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I Don't Know Running

I Don't Know Running

By: Lewis Hayden and Mitch Brouwer
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About this listen

The I Don't Know Running podcast is about how we're all learning to run in some way or another. Whether you're just starting to run a mile or you've ran 100's of marathons and are now in the ultra world, this is for you. We all continue to learn and have something to share. So join us in the discussion and help us make everyone's running experience better. We will talk about our experiences, your experiences, gear, races, and much more.© 2025 I Don't Know Running Hygiene & Healthy Living Running & Jogging
Episodes
  • Running Reimagined: Grasshoppers, Golf Ultras & Cultures Who Run Differently | Episode 181
    Nov 2 2025

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    In this episode, Lewis survives grasshopper season 🌱🦗 and discovers a wild new fitness challenge — combining golf and an ultra run. Yes… someone ran 92 miles and played 810 holes of golf in 24 hours. New life goal? Maybe. 😅

    Meanwhile, Mitch celebrates a BIG win — not running today — and reflects on rebuilding fitness, embracing rest, and hitting his first 5-mile run again. 👏

    Then, we dive into the Running Paradox: how different cultures view running — from spiritual journeys in the Himalayas, to barefoot ultrarunners in Mexico, to elite Kenyan and Ethiopian communities, and the disciplined relay traditions in Japan. How does our Western, tech-heavy running culture compare?

    Topics in this Episode
    🏃‍♂️ Mitch’s comeback + rest day success
    🦗 Lewis vs. grasshopper season
    ⛳ Ultra-golf challenge (92 miles + 810 holes!)
    🌍 Exploring global running cultures
    🧠 Running as lifestyle vs hobby
    🎧 What would runners from other cultures think of our GPS watches, headphones & Strava obsession?

    Challenge for listeners:
    Try running without your watch or headphones this week — and tell us how it went! 👇

    👍 Support the Show
    Like, subscribe & share with a running friend
    Join us on Patreon to keep the podcast growing!

    👇 Comment of the Week

    Why do you run? Community? Fitness? Adventure? Therapy? Let us know!

    🎙️ Thanks for listening to the I Don’t Know Running Podcast — where we share what we love about running… and all the things we still don’t know.
    Happy running! 🏃‍♀️💨

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

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    38 mins
  • CFC 100K Recap: 50 Miles, 11k’ Vert, and the Mental Game I Lost (and Learned From) | Episode 180
    Oct 26 2025

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    We went all-in on the California Fall Classic 100K—remote aid, relentless climbing, and a day that turned into a masterclass in ultra mindset. Lewis ran ~50 miles (≈11,000 ft gain) before pulling the plug at Warm Springs, and this episode is the honest debrief: what went right, what tanked, and how to fix it next time.

    What’s inside

    Course reality check: almost no flat; it’s either up or down

    Crew logistics: easy to crew, minimal cell service, simple station access

    The hard middle: Lone Rock ↔︎ Falcon’s Nest is where times (and spirits) go to die

    Nutrition lessons: when nausea hits, salt + broth first; stop sipping only water

    Training gap: enough miles for distance, not enough quad conditioning for descents

    Mindset tools: how to avoid talking yourself into quitting when you still have time

    Would we go back? Yes—100% recommend (with eyes wide open)

    Key takeaways for ultrarunners

    Start electrolytes early; salt tabs + broth can flip the script

    Be radically honest with your crew so they can problem-solve for you

    Train the downs (controlled descents, weighted hill repeats)

    When the “quit voice” gets loud, sit, reset, fuel, and reassess, not DNF

    Finishing is a valid goal—protect it

    Shout-outs

    Healdsburg Running Company (great stop pre-race)

    Aid station crews who wouldn’t let “quit” be easy

    The legend Gordy sighting 👀

    If you’re eyeing CFC, expect steep, exposed climbs, remote vibes, and beauty for days. We’ll cut a short race film from the crew cam footage soon.

    👇 Tell us in the comments: What’s your go-to fix when the wheels come off—broth, salt, coke, or a sit-and-reset?


    🎧 Listen everywhere: “I Don’t Know Running” Podcast
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    ▶️ Subscribe for weekly episodes, race recaps, and gear talk

    #hashtags
    #IDontKnowRunning #UltraRunning #100K #CaliforniaFallClassic #DNFtoDNFNT #TrailRunning #EnduranceMindset #RunningPodcast #CrewLife #PrecisionFuel
    Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IDKR

    Support the show

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    46 mins
  • Trail Running: Escaping Urban Overload - Finding Peace Beyond the Pavement | IDKR Episode 179
    Oct 19 2025

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    This week on the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch are soaking in race week vibes — the California Fall Classic 100K is here, and Lewis hopes he’s celebrating a finish by the time you hear this one!

    Between healthy-eating jokes, beet salad debates, and a surprise virtual 100-miler signup attempt 🤣, the guys dive into something we all need more of: getting off the pavement and finding peace on the trails.

    Join them as they unpack:
    🌲 Why trail running (and time in nature) is proven to lower stress and boost mental health
    🏙️ How city life quietly drains us — and what to do about it
    👣 Real stories from the trail — including close encounters with deer, snow runs, and mental resets
    📱 The surprising impact of blue light and screen time on sleep and recovery

    Whether you’re training for your next ultra, stuck in the city grind, or just need a reason to get outside — this episode will remind you why the trails call us back again and again.

    🎧 Listen, laugh, and maybe even challenge yourself to a screen-free night before bed.

    👉 Subscribe, like, and share this episode to help other runners find peace beyond the pavement.
    📍 Follow the California Fall Classic 100K tracking/results here: https://www.ultralive.net/cfc100k#tracking/info

    #IDontKnowRunningPodcast #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #CaliforniaFallClassic100K #MentalHealth #NatureTherapy #RunningPodcast #GetOutside

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

    Support the show

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    39 mins
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