Send us a text

In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the unspoken (and sometimes ignored) rules of trail running. From yielding to uphill runners and bikers, to respecting horses, hikers, and even wildlife, we unpack what it means to be a good steward of the trails.

We also share stories of surprising encounters, muddy mistakes, headphone mishaps, and why respecting closures is so important for preserving the spaces we love. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or just hitting the dirt for the first time, these trail etiquette tips will help you stay safe, show respect, and keep the running community strong.

👉 Topics we cover:

Yielding: who goes first (uphill runners, hikers, equestrian, bikers)

Passing safely and avoiding surprises on singletrack

Headphone and dog etiquette on the trails

Protecting trails from erosion and respecting closures

Practicing Leave No Trace and giving back to the trail community

📢 Share in the comments: What trail etiquette rules drive you crazy—or which ones do you wish more people followed?

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support the show. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Spotify, and Patreon to keep the conversation going.

Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of I Don’t Know Running, Lewis and Mitch sit down with Nick, who’s about to tackle his very first full Ironman after starting from ZERO just a year ago, and Susan, a legendary triathlete with over 130 full-distance races under her belt (and 400+ triathlons total!).

We talk training highs and lows, race-day nerves, unexpected challenges, and why the “witching hour” at the finish line is pure magic. Susan shares wild and hilarious stories from two decades of racing (including racing in heels!) and Nick reveals how he went from a 5K runner to preparing for 140.6 miles.

Whether you’re a triathlon veteran, a first-timer, or just love inspiring endurance stories, this episode is packed with laughs, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome & Guest Introductions
6:12 – Susan’s Journey to 130 Ironmans
16:47 – Nick’s First Year of Triathlon Training
29:03 – Race-Day Nerves & Unknowns
41:55 – The Magic of the Witching Hour Finish
55:20 – Nutrition Wins & Fails
1:10:00 – Goals Beyond Sunday’s Race

👍 Subscribe for more running & triathlon stories!

Support the show

Send us a text

Would you pop a blister mid-race? Drain a hematoma on the trail? Peel off a black toenail just to keep moving? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we dive into the wild (and sometimes gross) things ultrarunners do to get to the finish line.

We’re talking toenails, vomiting stories, hallucinations, dehydration struggles, and the fine line between being a badass and being reckless. Plus, we throw in a little Michigan accent lesson and a reminder that safety always comes first (even when you're tempted by the communal M&M bowl at an aid station).

🎧 Tune in, laugh with us, and let us know in the comments: What’s the dumbest thing YOU’VE done to finish a race?

👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe, and Happy Running!

#Ultrarunning #TrailRunning #RunningFails #BlackToenails #IDontKnowRunningPodcast

Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR

Support the show