Today's pod guest is Nicole Spencer. Nicole is the executive director of Heroes in Transition, an organization that provides assistance for veterans, service members, and their families. Every year the organization puts together a run called Ruck4HIT, a team-based 200-mile ruck relay that goes through all 15 towns on Cape Cod. We chat with Nicole about the history of the organization, what the ruck symbolizes, and what inspires her while she's out on those long nighttime runs with a 20-pound ruck sack.

To find out more about Heroes In Transition, the Ruck4HIT, and to contribute to their mission, visit their website: https://heroesintransition.org/

Or follow them on Instagram: @heroesintransition

Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com

Our guests on today's pod are Gaby Arvizu and Robert Kessel. If you've ever run or spectated the Los Angeles Marathon, you've undoubtedly seen the thousands of young students in matching shirts taking part in the race. Those students are all getting the opportunity to run thanks to Students Run LA, a charity organization that connects students with teachers and mentors to help them train for, and finish the LA Marathon. Gaby is the President and CEO of SRLA and Robert sits on its board. We talk to them about the history of the organization, its role in the community, and how students continue to inspire them year after year.

To find out more about Students Run LA and contribute to their mission, visit their website: https://www.srla.org

Or follow them on Instagram: @SRLA

Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com

Chris and Mark catch up after some time away from the pod. Chris takes us through his 2023 LA Marathon experience and Mark covers his Canyons 100k experience in Auburn, California.

Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com

Our guest is Rudy Espinoza. Rudy is the Executive Director for Inclusive Action For the City - a Boyle Heights-based non-profit organization that helps local businesses and entrepreneurs by connecting them with capital and resources. We first heard about Rudy and the organization because of their advocacy for street vendors in Los Angeles. Not long after meeting him, we got onto the topic of running. On today's pod, Rudy discusses his journey from an awkward junior high student trying to log 100 miles to an adult that ran with one of the oldest running clubs in LA. He also explains why one of the best places to run in LA is around a cemetery.

To find out more about Inclusive Action for the City, visit their website: https://www.inclusiveaction.org/

Or follow them on Instagram: @inclusivaction

Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com

We're back! And we're proud to bring you an interview with Witt Wisebram. Mark and Chris know Witt from two very different worlds - punk music and thru-hiking. We chat about his previous accomplishments on the AT, PCT, and AZT; what motivates Witt on his long endeavors; and why loop races attract the weirdos of the running world. And no NNR episode would be complete without a mention of Goggins.

Here are some organizations that Witt supports and mentions during the episode:

No More Deaths

Wings of America

Outdoor Afro

To follow along on Witt's journey, you can find him on Instagram: @yung.chattahoochee

To view Witt's FKT attempts: Witt "El Matador" Wisebram on FKT.com

Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com

Mark and Chris thought they could outrun Covid but it finally catches up with them. On today's episode, they commiserate with one another and share advice on how to get their training back on track. They also share suggestions on what to watch while you're sick and recap the Eagle Rock Run Club/NNR Halloween Half Marathon.

Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com

Vasha’s background is difficult to sum up. She’s lived in many places and possesses many skills. Her website describes her as an adventurer, ideator, and visual provocateur. What we know for sure is that she is incredibly knowledgeable about the current state of running and works with many fitness companies. We were so grateful she took the time to chat with us before her trip to run the Berlin Marathon and covered our widest range of topics yet.

To keep up with Vasha, you can go HERE

or follow her @askvash

Our running song dedications:

Hiatus Kaiyote - Molasses

Ennio Morricone - Ecstasy of Gold

Still Going - On and On

Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com

Today's guest is Tamara Jamil. Tamara takes us through her recent finish at the Salomon WMN Trail Half-Marathon; a race that in its own words, "took all of the best parts of community, competition and accessibility (think: free childcare) that a lot of women look for in a race." She also tells us about her previous half-marathon experiences and whether the trails in the bay area had any influence on her decision to pursue a PhD at UC Berkeley.

If you would like to read more about Tamara's work and the research she's doing, you can check out: averyreview.com/issues/52/closing-act

Follow us on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/NNR_ www.nevernotrun.com