distance running

Podcast: Tyler Brinks on Marathon Success, Hope College Memories, Steeplechasing

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Tyler Brinks gets ready to run a mile in boots. December 19, 2023. Dow Center indoor track on the campus of Hope College.

Hooray Run Podcast, Episode 34! Tyler Brinks, a dear friend and 2:34 marathoner, joins me in conversation for Episode 34. Tyler and I had one academic year together at Hope College, where we logged many XC and track miles as Dutchmen in 2013-14. I remember quickly forming a bond over running fandom. Tyler has been on the podcast before — the debut episode, no less! — to discuss marathons and track world records. I wanted this episode to be about Tyler. We talked about his marathon progression, some standout Hope moments, an awesome steeplechase experience he had at Hayward Field, and the mile he ran in boots on an indoor track right before we started recording.

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Thank you for listening. Celebrate every step!

Hooray Run Podcast: LetsRun.com’s Jonathan Gault on 2023 Chicago Marathon, Kiptum’s World Record, Writing Career

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Jonathan Gault has been with LetsRun.com since 2014.

Hooray Run Podcast, Episode 33! Jonathan Gault and I talked about the 2023 Chicago Marathon. Jonathan has been a writer for LetsRun.com for nearly a decade. We discuss Kelvin Kiptum’s 2:00:35 world record, Sifan Hassan’s ridiculous 2023 season, and standout American performances from Oct. 8 in the Windy City. Jonathan reflects on his evolution as a writer and offers advice to aspiring journalists.

This episode is sponsored by Sportwatch. Save time with the Sportwatch app by quickly storing athlete performance and identifying trends. Start tracking your team today at sportwatch.us.

Hooray Run Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, wherever you get your pods. Subscribe, tell a friend, recommend, leave a review! Spotify embed:

Hooray Run Podcast: Seth Norder, Nolan Clark, Will Hewitt

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Seth Norder (front) and Nolan Clark (Bib 4) are two of the fastest high school runners in Michigan. Photo by Miles Postema.

Seth Norder, Nolan Clark and Will Hewitt joined me in conversation for Episode 32. Seth and Nolan represent Grand Haven High School in Michigan and are two of the fastest runners in the state. They had incredible performances at the Division 1 state track meet on June 4 in Rockford, Michigan. Seth finished second in the 1600 meters with a time of 4 minutes, 7.99 seconds (4:07.99). Nolan finished fourth in the 3200 meters with a time of 9:08.74. They were also part of the Grand Haven 4×800 relay team that broke the school record at the state meet — the first Grand Haven 4×8 team to go under eight minutes. Seth and Nolan talk about the state meet in detail, their high school careers so far, team culture, summer miles and goals for 2022 cross country. I then welcomed Will on the pod to get a coaching perspective. Will is one of Seth and Nolan’s coaches, and he shares thoughts on Grand Haven running and what it’s like to coach two of the best high school runners in Michigan.

This episode is sponsored by Sportwatch. Sportwatch is a team management app built by former athletes for track and cross-country coaches. View team performance, track athlete growth and much more all from the convenience of your phone. Ditch the clipboard and pick up Sportwatch! Learn more at sportwatch.us.

Hooray Run Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, Overcast, wherever you get your pods. Subscribe, tell a friend, recommend, leave a review!

Hooray Run Podcast: Leah O’Connor, Professional Runner and Former Michigan State Standout

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IMG_0888
Photo by James Rogers

Leah O’Connor.

Host James Rogers sits down with professional runner and former Michigan State standout Leah O’Connor for an expansive conversation. Now based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the 27-year-old discusses her hometown roots, decorated MSU career and pro running roller-coaster ride. Topics also include mental health, faith, writing, farm life, support systems and Harper (her dog).

At MSU, Leah captured multiple Big Ten titles—cross country, indoor track, outdoor track—and won a national title in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (June 2014) and indoor mile (March 2015). She was a member of the undefeated 2014 MSU women’s cross-country team coached by Walt Drenth that won the national title in dominating fashion.

Leah’s 9:18.85 personal record in the 3K steeplechase set in May 2016 makes her the fifth-fastest American ever in the women’s steeple. Now sponsored by HOKA and coached by Dathan Ritzenhein, Leah is a member of the Gazelle Elite Racing Team.

If you prefer to listen via SoundCloud:

Hooray Run Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Overcast, many more platforms. Tell a friend, recommend, leave a review, SUBSCRIBE—thanks for listening!

Hooray Run Podcast: Running in Circles Again with Cousin Mike

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IMG_0862
Photo by James Rogers

Cousin Mike and his dog, River.

Cousin Mike makes his third appearance on Hooray Run Podcast. Host James Rogers goes all over the running map with Mike in the first portion of this episode, then the cousins talk music, time, nostalgia, Grand Rapids—many non-running topics but thoughtful conversation nonetheless. Mike also gets James to consider registering for a half-marathon in the fall.

If you prefer to listen via SoundCloud:


Hooray Run Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Overcast, many more platforms. Tell a friend, recommend, leave a review, SUBSCRIBE—thanks for listening!