Episode 37: Health and Running in Covid-19 Times: featuring Dr. David Niehman & RD Sandi Lake

Episode 37 we explore two paths of inquiry around Covid19- 1st- Exercise health myths / realities with one of the foremost researchers in immunology and exercise science, Dr. David Nieman.  2nd- We explore some of the practical side of racing and options for them during this time - from an experienced Race Director with an extremely honest and hopeful outlook, Sandi Lake.


Dr. Nieman explains some of his advice and tips for staying healthy in general as a runner, and during this time of isolation, and what boundaries are best to set. Dr. Nieman is a pioneer in the research area of exercise immunology as he helped establish that regular moderate exercise actually lowers upper respiratory tract infection rates while improving "immunosurveillance" overall. In this episode, he also explains some of his background and other research that connects to running and immunology; including nutrition and stress. He is a professor of health and exercise science at Appalachian State University, and director of the Human Performance Labs at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis. His current research is focused on nutrition and what this can do to counter to exercise-induced immune dysfunction, as well as how extreme exertion can lead to short term immuno-compromise, such as with endurance athletes.

Link to Dr. Niehman's research: https://transforming-science.com/directory/name/david-nieman/



Sandi Lake has over 30 years of event planning experience, many of those dedicated to run/walk events, which she does full time now as a nationally well known RD in Tampa Bay area. In this interview she gives a great perspective on cancelled races and alternatives, as well as how best to think about each race during the Covid19 crisis. She and her organization "Lake 2" provide services for helping to plan races and RD charities and corporations. Above all, she focuses on the hope and positive outlook for the future. 
For small non-profits and community races, Sandi’s expertise is welcomed guidance and wisdom through the entire process, and she definitely shows her passion for those organizations and their causes in this short 20 minute interview.

Link to Lake 2: https://lake2.com/

Episode 36: Westin Galloway, Reflections on The Running Shoe Industry

Episode 36: Westin Galloway, Reflections on The Running Shoe Industry

Westin at Feb 2020 Run Disney victory, near his new home in Orlando area

Westin made the journey to join us at the University of South Florida's campus for this interview, to discuss his insights and reflections from working in the running shoe industry over the last 15 years, and growing up in this culture as well (Westin's father Jeff Galloway started the first specialty running shoe dedicated store in the US in 1975).

Westin & Carissa Galloway, recent trip to Kenya

Westin also started out his career at Phidippides in Atlanta (featured in Episode 34: America's Marathon Weekend episode), after successful collegiate track and cross country varsity running at Wake Forest University. Westin then went on to work for both Mizuno and ASICS until just before this interview, and has traveled the globe to explore and develop new shoe technology, and most of all figure out what we as runners need in a shoe. In particular, Westin shares how he has been impressed by the R&D (Research and Development) process he has seen within running-dedicated companies. He explains how a shoe goes from concept to consumer in less than a year, and all that goes into this process on the back end. He also comments on how new technologies are evolving to allow us to run farther and put less stress on the body, from stride to energy efficiency.



Westin also touches on a few stories from running culture that demonstrate what he has seen and believes represent the diversity of runners, including his frequent trips to Japan and recent trip to Kenya with ASICS.  Last but not least, we reflect on his own goals and where he sees unique corners of the running world as opportunities that haven't yet been explored, that he would like to be a part of in the near future!

The ASICS shoes he found on the feet of successful Kenyan marathoner!

Links:
Phidippides Running Store in Atlanta & online:  http://www.phidippides.com/

ASICS: https://www.asics.com/us/en-us/

Run Disney Official Site: https://www.rundisney.com/

FYI, The story of Phidippides, the "first marathoner": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheidippides

Episode 35: Liz Warner, Runs to Reach Women, 30 Global Marathons

In Episode 35, we follow Liz Warner's Run to Reach project as she tries to reach women's organizations and women runners in the toughest corners of the globe, by 1) fundraising to support them through grassroots impact organizations in those countries, and 2) running one of the most challenging marathons on the globe on their home turf.  Did we mention she was doing 30 of these, before she turns 30? (list below)...

