Patryk Odedina didn’t grow up loving running he came from basketball, where running usually meant punishment. But after starting in 2019, everything changed.

In this episode, we talk about why the New York City Marathon might be the perfect first marathon, even though it’s one of the hardest. Patryk shares what keeps bringing him back year after year, how crowd energy can completely change a race, and why comparing marathon times across courses misses the point.

We also get into racing smarter after a marathon, using lower mileage to unlock PRs, experimenting with nutrition without overtracking, and how NYC run clubs shape one of the strongest running cultures in the world.

From Tokyo to Jersey City to five races in ten days, this conversation is about learning the sport through experience and letting running fit into your life, not take it over.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the People Run Podcast
03:23 Patrick's Running Journey
06:25 Transition from Basketball to Running
09:20 Experiences with Marathons and Major Races
12:22 Cultural Insights from Running in Japan
15:13 Future Plans and Upcoming Races
22:35 The Best Marathon Experience
27:29 Personal Bests and Race Experiences
31:09 Training Philosophy and Race Strategy
37:46 Nutrition and Performance Insights
51:47 Exploring the Science of Running Nutrition
54:17 The Unique Experience of Project 13.1
57:15 The Culture of NYC Running Clubs
01:01:18 Balancing Life and Running in NYC
01:06:05 The Journey of a Content Creator in Running
01:16:54 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Collaborations

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IG: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/
YT: youtube.com/@ThePeopleRunPodcast
Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

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IG: instagram.com/regularpatryk/

👉 Subscribe to The People Run Podcast for more real stories from everyday runners, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with a friend who needs some inspiration.

Don joins The People Run Podcast and shares his journey through running, discipline, community, the training principles that helped him break plateaus and build purpose. From 5K breakthroughs to creating Heart on Fire, this episode dives into mindset, consistency, strength work, and the power of showing up.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the People Run Podcast
04:05 Don's Running Journey and Goals
07:00 Training Techniques and Speed Work
10:01 Strength Training and Cross-Training Strategies
12:52 The Importance of Core and Stability Training
15:58 Weekly Training Schedule and Recovery
18:38 Community Engagement and Heart of Fire
20:08 Thoughts and Future Aspirations
23:58 Training Regimen Breakdown
25:47 The Importance of Consistency in Fitness
26:58 Freddie's Transformation Journey
29:59 The Evolution of Personal Training
34:25 Hard on Fire: The Birth of a Fitness Community
37:23 Boot Camp Experience: What to Expect
41:12 Favorite Workouts and Training Philosophy
44:39 Nutrition and Fueling for Performance
46:40 Nourishing Choices: A Look at Diet and Nutrition
49:22 Balancing Alcohol and Fitness: A Personal Journey
55:30 Content Creation: Merging Passion with Purpose
57:22 The Marathon Mindset: Training, Family, and Balance
01:04:18 Future Aspirations: Building a Community Through Running

Follow Us:
IG: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/
YT: youtube.com/@ThePeopleRunPodcast
Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

Follow Don:
IG: instagram.com/runstrongdon/

👉 Subscribe to The People Run Podcast for more real stories from everyday runners, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with a friend who needs some inspiration.

In this episode of the People Run Podcast, Jeff Humphrey shares his incredible journey of losing 200 pounds not once, but twice. He discusses the mental and physical challenges he faced during his transformation, the importance of nutrition and training in ultra running, and the role of community support in achieving personal goals. Jeff emphasizes the significance of patience, consistency, and focusing on non-scale victories in the weight loss journey. He also shares his aspirations for future races and his commitment to inspiring others through his story and coaching.

👉 Subscribe to The People Run Podcast for more real stories from everyday runners, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with a friend who needs some inspiration.

Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: Jeff's First Weight Loss Story
19:25 The Struggle of Regaining Weight and the Path to Recovery
33:10 Embracing Non-Scale Victories
35:24 The Importance of Process Over Outcome
37:41 Reflecting on the Journey
39:11 Facing Challenges in Ultra Running
47:29 The Role of Support in Endurance Events
48:58 Exploring Different Race Formats
53:05 Training and Nutrition for Ultra Running
59:29 Finding Balance in Enjoying Food
01:02:34 Advice for Those Starting Their Journey
01:06:10 Future Goals and Aspirations

Follow Us:
IG: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/
YT: youtube.com/@ThePeopleRunPodcast
Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

Follow Jeff:
IG: instagram.com/_jeffhumphrey/

In this episode of the People Run Podcast, Fitz Mayi talks with Emily, a UK-based runner and mom, about how motherhood reshaped her running. Emily shares how pregnancy and postpartum made her stronger mentally and physically and how becoming a parent gave her new drive to chase personal bests.

