David Theriot | Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching

Run the Riot Podcast with Ryane Broussard

David Theriot — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:05:41 +0000

EP190 - Back Surgery Nearly Ended Her Running—Then She Qualified for Boston - Ryane Broussard

Ryane Broussard shares how a back injury and surgery nearly ended her running, and how faith, grit, smart training, and community helped her qualify for Boston after 30 marathons. Lessons for every ultrarunner chasing big goals.

Episode Summary: In this episode of Run the Riot, David sits down with Ryane Broussard, a driven runner, mom of four, and woman of faith who chased one goal for nearly two decades: qualifying for the Boston Marathon. But Ryane’s path wasn’t a straight line. After a sudden back injury left her unable to feel or control her left leg, doctors told her she’d need to find a new hobby and stop running. Ryane refused to accept that as the final word. What followed was years of rehab, identity rebuilding, and learning what perseverance really looks like—until she finally put it all together on race day and earned her Boston qualifier. This conversation is packed with practical lessons for any ultrarunner (or anyone training for marathons, ultrarunning, or ultra racing) who’s faced setbacks, self-doubt, or the weight of a long-term goal.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Ryane’s start in sports (including lacrosse) and how competition shaped her mindset
Moving from Texas to South Louisiana and finding a running community
The back injury that changed everything (and the hard season that followed)
Doctors said “no more running”—how Ryane approached recovery anyway
Identity shifts: when running becomes who you are (and how to reset it)
The Boston qualifier chase: flu, self-sabotage, vomiting at mile 19, and trying again
The power of words, self-talk, and what you “partner with” mentally
Why community matters: pacers, training partners, and people who believe with you
How she fits training into real life: faith, marriage, kids, work, then running

Key Moments

Starting point: sports background + love of achievement
Back injury + surgery: the moment everything changed
Rehab reality: relearning basic movement and rebuilding confidence
The Boston goal: 30 marathons, setbacks, and alignment on race day
The win: qualifying—and keeping it in the right place

Practical Takeaways for Runners

Race-day alignment matters: sleep, health, weather, and fueling can make or break the day
Mindset is trainable: negative self-talk can sabotage fitness you’ve already earned
Fueling is personal: don’t introduce “new” habits (like NSAIDs) without understanding the cost
Build a support system: a coach, a pacer, and training partners can carry you when your brain gets loud
Keep running in its place: what you do isn’t who you are—especially when setbacks hit

Mentioned in the Episode

Louisiana Summer Nights 50K/ultra effort
Zydeco Marathon
Stennis Marathon
Boston Marathon qualifying standards shift
Peloton/biking as a bridge during recovery

Guest Links

Ryane Broussard on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ryane.broussard

⁠

Feeling inspired by this story? If you're looking to take your ultrarunning to the next level, check out our coaching services at Run the Riot Coaching. Let’s achieve your ultrarunning goals together!

Follow Us

Website: Run the Riot Podcast
Instagram: @runtheriot
Facebook: Run the Riot

Hashtags #runtheriot #ultrarunning #ultrarunner #trailrunning #trailrunner

Follow the Podcast on Social Media!

Support our sponsors!

The post Run the Riot Podcast with Ryane Broussard first appeared on Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching.

Run the Riot Podcast with Melanie Mathews

David Theriot — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:06:44 +0000

EP189 - The Long Game: Injury, Identity, and the Ultrarunner’s Comeback - Melanie Mathews

In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, David sits down with ultrarunner Melanie Mathews for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about grit, setbacks, and what it really takes to stay in the game of ultrarunning.

Melanie’s running story starts long before ultra racing. Growing up on a Nebraska farm, she learned hard work, discipline, and toughness early—qualities that later carried her from road races to trail running and into ultra racing. She shares how she transitioned from marathons like the Little Rock Marathon to rugged mountain events, her early mistakes in trail racing, and why the ultrarunning community hooked her for good.

The conversation goes deeper as Melanie opens up about DNFs, injury, grief, and seasons when running was taken away entirely. From her first 100-mile attempts to finishing the Love It 100, Melanie reflects on mental toughness, stubborn determination, and the lessons that only ultra racing can teach. She also talks about hormone health, depression, and the identity struggle many ultrarunners face when they can’t train or race the way they want to.

Now heavily involved in volunteering and running aid stations, Melanie shares why giving back to the trail community matters so much—and how being on both sides of the race has shaped her perspective as an ultrarunner.

This episode is packed with perspective for anyone chasing big goals in ultrarunning, navigating setbacks, or simply trying to stay grateful for the miles they get to run.

Guest Links

Melanie Mathews on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/melanie.mathews.77

⁠

Follow Us

Website: Run the Riot Podcast
Instagram: @runtheriot
Facebook: Run the Riot

Hashtags #runtheriot #ultrarunning #ultrarunner #trailrunning #trailrunner

Follow the Podcast on Social Media!

Support our sponsors!

The post Run the Riot Podcast with Melanie Mathews first appeared on Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching.

Run the Riot Podcast with Katie Gunvalson

David Theriot — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 17:16:26 +0000

EP188 - When FKTs Break You (and Make You Stronger): Katie Gunvalson

In this episode of Run the Riot, David sits down with Katie Gunvalson, an ultrarunner known less for traditional races and more for her relentless pursuit of Fastest Known Time (FKT) efforts. Katie shares her journey from road marathons to multi-day ultrarunning challenges that test not just fitness, but resilience, problem-solving, and mental toughness.

Katie opens up about repeatedly falling short on major FKT attempts — including the Pacific Crest Trail and the Arizona Trail — and how those setbacks nearly convinced her to quit. Instead, she chose to keep showing up, learning, and refining her approach. That persistence paid off with a breakthrough performance on the Oregon Coast Trail, followed by a gritty, emotional FKT on the Ouachita Trail, where she battled exhaustion, poor visibility, fueling issues, and long nights alone in the woods.

Throughout the conversation, Katie explains why FKTs appeal to her more than ultra racing, how thru-hiking skills have made her a stronger ultrarunner, and why embracing discomfort is essential for growth. This episode is a powerful reminder that success in ultrarunning — and in life — often comes only after repeated failure.

Whether you’re an aspiring ultrarunner, an ultra racing veteran, or someone struggling to stay resilient after setbacks, Katie’s story will resonate deeply.

Key Topics Covered:
- Transitioning from road running to ultrarunning
- Why FKTs demand a different skill set than ultra racing
- Learning to manage failure and repeated setbacks
- Mental strategies for multi-day ultrarunning
- Fueling, sleep deprivation, and problem-solving on long efforts
- Why not giving up ultimately leads to breakthroughs
⁠

⁠

Follow Us

Website: Run the Riot Podcast
Instagram: @runtheriot
Facebook: Run the Riot

Hashtags #runtheriot #ultrarunning #ultrarunner #trailrunning #trailrunner

Follow the Podcast on Social Media!

Support our sponsors!

The post Run the Riot Podcast with Katie Gunvalson first appeared on Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching.

Run the Riot Podcast with Chris Avery

David Theriot — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:14:53 +0000

EP187 - Built by Consistency: Chris Avery’s Ultra Journey

On this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, ultrarunner and coach David Theriot sits down with Chris Avery, an ultrarunner on a mission that sounds impossible at first glance: running an ultra marathon every day for an entire year while circumnavigating the perimeter of the United States.

What makes Chris’s story so compelling isn’t just the miles — it’s how it all started. No running background. No love for the sport. Just a willingness to say yes to a single mile a day. That simple act of consistency sparked a transformation that now has Chris running 17+ miles daily, building toward 30+ miles a day for 365 consecutive days.

This conversation dives deep into:

How a no-training marathon changed Chris’s life
Why consistency beats motivation every time
Running as a tool for spiritual growth and identity
Balancing ultra training, faith, family, and business
Why starting small is the key to long-term success
How suffering strips away ego and reveals purpose

For ultrarunners, trail runners, and anyone chasing growth — physically, mentally, or spiritually — this episode is a reminder that you don’t need a perfect plan. You just need to take the next step.

Whether you’re an experienced ultrarunner, a new runner wondering where to start, or someone looking for clarity in life, this episode will challenge and encourage you to keep moving forward.

Chris Avery is an ultrarunner, men’s coach, husband, and father of two. After years of avoiding running, he committed to running one mile a day, slowly increasing distance every 90 days. Four years later, he’s running over 120 miles per week and preparing to run the perimeter of the United States — approximately 30 miles per day for a full calendar year.

Chris uses running as a vehicle to help men pursue purpose, discipline, faith, and resilience through physical challenge and accountability.

About Chris AveryFollow Chris Avery

Website: ⁠https://www.chrisrunsamerica.com⁠
Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/chris.avery.9083/⁠
Instagram (Coaching): ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisaverycoaching/⁠
Instagram (Run Across America): ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisrunsamerica⁠

⁠

Follow Us

Website: Run the Riot Podcast
Instagram: @runtheriot
Facebook: Run the Riot

Hashtags #runtheriot #ultrarunning #ultrarunner #trailrunning #trailrunner

Follow the Podcast on Social Media!

