Rust Belt Running

Well this is new. New member of the team, Coach Matt Martin, joins Andrew to talk about recovering from race day. How long should you take? What should you look for when you come back? There's a bunch to unpack, and Matt's first episode packs a punch and gives us a ton of off-season information.

This week the boys really go off on people who can use turn lanes effectively. Seriously guys, it's not that hard. Andrew sets a new personal best in the half by shocking the world and showing up to Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. Also... we welcome a new coach to the team. The man, the myth the legend M......

Sometimes we don't get the results we trained for. It can be a difficult prospect facing that, feeling like you wasted weeks and months, but there is a healthier approach. This week we discuss this after Andrew's performance at the Glass City Half Marathon.

What else is there to say about this one? We recap the festivities of our trip to Boston for the Marathon.

This is a banner episode, our last without a Boston Marathoner. This week Adam let’s us in on his training, and what he expects from himself on the journey from Hopkington to Boston. We also take some time to predict the professional podiums.

After covid derailed her bid at finishing six stars in 2020, Erica Gennaro finally got there in March. With completing London in 2022 and then Tokyo in 2023 Erica achieved those elusive stars to complete the Abott World Marathon Majors. We've been there on much of her journey, and we are so glad she shared her experience with us.

This week the boys cover a range of topics. They recap their fun night out on St Patrick's day, where they may have done Irish car bombs. Andrew gets real hot on people running while they're sick. And then we discuss baseball. It is really awesome that the boys predicted based on the previous playoff format and not the current 3 wild card team format, but whatever. We get to see Shohei Ohtani on the 16th of April.

With Adam traveling for Boston, the boys dig back on some of their experience with traveling for other races. They give some of their advice with dealing with a new city, strangers, and groups of people during a race weekend. Staying focused on your race, yet enjoying the city you are in. Traveling for races is meant for making memories in a cool city, not just on race day.

This week the boys take some time to sit down and check in on each other. Boston is closing in, so it's time to see how Adam's training is going. Andrew talks about working through a bit of a wall and bummer running week he had, and how he bounced back.

This week the boys talk about how they have learned to run easy runs... well... easy! Incorporating easy runs into your training is essential to hitting big goals. But it isn't always as easy as it sounds. We got some advice for that. Also, we go through the benefits of learning this craft.

This week the boys sit down to discuss dress rehearsal long runs. How do we approach mimicking race day, and why is it important? Then they totally dovetailed, unintentionally, into a long discussion on various nutrition needs. This episode is packed with great information for the finals weeks and months leading to spring goal races.

This week, we sit down with Mark Freeman to discuss the Ideal Time Inventory. This is a practice that goes beyond scheduling, and allows you to see where you may be devoting more time than you should be. Finding time for running and working out can be difficult. Making time for family and friends and rest can be difficult. This exercise with Mark is so simple and eye opening, and he's just an awesome dude to talk to for an hour.

January is over, and before we know it our spring races will be upon us. This week we sit down and take some time to go over the first month of the year. Coaching has been awesome. Training has been great! Andrew's health... surprise surprise.

This week the boys sit down and talk about one of their favorite activities... SLEEP! It is one of the keys for solid training with any RBR athlete, and we offer some advice, science, and where to bend the rules on getting good sleep.

This week we sit down with the Race Director from the Glass City Marathon in Toledo, Ohio, Clint McCormick. Clint takes us through the journey of racing in the 90s, taking a head position for "the Club" and GCM, and then guiding a race through a pandemic. Glass City was one of the first bigger events to take place in 2021, and they pulled it off when other races were moving to the fall. Clint also has helped the race become the Road Runners Club of America Marathon National Championship for 2023. 

This week we sit with Courtney Ruggaber of Project Outrun and Kindness Runs the World. This is some truly awesome stuff, as Courtney talks about the vision to turn children's patients into athletes through flashy awesome shoes. Audacious goals and awesome causes make this an episode worthy of your time and ears.

It's a New Year with a blank slate ready for you to scribble all your hopes, dreams, and aspirations on. But are the goals to big? Are you trying to skip steps? Are you setting yourself up for success or disappointment? Why is the description of this episode all questions? Listen now, to get some answers to your goal setting questions.

This was a banner year for Rust Belt Running. Both of us set massive PRs. One of us secured a spot at Boston. We started a business. We are looking forward. And we are looking forward to you joining us!

With the holidays upon us, we are all thinking about the gifts we want. There's a lot of tech products out there geared towards runners, but what do they actually do? The boys dig in to the good, bad, and ugly of all the data that is available to runners these days.

After some time off, the boys are back and weirder than ever. They tried to start a series on the offseason, but between Adam explaining the absolute shit-show that Twitter has become (yes, more so than usual) and Andrew talking using inappropriate hand gestures in family photos, this went off the rails quickly. We'll try to be better next time, but surely this is going to entertain you.

Also - we could not be more clear, this is an explicit episode.

When our podcasts combine, tremendous things happen. We welcome Cris Gutierrez from the Beers and Miles podcast and discuss all things in the running world right now. There were world records, Boston Marathon news, and more. Coming up we have our own races, world majors, and so much more. We discuss it all. Our first little podcast collaboration, and certainly not going to be our last. Enjoy this full episode with Cris.

It's as Ohio a tradition as beating that team up north, and we're talking about bringing our good friend Darris Blackford. As the race director of the Columbus Marathon, Darris brings us a fun perspective of what it's like to be the leader of one of our favorite races. We discuss the look of the race in the perspective of the pandemic, and Darris finally gives Andrew a way to bring the Horseshoe back to the race course.

The first of an undetermined amount of episodes, the boys sit down to begin discussing the most recent book from Steve Magness. Do Hard Things goes into the science behind mental toughness, and how the approach from the old school isn't necessarily the most effective. They take the approach of the book and apply it to their own running and their coaching.

Could it be? Is it? Are they? YES!!! They're back! The boys, minus two tonsils, are back on the mic bringing running to your speakers or ear buds! It's been quite the summer, and there's more left to enjoy.

It's been one month since we started coaching athletes to meet their goals in running. We are shocked how much we have learned in such a short period of time. Since we have fewer athletes right now, we are getting to see the quirks in run coaching, but we have developed ways to be as accessible as possible. Being the most accessible and approachable coaches in the business is our goal, and that is definitely something we are figuring out.

Be sure to go to the link in our bio to read up more on Team Rust Belt Running and sign up to be one of our charter athletes.

This week we sat to talk with long time listener, and all around badass, Matt Martin. Matt's running journey isn't as long as many of us, but it has been ridiculously impressive. Don't call him an Akron Legend though, he doesn't think he is (if he's not, he's on his way).

Some of us are more deliberate with our goals, maybe even scared to make our goals too audacious. Not Matt! He thrives on setting lofty goals and smashing them.

We gave Matt the floor and the entire episode, which isn't typical for us. It's worth listening to a guy who has been going crazy on streets, and the Towpath, for four years.

I hope you enjoy this time with Matt, and maybe set your goal a little higher as to not be scared of it. Put in the work, and crazy shit can happen.

This week, the boys discuss Andrew's lit weekend. Champagne, race spectating and pacing, and friends. The Women's 6k Championship in Canton was worthy of much discussion, as we welcomed the American Women's Marathon Record Holder Keira D'Amato to the streets. The surprise of Aliphine Tuliamuk took everyone by surprise as well. 

Our advice - Drink mimosas when you spectate races.... then go run miles at a different race (not actually recommended).

The real excitement in this episode is the launching of Team Rust Belt Running. Adam and Andrew have worked tirelessly to launch their own run coaching business. Aimed at bringing individuals success in their running journeys, the boys talk about what it took to get to this point and how they can help you in your journey.

Check out RustBeltRunning.com to learn more or apply!

Enjoy your miles!

With a TON to discuss, the boys leave no stone unturned in talking about their weekend at the Pittsburgh Marathon. To all who sent well wishes and congratulations, we thank you! Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to sharing many more race adventures with you.

...and we are back. With the Pittsburgh Marathon around the corner, the boys preview Adam's goal race. With a spectacular elite field, there was plenty to discuss with this weekend's coming festivities. Before getting into this preview, the boys look back on the Boston Marathon's return to Patriot's Day.

This week the boys sit with Tina Oprean-Ryee. She's the coach of the Malone University Cross-Country and Track teams, and also the Race Director of the USATF Women's 6k road race national championship. She spends time discussing both of these with us.

This week the boys sit with Dean Freitag. Dean takes us on the journey from cross-country runner to national championship race walker.

Before our discussion with Dean, the boys discuss the Deshaun Watson trade to the Browns, and some of the very difficult conversations and feelings many are dealing with.

This week we sit with long time listener Deron Boyd. Deron takes on the road from 5k to (almost) 100 miles. The training for nutrition, the problem of chafing (sever chafing 🤢). We also discuss the "off-season" for runners, and how Deron is approaching his current downtime.

It's been a while since we just flew by the seat of our pants. But on the heels of the Super Bowl and that epic halftime show, we also had to discuss the wonders of Hudson Ice Fishing, Olympic Doping, and Andrew's unemployment "beard".

What a great time to bring on long time listener Patrick Leber. Patrick takes us through his decades of running consistency, and how he wrote about it. Since self-publishing his own book, he has become a board member of his local running club, and broke 2 hours in the half as an........ older gentlemen.

Patrick also lets us in to how he introduced his wife to Rust Belt Running... It was a lock from the moment she first listened.

