• Meditation, Mindfulness & the Ultra Runner- Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself
    2026/08/29
    100 Miles Starts in the Mind: Meditation, Mindfulness, Visualization & the Power of BeliefWhat if your biggest limitation isn't your body—but the story you've been telling yourself about what your body can do?In this episode of Running Miles with CHD, we explore meditation, mindfulness, visualization, mental rehearsal, manifestation, intuition, and the idea of becoming the person capable of achieving the goal you've been dreaming about.For an ultra runner, the race begins long before the starting line—with preparation, belief, attention and the ability to respond when things get difficult.We explore how mindfulness can help athletes step away from negative thought spirals instead of fighting them. Recognize what's happening, release the judgment, and reconnect with the task in front of you.When you're at mile 60 thinking, "I still have 40 miles to go," what happens when you return your attention to your breathing, your body, your surroundings and the next step?We also explore visualization and mental rehearsal. Instead of only imagining the finish line, what if you mentally rehearse the difficult moments—the fatigue, doubt, weather, pain and moments when you want to quit—and practice how you'll respond?We dive into Dr. Joe Dispenza's Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: becoming aware of automatic patterns, changing habitual thoughts and emotions, creating a vision of your future self, and using meditation and mental rehearsal to practice becoming that person.We also explore manifestation and the idea of experiencing a future before it happens. Where does manifestation overlap with visualization, expectation, goal setting and behavior—and where does it become a philosophical or spiritual belief rather than established science?And what about intuition or the "sixth sense"? Is it something beyond conscious thought, or could some experiences of intuition come from the brain recognizing patterns and information we've accumulated?Most importantly, this episode is about how to apply these ideas to ultra running:• Morning meditation and visualization• Creating a picture or goal reminder• Visualizing your race and your future self• Mentally rehearsing difficult sections• Mindfulness during long runs• Using breath and attention when things get difficult• Building a consistent meditation habit• Staying present instead of focusing on miles remaining• Turning "I can't" into "What can I do next?"The goal isn't to convince you that thinking about a finish line guarantees you'll reach it.The question is:What if believing you can become the person capable of doing something is the first step toward becoming that person?Train your body. Train your mind. Prepare for adversity. Visualize the future—and then come back to the present moment and take the next step.Dr. Joe Dispenza — Books, meditation resources and Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself:https://drjoedispenza.com/Joe Dispenza on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/6P28vDZvRGOftyqrdo4u8SDr. Tara Swart — Neuroscience, visualization and manifestation:https://www.taraswart.com/Vishen Lakhiani — Meditation, visualization and personal transformation:https://www.vishen.com/Deepak Chopra — Meditation, mindfulness and consciousness:https://www.deepakchopra.com/This episode discusses scientific research alongside philosophical and spiritual ideas. Meditation and visualization can complement physical preparation, but they don't replace appropriate training, recovery, nutrition or professional medical care.Explore FurtherJosh Sain🎙️ Owner & Host,Running Miles with Heart Disease CHD North Carolina | Raleigh AreaEmail: runningmileschd@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningmileschd/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runningmileschd/Coach: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/josh-sain-raleigh-running-coach/
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    2 時間 10 分
  • Behind the Races; Virginia Adventures with Dan Pulskamp
    2026/08/25

    Virginia Adventures: The Races, Trails & Community Behind Central Virginia's Ultra Scene

    What makes a great race? Is it the course, the challenge, the aid stations—or the people who create an experience that keeps runners coming back?

    In this episode of Running Miles with CHD, Josh talks with Dan Pulskamp, owner and race director of Virginia Adventures, about the races, the trails, the challenges of race directing, and the community behind the events.

    Virginia Adventures was created in 2014 with the goal of bringing high-quality trail races to Central Virginia while creating a family-oriented experience through partnerships with Virginia State Parks, local trails, businesses and the community. Dan serves as race director, course designer, timer and organizer, while his family also plays a major role behind the scenes.

    We talk about the Virginia Adventures race lineup, including:

    🏃 Willis River Fat Ass — a challenging winter trail adventure with creek crossings and tough conditions.