We also cover:

• How Emily balances work, running, and family life
• Summer marathon training in the UK
• The role of her running club and community support
• Overcoming comparison and embracing joy in running
• Lessons from racing, recovery, and chasing consistency

Emily’s story is a reminder that running is about growth at every stage of life and that sometimes, the big challenges create the most strength.

👉 Subscribe to The People Run Podcast for more real stories from everyday runners, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with a friend who needs some inspiration.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Emily's Running Journey
02:34 Summer Running Challenges and Heat Training
05:45 London Marathon Experience and Race Strategy
08:35 Postpartum Running and Motivation
11:33 Impact of Motherhood on Running Performance
14:30 Exploring Different Running Terrains
17:30 12-Hour Relay Race Experience
20:19 Future Races and Running Goals
31:05 The Rising Costs of Running Events
31:42 Running Clubs in the UK vs. US
35:24 Training Regimens and Club Dynamics
38:52 Social Running and Community Engagement
42:43 Experiences in Competitive Racing
50:21 The Drive Behind Running
53:27 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights
01:00:30 Until next time

Follow Us:
IG: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/
YT: youtube.com/@ThePeopleRunPodcast
Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

Follow Emily:
IG: instagram.com/running_emz/

What started as an idea has now turned into twenty episodes of stories, lessons, and incredible people.

From elite runners to parents balancing miles and life, I’ve learned something from every guest and this episode is a reflection on that journey.

In this special episode, I share 10 lessons learned through the first 20 episodes of The People Run Podcast, from mindset and training to community and gratitude.

Thank you to everyone who’s watched, listened, or supported the show in any way. Here’s to the next 20 episodes and the stories still to come.

🎙️ The People Run Podcast real stories, everyday runners

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Reflection on the Journey
01:27 Lessons Learned from the First 20 Episodes
02:12 The Importance of Starting and Consistency
05:02 Mental Game and Nutrition in Running
07:51 Training Smart and Ignoring the Noise
10:12 Diversity in Running Experiences and Community
12:10 The Value of People in the Running Journey

Follow:

IG: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/

YT: youtube.com/@ThePeopleRunPodcast

Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

In this episode of The People Run Podcast, Fitz sits down with Mak Foss a Michigan runner chasing big marathon goals while juggling 5 a.m. runs, a full-time job, and building a community through her Society Track Club.
Mak opens up about the nerves that come with racing, how she’s preparing for the Indianapolis Marathon, and why community and connection matter more than pace. From the lessons she’s learned about embracing failure to the joy of running without overthinking heart rate zones, Mak’s story is honest, relatable, and inspiring.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to The People Run Podcast for more inspiring stories from everyday runners chasing big goals.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mack and Her Running Journey
03:32 Balancing Work, Running, and Meal Prep
06:13 Morning Running Routine and Organization
09:13 The Role of Caffeine in Running Performance
12:22 Exploring Alternative Energy Sources for Runners
15:17 Racing Strategies and Heart Rate Management
18:01 Mack's Transition from Bodybuilding to Running
21:06 The Unique Challenges of Marathon Training
24:31 Overcoming Analysis Paralysis in Racing Strategies
27:51 The Importance of Strategic Planning in Races
30:56 Building Consistency and Trust in Training
33:13 Creating a Community Through Track Workouts
39:20 Challenges in Organizing a Running Community
45:56 Fashion and Functionality in Running Gear
52:48 Choosing the Right Running Shoes
55:50 The Importance of Recovery and Training Strategies
59:52 Mental Challenges in Racing
01:02:49 Insights from Recent Races and Future Goals
01:17:31 Excitement for Upcoming Races
01:19:46 The Importance of Support Systems
01:24:21 Track Workouts and Personal Preferences
01:26:59 Recovery Tools and Techniques
01:28:22 Dream Races and Future Goals
01:30:41 Tips for First-Time Boston Qualifiers
01:39:05 Until next time

Follow Us:
IG: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/
YT: youtube.com/@ThePeopleRunPodcast
Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

Follow Man:
IG: instagram.com/runwithmak/
Society Track Club: instagram.com/societytrackclub/

At just 26 years old, Ant DiAndrea has already completed 19+ ultras, including several 100 milers, and raised over $10,500 for orphans and inner city kids. But his story runs much deeper.