Support our sponsors!

The post Run the Riot Podcast with Chris Avery first appeared on Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching.

Run the Riot Podcast with Phil Klinkner – 2

David Theriot — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:47:10 +0000

EP186 - Executing the Vision: Phillip Klinkner’s Road to the Badger Slam and 200 Miles

In this episode, we catch up with ultrarunner Phillip Klinkner, a blue-collar beast who’s chasing big goals, grinding out tough training blocks, and trusting the process as he heads into a huge year of ultra racing. From battling brutal foot issues at Hennepin 100, to a breakout 17:10 performance at the Dreadmill 100, to planning an all-out push for 200 miles at Last Dot Standing — Phil is on a mission.

You’ll hear us talk training strategies, treadmill mental battles, aid station efficiency, and the power of community and support. Phil shares how this sport has not only transformed his life but also brought strength to his relationships, mindset, and mission.

We break down:

Lessons learned the hard way at Hennepin 100
Why Badger Trail races aren’t created equal
How Phil built a pain cave in his house to prep for the Dreadmill 100
The mental and physical shift that unlocked a new level of performance
What it takes to stay strong during racing AND hunting season
His plan to crush the Badger Slam: Sugar Badger 50, Badger 100, and Last Dot Standing
How to build toward 200 miles — and why it’s not about the title, but the team

If you’re training for an ultra or looking for inspiration to get through the grind, this conversation will fire you up. Phil is proof that consistency, a little stubbornness, and the right support system can take you places you never thought you’d go.

Whether you're an ultrarunner, an aspiring ultrarunning coach, or just love stories of resilience, this one’s for you.

Follow Us

Website: Run the Riot Podcast
Instagram: @runtheriot
Facebook: Run the Riot

Hashtags #runtheriot #ultrarunning #ultrarunner #trailrunning #trailrunner

Follow the Podcast on Social Media!

Support our sponsors!

The post Run the Riot Podcast with Phil Klinkner – 2 first appeared on Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching.

Run the Riot Podcast with Jeff Browning

David Theriot — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 18:03:46 +0000

EP185 - Still Competitive After 25 Years of Ultrarunning - Jeff Browning

Jeff “Bronco Billy” Browning returns to the Run the Riot podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on staying competitive in ultrarunning for decades, not just seasons. From rebuilding after tendonitis to preparing for Cocodona 250 and another run at Western States, Jeff shares practical insight every ultrarunner and ultrarunning coach can learn from.

This episode covers what it really takes to manage big ultra racing goals, recover from hard efforts like the Colorado Trail, and keep showing up healthy—physically and mentally.

In this episode, we talk about:

Training for Cocodona 250 and managing a Western States double
What Jeff learned from the Colorado Trail and why tendon and connective tissue damage often shows up months later
Taking a rare full month off running and rebuilding intelligently
Strength training for ultrarunners: heavy lifting, isometrics, mobility, and durability
Ankle taping for technical trail racing and why Jeff tapes for every race
Ultra shoe design: ideal drop, rocker, stack height, and stability for long distances
Nutrition, recovery, and why Jeff prioritizes protein for longevity
Coaching, family life, and balancing training with real-world responsibilities
Mental resilience when races don’t go as planned and how to move forward as a competitor

Whether you’re training for your first ultra, chasing a PR, or focused on staying healthy long-term, this episode is packed with real experience from one of the most durable ultrarunners in the sport.

Guest Links – Jeff “Bronco Billy” Browning

Coaching: https://giddyupultra.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gobroncobilly
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GiddyupUltra
Ankle Taping Video: https://youtu.be/3f7FgDkT9-s?si=OvnktfeeVXvMs3Ex

CHECK OUT THE AMAXFIT T-REX 3!

Follow Us

Website: Run the Riot Podcast
Instagram: @runtheriot
Facebook: Run the Riot

Hashtags #runtheriot #ultrarunning #ultrarunner #trailrunning #trailrunner

Follow the Podcast on Social Media!

Support our sponsors!

The post Run the Riot Podcast with Jeff Browning first appeared on Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching.