    🌲 James River Trail Runs — one of the most scenic races in the series, with 10-mile, 50K and 50-mile options.

    🚂 Night Train Ultra Marathon — the signature event, featuring nighttime running across the historic High Bridge Trail.

    🚂 Freight Train Ultra Marathon — a 100K, 50K and half-marathon experience on the historic rail trail.

    🔥 High Bridge Challenge — a unique challenge combining Night Train and Freight Train in the same calendar year.

    🌳 Dogwood Ultra Marathon — a timed loop event with longer-duration options for runners looking to push their endurance.

    🎃 Pawpaw 5 & 10 Miler and Piedmont 8-Hour Run — approachable events that welcome newer trail runners and families.

    The conversation also explores Virginia Adventures' philosophy of inclusion, volunteer-powered races, adaptive athletes, veterans, families, local businesses, race logistics, weather challenges, aid stations and what it takes to put on an ultramarathon.

    If you're looking for your first trail race, your first ultra, a 100K challenge, or simply a beautiful place to run, Virginia Adventures has something worth exploring.

    🌐 Website: Virginia Adventures

    📘 Facebook: Virginia Adventures on Facebook

    📸 Instagram: Follow Virginia Adventures through the Instagram link on their official website: Virginia Adventures

    🎥 YouTube: The official Virginia Adventures website also links to its YouTube channel.

    🏞️ Virginia State Parks — Many Virginia Adventures races take place in or around Virginia's beautiful state parks.

    📋 Race Calendar & Registration: Virginia Adventures Race Calendar

    📍 Contact Virginia Adventures: Richmond, Virginia | (757) 784-8730

    Thanks for listening, and as always:

    Keep running. Keep exploring. Keep pushing your limits.

    Find Virginia AdventuresAdditional Resources

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    2 時間 43 分
  • Keto for Ultrarunners- What Should You Actually Eat with AI?
    2026/08/22
    🥑 Keto & Ultra Running: Fueling Your Body From the Kitchen to the TrailWhat should a low-carb or ketogenic ultrarunner actually eat—not just during a race, but every day?In this episode, we take a deep look at whole-food nutrition for the ultrarunner, from the grocery store and kitchen to the trail. We explore nutrient-dense foods such as beef, chicken, salmon, eggs, low-carbohydrate vegetables, avocados, olives, nuts, seeds, berries, cheese and other minimally processed foods.We discuss why foods such as pumpkin seeds, walnuts, pecans, macadamias, hemp hearts and fatty fish can provide concentrated calories, protein, healthy fats and important micronutrients while remaining relatively low in carbohydrates.But eating keto isn't simply about adding more fat. We also explore the importance of getting enough total calories, protein, electrolytes, vitamins, minerals and fluids, particularly when training for 50K, 50-mile, 100K and 100-mile events.We look at practical ways to build meals around whole foods:🥚 Breakfast🥩 Lunch🐟 Dinner🥜 Snacks🏃 Pre-run nutrition🔄 Post-run recovery🎒 Long-run and race nutritionWe also discuss meal preparation, grocery shopping, batch cooking and how to make a whole-food approach sustainable during a busy training schedule.One of the biggest attractions of keto for endurance athletes is increased fat oxidation. Research consistently shows that low-carbohydrate/ketogenic diets can substantially increase the body's ability to use fat for fuel. However, greater fat burning does not automatically mean better race performance. Recent systematic reviews have found mixed or neutral effects on endurance performance, while some evidence suggests high-intensity and repeated hard efforts can be more challenging when carbohydrate availability is low. We discuss the idea of metabolic flexibility—being able to use different fuel sources according to the demands of training and racing rather than treating nutrition as a one-size-fits-all system.We also discuss electrolyte changes during carbohydrate restriction, GI tolerance, inadequate calorie intake and the possibility of unintentionally under-fueling. The goal isn't to promote keto as the perfect diet. It's to help runners understand what the research says, where the uncertainties are, and how to experiment responsibly during training.For ultramarathoners, the International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends an individualized, periodized, food-first approach and emphasizes adequate calories and protein; it also notes that evidence supporting ketogenic diets specifically for improving ultramarathon performance remains lacking. We also examine practical trail foods and preservation. Nuts and seeds are naturally portable, while foods such as cooked meat, eggs and soft cheeses require careful temperature control. USDA guidance states that perishable foods should generally be refrigerated within 2 hours—or 1 hour when temperatures exceed 90°F. Remember: Always test your nutrition strategy during training before race day. What looks perfect on paper may not agree with your stomach at mile 50.Sports Nutrition & Ultrarunning:International Society of Sports Nutrition — Ultra-Marathon Nutrition Position StandKeto & Endurance Research:PubMed — Ketogenic Diets and Endurance Runners Systematic ReviewPubMed — Low-Carbohydrate/Ketogenic Diets and Aerobic PerformanceWhole-Food Nutrition:Harvard Nutrition Source — Healthy FatsHarvard Nutrition Source — Vegetables & FruitsFood Safety:USDA Food Safety BasicsThis episode is for educational purposes and isn't individualized medical or nutrition advice.🏃‍♂️ From the Kitchen to the Trail🔥 The Fat-Adaptation Question⚠️ Don't Forget the Risks🧀 Real Food on the Trail📚 Resources
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    1 時間 49 分
  • Preventing Heart Disease, Living Longer & Ultrarunning with Dr. Jami Dulaney
    2026/08/18