At age 10, Ant’s life was forever changed by tragedy. Instead of letting it define him, he chose to rebuild with purpose leaning on running, faith, and community. From the 48 hour “Dreadmill” challenge, to crewing with his wife at every race, to climbing stairs for 24 hours to support cancer patients in Philly, Ant embodies resilience, grit, and giving back, as he would put it the Philly way.

This is a powerful reminder that running is about more than finish lines it’s about the people, the purpose, and the impact we leave behind.

👉 Subscribe to The People Run Podcast for more real stories from everyday runners, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with a friend who needs some inspiration.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ant DiAndrea
02:07 The 48-Hour Treadmill Challenge
05:24 Nutrition and Challenges During the Challenge
10:28 Motivation Behind the Fundraising
11:43 Ant's Personal Story and Background
15:10 The Philly Spirit and Community Involvement
18:49 Turning Adversity into Motivation
23:12 The Power of Reading and Personal Development
27:42 The Journey into Running and Ultras
29:46 Journey into Ultra Running
32:50 The Shift to Endurance Training
35:37 Nutrition and Weight Management
38:33 Strength Training and Coaching Philosophy
50:00 Coaching Principles and Recovery Strategies
55:45 Learning Through Experience
57:03 Blending Old and New Training Techniques
58:38 Lessons Learned from Ultra Running
01:03:49 The Importance of Support Systems
01:07:16 The Role of Family in Endurance Sports
01:15:10 Future Races and Goals

Follow:

IG: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/

YT: youtube.com/@ThePeopleRunPodcast

Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

Ant DiAndrea:

Follow:

IG: instagram.com/ant_diandrea/

48 Hrs Dreadmill YT: youtube.com/watch?v=ljy8RkMaMxM

Support Ant’s fundraising here: https://secure.legacydonations.life/np/publicaccess/fundraisingShortcuts.do?name=DiAndreaPHL24&

In this episode of The People Run Podcast, I sit down with Sota Maehara runner, coach, and YouTube creator known for breaking down training science into simple, actionable lessons for everyday runners.

Sota shares his journey from Japan to Australia, how he ramped up his training during COVID, and the lessons that shaped his running career.

We dive into:

• ✅ The benefits of tempo runs vs. cruise intervals
• ✅ Smart long run strategies and common mistakes to avoid
• ✅ How nutrition, sleep, and recovery impact performance
• ✅ His coaching philosophy and why communication matters
• ✅ Balancing life, running, and content creation on YouTube

If you’ve ever wondered how to train smarter, avoid injuries, and build long term fitness, this episode is packed with insights you can use today.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sota Maehara
02:39 Sota's Running Journey: From Japan to Australia
05:36 Early Running Experiences and Discovering Endurance
09:48 The Shift to Trail Running and Its Appeal
11:45 Influences and Inspirations in Running
13:28 The Role of Exercise Science in Running
15:35 Coaching Philosophy and Individualized Training
19:29 Tempo Runs vs. Cruise Intervals: A Deep Dive
25:53 Long Run Strategies for Different Distances
29:19 Training for Ultras: Balancing Fun and Performance
34:19 Long Run Strategies and Coaching Insights
37:52 Common Mistakes in Training
41:42 The Importance of Recovery and Nutrition
46:02 YouTube Journey and Its Impact on Running
48:27 Self-Coaching and Training Preferences
52:49 Foot Strengthening and Shoe Rotation
56:47 Balancing Life, Running, and Content Creation
58:47 Hobbies and Interests Beyond Running
59:58 Family and Friends' Perception of Running Life
01:01:06 Future Goals in Running and Content Creation

Follow:

IG: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/

YT: youtube.com/@ThePeopleRunPodcast

Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

Check out Sota’s YouTube channel here:

YT: youtube.com/@SotaMaehara

IG: instagram.com/sotamaehara