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Christi Dee shares her journey from casual runner to marathon coach and children's book author, highlighting how running transforms lives and builds communities.

• Collaborated with TJ Daly on running events after joining his 50-mile fundraiser as the only woman participant
• Reflects on the evolution of women's running, from historical exclusion to today's record-breaking achievements
• Emphasizes inclusivity in coaching: "If you run, you're a runner" regardless of pace or body type
• Published two children's books about running - "Can a Frog Jog?" for ages 3-6 and "Maya Runs a Marathon" for ages 6-12
• Warns against the comparison trap on social media that can undermine runners' confidence
• Has completed all World Marathon Majors with London being a favourite experience
• Currently working toward running marathons on all seven continents

Christi Dee's Website

Plus, we have a new feature on the podcast you can now send me a message. Yep you heard it right- Brian's Run Pod has become interactive with the audience. If you look at the top of the Episode description tap on "Send us a Text Message". You can tell me what you think of the episode or alternatively what you would like covered. If your lucky I might even read them out on the podcast.

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Christi Dee transforms from a child who feared the school mile run into an accomplished ultra-marathoner and certified running coach, showing how one defining moment at a finish line can change life's trajectory.

• From dreading PE class mile tests to completing 43 marathons and 17 ultras
• Started running through "peer pressure" from friends training for a half marathon
• Finding motivation through community and connection with fellow runners
• Prioritising discipline over motivation with 3:30am training sessions
• Navigating safety concerns as a woman running alone in early morning hours
• Adapting training methods with age - incorporating strength training and nutrition focus
• Shifting from corporate life to professional running coaching with RRCA certification
• Collaborating rather than competing with fellow coaches in the running community
• Building a business to share running knowledge and joy with beginners

Christi Dee's Website

Plus, we have a new feature on the podcast you can now send me a message. Yep you heard it right- Brian's Run Pod has become interactive with the audience. If you look at the top of the Episode description tap on "Send us a Text Message". You can tell me what you think of the episode or alternatively what you would like covered. If your lucky I might even read them out on the podcast.

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In part two of my chat with TJ Dailey he shares his remarkable journey from seeking validation through running to becoming an accomplished ultramarathoner, offering insights on perseverance, community, and adapting to challenges.

• Started ultra running after completing a marathon with his brother, progressing quickly from a 50K to a 100-miler in less than a year
• Discovered that ultra distances provide multiple "second winds" if you push through initial walls
• Led a team to victory in the Great American 5000 virtual race during the pandemic, with 24 people running all-out for an hour daily
• Currently adapting training after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis
• Draws inspiration from running legends Roger Bannister and Steve Prefontaine
• Recommends beginners find what specifically excites them about running and start with small, manageable efforts
• Suggests configuring running to fit your lifestyle rather than forcing yourself into a rigid program
• Using technology like Shokz headphones and stride pods to enhance the running experience
• Transitioning focus from personal records to producing events and supporting other athletes

Check out mesh-tc.com for information on races, documentaries, and more resources from TJ and his running community.

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TJ Dailey's Website

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Plus, we have a new feature on the podcast you can now send me a message. Yep you heard it right- Brian's Run Pod has become interactive with the audience. If you look at the top of the Episode description tap on "Send us a Text Message". You can tell me what you think of the episode or alternatively what you would like covered. If your lucky I might even read them out on the podcast.

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TJ Dailey shares his remarkable journey from reluctant middle-school runner to founder of the thriving MTC Club, a running community that spans seven states with over 100 members. His transformation story begins with a pivotal phone call in 2012 that sparked both personal weight loss and a passion for building an inclusive running community.

• Started running in elementary school as a social activity, not because he was naturally gifted
• Used cross-country as a way to cope with transitioning from a small private school to a large public school
• Took lengthy breaks from running, including a period where he gained 70 pounds
• Transformed his health in just six months through disciplined nutrition and running
• Founded MTC Club with family members before expanding organically to over 100 runners
• Developed a "virtual-first" approach that works well for busy professionals in their 30s to 50s
• Offers specialized coaching services with different training philosophies to match runner needs
• Creates partnerships rather than competition with other running clubs
• Organizes races that now sell out months in advance
• Reflects on the balance between enjoying running's simplicity and modern data-tracking technology

Join us next week for part two of our conversation with TJ Dailey, where we'll discuss running heroes like Roger Bannister and more insights from his running journey.

TJ Dailey's Website

Plus, we have a new feature on the podcast you can now send me a message. Yep you heard it right- Brian's Run Pod has become interactive with the audience. If you look at the top of the Episode description tap on "Send us a Text Message". You can tell me what you think of the episode or alternatively what you would like covered. If your lucky I might even read them out on the podcast.

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Jason Noel shares the second part of his incredible journey from brain cancer diagnosis to marathon finisher, revealing how running became his path to recovery and a complete transformation of his life priorities. His story goes beyond athletic achievement to show how facing mortality shifted his focus to what truly matters: faith, marriage and family.

• Training for a Disney half marathon while still on chemotherapy after being told by doctors it might not be possible
• Using no formal training plan for his first half marathon—simply running with a friend without tracking heart rate or following structured sessions
• Completing his first full marathon at Chicago 2023, just two years after his brain cancer diagnosis
• Fundraising creatively for brain cancer research, including his daughter's fairy garden with QR codes and partnerships with local businesses
• Setting ambitious goals including running the Berlin Marathon and potentially attempting a half Ironman triathlon
• Shifting priorities completely after cancer—from corporate success to focusing on faith, marriage and family
• Managing dark days during recovery while his family developed resilience and a grounded perspective
• Building a supportive running community that provides both accountability and meaningful conversation

Listen to part one of Jason's story in our previous episode to hear about his initial diagnosis and treatment journey.

Plus, we have a new feature on the podcast you can now send me a message. Yep you heard it right- Brian's Run Pod has become interactive with the audience. If you look at the top of the Episode description tap on "Send us a Text Message". You can tell me what you think of the episode or alternatively what you would like covered. If your lucky I might even read them out on the podcast.

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Jason Noel shares his extraordinary journey from battling two cancer diagnoses to finding healing and purpose through running. Transforming from a sedentary lifestyle to running 1,000 miles in a year, Jason demonstrates how physical movement became crucial to his recovery process both physically and mentally.

• Former high school athlete who abandoned fitness for 25 years after college
• Diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2016 after reaching 253 pounds
• Found running community in 2018 that helped establish consistent exercise habits
• Completed ambitious 1,000-mile running goal with a partner in 2019
• Experienced seizure in 2021 leading to brain cancer (glioblastoma) diagnosis
• Underwent 17-hour brain surgery followed by 42 days of radiation and chemotherapy
• Used walking and gradual movement as key recovery strategies after surgery
• Continued running throughout treatment whenever physically possible
• Now maintains regular medical monitoring while staying active
• Credits faith, family, medical care, and movement as his foundation for recovery

Listen to part two next week to hear the continuation of Jason's inspiring story of resilience and determination.

American Brain Tumor Association

Brain Tumor Awareness Month

Plus, we have a new feature on the podcast you can now send me a message. Yep you heard it right- Brian's Run Pod has become interactive with the audience. If you look at the top of the Episode description tap on "Send us a Text Message". You can tell me what you think of the episode or alternatively what you would like covered. If your lucky I might even read them out on the podcast.

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Merili Freear shares her transformation from someone who hated physical education at school to becoming an ultramarathon runner, coach, and author who completed two 40-mile ultras and wrote a book about her journey.

• Started running during the first COVID lockdown in April 2020 to escape feeling trapped at home with her young son
• Completed her first marathon just five months after beginning running
• Learned to overcome injuries by combining physical rehabilitation with mental resilience techniques
• Discovered that running success depends more on mental strength than physical ability
• Obtained running coach qualifications to better understand proper technique and help others
• Used running as a way to improve mental health rather than for weight loss or external validation
• Published "Just Run: My Love for Running and How the Impossible Becomes Possible" to share her experiences
• Believes celebrating small wins is more important than comparing yourself to others

Don't get overwhelmed with advice - focus on enjoying your runs and improving one aspect at a time. It doesn't matter how slow or fast you go, you own that run.

Merili Freear Book - Just Run

Plus, we have a new feature on the podcast you can now send me a message. Yep you heard it right- Brian's Run Pod has become interactive with the audience. If you look at the top of the Episode description tap on "Send us a Text Message". You can tell me what you think of the episode or alternatively what you would like covered. If your lucky I might even read them out on the podcast.

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Discover how Pilates can transform your running performance through improved flexibility, strength, and mobility with expert teacher Lucy Tomlinson, founder of Welcome Pilates.

• Pilates complements running by targeting smaller muscle groups that support your joints
• The ABCs of Pilates: Alignment, Breathing, and Centering form the foundation of practice
• Lucy discovered Pilates during university while experiencing poor mental health
• Just one session per week can produce noticeable benefits for runners
• Key exercises like "The Hundred" build core strength that translates to running efficiency
• Reformer equipment can provide both added resistance and rehabilitation benefits
• Common runner issues like tight hamstrings and hip mobility can be addressed through specific Pilates exercises
• Pilates focuses on moving your spine in all directions to counterbalance the forward motion of running
• Lucy's inclusive approach welcomes all fitness levels and body types
• Online and in-person options make Pilates accessible for busy runners

Visit welcomepilates.com to try your first class free and follow @welcomepilates on Instagram to learn more.

Plus, we have a new feature on the podcast you can now send me a message. Yep you heard it right- Brian's Run Pod has become interactive with the audience. If you look at the top of the Episode description tap on "Send us a Text Message". You can tell me what you think of the episode or alternatively what you would like covered. If your lucky I might even read them out on the podcast.

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