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Winter is here, the roads are icy, and somehow our houses are falling apart — so naturally, we decided to talk about Christmas gifts for runners 🎄🏃‍♂️

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch break down the best gift ideas for runners at every price point, from easy stocking stuffers to big-ticket items you only buy for someone you really love (or yourself).

We cover:

Budget-friendly stocking stuffers every runner actually uses

Cold-weather essentials like base layers, gloves, and traction

Mid-range gifts runners won’t buy for themselves (but should)

Big-ticket gear like watches, headphones, hydration vests, and recovery tools

Completely unrealistic, totally necessary “runner fantasy gifts”

Whether you’re shopping for a runner, married to one, or are one trying to “accidentally” share this episode, we’ve got you covered.

🎧 Listen if you’re running through winter, slipping on ice, or just need gift ideas that won’t get returned.

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🎙 Available on all podcast platforms

Because running is fun…
And sometimes not so fun.

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How far do you really have to go before you’re “remote”?
Spoiler: not as far as you think.

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, Lewis and Mitch talk about how quickly a simple run, walk, or short hike can turn into a serious situation when you’re underprepared—whether you’re a mile from the house, on a local trail, or dropping down to the Western States Trail after a race.

What starts as a story about a windy walk with the grandkids and a “quick” hike out west turns into a much bigger conversation about remote preparedness for runners and outdoor lovers.

🧭 What We Cover in This Episode

🧠 Pillar 1: Mindset & Limits

Why a go/no-go decision should be non-negotiable

How to match your route to how your body and mind actually feel that day

Why you don’t need to be 10 miles into the woods to be considered “remote”

🏃 Pillar 2: Knowing Your Body

Hydration isn’t just water—why electrolytes and sodium matter

Training your gut to handle calories over hours, not just miles

Why relying on one food source can wreck your day (hello, bar fatigue)

🚫 Pillar 3: Avoiding Unnecessary Risk

How pace can become a hazard, not a goal, on technical or exposed terrain

Adjusting expectations for climbs, descents, and unfamiliar routes

Real examples where “it’s just a short hike” almost wasn’t so simple

🎒 10 Essentials We Talk Through

We also walk through a practical list of “non-negotiables” to think about for remote runs, hikes, and adventures, including:

Navigation beyond just your watch or phone

Light/illumination if you’re out longer than planned

First aid, repair tape, and emergency blankets

Extra food and water (plus ways to treat water)

Communication plans and tools, from “tell someone where you’re going” to locator beacons

Whether you’re running trails, exploring new routes after a race, or just heading out “for a quick hike,” this episode will help you plan smarter, pack better, and get home safely to the people who care about you.

🎧 Listen, learn, and then go enjoy those adventures—prepared.

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In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive deep into the hilarious, confusing, and sometimes awkward language barrier between runners and non-runners. From “easy runs” that aren’t actually easy, to why runners own more shoes than they have feet, we unpack the quirks that make running culture so unique.

Mitch also shares updates on his string of doctor visits, the ongoing search for answers, and what it’s like getting back into running slowly — only to be met with well-meaning comments like “At least you’re out there!” Meanwhile, Lewis reflects on water-cooler conversations, misunderstood jargon, and the gap between runner expectations and non-runner reactions.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner, brand new to fitness, or someone who thinks “tempo run” sounds like a medical condition, this episode will make you laugh, nod your head, and maybe even explain why your runner friend is the way they are.

In This Episode:
🏃‍♂️ Why runners say “easy” but mean “controlled aerobic suffering”
💬 Water-cooler moments between runners & non-runners
❤️ Mitch’s health updates, AFib concerns & rebuilding fitness
👟 Shoe walls, chafing, anti-chafe gear & why running is expensive
😂 Fartleks, intervals, negative splits — and all the misunderstood lingo
🔥 The emotional “why” behind running : https://x.com/runningonx/status/1991744729248329938?s=46
🙌 Why ANY movement — running, walking, lifting — matters more than the jargon

Perfect For:
• Runners who want to laugh at themselves
• Non-runners trying to understand the madness
• Anyone returning from injury or rebuilding fitness
• People who have ever asked, “Why do runners DO that?”

Join the Conversation

Share a funny moment where a runner/non-runner totally misunderstood you!
👇 Drop your stories in the comments — we’ll read some on an upcoming episode.

🎧 Listen on all platforms
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube
👍 Like, Subscribe & Share if you’re part of the running community (or trying to understand one!)

Until next time: happy running, happy resting, and whatever you do… don’t forget the anti-chafing.

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Support the show