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This week on the I Don't Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into one of the most exciting Western States Endurance Runs in recent memory! 🏃‍♂️🔥 From Caleb Olson's near-record finish and Killian Jornet's incredible comeback, to Mitch’s return to running (kind of) and Lewis’ big plans—this episode is packed with updates, insight, laughs, and just enough cautionary advice about training too hard too soon.

We also talk about:
✅ The top 10 men’s and women’s results
✅ FKTs and what happened with John Kelly
✅ Pacers vs. no pacers at the elite level
✅ That emotional final hour at the finish line
✅ Why running in extreme heat isn’t as crazy as it sounds

👉 Let us know in the comments: What moment from Western States 2025 got you fired up?

🔔 Subscribe for weekly running talk, from marathons to ultramarathons, training tips, and stories from the trail!

#WesternStates100 #UltraRunning #TrailRunning #IDontKnowRunning #RunningPodcast #FKT #JohnKelly #KillianJornet #CalebOlson #WesternStatesRecap #HappyRunning

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Could YOU run 70 miles a day for over a month? 😳 In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, we dive into the world of FKTs (Fastest Known Times), highlighting the legendary Appalachian Trail—2,190+ miles of rugged terrain from Georgia to Maine.

We break down what an FKT actually is, the difference between unsupported, self-supported, and supported runs, and how runners like John Kelly, Scott Jurek, and Jennifer Pharr Davis have etched their names into endurance history. John Kelly is currently on the trail right now attempting to beat the overall supported record—yes, LIVE tracking is available!

We also share our own homeownership woes, why van life sounds more tempting by the day, and how running keeps us grounded through it all.

🏃‍♂️ Featuring stories, data, and even some friendly backyard trail dreams, this episode will inspire ultrarunners and casual joggers alike.

🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your running crew!

🔗 Resources:

FKT Live Tracker: https://fastestknowntime.com/tracking

John Kelly (Random Forest Runner): https://www.facebook.com/RandomForestRunner/



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In this deeply personal episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, Mitch opens up about the mental, emotional, and physical toll of losing something that once defined him—running.

After years of racing, training, and building a lifestyle around the sport, a series of health challenges forced Mitch to face life without running. From walking the neighborhood to battling unknown medical issues, to dealing with the weight of identity loss and emotional burnout—this episode is raw, honest, and incredibly relatable for anyone who's ever had something they love taken away.

We talk about:

Navigating injury and grief

Reframing identity beyond athletic performance

The emotional weight of being on the sidelines

Finding purpose through walking, counseling, and community

Advice for supporting friends going through similar seasons

Whether you're an injured runner, someone facing burnout, or just curious how passion and purpose intersect—this one’s for you.

🎧 Subscribe, like, and share with someone who might need this conversation.
🙏 And as always, happy running… or walking, or simply being.

#RunningInjury #RunnerIdentity #MentalHealth #IDontKnowRunningPodcast #Ultrarunning #RunnerSupport #ComebackStory #RunningLife #FitnessStruggles #PodcastEpisode

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

Support the show