HR Pod: Joel H. Cohen, Author of “How to Lose a Marathon” + Writer/Producer for The Simpsons

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L-R: Cohen racing the 2013 New York City Marathon; “How to Lose a Marathon” cover.

Joel H. Cohen—writer/producer for The Simpsons, winner of two Emmy Awards and three Writers Guild Awards, author of “How to Lose a Marathon”—joins James Rogers on Hooray Run Podcast. “How to Lose a Marathon” is Cohen’s first book, and it reveals his transformation from an out-of-shape slob to a slightly out-of-shape slob who finished the 2013 New York City Marathon. Self-deprecating humor and museum-worthy stick drawings fill this page-turner, and Cohen calls it a running book he wishes he could have read as a person who knew absolutely nothing about this ambitious pursuit.

Cohen’s writing holds inspiration. He makes it clear that if he can tackle 26.2 miles, then you can. James and Joel cover many topics, including what made the “lazy lump with more chins than trophies” even consider running a marathon, the learning curves involved with training/racing, how Oprah inspired his debut marathon, writing for The Simpsons and if he reads his online book reviews.

“How to Lose a Marathon” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1419724916

If you prefer to listen via SoundCloud:

Hooray Run Podcast on iTunes/Podcasts app on your phone! Also on Stitcher. Tell a friend, recommend, leave a review, SUBSCRIBE—thanks for listening!

HR Pod: Randy Rogers and His Running Streak

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Photo by James Rogers

Randy Rogers checking his log post-run 2014 in Saginaw, Michigan.

Randy Rogers runs at least one mile every day. His running streak began Aug. 13, 1985, and it consists of over 56,000 miles—all logged in detailed journals. On the eve of his streak’s 32nd birthday, Randy sat down with Hooray Run Podcast host/his son, James Rogers. Randy, 56, tells how he’s done it, withstanding sickness/injury and battling uncooperative weather and hectic travel schedules. The conversation covers the enriching aspects of the streak, including memorable settings and the way running connects to faith. James also welcomes his mom, Linda Rogers, to get her perspective on stories and reveal what she’s learned from the streak. Randy is the head coach of men’s basketball at NCAA Division III Concordia University-Chicago.

If you prefer to listen via SoundCloud:

Hooray Run Podcast on iTunes/Podcasts app on your phone! Also on Stitcher. Tell a friend, recommend, leave a review, SUBSCRIBE—thanks for listening!

HR Pod: Erin Herrmann, NCAA D3 Women’s Steeplechase Champion

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Photo by Rachel Bush (via Ohio Wesleyan T&FXC)

Erin Herrmann (No. 10) races in the NCAA Division III women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase final on May 27 in Geneva, Ohio. Erin won the national title with a time of 10:21.08.

Erin Herrmann joins James Rogers in conversation. On May 27, Erin captured the national title in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Geneva, Ohio. She finished runner-up at nationals in 2016—her junior year. Erin wrapped up her Hope College running career with a personal best of 10:13.39 in the steeple on June 10 at the Music City Distance Carnival in Nashville. She has Hope school records in the steeplechase, outdoor 5K, indoor 3K and as the mile leg of the Distance Medley Relay. She is a four-time All-American and now owns the fourth-fastest steeplechase in women’s D3 history.

Erin shares her journey to a national title, including balancing academic responsibilities and battling eating disorders while maintaining full-time training. The conversation also includes racing anecdotes and the love/appreciation for teammates and coaches. She talks about the role of faith in her daily life and where the Lord is leading her post-Hope. Erin has Colorado on her radar for the fall—she plans to student-teach at a school for refugee children in Denver.

If you prefer to listen via SoundCloud:

Hooray Run Podcast on iTunes/Podcasts app on your phone! Also on Stitcher. Tell a friend, recommend, leave a review—thanks for listening!

HR Pod: USATF Distance Classic Preview

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Matthew Centrowitz—1500-meter Olympic gold medalist—headlines a deep 1500-meter field for the 2017 USATF Distance Classic at Occidental College in Los Angeles.

James Rogers delivers a preview for the USATF Distance Classic, which is set for May 18 at Occidental College (Oxy) in Los Angeles. THURSDAY NIGHT TRACK! The meet kicks off at 6:05 p.m. PT/9:05 p.m. ET with the women’s 800 meters. You may know the event by its former names of Oxy High Performance Meet or HOKA ONE ONE Middle Distance Classic. James offers his favorites for each race and shares his thoughts on the NBC Sports Gold Track and Field Pass.

If you prefer to listen via SoundCloud:

Hooray Run Podcast on iTunes/Podcasts app on your phone! Also on Stitcher. Tell a friend, recommend, leave a review—thanks for listening!

HR Pod: How Much Money Did the Breaking2 Pacers Make?!

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Moments before the start of Breaking2 in Monza, Italy.

James Rogers, T-Dot and J-Mo discuss the undisclosed nature of professional runners’ contracts and why the financial numbers should go public.

If you prefer to listen via SoundCloud:

Hooray Run Podcast on iTunes/Podcasts app on your phone! Also on Stitcher. Tell a friend, recommend, leave a review—thanks for listening!

HR Pod: Breaking2 Recap with T-Dot and J-Mo

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An upbeat Eliud Kipchoge post-Breaking2 in Monza, Italy.

James Rogers welcomes Tyler Brinks (T-Dot) and Julian Morrison (J-Mo) for a recap of Nike’s Breaking2 project. The conversation includes: Eliud Kipchoge’s 2:00:25 and his mental fortitude; the future of marathoning; Kipchoge’s 5K splits; Kevin Hart’s role in Breaking2; ideas for Breaking2 Pt. 2; the pacers’ reactions to 2:00:25.

If you prefer to listen via SoundCloud:

HR Pod: Breaking2 Preview, Marathon Talk with Zach Zandbergen

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Eliud Kipchoge ran 26.2 miles in 2:00:25 on Saturday morning in Monza, Italy.

Zach Zandbergen joins James Rogers to talk Nike’s audacious Breaking2 project, which showcases three elite runners on a quest to break two hours in the marathon. Breaking2—the race—starts at 10:45 p.m. CT/11:45 p.m. ET on May 5 (5:45 a.m. on May 6 in Monza, Italy—the site of the race). Zach and James discuss Breaking2’s hype, the three runners going for it, the money involved, the intricate pacing/hydration plans and more.

If you prefer to listen via SoundCloud: