the start of the pandemic. As she navigated surgeries, she deferred her entry to 2021 to resume the Ironman journey. As she awaits some additional cancer tests and biopsy results, she is continuing her training with the hopes of competing in IM Chattanooga this year. Her passion for life in the midst of such adversity continues to inspire me even after the interview. And I continue to return to my new favorite quote from Tracey...but you'll have to listen to the episode to learn more about it!

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing my very first cross country coach (and high school principal)...Trey Cassidy! It was such an honor to connect with him after more than a decade, especially as we now both work in the independent school world. Coach Cassidy is the reason I developed a love for cross country, trail running, and endurance racing. I continue to think about his leadership even 13 years later! Trey Cassidy is the Head of School at Bancroft School in Worcester, MA, an independent preK through grade 12 day school with 400 students.  He has been an administrator, teacher, and coach for 30 years in Maryland, Michigan, and now Massachusetts.  He is an advocate for creating engaged learning environments and is passionate about helping individuals grow through their community-based experiences.  He has also been running into life for a long time. He has been a competitive athlete since his first running race, which he won with a sprint finish across a rain-soaked playground in his hometown of Westford, Mass in 1979.  He went on to compete in track and cross country in high school and at the University of Pennsylvania, and since then he has competed in endurance oriented sports like triathlon, duathlon, cycling, and adventure races.  As a duathlete, he was the Maryland and Michigan State Champion, a USA Triathlon All American, and a member of Team USA competing in the Age Group World Championships seven times.   He has helped grow the sport as a high school and youth coach, a race director, and as part of event management teams for The Penn Relays, The Atlanta Olympics, and the Olympic Trials.    His two daughters are also athletes who have competed in national championships in cross country and the youth and junior elite USA triathlon program. His oldest is a member of the University of Chicago cross country and track and field teams and his youngest runs cross country, swims, and plays lacrosse at Bancroft School.

This episode is a little different from the others...as I'm excited to share about my first Ultra Marathon (the Knock on Wood 50k with Upstate Ultra), as well as how I chose to Run Into Life throughout the experience!