This week we get to sit down with Mark Remy of DumbRunner.com. He takes us on a trip from a small town in southern Ohio to Portland, Oregon, and from Runner's World to his own satirical running website. Of course that is the journey he plotted out when he graduated from Ohio University. Mark also let's us in on what goes in to writing running satire, and how this idea even started. 

This week the boys discuss developing the "Penultimate Goals" we all have in running. Finding the path to them, or even the finish, can be a difficult thing to do. Achieving them is even more difficult. Stalk your prey, and hunt smartly.

Time to kick off the New Year! Join us this week as we look towards the future, with a lot of hope for 2022. There is hope, not just in running, but in our world, even if it seems bleak right now.

This week the boys take a look at what it means to be in the Off-Season of training. From strength training, to easy miles, to enjoying time off and R&R, December is a time to take a step back. Enjoy your family and some rest. Maintain some fitness, but recover physically and mentally.

The boys take a week off of discussing running to discuss their real passion, hating Michigan. Reliving favorite moments, hoping for new moments, and making predictions, this week is all about the Buckeyes.

Putting on a race in a non-pandemic year is tough. Cancelling a race even tougher. Putting on a race the year after, while still going through the pandemic? We'll let Columbus Marathon Race Director Darris Blackford answer that for you...

This week the boys sit down with Austin Miller. Austin takes us on the trails of the Burning River 100 mile race, and the journey that started in an ambulance just minutes after the finish. From depths of doubt and confusion, to huge steps in recovery, Austin shares his story.

This week the boys recap the Cleveland Marathon. While Andrew was the one racing, they both have thoughts on the race, and the direction it is heading. Cleveland is a special city, and these dudes want the best race it can offer.

This week is the first of three race recaps coming. Andrew finally got to take part in a big city road race again, and Adam regrets missing out and oversleeping his alarm to spectate.

This week the boys discuss different kinds of uncertainty. As Adam battles injury the week of his race he’s trained for, and Andrew looks beyond training to run faster, there are different kinds of questions we ask ourselves as runners. The answers are never easy to find, or concrete.

This week the boys talk separately about feelings. Having feelings is important. Processing feelings is important. Hiding feelings and ignoring them can be a detriment both physically and mentally.

We brought back an old friend! Thomas Costello joins us this week to talk about RUNNING! It took raising money for an amazing organization, Cris Community Connectors, to do it. But he's back! This organization is amazing, helping refugees, and is worthy of a listen and a donation.

And we're back! Bringing some truth, tips, and honesty to goal setting. Races are coming up. Are you goals too audacious? Are they not audacious enough? We talk all things goals and helping to set you up for success on race day.

This week we harken back to our original slogan. We talk some running, and the importance and new messaging around "easy and rest". We also take a little peak into a *PLEASE GOD LET IT BE* normal Ohio State Football season.

This week we go a little beyond 26.2... almost double in fact. We sit down our old friend Sara to discuss what running the back half 50 miles of Burning River is like... in the fog, dark, and rain.

After a week off, the boys come back to talk about the past two weeks of the Olympics. There were some awesome results, stories, and some lessons to absolutely be learned from the athletes of these games.

This week the boys talk about taking a step back when it's needed. What better time to do that than with the Olympics! Before they re-hash the amazing 2008 Olympics, the boys discuss some events they are looking forward to, and results they never knew existed.

After the amazing event that is the Women's 6k Championship in Canton, Ohio, the boys sit down with Race Director Tina Oprean. Tina is not only an amazing director for an event aimed at empowering women, she is also a hilarious Cross Country and Distance coach at Malone University. She doesn't know how many laps are in the 10k.

This week Andrew opens up about his 17 year struggle and battle with smoking cigarettes. As a co-host of a running podcast, the anxiety to speak about this struggle and the journey to kick the habit is very real. The anxiety is real, but so is the victory.

This week the boys take some time to talk about some impactful women in running. Mary Cain and Allyson Felix headline the list, as they have their difficult pasts to enact change in their corners of the world. It is possible to be change in your world, no matter who you are up against. They also take some time to talk about their recovery, and a little medical treatment, from the past few weeks.

This week, the boys fly solo. There is a lot in the world to talk about as we begin to get back to training. Competitive ultra marathons, Olympic Trials, and local 5ks. The boys really dig into all of these this week.

This week the boys start off with an unintended block of talking about TV. They finally move on to talk about recent, or upcoming, races before moving on to discuss the recent steroid story in running, Shelby Houlihan.

It's a fun anniversary, five years since the Cavs brought a championship to Cleveland. This is an appropriate time to take our talents to our other love, sports. An unforgettable series, and one unforgettable night. The boys offer their thoughts on that historic series.

This week Adam goes it alone and uses previous soccer coaching to talk about the mindset of training. Being prepared for obstacles, and embracing victories and defeats is key to that strong mindset.

This week the boys discuss Global Running Day and begin discussing the 10 pillars of race training (listen for the name... Andrew is proud). The groundwork is being laid for summer training for fall races, and we couldn't be more excited!

For the first time in a long time, the boys are in sync when it comes to running. They discuss that, long term goals, a year without running, and shoutout our friends at PLX Running Club for having a really badass idea.

This week we take some time to talk with Brian Polen about a lot. Running across Ohio, short shorts, and the Shawshank Hustle. It was truly inspiring to listen to Brian talk about running Ohio (backwards), and how he used 2020 as an opportunity to help people.

This week the boys look back on last week's episode with Mark Freeman, and discuss laying a foundation of strong mental fitness. A lot of people are starting anew in their running journeys, and approaching running with healthy mental habits is just as important as the physical ones.

Turning to the next century of episodes, we vow to talk more running than the past year.  What better way to start that off than with a running coach? Rachel Laymon of Run Well Be Well joins us this week. Adam is excited to ask running questions again, and Andrew tries to dig up dirt on an old friend who has hired Rachel. Also... RUNNING!

After a year of being vocal in support of the black community and Black Lives Matter movement, Adam and Andrew found it important to speak about the guilty verdict for murderer Derek Chauvin today.

We did it. We made it. Episode 100. As we try to continue to push towards more normalcy, and actually being a running podcast again, we celebrate this milestone with our old friend and producer Thomas Costello. What a joy it was to have him on the mic again for Adam. Thank you all so much for listening, and here's to many more miles and episodes in the future!

This week the boys look back on 99 episodes. They talk about what this podcast has meant to them, particularly in the last year. They each also talk about returning to training, albeit at two different stages. Good things are coming for all of us.

This week the boys circle back with Andrew’s sis-in-law Kelly. We talk the vaccine, working in healthcare during this pandemic, and Andrew always being ready with a frozen pizza. Also talking the importance of having a tribe and how it’s ok to not be ok in these times.

This week the boys talk with Cleveland Marathon Ambassador Stephani Itibrout. The journey of a teaching, vaccination, and running through a pandemic has been trying for her, but the lessons learned have been impactful, and Stephani shares that journey. Also, Andrew makes a joke about "hot flashes", and Adam sends a picture to Andrew that makes him laugh so hard he has to turn off video.

This week the boys sit down with friend Leah Backo.  We discuss how Texas was a shit show, animal shelters during covid, and recovering from covid.  We also had a surprise guest make an appearance.

This week the boys sit down with the girls, Erica and Heather, and discuss the past year, and the future year(s).  Heather really drops some words, while Erica's dog makes yet another audible appearance.  Andrew also takes some time to thank everyone for the kind words, vibes, prayers, and wishes for his dad.  Thank you all!

As we begin to countdown our final 10 episodes before we hit the century mark, we are going to be circling back with some guests we had the chance to talk to last year.  It's you guys, the listeners.  This week we talk with Andrea, and she let's us into the closet of a mother of three, and how hilariously inappropriate it can be.  Also, how she uses running to escape the hilarity.

This week the boys really take a look at what running looks like in 2021. Some of it is how to plan, but this year is different. With the wounds of 2020 still very open, how can you cope and work through some of the doubt and letdown from last year? It’s OK to struggle, and it’s safe to be open about it. Although hope is on the horizon, this year is still very much in flux.

Welp... this episode earned its name.  From Buckeye and Browns football, to insurrections, to hacked wireless chastity cages (I'm serious), to running, the boys really ran the gamut this week.

The boys kick off the New Year talking strictly sports.  Ohio sports.  More specifically, Ohio playoff sports.  Ohio State waxed Clemson.  The Browns are in the playoffs for the first time in nearly 20 years.  Ohio Against the World.  LFG!

This week, the boys take the time to sit with Politico's own @adamwren.  After a crazy election season, Adam let's us know how crazy things have been, what it's like to get back to running, and how to embarrass yourself on MSNBC.

This week the boys discuss the heartbreak of having the Ohio State/Xichigan game cancelled.  They also talk about how much fun it is to have the Browns not be a complete dumpster fire, and appear poised for playoffs.  What a time to be alive.

It's Thanksgiving! And this week the boys talk about the things they are grateful for this crazy year.  It's a year of pain and sorrow, but also diagnosis and resolution.  We're so close, but with a long way to go.

This week, the boys sit down with know Cleveland Twitter personality Chris McNeil (Reflog_18).  Not many know Chris has run a few marathons, so we talk to him (briefly) about this, before going off on many tangents.  We talk golf, the Mueller Report, and parades.

This week the boys discuss their thoughts on the election.  While we are a running podcast, in the absence of much running to talk about, our political leanings and passion have clearly been on display.  With "ALL THE NETWORKS" declaring the race for Joe Biden, Adam and Andrew talk about things they are proud to have seen over the past weeks, and how messaging is important when it comes to politics.  We do talk some running too....