Run the Riot Podcast with Mason Phillips

David Theriot — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 22:27:07 +0000

EP184 - Chasing Miles, Not Perfection: Mason Phillips on Moab 240 and Learning as You Go

This week on the Run the Riot Podcast, we’re hanging out with ultrarunner Mason Phillips — and what a story this guy brings to the trail! From growing up in California to working remote trail systems in Alaska, Mason’s path to ultrarunning is as rugged and adventurous as the mountains he trains in. At just 26, he’s already crushed a 100-miler at Rio Del Lago and took on the monster that is the Moab 240 — and did it with grit, creativity, and just a little bit of chaos (spoiler: he carried dog food as training weight and wore trash bags for warmth during a bike race).

We talk about:

How Mason transitioned from college rugby to thru-hiking and long ultras
The trail magic that led to meeting fellow ultrarunner Nick Fowler on the PCT
Why he chose the Moab 240 as his first 200+ mile race
What it was like running solo for nearly 100 miles without a crew
His fueling, sleep strategy, and how he managed Alaska’s snow while training for a desert race
Lessons learned, including why efficiency beats perfection every time
And yes — he beat David Goggins.

Mason brings a refreshing, raw perspective to the world of ultra racing — not everything has to be perfectly planned to achieve something incredible. If you’ve ever thought about going farther, pushing harder, or embracing the unknown in your running journey, this episode is for you.

Follow Mason Phillips

Instagram: @masonphillips14

CHECK OUT THE AMAXFIT T-REX 3!

Follow Us

Website: Run the Riot Podcast
Instagram: @runtheriot
Facebook: Run the Riot

Hashtags #runtheriot #ultrarunning #ultrarunner #trailrunning #trailrunner

Follow the Podcast on Social Media!

Support our sponsors!

The post Run the Riot Podcast with Mason Phillips first appeared on Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching.

Run the Riot Podcast with Jodi Semonell

David Theriot — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 22:47:57 +0000

Jodi Semonell is a strong runner who loves running tough races! She’s done the Hitchcock 100 many times, Cocodona 250 twice, Across the Years 200, Western States, Leadville 100, the Hardrock 100, and many more!

Just recently she ran across Nebraska (495 miles in 11 days!) in memory of her son and 2 friends who died of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s her desire to encourage people to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes and check the batteries on those that are already installed.

Listen on the following platforms or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Follow the Podcast on Social Media!

Support our sponsors!

The post Run the Riot Podcast with Jodi Semonell first appeared on Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching.

Run the Riot Podcast with Kayla Straub

David Theriot — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 14:32:16 +0000

In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, I had an amazing chat with Kayla Straub, the beast of Kansas!. Kayla's journey into running is pretty incredible. She didn't start long ago, but when she did, she dove in headfirst. Her first ultramarathon was the extremely hot and exposed Honey Badger 100 in June 2020. She snagged second place right out of the gate!

But that's just the beginning of her story. In 2021, she went back to the Honey Badger 100 and came out as the champion. Talk about determination, right? And then, in 2022, she set the Kansas state female record at the Prairie Spirit 100.

She's overcome some seriously tough personal challenges before she even laced up her running shoes. Her story is not just about running; it's about resilience and grit in the face of adversity.

And she's not stopping there. Kayla has some big goals for her future races, and she thrives on challenges. It's not just about the medals; it's about pushing her own limits and proving that anything is possible.

But Kayla's life isn't all about running. She lives on a farm with her kids, juggling the demands of parenthood with her passion for running. Kayla is demonstrating what can happen when you embrace your dreams and overcome life's hurdles. So, be sure to listen in and get inspired by Kayla Straub's incredible story!

Photo by Mile 90 Photography

Listen on the following platforms or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Follow the Podcast on Social Media!

Support our sponsors!

The post Run the Riot Podcast with Kayla Straub first appeared on Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching.

Run the Riot Podcast with Wesley Hunt

David Theriot — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:18:27 +0000

If you run trails around Arkansas, you probably know who Wesley Hunt is. Wesley is a beast of a runner and an all-around great guy. He’s run Arkansas Traveller 100 five times and won it 4 of those times - placing 2nd on his first outing. Earlier this year, he won the LOViT 100 and plans to return to Traveller this year after a 5-year break.

I love his outlook on embracing the emotions that come out during a race. We get into the mental aspect of running Ultras, competition, and training for longevity in the sport. We also chat about his experience with Arkansas Traveller 100, Western States 100, LOViT 100, Leadville 100 and others. You’ll definitely enjoy the many nuggets of wisdom he drops in casual conversation!

Scroll down for the podcast video!

Listen on the following platforms or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Follow the Podcast on Social Media!

Support our sponsors!

The post Run the Riot Podcast with Wesley Hunt first appeared on Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching.