In this episode, I talk with Erik Koenig, a husband and father, Army veteran, and ultra runner, who shares his experiences, emphasizing the importance of mental strength and community support in overcoming challenges. Erik opens up and talks about his personal journey from addiction and trauma to sobriety and a passion for running, highlighting how it has transformed his life and helped him cope with post-traumatic stress disorder. 

We also talk about one of my favorite subjects, the HURT 100. Erik is a two-time finisher of the race and shares his experiences. We also talk race directing, something Erik is doing for the first time with a race he is starting in Southern California. 

*THIS EPISODE INCLUDES DISCUSSION OF SUICIDE. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS STRUGGLING, PLEASE CONSIDER REACHING OUT FOR SUPPORT. YOU ARE NOT ALONE, AND HELP IS AVAILABLE. IF YOU NEED IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT A CRISIS HELPLINE IN YOUR AREA. N THE U.S., YOU CAN CALL OR TEXT 988 TO REACH THE SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE. PLEASE TAKE CARE WHILE LISTENING.

Morgan finished his first 100 mile ultramarathon in Jan. of 2025, completing the demanding HURT 100. We talk his path to running ultras, his race experience at HURT, as well as what makes ultra running so special.

Nate is a school counselor, an officer in the Coast Guard Reserves, a veteran lifeguard, and single father who has an impressive running resume. He is the 2022 Ultra Signup Most Time Spent Racing winner as well as a 2x finisher of the Triple Crown of 200 mile races. 

We talk about his journey into ultra marathons, balancing training, and the importance of mental health. I really enjoyed this one and I know you will too.

After three lottery attempts, I was selected to run the 2025 HURT 100 that took place on 18-19 January. The race was an incredible experience! In this episode, I share my journey to get to the start line and eventually the finish line.

A quick recap of my experience from the back of the pack. This was my wife's first marathon and we walked it together, as the Honolulu Marathon has no cutoff time and encourages people to walk it.
Having finished in under four hours last year, the 2023 race was a far different experience crossing the finish in just under ten hours. 
Timing mats were pulled, aid stations minimized, and we were swept onto the sidewalk. We felt unwelcome at times.
This episode is a call out to the race directors to do better for the individuals that the running community benefit from the most. Those who are told they're not runners because of their abilities but have the determination to finish.

Aaron ran his first half marathon in 2013. Since then, he has finished a handful of marathons and ultramarathons. In January of 2023, he finished his first attempt at 100 miles at the HURT 100 on the island of Oahu.
We discuss his first 100 mile race, an ultra he ran last month while on vacation in South Korea, his preparation for the 2024 HURT 100, being a member of the Brooks Run Happy Team and much more.

A conversation with Melissa. Growing up playing competitive tennis, running was always a part of Melissa's life. It wasn't until the birth of her first child that she discovered that running, by itself, could be enjoyable. And once she discovered the trails, it was on!!! She has completed a handful of ultra distance events and attempted the demanding HURT 100, which we discuss in depth. 

As runners we try to our best to avoid them but they happen. As I recovery from an injury, I wanted to share some thoughts on the subject. It can be challenging to take time off but that can be just what we need. 

Kyle got into running a little later than some. Approaching his thirties, he wanted to make some changes to keep him healthy. After running his first marathon less than two years ago, Kyle has finished a few ultra distance events, including a Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-to-rim effort and most recently, the 2023 Resurrection Pass 50 miler, a self-supported ultramarathon in the Alaskan wilderness.

Eric, in his relatively short running career has had some impressive results, including a podium finish at the 2023 HURT 100 on the island of Oahu. 
Eric has a great outlook on life and is always great to talk to. We talk HURT, along with the after effects, as well as future goals. And so much more! Follow Eric on Instagram @ericwazhere

Matt Magardo wasn't always a runner. He grew up playing football, baseball, and basketball but after high school found himself going from 220 lbs up to 330 lbs. He realized he needed to make a change and running was a path to that change. Follow Matt on Instagram @mileswithmagardo

Kallup McCoy has come a long way in his relatively short running career. Battling addiction for many years and spending some time in jail, Kallup has overcome a lot. His list of accomplishments is impressive, including a recent Boston Marathon finish in 2:40. 

I've known Rick since 2008. While a lifetime athlete, he has caught the running bug over the last few years. He finished the NYC Marathon in 2022 and most recently the Brooklyn Half Marathon, where another runner at the start asked him to urinate on him to warm him up. Enjoy!

Episode 1: Welcome to The Runabout. A brief introduction to the show and the host.