The Never Not Run Pod

Chris and Mark catch up after some time away from the pod. Chris takes us through his 2023 LA Marathon experience and Mark covers his Canyons 100k experience in Auburn, California.    Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com

Our guest is Rudy Espinoza. Rudy is the Executive Director for Inclusive Action For the City - a Boyle Heights-based non-profit organization that helps local businesses and entrepreneurs by connecting them with capital and resources. We first heard about Rudy and the organization because of their advocacy for street vendors in Los Angeles. Not long after meeting him, we got onto the topic of running. On today's pod, Rudy discusses his journey from an awkward junior high student trying to log 100 miles to an adult that ran with one of the oldest running clubs in LA. He also explains why one of the best places to run in LA is around a cemetery.    To find out more about Inclusive Action for the City, visit their website: https://www.inclusiveaction.org/ Or follow them on Instagram: @inclusivaction   Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com

We're back! And we're proud to bring you an interview with Witt Wisebram. Mark and Chris know Witt from two very different worlds - punk music and thru-hiking. We chat about his previous accomplishments on the AT, PCT, and AZT; what motivates Witt on his long endeavors; and why loop races attract the weirdos of the running world. And no NNR episode would be complete without a mention of Goggins.    Here are some organizations that Witt supports and mentions during the episode: No More Deaths Wings of America Outdoor Afro   To follow along on Witt's journey, you can find him on Instagram: @yung.chattahoochee To view Witt's FKT attempts: Witt "El Matador" Wisebram on FKT.com   Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com

Mark and Chris thought they could outrun Covid but it finally catches up with them. On today's episode, they commiserate with one another and share advice on how to get their training back on track. They also share suggestions on what to watch while you're sick and recap the Eagle Rock Run Club/NNR Halloween Half Marathon.    Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com

Vasha’s background is difficult to sum up. She’s lived in many places and possesses many skills. Her website describes her as an adventurer, ideator, and visual provocateur. What we know for sure is that she is incredibly knowledgeable about the current state of running and works with many fitness companies. We were so grateful she took the time to chat with us before her trip to run the Berlin Marathon and covered our widest range of topics yet.   To keep up with Vasha, you can go HERE or follow her @askvash   Our running song dedications: Hiatus Kaiyote - Molasses Ennio Morricone - Ecstasy of Gold Still Going - On and On   Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com

Today's guest is Tamara Jamil. Tamara takes us through her recent finish at the Salomon WMN Trail Half-Marathon; a race that in its own words, "took all of the best parts of community, competition and accessibility (think: free childcare) that a lot of women look for in a race." She also tells us about her previous half-marathon experiences and whether the trails in the bay area had any influence on her decision to pursue a PhD at UC Berkeley.    If you would like to read more about Tamara's work and the research she's doing, you can check out: averyreview.com/issues/52/closing-act Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com

Today we chat with Howie, Eddie, and Ben from The Silver Lake Track Club. They talk about the origins of the club and the community around the Silver Lake Reservoir. We hear about their approaches to running as well as their goals for the near future. If you're in the LA area, be sure to check out one of their weekly runs starting from the Elliott Smith wall or at their top-secret track...You can follow them on IG: @silverlaketrackclub ...or on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/764944   Follow NNR on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_www.nevernotrun.com

Today's guest is Bill Maeda. Bill is a 53-year-old personal trainer based in Oahu. His simple workout videos, shot with limited equipment in the front yard of his house have inspired thousands of people including us. His was gracious enough to sit down and chat with us and dropped tons of knowledge. Sit down with a notepad because there's a lot you're going to take away from this episode. You can follow Bill on IG: @billmaeda To reach out to him about training, visit www.fitprohawaii.comFor more related to Bill, check out his linktree page.Follow NNR on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_www.nevernotrun.com

Today's guest is John Radich. We met John at the LA Marathon Expo and couldn't help but notice his Badwater belt buckle. After approaching him, we immediately sensed his warmth and generosity, and knew we had to have him on the pod (he also casually mentioned that he's completed Badwater 14 times!). John takes us through his history of running ultras going back to 1979. At 68, John is still crushing miles and if he's not running Badwater, he's out there crewing it. He also talks us through his cross-continental run and why it doesn't count unless you put your feet in the water. You can follow John on IG: @radichruns To see some of John's running accomplishments:John's page on Ultrasignup.comJohn's page on Ultrarunning.comFollow NNR on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_www.nevernotrun.com

Today's guest is Mike Park. Mike is the founder of Asian Man Records based in San Jose, California. He’s released solo records under his own name and been a member of bands such as Skankin’ Pickle, The Bruce Lee Band, and The Chinkees. Chris and Mike go way back and today Mike tells us about the fundraising effort which led him to bike from Seattle to San Diego and what inspires him to walk 30 miles in 100 degree heat.   You can follow Mike on Instagram: @mikeparkmusic For more info on Asian Man Records, head to: www.asianmanrecords.com Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com