    Dr. Jami Dulaney: Heart Health, Metabolic Health & Ultrarunning

    What happens when a cardiologist who has spent decades treating heart disease begins questioning the traditional approach to nutrition and health? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jami Dulaney, a cardiologist, endurance athlete, and ultrarunner who has spent her career exploring the connection between nutrition, metabolic health, cardiovascular health, and longevity.

    Dr. Dulaney shares the personal family history that led her to cardiology and explains how running eventually grew from a way to stay fit into marathons, Ironman triathlons, swimrun, trail running, and ultimately ultramarathons. She recently completed a 100-mile race, giving her a unique perspective as both a physician and endurance athlete.

    We dive deep into nutrition and endurance fueling, including her evolution from a whole-food, plant-based approach to her current low-carbohydrate, high-fat approach. She explains her experiences with traditional high-carbohydrate race fueling, the highs and lows she experienced with gels, and why she began experimenting with lower carbohydrate intake during training and racing.

    We also discuss metabolic health, insulin resistance, inflammation, cholesterol, LDL, ApoB, Lp(a), triglycerides and HDL, and why Dr. Dulaney believes athletes shouldn't assume that being lean and extremely fit automatically means they are metabolically healthy.

    For runners, one of the most important parts of our conversation is knowing when to push through normal fatigue and when to stop. Dr. Dulaney talks about warning signs such as chest pain, jaw or shoulder pain, unusual shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, and cold or clammy sweating—and why athletes should never ignore those symptoms simply because they're accustomed to discomfort.

    We also talk about family history, cardiovascular screening, calcium scores, training with a known cardiac condition, hydration, recovery, and the long game of staying healthy enough to continue running for decades.

    And her advice to an ultrarunner who wants to still be running at 70 is simple: take care of yourself, pay attention to your metabolic health, prioritize recovery, and don't take your health for granted.

    Website & Medical Practice:
    Dr. Jami Dulaney, MD

    Jami Dulaney MD Wellness Podcast:
    Listen to the Jami Dulaney MD Wellness Podcast

    Apple Podcasts:
    Jami Dulaney MD Wellness Podcast on Apple Podcasts

    Email: jami@doctordulaney.com

    Social Media:
    Facebook, Instagram & X: @jaimeladulaney

    Practice: Dr. Dulaney's practice combines internal medicine, cardiology, nutrition education, wellness, and lifestyle-focused care.

    This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your own qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and exercise decisions.

    Connect with Dr. Jami Dulaney

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    1 時間 8 分
  • Blackbeard's Revenge 100 with Priscilla Nobles -
    2026/08/17

    Blackbeard’s Revenge 100: Flat Doesn’t Mean Easy

    What does it really take to run 100 miles along North Carolina’s Outer Banks? In this episode, Josh talks with Priscilla Nobles, race director with Trivium Racing, about the Blackbeard’s Revenge 100—a point-to-point ultramarathon from Corolla to Hatteras.