This week the boys discuss a bunch of more random running topics.  It's a potpourri really. From running a marathon around a children's hospital, to DesTober, to why Adam is not going to be in a place mentally at all to record an episode next week after the election.

Social media is an amazing thing.  It has led to awesome friendships and keeps people connected.  But it is also insanely toxic, and this week the boys talk about how toxic it has been in the running community through this pandemic and election cycle.

This week's episode was... well... something.  Andrew's frustration from baseball playoffs really took this one off the rails.  The boys also talk some of their favorite things about race week, as this week would have been the Columbus Marathon.

This week the boys finally talk some racing.  Recapping the London Marathon, and Jared Ward accomplishing his ultimate goal.  They also talk running for 48 hours, and Adam rubs it into Andrew that his football team is better, for once.

This week the boys talk about the effects of the pandemic on College Sports, specifically the Olympic Sports.  Many programs being cancelled under the guise of finances and Title IX deserves a discussion.  Also, Breonna Taylor deserves justice!

This week the boys discuss finding motivation without the end goal of races in the immediate future.  Adam also thinks Parks and Rec is better than The Office, which is clearly wrong.

As much as the boys don't want it to, summer is coming to an end. They discuss what this means to them in a running sense, but also in the world of coronavirus. Adam and Andrew also discuss the latest issues surrounding social justice, as our world still has a long way to go.

This week the boys talk about planning the rebuild.  What can we do to make ourselves the best for 2021, and what might next year actually even look like?  There is also a little extra at the end, so don't this episode off too quickly.

This week the boys take time out of talking running, to discuss the impact of cancelled Big Ten sports in their lives.  There is a lot to unpack with the decision to postpone, and likely cancel, sports.  And these two dudes get heavy... and even a little angry.

This week the boys sit down to talk with Katie Biro about the usual things.  You know, the pandemic, running, giving kidney's to your dad.  The usual stuff.  Technical difficulties galore in this one.

This week Andrew and Adam discuss starting over in running.  Seeing this pandemic as an opportunity to tear down our running house, with a clean slate, and a stronger foundation and more structurally sound house and body for future trainings.

There's been a lot of heartbreak the last few months.  Vacations and races cancelled, inconsistent work and paychecks. An exhaustion in the apathy of our communities.  Adam and Andrew get a little dark and deep this week, but with some hope sprinkled throughout.

This week the boys go solo, talking about summer running.  Adam gives all kinds of safety tips for running over the summer, staying safe in the heat.  Andrew really just talks about how glad he is this pandemic happened in better weather than the winter.

This week the boys discuss different athletic organizations, and how they have responded to the ongoing social issues of systemic racism in the country.  They discuss the importance of "knowing what you don't know".  Go read a book.

After a week off to keep the eyes on the Black Lives Matter movement, Adam and Andrew return.  We make it clear, we are a running podcast.  But when it comes to societal issues that we see drastic change is needed, we will speak to it, and use our platform to try and communicate our message.  This one is for Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, and the countless other names of black people who have died in police custody unjustly.

After a week off, the boys take some time to read some of the great memories you listeners shared from your favorite races.  This was a chance to try and talk positively about running, and the memories we all can't wait to create again.  We can't wait to see you at a finish line again some day.

As we continue to go down the road of Covid-19, this week we brought in Columbus Marathon Race Director Darris Blackford to let us in to the thoughts behind fall race planning amidst this uncertainty.  We also find out how constructive each and every comment is that Darris receives (and reads) about the race each year.  Some major changes to the start line playlist in the future?

We bring Leah Backo back for the second time in as many months to talk her positive Covid-19 Antibody test, and what running has looked like during recovery from the virus.  She also discusses what it's been like to lose her mom during this pandemic. We offer our thoughts to her and her family through this, and hope they can wrap arms around one another soon!

Well, this was supposed to be another edition of the "Staying Sane" series, but thanks to Sara being one of the craziest guests we've had, it turned into a full episode.  Hey, we aren't complaining!  This may be the silliest and most fun 45 minutes we've had here at Rust Belt Running!

We bring back an old friend of the pod, Steph Lesco Teppner, to discuss her work in public health during this crazy time.  Of course, no time with Steph would be complete without talking about beer and running, no matter how wrong her third favorite Ohio beer is.

Oh boy - we talk with Andrew's boy this time.  They take a break from 1st grade homeschooling, and talk to Hayes about his quarantine so far.  This is truly a can't miss podcast.

As we continue our quarantine series, Staying Sane, Andrew takes some time to talk with his Sis-in-Law Kelly Hettinger.  They discuss Kelly's famous item from Bonefish Grill, the process of getting home from work in healthcare throughout this pandemic, and Kelly gives a different answer than everyone else to the question "What are you most looking forward to when this is all over?"

This week we bring on the author of "You Are Not a Rock" Mark Freeman to discuss the mental toll of issues like this pandemic, and our responses to it.  Mark digs deep into his past to talk about his own struggles with mental health, and how he has battled back to become a teacher, speaker, and coach for mental health battles.  

On this special episode, the Staying Sane series continues as we talk to loyal listener Keegan Gallagher.  We talk about school during quarantine, how running stores are holding it together through this, and just kill some time getting to know one another.  We will get through this together!

We continue our Staying Sane series by taking sometime to chat with friend of the pod Stephani Itibrout.  She finds out shortly after we recorded this that her race is in fact cancelled.  We can't record these fast enough!

A little bored during your quarantine?  We got your back!  Today we take a little time and talk to longtime interactive listener, Andrea Sanchez.  It's good to get social with people, while all this "social distancing" is going on, and that's what we're looking to do with these mini-episodes.

This week we discuss a little what it's like in this world we are living in.  This new normal that we have been blindsided with over the last few weeks.  Rebellious pharmacist Eric Geyer joins us to discuss his side of things, and the boys try to find some positives in this time of fear and uncertainty.

This week, the boys sit on chairs of toilet paper, and talk about the events of the week surrounding this novel coronavirus.  Strong opinions on the data, the need for community support, and how it's effecting running and other sports.  This is a time for serious action, but not a time for panic.  Join the boys as they try and maintain some sense of normalcy during this craziness.

After the Olympic Trials, the boys decide to take their time to talk alone for a little bit.  They discuss the results of the Trials last week, the upcoming extra hour of daylight in the evening, and the dawning of spring (thank God!).  Andrew would like to point out, he was 2 of 6 predicting Olympians from Saturday, while Adam didn't pick a single podium runner.

This week the boys preview this weekends Olympic Trials in Atlanta.  They each pick their top 3 from the men's and women's fields, give some Northeast Ohio connections to Atlanta this weekend, and discuss SHOES AGAIN! They also talk about the Salazar effect for Rupp and Hasay, and CAN WE PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT SHOES!

After discussing the divisive topic of food last week, the boys decide to try and mend fences by discussing politics.  To help in the proceedings, Adam Wren of Politico joins them to discuss life as a runner on the campaign trail with presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg.  Adam shares some awesome stories of following candidates on both sides of the aisle, and how it all relates to running.  We also dive into what it truly means to represent the rust belt and the midwest... DISCOUNTS!

This week, the boys go completely off the rails talking about food.  What was meant to be a basic opener, turned into a rage filled debate about tacos and pizza, as Andrew has an aneurysm live.  Adam is his calm usual self, and it's really annoying. 

This week, the boys take a look at the impact of Kobe Bryant and his unfortunate passing.  The legacy he leaves has parallels in the running community, as Adam and Andrew talk about the bigger than life heroes of our sport. 

This week the boys are on an absolute roll.  From a splendid open, to a flawless close, they speak with Bruce McIntosh of the Justa Runner Podcast.  Bruce takes us on his running journey, talks to the Hall of Fame Marathon in Canton, Ohio.  We even re-hash the best review we've received on Apple Podcast.  Leave us a "friendly" (5 star please) review, and you could be next!

A special episode, as the boys discuss the Ohio State football season, and preview the hate that will certainly be present as the Buckeyes take on That Team Up North this weekend.

With the holiday this week, the boys schedules couldn't quite match up.  This seemed as good a time as any for each to take some Uninterrupted time to themselves, to share what they're thankful for in running.

It was certainly a heavier than usual episode for the boys this week.  Listen as Adam and Andrew discuss the abuse in the Nike Oregon Project towards Mary Cain and others.  They also discuss the importance of how you may address yourself, and discuss your body and training in your own head.  A worthy listen to kick off our second year.

This week, the boys recap the great American performances in the New York City Marathon.  They also go on to discuss so myths that reside in the running community, from stretching before runs, to eating whatever you want (as Andrew constantly eats pizza and drinks beer).  This episode is a very nice length.

In this weeks episode, the boys look back at the last year since the idea for this cast was conceived.  How are they celebrating?  Listen and find out (spoiler, it's a group run in November).  Adam confesses to watching videos of cadaver dissections, just in time for Halloween.  Andrew spends his anniversary podcasting with Adam.  Ground breaking stuff, as always.

This week Andrew and Adam talk about Race Week rituals.  The center of the Ohio Marathon world is on the Columbus Marathon, and these guys talk for way too long about what it means to them, and previewing the race this weekend.  To all participants, stay safe and strong, and enjoy your miles this weekend!

Join Adam and Andrew as they talk about the world of running in October 2019.  Andrew is emotional at the defeat of his Atlanta Braves.  The boys discuss Alberto Salazar, a near World Record, Andrew cries about the Braves, and Nike Vaporflys.  The Braves broke Andrew's heart as they also discuss how/if running can be more effectively marketed.  Andrew is sad.