Watch the video and her fundraising goal, of reaching women's organizations in 30 countries, and asking each of us in the running community that cares to give just $26 towards it! (2600 of us)

https://www.gofundme.com/f/run-to-reach-let039s-hit-2600-donations-of-26

In fact, Liz is down to her last 3, having run 1-2 marathons per month over 2019 and the start of 2020, including the Atlanta Marathon for her US choice, on her home turf!  An Atlanta native, Liz knew she wanted to make an impact and change her life trajectory, and set out to create her own reality by doing something that resonated with her soul to help others in the best way she could... by feeling their lived experience and challenging herself as much as she could in a visceral way through each marathon, and in a concrete way by giving of her own finances and asking others to do so through her work.

Tokyo Marathon - June 2013
Seoul International Marathon- March 2014
Kuala Lumpur Marathon (Malaysia) -
October 2014
Singapore OSIM Sundown Marathon (Singapore) - July 2015
Bagan Temple Marathon (Myanmar) - November 2016
Paris Marathon (France) - April 2017
Beirut Marathon (Lebanon) - November 2017
Vienna Marathon (Austria) - April 2018
Porto Marathon (Portugal) - November 2018
Ooredo Doha Marathon (Qatar) - January 11 2019
Al Mouj Muscat Marathon (Oman) - January 18 2019 -
Dar Al Atta’a Sahara Marathon (Algeria) - February 27 2019 -
Sandblast Arts Guatemala Impact Marathon (Guatemala) - March 10 2019 - Seres
Two Oceans Marathon (South Africa) - April 20 2019 - Population Services International
Run the Silk Road Marathon (Kyrgyzstan) - May 11 2019 - Helvetas
Sierra Leone Marathon (Sierra Leone) - May 26 2019 - Street Child
Victoria Falls Marathon (Zimbabwe) - July 7 2019 - Campaign for Female Education
Australia Outback Marathon (Australia) - July 27 2019 - NATSIWA
Sunrise to Sunset Marathon (Mongolia) - August 7 2019 - Mongolian Women’s Fund
Patagonia International Marathon (Chile) - September 7 2019 - Fondo Alquimia
Marathon International de Diego Suarez (Madagascar) - September 29 2019 - 4 a Woman
The Marathon of Afghanistan (Afghanistan) - October 11 2019 - Free to Run
Marathon de Côte d’Ivoire (Côte d’Ivoire) - November 15 2019 - Empow’Her
Del Mar a la Cima (Colombia) - December 1 2019 - Fondo Lunaria
Luxor Egyptian Marathon (Egypt) - January 17 2020 - Heya Masr
Somaliland Marathon (Somaliland) - February 2020 - Edna Adan Hospital Foundation
2020 Publix Atlanta (USA) - March 1 2020 - Back on My Feet
Socotra Marathon Challenge (Yemen) - March 1 2020 - SaferWorld
The Crete Marathon (Greece) - April 12 2020 - The Melissa Foundation
Everest Marathon (Nepal) - May 29 2020 - Putali Nepal


"LIz Warner, Run to Reach Women Marathons" is available on most podcast apps, including Google, Apple, Anchor, Spotify and Overcast...

The Run to Reach Website, with more info and fun stats: http://runtoreach.com/

Episode 34: America's Marathon Weekend: An Audio RunDocumentary on ATL Trials and Marathon

Episode 34: America's Marathon Weekend: An Audio RunDocumentary on ATL Trials and Marathon can be heard on most podcast apps, including Google, Apple, Spotify and Anchor.
Below is a photo collage to accompany our Audio Documentary, at various points throughout the weekend.  Description and links below following the photos!