    Blackbeard’s Revenge offers a 100-mile race, 100K, and 100-mile relay, with a 36-hour time limit. While the course is almost entirely paved and follows a relatively straightforward route along NC 12, Priscilla explains why flat does not mean easy.

    Runners face intense sun exposure, little shade, coastal wind, blowing sand, and rapidly changing weather. Conditions can range from shorts-and-tank-top weather to torrential rain and powerful winds. One year, flooding even forced the course to be changed to a 50-mile out-and-back.

    We also dive into the race’s extensive support system, including 17 aid stations, real food such as pizza, pierogies, bacon, broth, pickles, chips, fruit and candy, plus Tailwind and HUMA gels. The race is cupless, with reusable cups provided to runners.

    For 100-mile runners, there are four on-course drop bags plus a finish-line bag, while 100K runners receive two on-course bags and a finish-line bag. Pacers are welcome with a waiver, and the race is particularly crew-friendly, with access available at most aid stations.

    One of the biggest lessons from our conversation? Nutrition can make or break your race. Priscilla explains that stopping eating is one of the biggest reasons runners DNF, making gut training and practicing your nutrition plan before race day essential.

    Her three biggest pieces of advice for runners are simple: carry a buff or neck gaiter, practice your nutrition, and remember to look up and enjoy the scenery. Along the course, runners pass at least three lighthouses, including the memorable Hatteras Lighthouse section.

    Blackbeard’s Revenge 100 — Registration & Race Information:
    Blackbeard’s Revenge 100 on RunSignup

    Trivium Racing:
    Trivium Racing

    Blackbeard’s Revenge on Facebook:
    Facebook

    Blackbeard’s Revenge on Instagram:
    Instagram

    Runners can also join the Blackbeard’s Revenge Facebook participant group for advice and race-day tips from the community. Trivium Racing also offers virtual race clinics that can help athletes prepare, including runners who haven't registered yet.

    If you're considering your first 100-miler, this conversation is a great reminder that the hardest course isn't always the one with the biggest mountains. Sometimes, 100 miles of pavement, sun, wind and sand is more than enough.

    Are you ready to take on Blackbeard’s Revenge? 🏴‍☠️🏃‍♂️

    🏴‍☠️ Learn More & Register

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    52 分
  • How Do I Pick the Right Race with AI?
    2026/08/15
    Show Notes — The First-Timer’s Guide to UltramarathonsReady to go beyond 26.2 miles? In this episode, we explore what runners need to know when making the jump from marathoner to ultrarunner.Ultrarunning is more than simply running farther. We break down the major distances—from the 50K and 50 miles to the 100K and 100 miles—and discuss why a 50K can be an excellent starting point. We also look at 6-, 12-, and 24-hour timed events, which can offer beginners frequent access to aid and support.We explore how terrain and elevation can completely change a race. A flat 100-miler can be dramatically different from a technical mountain 50K, so we discuss climbing, descending, power hiking, technical trails, and ways runners without hills can prepare using stairs, incline treadmills, and strength work.We also cover aid stations, drop bags, crews, pacers, cutoffs, cupless racing, nighttime running, and backup lighting. Safety topics include rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury, hyponatremia, dehydration, and the importance of not running through injuries.Finally, we discuss the mental side of ultrarunning—breaking a huge distance into manageable sections, focusing on the next aid station, using visualization, and learning to keep moving when things get difficult.Looking for your first ultra? Check out:UltraSignupRunning in the USAUltra Running MagazineFind a Race (UK)GB Ultra RunnerAhotu (Worldwide)Run Ultra (International)Ultra Race CalendarAustralian Ultra & Trail Runners Association (AURA)100% Pure New ZealandWhether you're considering your first 50K or dreaming about 100 miles, this episode will help you choose the right race, understand the challenges, and prepare for the adventure beyond 26.2.The marathon may have been the destination once. In ultrarunning, it's just the beginning.runningmileschd@gmail.comhttps://teamrunrun.com/coach/josh-sain-raleigh-running-coach/United States & North AmericaUltraSignup — One of the best-known platforms for U.S. trail and ultramarathon races. You can search by distance, location, and race type. Running in the USA — Large U.S. race directory with ultras as well as shorter distances.Ultra Running Magazine – Race Calendar — Excellent for finding U.S. and Canadian ultras, with filters for 50K, 50 miles, 100K, 100 miles, timed events, and more. Ultra Race USA — U.S.-focused ultramarathon directory that lets runners search by location, distance, date, and race type. United Kingdom & IrelandFind a Race – Ultra Marathons — Very useful UK ultramarathon calendar with 100+ ultras listed annually. Running Calendar UK – Ultramarathons — UK-focused race calendar with ultra-specific listings. GB Ultra Runner — Large UK ultra calendar covering England, Scotland and Wales. UK Ultra — Race organizer with a substantial selection of UK trail and ultramarathon events. Europe & WorldwideAhotu — Probably the best one to add for international runners. It covers endurance events in more than 198 countries and specifically allows filtering for ultramarathons and fixed-time races. Run Ultra — International ultra calendar with races across multiple countries and distances. Ultra Race Calendar — International database that can be filtered by country and distance, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Europe and the U.S. AustraliaAustralian Ultra & Trail Runners Association (AURA) — This is the one I'd definitely include for Australia. It maintains a calendar of AURA-approved ultra-running events across Australia. Ultra Race Calendar – Australia — Australia-specific ultra listings, including 50K, 100K and longer events. New ZealandUltra Race Calendar – New Zealand — New Zealand-specific ultramarathon listings. 100% Pure New Zealand – Trail Running Events — Official New Zealand tourism site featuring major trail and ultra events.
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    1 時間 53 分
  • Recovery Is an Ultramarathon- Top 10 Ways to Break Free from Addiction with AI
    2026/08/08

    Show NotesThe Warrior's Path: Addiction Recovery, Brain Science & the 10 Keys to Lasting Change

    What if the same brain that once fueled addiction could become the greatest tool for healing?

    In this episode of Running Miles with Heart Disease, we explore the fascinating intersection of addiction recovery, neuroscience, and ultrarunning. We discuss why so many endurance athletes have overcome addictions to alcohol, drugs, nicotine, gambling, and ultra-processed foods, and how the brain can be rewired through purposeful movement, healthy habits, and supportive community.

    Recovery isn't simply about quitting a substance—it's about becoming a different person. Through the science of neuroplasticity, dopamine, habit formation, and identity change, we explain why lasting transformation requires far more than willpower. We also discuss how endurance sports can become a powerful recovery tool while recognizing the importance of balance to prevent replacing one addiction with another.

    1. Make one non-negotiable decision to change instead of relying on motivation.

    2. Build a new identity focused on who you want to become, not who you were.

    3. Exercise consistently to support brain health, mood, and resilience.

    4. Stack healthy habits onto routines you already do every day.

    5. Learn to regulate emotions instead of escaping them through addictive behaviors.

    6. Replace shame with accountability and practice radical honesty.

    7. Find a supportive community that encourages growth and recovery.

    8. Identify and avoid personal triggers while creating healthier coping strategies.

    9. Fuel your body with whole, minimally processed foods whenever possible.

    10. Stay patient. Lasting change is measured in months and years—not days.

    • Why addiction and endurance sports often overlap
    • How dopamine influences motivation and cravings
    • What neuroplasticity teaches us about changing our lives
    • Why willpower eventually runs out—and what works instead
    • How exercise supports brain health and recovery
    • Warning signs of exercise addiction
    • The connection between ultra-processed foods and addictive behaviors
    • Why community is one of the strongest predictors of long-term recovery
    • Practical, science-based strategies you can begin using today

    Alcohol & Drug Support
    SAMHSA National Helpline (24/7)
    1-800-662-HELP (4357)

    Mental Health or Suicide Crisis
    ☎ Call or text 988

    Smoking & Nicotine
    1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)

    Problem Gambling
    1-800-GAMBLER

    Compulsive Overeating & Food Addiction
    Overeaters Anonymous: OA.org

    Recovery is possible. No matter where you are today, asking for help is a courageous first step.

    Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical, psychological, or nutritional care. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and recovery.

    If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a five-star review, and share it with someone who could use a little hope today. Together, we can help more people discover that healing is possible—one mile, one habit, and one day at a time.

    #RunningMilesWithHeartDisease #Ultrarunning #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #BrainHealth #Neuroscience #BehaviorChange #Recovery #TrailRunning #HeartHealth #HealthyHabits #PersonalGrowth #FoodAddiction #Sobriety #EnduranceSports

    Top 10 Ways to Overcome Addiction and Build Lasting ChangeIn This Episode You'll LearnRecovery Resources

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    2 時間 10 分
  • The Ultrarunner's Philosophy with AI
    2026/08/01

    In this episode, we explore one of the most fascinating questions in endurance sports: What truly limits human performance? Is it the body—or is it the mind?

    Drawing from philosophy, neuroscience, psychology, and the experiences of elite ultra-endurance athletes, we examine how modern research is changing our understanding of fatigue. You'll discover why perceived effort—not just VO₂ max or muscle fatigue—may be the ultimate regulator of endurance, and how the brain continuously balances physical sensations with motivation to determine when you slow down or stop.

    We discuss the Central Governor Theory, the Psychobiological Model, and the growing evidence that mental fatigue can reduce physical performance even when the body is capable of much more. You'll also learn about Brain Endurance Training (BET) and how deliberately training the mind can improve endurance, resilience, and performance.

    This episode is packed with practical strategies used by elite athletes, including segmentation ("chunking"), positive self-talk, mindfulness, body scans, visualization, breathing techniques, and powerful mental frameworks such as Courtney Dauwalter's "Pain Cave," David Goggins' 40% Rule, the Cookie Jar, and the Accountability Mirror. These tools can help you manage discomfort, stay present, and continue moving forward when your mind tells you to quit.

    Beyond performance, we dive into timeless philosophy from Aristotle, Viktor Frankl, Jean-Paul Sartre, and James Clear to explore how identity is built through repeated actions rather than fixed labels. You'll learn why excellence is a habit, why purpose gives suffering meaning, and how every small decision becomes a vote for the person you are becoming.

    We also examine how endurance training physically changes the brain through neuroplasticity, strengthens executive function, and builds resilience. You'll discover the important difference between resilience—returning to who you were—and post-traumatic growth, where adversity fundamentally transforms your perspective, relationships, purpose, and appreciation for life.

    Whether you're training for your first 5K, an ultramarathon, or simply trying to become a stronger version of yourself, this episode offers science-backed insights and practical tools to help you redefine your limits. The greatest breakthroughs often begin not by changing your body, but by changing your relationship with effort, discomfort, and identity. Every challenge becomes an opportunity to grow, every obstacle becomes a teacher, and every step forward becomes another vote for the person you're striving to become.

    Recommended Philosophy & Personal Growth Books

    1. Jim RohnThe Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle
    2. Ryan HolidayThe Obstacle Is the Way
    3. Marcus AureliusMeditations
    4. SenecaLetters from a Stoic
    5. EpictetusThe Discourses (or The Enchiridion)
    6. Viktor E. FranklMan's Search for Meaning
    7. Miyamoto MusashiThe Book of Five Rings
    8. James ClearAtomic Habits
    9. Stephen R. CoveyThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
    10. Simon SinekStart With Why
    11. Brené BrownDaring Greatly
    12. Jordan B. Peterson12 Rules for Life
    13. Naval RavikantThe Almanack of Naval Ravikant
    14. Cal NewportDeep Work
    15. Jocko WillinkDiscipline Equals Freedom
    16. David GogginsCan't Hurt Me

    https://teamrunrun.com/coach/josh-sain-raleigh-running-coach/

    email - Runningmileschd@gmail.com

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    2 時間 33 分