A little different format this week, as Adam and Andrew take a few minutes uninterrupted to talk about the past week.  Adam talks about his mindset from being left out of the Boston Marathon field by mere seconds for the second straight year, while Andrew talks about running the Akron Marathon, his first full in 2.5 years.

This week Adam and Andrew tackle countless technical difficulties, but show their professionalism, as it barely comes across in the published version.  Adam talks about whether being accepted to Boston will define him as a runner, while Andrew talks of finger-gunning passers by while running. A little dose of realism in how we aren't paid professionals, and we should run as such.

Erica Genarro and Heather McLeod join us for some frosty beers, and a follow up on their fundraising as they chase Six Stars for the World Marathon Majors.  Definitely worth a listen to the end, as we get away from the canned questions, and honestly talk about fundraising.  Adam also struggles to contain his excitement for the Cleveland Browns first Monday Night Football game in years.

After Andrew spends some reflecting on the loss of Cleveland Cavaliers play-by-play voice, Fred McLeod, Adam and Andrew spend some time talking about toughness.  It isn't everything you think.  They discuss how toughness comes in the decisions you make, often in dialing it back, instead of pushing through things that can rob joy.  Also - Soft Voice Adam makes a return to try and calm down all of the antsy Browns fans after Sunday's debacle.

Envious of Adam's beach vacation, Andrew hangs out with Mark Dziak to talk about swimming, and the benefits it can have for runners.  Mark is a (former) competitive swimmer and sub 2:50 marathoner.  Lots of experience, and one cranky child.  

In this weeks episode, Andrew and Adam talk about their recent struggles in running.  How do they deal with the anxiety that can come from the valleys of training?  C'mon, we all have them, even if we don't share them on the internet.

Join Adam and Andrew as they discuss ways to improve running economy.  They do this all while their internet providers could learn a thing or two about the subject.  Pardon the gaffes, lags, and glitches in this show, as we strive to get better - even when it seems difficult.  Sounds a lot like marathon training, doesn't it?  

Recorded before the Fourth of July, and released just after, Adam and Andrew discuss plans for Independence Day.  Included in this is Andrew intermittently ranting about his disdain for residential fireworks.  As far as running goes, the boys discuss the reliance on technology vs. running on feel, and how technology has impacted their running. 

Summer runnin', having a blast.

Summer runnin', runnin' so fast.

In our newest episode we discuss what to watch out for during the summer months of fall marathon prep, dive into some current events involving plogging, discuss the mystery that is the RBR social media disappearance over the past week and there's a whole lot of stumping going on.  

Thank you for listening!

On the Lebron James episode of Rust Belt Running, Adam and Andrew talk about the deep feelings they connect to the sport of running, in honor of Global Running Day. 

They discuss the various events surrounding the great sport's recent holiday addition, they go over current events that highlight the best of the running world, and talk about the show's new logo.  Big thanks to Twitterverse's @DesignGuyEd for the amazing logo!

Thomas did not make the episode due to illness, and oddly enough Andrew sighed a lot less in this episode.  Hmmmmmmm...

Thanks for listening!  BTW, we aren't sponsored by Global Running Day.  We really like running.

If you pledge on GlobalRunningDay.org select team Rust Belt Running!

Episode 22 comes a few days removed from the Cleveland Marathon, and Cleveland Ambassador/half marathon finisher Sara November-Gobbins aka @redheadontherun_2 joins the podcast. 

On the pod, we discuss how we're working through the loss of Taylor Ceepo and its impact on the local running community.

Sara, Andrew, Adam, and Thomas discuss how their races went, and Sara shares about running a scorching hot race while twenty weeks pregnant, her journey to completing a 100 mile race, and running in cotton shorts.

The pod ends with our wishlist for improvements involving race adaptability with unpredictable weather.

Thank you for listening.

In the final Countdown to Cleveland Ambassador Series interview, Andrew and Adam talk with Clevelander, marathon veteran, and TTUN alumni Leah Backo. 

Leah discusses how she became the runner she is today, her passion for helping others (people and animals) and an update on her recent injury concerns leading up to the marathon.

Thank you for listening, and we'll see you in Cleveland!

Rust Belt Running does not hide their affection for the Cleveland Marathon.  We do an even worse job of hiding in episode 21 where the entire episode is focused on the upcoming Cleveland Marathon race weekend.

Before we talk about our expectations for the race, breakdown all associated events, and share awesome tips on making the best of the weekend; we talk about Eliud's new sub-2 attempt, the new world record for running 50 miles, and Andrew and Adam share one sentence responses on Mo Farah and Galen Rupp running the Chicago Marathon.

In Stump the Hosts, Adam and Andrew go head-to-head in a world record themed competition.  The final outcome will leave you on the edge of your seat!!! Ok, not really, but someone does win without the need of a tiebreaker.

If you decide you want to watch this podcast on YouTube, you can see us do some wicked air guitaring.  If you opt only for audio, use your imagination and place an air guitar wherever you see fit.  Just watch your hands and don't hit someone in the cubicle next to you.

Enjoy your miles!

On this episode of Rust Belt Running, we welcome Berlin, Boston, and New York City marathoners Erica Gennaro and Heather MacLeod.  They discuss their history with running, how they met, and how they combined raising money for worthwhile organizations with running in the world marathon events. We talk about the track and field ruling for Caster Semenya, and the awesome story of a Cincinnati runner who's running with someone else's heart. All that and we play a May the 4th Star Wars edition of Stump the Hosts! 

Contrary to what the episode may sound like, we are NOT sponsored by Trip Advisor.

The episode this week is all about "medal moments" aka different memories we have associated with races; sometimes designated with a race medal.  We share our favorite medals, that you won't see because it's an audio podcast, but do explain the stories behind them (which works for your ear holes).

In current events we discuss the recent London Marathon steroid scandal, discuss our thoughts on the believability of those who say they're clean, the Marvel Avengers 3 day marathon, and all the free stuff you get, in London, for completing the marathon.

Andrew facilitates a rousing edition of Stump Adam! with a quiz about metal band names.  Shocking development: Adam does not listen to metal music (sarcasm).

This pod is brought to you by nobody.  We have no sponsors.  We do this pod for you and only you.

Allison Szedlock, aka @midwestmotherrunner, joins Rust Belt Running to talk about her long history with running, running through adversity, and her plans to hide in the plants at the Cleveland Ambassador event.  

The emcee of the Cleveland and Columbus marathons talks with Rust Belt Running about how he got started voicing races, how Ralph Staph compares to the Terminator, and the eclectic sign choices in Andrew's kitchen.

Rust Belt Running welcomes Boston marathoner Scott Long aka The Active Guy!  Scott discusses how he decided his first races would be marathons, and how close he decided to time them.  Scott and Adam also have a “small world” moment in their Running lives.

Rust Belt Running succeeds at surviving a week without Andrew Hettinger.  While Andrew's away, the soccer fans will play.  Adam and Thomas talk about Save the Crew, Cleveland SC, Hell is Real, and mostly about Liverpool FC.

They share their predictions for the end of the CL and PL seasons, discuss the matches against Tottenham and Southampton, and play a word association game.

New Yorker turned Clevelander Melissa Carney joins the pod to talk all things math, double (quadruple?) negatives, but mostly about her life as a runner.  She talks about running whilst pregnant, running whilst not knowing she's pregnant, and how the extra dimensions in a person's height makes all the difference.

The pod also discusses who is fastest (not Andrew) and tallest (not Andrew) of the RBR team.

Rust Belt Running takes a brief sabbatical from being a running podcast to focus on the upcoming (errr already happening) 2019 MLB season!  They share their fiery hot division, wild card, pennant, and WS picks.  In addition, Adam takes on the role of Cleveland Indians PR guy with a velvety smooth calming down of the Cleveland Indians fans with one finger on the lighter hanging over their Lindor jerseys.  

You can't see it in the audio version but Thomas wears a beautiful hat.  Check it out on YouTube to see the beautiful cap.

Rust Belt Running welcomes teacher, marathoner, and ultra-marathoner Stephani Itibrout to the pod.  Stephani talks about how an interaction with a student got her to run a half-marathon and tells all about co-host Andrew Hettingers debauchery.

Rust Belt Running welcomes Stephanie Lesco!  Stephanie is the most hardcore guest that's been on RBR with stories about how she began running, how her 10 year old sons can do just about anything involving athletics, and how she broke her back and was running a half-marathon within 5 months!

Rust Belt Running is honored to have Melissa Chamberlain come on the pod to talk how she began running, her internet moniker, and how she definitely doesn't want her diet pop (or soda) from a fountain and NOT a can.  She's a runner, mom, wife, Cleveland Marathon Ambassador, and much more.

Rust Belt Running is honored to chat with the race director of the Cleveland Marathon: Ralph Staph.  Ralph talks about how the marathon has changed, what's new for 2019, and we learn about the feud between Ralph and co-host Andrew Hettinger.  After the interview we go through delicious current events and Adam and Andrew go head to head in Stump the Hosts!  

Rust Belt Running starts their "Countdown to Cleveland" interview series with discussion with Cleveland Marathon Ambassador Brian Burke.  Brian talks about his love of trail running, the Leadville marathon, and Cleveland Browns football.

This week Adam and Andrew talk about alcohol's impact in their running, and how it can impact running as a whole, Andrew drinks a ton of liquids but amazingly doesn't need a bathroom break, the hosts play the game that's sweeping the nation: Stump the Hosts!, and they talk current events.  

In Rust Belt Running Sports Overtime, they discuss the Cleveland Browns recent acquisitions and expectations for the year.  Stay for the ending because it's the most smooth podcast ending ever recorded.