Phidippides Manager Sloan Ware, introducing Running Anthropologists to Atlanta and the Trials weekend

Male Leaders, passing on Peachtree 1st Loop

Females, on Peachtree 2nd Loop

Cheer Zone, "Oldest Running Store in the US" Tailgate

Finish Line, at Centennial Park (Jocob Riley)

Press Conference photo, Top 3 Qualifiers Female: Molly, Alphine and Sally

Abdi Abdirahman's two sons after the win, supporting him by cheering in the Subway

Mark Lane-Holbert (host) and Bob Shea (subject of Atlanta Marathon documentary, first time marathoner)

Mark and Bob at the Torch and Rings, site of 1996 Olympic Stadium in Atlanta

In this episode, we give you a play-by-play from America’s Marathon weekend, including the US 2020 men’s and women’s marathon trial; during, finish, press conference with our qualifiers, as well as interviews afterwards with Olympic hopefuls on leap day Sat. Feb29th! We also cover what it’s like to be part of the Atlanta running community, from cheering on the streets to volunteering and being a runner in the Publix Atlanta Marathon, which happened the day after, today on Sun. March 1. We do this in the style of a public media documentary in which we try to have as many diverse voices as possible, including following a first time marathoner thru the experience. Please subscribe and share with others if you like learning about the culture of running in this way... And also message us to share your stories / check us out on Instagram/FB @runninganthropologist 
FYI, notable results of the Trials:

Men
1. Galen Rupp — 2:09:20
2. Jacob Riley — 2:10:02
3. Abdi Abdirahman — 2:10:03
4. Leonard Korir — 2:10:06
5. Augustus Maiyo — 2:10:47
6. Martin Hehir — 2:11:29
7. Clayton Albertson — 2:11:49
8. Jonas Hampton — 2:12:10
9. Colin Bennie — 2:12:14
10. Matt McDonald — 2:12:19
12. Scott Fauble — 2:12:39
18. Bernard Lagat — 2:14:23
22. Jim Walmsley — 2:15:05
27. Jared Ward — 2:15:55

Women
1. Aliphine Tuliamuk — 2:27:23
2. Molly Seidel — 2:27:31
3. Sally Kipyego — 2:28:52
4. Des Linden — 2:29:03
5. Laura Thweatt — 2:29:08
6. Stephanie Bruce — 2:29:11
7. Emma Bates — 2:29:35
8. Kellyn Taylor — 2:29:55
9. Nell Rojas — 2:30:29
10. Julie Kohnen — 2:30:43
26. Jordan Hasay — 2:37:57

Links from the episode:  

Phidippides Running, Atlanta http://www.phidippides.com/

Official Trials Website:  https://www.atlanta2020trials.com/

Atlanta Track Club:  https://www.atlantatrackclub.org/

Episode 33: 15 Minutes with Tokyo Marathon RD Tadaaki Hayano

Episode 33: 15 Minutes with Tokyo Marathon RD Tadaaki Hayano
This episode an be heard on most podcast apps, including Apple, Google, Overcast, Spotify and Anchor...

Tadaaki Hayano is the Race Director of the Tokyo Marathon and the CSO of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation.mUnder his leadership, Tokyo Marathon joined as the newest member of the World Marathon Majors.Series, of 6 races. He is a member of the general affairs committee of the JAFF, the road running commission of the World Athletics, the sports health department of the Japan Sports Agency’s sports commission, and the committee member of NAS-PEHDM, Cabinet office, Gov. of Japan. 

He was involved with running from a young age and has lived all over the world through his involvement with the sport of running. In 1976, he was the national high school champion in the men’s 800m. After graduating from the University of Tsukuba in Health and Physical Education, he was a high school teacher, then later becoming the manager for ASICS in Boulder, CO., and the managing director for NISHI Sports. He later joined Tokyo Marathon from initial year of 2017, worked to enter the event in the Abbott World Marathon Majors!

Links from our talk:

Here's one supplemental information regarding the Tokyo Marathon charity program.

https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/media/press-release/pdf/1749cd72150bf377f856146703c7077c.pdf  

Here, one can see the details on how much was raised through each charity in 2019, and you can find our "Sports Legacy Program" on the top.The "Sports Legacy Program" is the one that the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, manages on its own.More details on our charity program can be found below:

https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/charity/ 

https://www.runwithheart.jp/en/ 

Regarding the Semi-Elite (RUN as ONE) entry, please see below: 

https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/participants/run-as-one/  

Episode 32: Rich Kenah on 2020 US Olympic Trials & Publix Atlanta Marathon

Episode 32: Rich Kenah on the Publix Atlanta Marathon & US Olympic Trials Weekend 2020

