Jerry Francois, known as Coach J, is known in the New York running scene for creating diverse, empowering spaces for communities of color and runners of all abilities as the founder of Gold Finger Track Club.

• Started running in high school at age 17 after his mother passed away, finding it provided mental clarity and an emotional outlet
• Created Goldfinger Track Club from a clothing brand, establishing a team where everyone belongs regardless of pace
• Embraced the team's mottos "Gold Vibes" and "Diverse but not divided" to foster inclusion and community
• Founded Black Miles Matter after Ahmaud Arbery's murder, organizing solidarity runs including the Juneteenth 5K
• Transitioned from being a 400-800 meter runner to achieving a 2:42 marathon at Boston 2023 despite injury
• Worked with PYNRS, the only Black-owned running apparel company in the US, as creative director
• Credits his son Jaxx for inspiring his running success and giving him "superpowers" to chase his dreams
• Focuses on building family and expanding his brand while planning to complete his sixth marathon major in Tokyo
• Plans to run New York City Marathon aiming for a comfortable 2:50 finish while enjoying the experience
• Emphasizes faith as the foundation of his journey: "Faith makes things possible, not easy"

Follow Jerry on social media @kingparkergold2001 or @hirecoachj, and follow the team @gftc_brooklyn.

David Alm shares his journey of becoming an award-winning journalist and running as a form of meditation, revealing how his punk rock roots and rebellious spirit shaped both his writing and running.

• Starting with a one-way ticket to NYC and a few thousand dollars at age 24
• Living in the Lower East Side, NYC in the late 90s/eary 00s
• Beginning running on his 23rd birthday after smoking cigarettes for a decade
• Running a 2:49 marathon in only his second race (without even knowing what Boston qualifying meant)
• Writing award-winning features on subjects like Sha'Carri Richardson and Rachael Rapinoe
• Creating the East River 5000 race series as an alternative to commercialized running events
• Developing deep connections with subjects through extended conversations that reveal intimate details
• Finding stories in unexpected places, often dark
• Covering stories of marginalized communities
• Starting banjo playing in his late 40s and building instruments with his father

Fresh off completing The Speed Project solo—a grueling journey from Los Angeles to Las Vegas—Yvonne Zapata (aka Miss Outside) takes us deep into the physical and mental challenges of ultrarunning.

From battling an infected toe that doctors warned could end her race to navigating pitch-black mountain paths with no cell service, Yvonne's determination shines through every obstacle. Her five-person crew became her lifeline, managing everything from bandage changes to midnight trail navigation and all the snacks.

The journey becomes even more remarkable knowing that just months earlier, Yvonne was hit by a car outside her home, tearing ligaments and tendons that sidelined her for weeks. This forced break prompted soul-searching about her identity beyond running: "Who am I if I'm not Miss Outside?"

As a special education teacher who was once non-verbal as a child, Yvonne brings unique perspective to her running journey. She's conquered five of six World Marathon Majors, appeared on billboards in Times Square, and found joy in everything from Disney-themed races to pacing fellow runners through New York streets.

Throughout our conversation, Yvonne reveals the deeper purpose behind her running: representing her Puerto Rican heritage, creating space for women and non-binary athletes in ultra-running, and reminding us of the privilege of movement itself. "I'm running for people that cannot run," she shares, highlighting how easily we forget why we started running in the first place.

Follow Yvonne @missoutsideeeee on Instagram and join her as she takes on Chicago and New York marathons this fall, with many more ultra adventures surely on the horizon.

Ultrarunning legend Zach Bitter joins us for an inspiring conversation about his relationship with the 100 mile distance. Reflecting on Zach's incredible accomplishments, including his world and American records, we delve into how his perseverance motivated personal running goals. We talk about the nuances of adapting to new environments like heat and incline training as well as the mental power it takes to push yourself to the max.

Zach's transition from collegiate running to the grueling world of ultramarathons was unlikely but it has been a fruitful pursuit that's shown him he's capable of a lot more than he ever expected. Discover the delicate balance between training volume and speed workouts, and unpack the strategies necessary for conquering a 100-mile race. I ask him to break down for me in laymen's terms how to go about pacing, staying in the zone on track courses, and what to do when things don’t go as planned—(or like how a simple extension cord can save a treadmill record attempt).

The conversation also opens up about the crucial elements of nutrition and recovery, highlighting personal experiences from races and the adaptable nature of dietary strategies like a modified keto diet. We discuss how to manage hydration and nutrition effectively during grueling events, and the importance of strength training and injury prevention. From the potential of negative splitting to the thrill of setting personal records, this episode captures the essence of pushing boundaries in ultrarunning, with inspiration drawn from iconic figures like Alexander Sorokin and Camille Heron.

More Zach Bitter: Website

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What if you could transform your life through the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other? On today's show I am joined by Nolan John, an ultra runner who swapped the Midwest lanes of Chicago for the sunlit trails of Austin, Texas. From traversing through the wild landscapes of The Speed Project (an ultra marathon relay race), Nolan shares his exhilarating journey of personal growth through ultra-endurance running. Together, we unpack the chaos and creativity that comes with unsanctioned racing, where every step is a chance to run towards better versions of ourselves.

My story runs parallel to Nolan’s, as I recount a personal path to finding sobriety through running. Nolan shares with me his own path to getting sober with a heartbreaking loss of friends and the dark days he had following a near death motorcycle accident.

Navigating sobriety's challenges in a world filled with temptations becomes a shared theme as we discuss the strength in replacing harmful habits with healthier ones. From facing societal pressures to embracing imperfections, we reflect on how running and sobriety intertwine, offering paths to self-discovery and growth. We also emphasize the courage it takes to redefine oneself and the ongoing commitment to a better, more authentic life. Join us on this journey as we uncover the transformative power of running.

This episode talks about how the bustling streets of New York City compare to the laid-back life of Texas. It's been a challenge of living a dual life between two very different worlds. With my brilliant producer, Jason Belsky, by my side, we share the evolution of our creative journey, from expanding our studio space to juggling diverse projects. This episode uncovers my love-hate relationship with the grind of city life, and the surprising personal growth that comes from balancing these contrasting environments.

Ever had a neighbor who seems to test the very limits of your sanity? Jason and I recount our separate ongoing sagas with noisy neighbors, those unwelcome symphonies of urban living, and the delicate art of managing one's peace in shared spaces. We tackle the generational shift in parenting styles and how it echoes through the thin walls of apartment life. Whether it's confronting the cacophony or adjusting to the quietude of Texas nights, this colorful narrative offers a slice of the complex tapestry that is city dwelling.

Exploring topics from motherhood at 35 to the peculiar world of marathons in Crocs, this episode doesn't shy away from the unique and unexpected. I share my reflections on future life choices, the modern landscape of dating in New York, and the curious allure of "rage listening" to provocative podcasts. With humor and introspection, we dive into the dynamics of personal and professional growth, revealing the quirks and inspirations that keep us moving forward.

Lucie Beatrix has a conversation with Sofia Camacho Ferral, the non-binary marathon runner who placed first (2:31:29) in the TCS NYC Marathon. We talk about their international upbringing, relationship with food, navigating gender dysphoria, and healing from past trauma, training for their marathon, and drag performance art.

This episode is brought to you by MUSEUMOFDISTANCERUNNING.COM. Use offer code LUCIE10 for 10% off your order.

Filmed at Floored Media.

Hey guys, it's been a minute. I decided to make a diary episode about how things have been for me this year with sobriety, getting surgery, how training looks now, and my excitement surrounding getting married. Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/luciebeatrix/