Rich Kenah on the track

Running Anthropologist sits down with Rich Kenah (Executive Director of the Atlanta Track Club) to discuss hosting the 2020 US Olympic Marathon Trials and Publix Atlanta Marathon, the same weekend! "Running City USA" will together with the Atlanta Track Club host on Feb. 29th (leap day) 2020 for the Trials and March 1st for the Marathon. Rich has traveled to and raced in more than 30 countries, including the Sydney Olympics in 2000. One can easily see he "is a true believer in the power of this sport and its ability to change the direction of people's lives". As Exec. Director of the Atlanta Track Club (ATC) his overall mission is creating a healthier Atlanta through running and walking. He discusses organizing the world’s largest 10K – the AJC Peachtree Road Race, and how that ties into this historic Marathon weekend- namely the logistics of coordinating an entire city of staff and volunteers. By the way, with more than 115,000 participants at our events and 28,000 members, ATC is the second largest running club in the United States.

In this episode, he describes how running has had an immeasurable impact on his life, a job he gets to talk about running all day long. He also describes what it's like to qualify for the Olympics and what it's like to be a competitive runner: disappointment and injury, ups and downs, finishing his career on a very high note. For example, in 1996 when Atlanta hosted the Olympics, he missed making the U.S. Olympic Team by tenths of a second.  And those years proved to be his most productive as a professional runner, just after this loss: winning two World Championship medals, setting a world record & coming back to finally win his Olympic berth for Sydney.  He describes what it was like to be a part of the Olympic Athlete Village and walking into the Olympic Stadium wearing a USA uniform. This success, he believes, helps athletes transfer to other areas of life.  Rich was also a sports marketing professional for many years after his running career, and had many challenges in these roles as well.   

It is important to note that his work and the organization in Atlanta are not just about running, but fitness in general and getting moving, in fact run/walkers and e fitness walkers are a big part of the ATC.  Rich touches on the depth of programming they offer in the interview, and desire to help young runners especially; from elementary to high school runners finding their footing. They offer everything from first-time running programs to training Olympic hopefuls. 

Rich's love for the mission of ATC and fitness at the community level is incredible, as is the task of  organizing thousands of volunteers around a world class event like the US Olympic Trials and Publix Atlanta Marthon, we wish him luck and look forward to an amazing weekend! Join them online to find out all the details on the 2020 Trials, planning for upcoming events & more:

https://www.atlanta2020trials.com/

https://www.atlantatrackclub.org/

Episode 31: The Impact Marathon Series with Founder/CEO Nick Kershaw

Episode 31: The Impact Marathon Series with Founder/CEO Nick Kershaw
(This Podcast Episode can be found all Podcast Apps, including Apple, Google, Spotify & Anchor)
www.impactmarathon.com

Nick Kershaw giving a group talk

The Impact Marathon Series is all about unleashing the power of running to change the world, and making an impact through the combination of knowledge building, running and volunteering on a community created project in Nepal, Malawi, Kenya, Guatemala and Jordan.  The exciting part is engaging with the UN Global Development Goals on a grassroots level and being a part of the solution along with (rather than apart from) communities in these countries.

Nick and all the the organizers rely on local hosts and have depth of experience in running event organizing.  The culmination of the week is a marathon or half marathon in an iconic race course, for example in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal, or experiencing the desert and historic ruins in Jordan.  Kenya, Malawi and Guatemala all weave through terrain that one may never experience elsewhere.  Each Saturday local runners join the 50 program participants to put the total number of participants at 200-300, allowing for a much more personal experience than big international marathons.

However, Nick tells us that by far the most important part of the program is the impact that the runners have on those communities, in terms of empowerment and encouragement.  Nick explains that runners will bring back firsthand experience into some of the most challenging global problems, such as water shortages, climate change and permaculture helping to reform landscapes!

Read all about it: 

The Impact blog is a good spot to find all the stories from recent runners and organizers, challenges and joys of the entire experience.

From Nick's LinkedIn blogs (don’t do enough of this!)

From an Impact Runner firsthand point of view: https://runningthebreeze.blogspot.com/,  an epic trilogy on his time in Nepal... 

Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/impactmarathons/about/?ref=page_internal

"You come for the running, you return for the people."