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Happy New Year!

As we step into a new year, I just want to say thank you for being part of the Run the Riot community. I hope 2026 starts with good health, clear goals, and a sense of excitement about what’s ahead.

This time of year is full of motivation. New plans. New races. New training cycles. And while that energy is a good thing, it can also get us into trouble if we’re not careful.

That’s why the latest Run the Riot Podcast episode is called “The Skill Every Ultrarunner Needs in the New Year.”​
That skill is what I call “Training Patience.”

Patience isn’t about doing less or holding back out of fear. It’s about knowing when to push, when to stay steady, and when to protect the long game. January isn’t the race—it’s the foundation. The runners who stay consistent all year are usually the ones who resist the urge to rush fitness early.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why “winning January” often leads to problems later
• How patience becomes a real competitive advantage in ultrarunning
• A smarter way to think about New Year goals and training progress
• Why consistency and durability matter more than early-season intensity

If you’re setting goals for the year, coming back from a break, or just want to train with more intention, I think this episode will resonate.

You can listen here:

• ​Apple Podcasts​
• ​Spotify​

Or you can find it on all of the other platforms with a search.

Thanks again for being here. I’m excited to keep sharing conversations, lessons, and encouragement with you this year.

Here’s to staying healthy, consistent, and in the game all year long.

Happy New Year! Be Blessed!

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David Theriot

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P.S. Also, don’t miss my podcast with Jeff Browning! It was a blast!

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Hey Reader!

Ever feel stuck?

Not just in training — but in life. Like you’ve let things slide for too long, and now the mountain looks too big to climb.

Let me tell you about Phil Klinkner — a Run the Riot athlete who found himself at 235 pounds, drinking daily, walking through life with zero direction.

Then one morning during deer season, sitting up in bed, he said:

“I’m going to change my life today.”

That was it.

Not a diet plan.
Not a detailed training schedule.
Just a decision.

From that one sentence, everything changed:

• He started with his Bowflex. Walking. Then running.
• Dropped over 60 pounds.
• Became a daily example of discipline and grit.
• And just finished the Badger 100 — his first 100-miler — in under 22 hours.

This isn’t just about running.
It’s about what happens when you stop waiting for motivation and start moving with intention.

So here’s your midweek challenge:​
What’s the one sentence you need to say today?

• “I’m going to train even when I don’t feel like it.”
• “I’m done making excuses.”
• “I’m signing up for that race.”
• “I’m going to believe I can change.”

Write it down. Say it out loud. Then take one step toward it.

It doesn’t have to be perfect.
It just has to be today.

You can hear Phil’s full story — raw, honest, and powerful — right here:
* Listen to the episode​

And if you’re ready to start writing your own story and want someone to walk alongside you, check out Run the Riot coaching here:
* Run the Riot Coaching​

Keep moving forward,
David

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Hey friends,

Let’s be real for a minute—running outside in the heat, wind, or rain makes you tougher. The unpredictability of the elements sharpens both your body and your mindset. There’s no climate control. No “pause” button. You learn to adapt. You build grit.

But let’s not act like the treadmill’s soft.

There’s a different kind of strength required when you’re staring at the same wall or window for miles. No breeze, no change of scenery—just the hum of the belt and your own voice whispering, “Just quit.” That, my friend, is a fight.

Full disclosure – I got 10 miles in on the treadmill this morning due to Oklahoma storms. Man, I wanted to be outside instead!

In this week’s Run the Riot Podcast, I talked with Sean Rowe, who’s training for a 100-mile solo run to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. Sean spends time on the treadmill—but he knows when it’s time to head outside. He said,

Those outdoor runs push him differently. And they’ll push you too.

So here’s what I want you to hear:

• Running inside? You’re building mental endurance. You’re learning to finish what you start without distraction.
• Running outside? You’re building environmental resilience. You’re learning to push through chaos, terrain, and fatigue.

Both matter. But if you want to be complete, you want mental endurance and physical resilience.

Training for an ultra—or any big goal—means getting uncomfortable on purpose. Sometimes that means hammering out treadmill miles when you’d rather quit at mile three. Sometimes it means facing the wind, bugs, and heat and figuring out how to keep moving forward.

There’s no single path to strong.
Just one requirement: keep showing up!

Whether it’s the belt or the backroads—earn it today.

Stay gritty,
David

Hey friends!

I wanted to take a moment to share something I’m incredibly grateful for…

This week, I found out that Run the Riot Podcast was listed #5 on Feedspot’s 30 Best Ultra Running Podcasts!

How cool is that??

You can check out the full list here: 30 Best Ultra Running Podcasts​

I never started the podcast for recognition—I started it because I love this community and I’m fascinated by the stories behind the miles. That this little podcast has grown and connected with so many runners is honestly humbling. So thank you—for listening, for sharing, and for being a part of it.

I encourage you to check out the others on the list too! So much good content to consume on your long runs!

And speaking of powerful stories…

Have you heard Angela Smith’s episode yet?​
Angela is an amazing ultrarunner, mom, and all-around strong human. In her first 100-mile finish at Prairie Spirit 100, she set a Kansas state record—finishing in under 16 hours!

But what really stood out wasn’t just her time—it was her heart, her faith, and her honest reflections on the journey.
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Check it out here: EP172 – State Records & Stroller Runs: Angela Smith’s Record-Breaking Run at the Prairie Spirit 100!​

Here’s what we dive into:

• Fueling strategies: What worked, what didn’t, and how she dialed in her nutrition.
• The mental game: How she stayed positive and pushed through when it got hard.
• Training insights: Including strength training, and yes—stroller miles!
• Balancing it all: How she juggles parenting, faith, and chasing big goals.

Angela’s story is a reminder that with purpose, support, and persistence, we’re capable of incredible things.

Thanks again for being here. Let’s keep lifting each other up and running strong.

On the Journey,​
David

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You Weren’t Meant to Run Alone

Hey Reader,

This past weekend, something special happened at the Prairie Spirit 100.

I was out there testing out my knee and pushing through another 100-mile race. I’ll probably speak to that more in a future podcast. I had some observations as I watched others around me.

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Sure, there were some strong runners. Some big, crazy, buckle-worthy efforts. Records broken. And plenty of grit on display. But what stood out most to me wasn’t just the fast miles logged—it was the support.

A group of Kansas ultrarunners—proudly known as the Buckle Heads—showed up for each other in a way that reminded me why I love this sport. They weren’t just out there for themselves. They were pacing, crewing, waiting at aid stations, and cheering each other on in the middle of the night. They didn’t just celebrate their own finishes—they celebrated each other’s.

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That kind of community is rare in society today. But it’s such a great part of our sport….and it’s powerful.

It reminded me of something I’ve seen time and time again in ultrarunning and life:
Who you surround yourself with determines how well—and how far—you go.

Your “Crew” Can Make or Break the Race

By “crew” I don’t mean your “race crew”. I’m talking about the people you hang with. I’m talking about your homies!

In ultrarunning, we know that the hardest miles usually come in the dark. When your legs are toast. When you start questioning why you’re even out there. When your mind whispers, “Just quit.”

And that’s when your crew matters most.

In life, it’s no different.

• When the road gets long…
• When progress feels slow…
• When you’re doubting your ability to finish what you started…

The voices around you make all the difference.

Are they reminding you of who you are—or who you used to be?
Are they pushing you forward—or holding you back?

Wisdom from Scripture

The Bible speaks directly to this truth:

• “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” – Proverbs 13:20
• “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
• “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

That can be encouraging… or a wake-up call.

The Buckle Heads Got It Right

What I saw this weekend wasn’t just a group of runners—it was a crew of encouragers, challengers, and uplifters.

They weren’t perfect, but they were present. They brought snacks, smiles, and strength when someone else needed it most.
They reminded each other, mile after mile:

That’s what we all need, right?

• Someone to pace us through the hard stuff
• Someone to tell us we’re not crazy for chasing our big goals
• Someone to meet us at the finish line with a hug, a laugh, a tear, or maybe just a chair!

This Week, Take a Look at Your Circle…your “Crew”

Ask yourself:

• Who am I surrounding myself with?
• Are they helping me grow, stretch, and stay focused?
• Are they sharpening me—or dulling my drive?
• And… who am I showing up for?

Because the truth is: you weren’t meant to run alone.

We were made for community.
We were made for people who sharpen us.
And we were made to be that for others, too.

This week, run with people who lift you up—and be someone who lifts others….on the trail and in life.

On the journey,

David

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What if You Had to Run Seven Marathons in Seven Days? Or 200 miles in 4 days?

Most runners finish a marathon and take weeks to recover. But what if you had to wake up the next day and do it all over again… for an entire week?

That is exactly what recent Run the Riot Podcast guest Becca Pizzi did—twice. She ran seven marathons on seven continents in seven days and broke a world record.

Training for back-to-back races is not just about endurance—it is about recovery, strategy, and mindset. Whether you are running a 200 miler, a multi-day race, back-to-back marathons, or just trying to increase your training volume, here are Becca’s key lessons.

1. Train on Tired Legs​
Becca prepared by running high-mileage weeks with multiple long runs in a row. Instead of one long run, she would do back-to-back long runs to simulate racing on fatigued legs.

Try this: If you are training for a big race, run 15-30 miles one day and 15-20 the next. Build up to running on tired legs while maintaining good form. This is a regular part of my training for races of 100 miles and over.

2. Run at Different Times of Day​
In the World Marathon Challenge, races were held at all hours—sometimes in the middle of the night. Becca trained at random times to prepare her body for running outside of its normal rhythm.

Try this: Do some of your long runs at night or super early in the morning. This will help prepare you for running at weird times and teach your body to perform even when conditions are not ideal.

3. Master Recovery​
When running multiple races or multiple days, how you recover is as important as how you run. Becca focused on hydration, nutrition, and mobility work between marathons to keep her body moving.

Try this: After every long run, prioritize hydration, protein, and stretching. Experiment with ice baths, compression, and mobility work to see what helps you recover the fastest.

4. Strengthen Your Mental Game​
Running long for multiple days in a row is not just physical—it is mental. When Becca ran in Antarctica and then had to turn around and run another marathon in extreme heat, she relied on her mental strength to push through.

Try this: Train in difficult conditions. Run in the heat, the cold, the rain. Get used to discomfort. When race day comes, you will know how to handle whatever comes your way.

5. Get Your Fueling Dialed In​
Becca had to eat whatever was available in different countries. In training, she practiced eating different foods to avoid stomach issues.

Try this: Do not rely on just one type of gel or sports drink. Train with different fuel sources so your stomach is ready for anything on race day. Especially for ultras. Try ALL THE THINGS in training! I’ve seen runners with Little Debbie Oatmeal pies, Starbucks coffees, gummy bears, burgers, fries……I could go on for quite a while! lol

If you want to train smarter and push your limits, don’t miss my conversation with Becca Pizzi on the latest Run the Riot podcast. She shares her strategies, struggles, and how she pulled off this incredible feat—twice.

Listen now:http://www.theriot.run/beccap​

On the Journey!

David

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Hey Reader!

This past weekend, Jen and I took on the Little Rock Marathon and Half—and we had a blast! But as many of you know, my knee isn’t at 100%, so I found myself doing what I always do in a race: periodic check-ins. I was constantly assessing how it felt, making sure nothing was getting worse. These little self-assessments are something every runner should practice—catching small issues early can help prevent them from turning into race-ending problems.

All that to say – If you run long enough, you’ll face it—pain. Not just the expected fatigue of an ultra, but a sharp ache, a nagging soreness, or a sudden jolt that makes you wonder:

This is exactly what Jen Johnson faced during her first 100-mile race at Rocky Raccoon 100. Her training was solid, her mindset was strong, and she was holding her pace. Then, her knee locked up.

No warning. No clear cause. Just a knee that wouldn’t bend properly.

Yet, she didn’t quit.

Jen kept moving forward, adjusting her strategy and pushing through discomfort—but not recklessly. She had to balance grit with wisdom, knowing the difference between pushing through fatigue and risking long-term injury.

So How Do You Know When to Push or Pull Back?

Here are a few guiding principles:

• Push Through When…​
  It’s general fatigue, soreness, or muscle tightness that improves as you move.
  The pain is symmetrical (both legs, feet, or arms are equally sore).
  It’s a mental struggle more than a physical limitation.
  The pain isn’t getting progressively worse.

• Pull Back When…​
  You feel sharp, localized pain (like Jen’s knee).
  It alters your gait or forces compensation (this can lead to bigger issues).
  It worsens with movement rather than improving.
  You sense something is structurally wrong (swelling, limping, or instability).

What Jen Did Right

Jen didn’t let frustration take over.
She focused on what she COULD do rather than what she couldn’t. Instead of running freely, she power-hiked hard, paced smart, and stayed in the race mentally. With her husband pacing her, she adjusted and pushed to the finish line—under 24 hours!

The Takeaway:​
Pain will show up in ultras, but it doesn’t have to stop you. The key is knowing whether you need to push through or pull back. Learn your body, listen to the signals, and trust your training.

Want to hear Jen’s full story?​
Listen to the latest Run the Riot episode here: Run the Riot Podcast – Jen Johnson​

EP169 – Perseverance, Pacing… Feb 23 · Run The Riot Podcast 68:13   ​

Need help training smart and avoiding injury? Check out our coaching services here: Run the Riot Coaching​

On the Journey,
David

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Hey Reader,

I Believe The Strongest Muscle You Have Is Your Mind!

We spend hours training our bodies—logging miles, lifting weights, and fine-tuning our nutrition. But what about our minds?

When the miles get tough, when your legs are screaming, and doubt creeps in, your mindset is what keeps you moving forward. Mental training is just as important as physical training, and the best runners don’t just train their bodies—they train their minds to be unshakable.

How to Build Mental Resilience in Running (and Life!)

1. Reframe Negative Thoughts
   • When the voice in your head says, “I can’t do this,” flip it to “I can take one more step.” Small shifts in thinking lead to big breakthroughs.
2. Visualize Success
   • Before your race or a tough workout, close your eyes and picture yourself pushing through the hard miles and crossing the finish line strong. Your brain believes what you repeatedly imagine.
3. Embrace Discomfort
   • Instead of fearing the hard moments, lean into them. The discomfort isn’t a sign to stop—it’s proof that you’re growing stronger.
4. Use Mantras and Positive Self-Talk
   • Find a phrase that fuels you when the going gets tough. “One step at a time.” “Stay in the fight.” “You are stronger than you think.” These words become powerful anchors when your mind starts to waver.
5. Control the Controllables
   • Weather, terrain, competition—so many things are out of your control. But your effort, attitude, and determination? Those are 100% yours. Focus on what you can control.

The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Resilient runners don’t wait until race day to train their minds. They build mental strength during everyday runs, in every challenge, in every tough moment they push through.

And here’s the best part—this doesn’t just apply to running. Life will throw unexpected detours your way, but the same resilience you develop on the trail will help you navigate challenges off the trail, too.

Action Items:

1. Choose a mantra you can use in your next run when things get tough.
2. Before your next workout, visualize yourself pushing through a challenging moment.
3. Write down three things you can control when things don’t go as planned.

Your mind is your most powerful tool—train it like you train your body.

I flesh some of this out a bit more on this week’s Midweek Motivation on the Podcast! Check it out on Youtube or on all podcast platforms!

On the Journey,
David

Hey there, my friend!

Most people hear the words “loop course” and immediately say, “Uhhh…No thanks!” Running the same stretch of trail or road for hours—or even days—sounds like a mental challenge few people want to take on. My wife, Jennifer, calls them “Hamster Wheel Races.”

But ultrarunner Stacey Priddy has tackled loop-style races, including the Front Range 72-Hour and soon, the Lake Viann Hilltop 100 – And she’s got a different perspective.

While the idea of running in circles might sound repetitive, loop courses have surprising benefits:

• Less Logistics: You don’t have to plan complicated crew stops. Your gear, nutrition, and aid are always within reach.
• Easier to Mentally Break Down the Race: Instead of thinking about 100 miles, you just focus on the next loop. It makes the distance feel more manageable.
• Built-in Community: You see the same people over and over. That means support, shared suffering, and motivation.
• Safer & More Accessible: Less chance of getting lost, no need to carry a ton of gear, and usually better access to medical or aid if needed.

That doesn’t mean they’re easy. The mental challenge of a loop race is real. In our latest podcast, Stacey shares how she pushed through the heat, exhaustion, and monotony to finish her tough loop ultras.

Would you ever sign up for a loop race? Would you take a ride on the “Hamster Wheel”? Have you already done it? How was it mentally for you?

Listen to Stacey’s full story and her ultra strategies here: http://www.theriot.run/spriddy or Watch us chat on Youtube​

On the Journey,

David

Stop Comparing – Start Thriving!

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​Hey Reader!

We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through social media or standing at the starting line, and suddenly, you’re sizing yourself up against someone else. They’re faster. They look more prepared. Their training seems flawless.

And just like that, all the pride in your own progress disappears. That’s the comparison trap.

Here’s the truth: comparison is the thief of joy. It pulls you out of your lane and into someone else’s, leaving you distracted, discouraged, and disconnected from your purpose.

But let’s flip the script. What if you stopped looking sideways and focused forward? What if you ran your own race and measured success only by your own progress?

Why Comparison is Holding You Back

When you compare yourself to others, you:

• Lose sight of your own goals: You start chasing someone else’s dreams instead of your own.
• Undervalue your accomplishments: You forget how far you’ve come because you’re too focused on where someone else is.
• Feel unnecessary stress: You’re putting pressure on yourself to meet someone else’s standards, which might not even align with your values.

Here’s something I tell my clients all the time: Everyone’s journey is different. The runner who looks like they have it all together? They might have years of experience or be facing their own hidden struggles. You’re only seeing their highlight reel, not the full story.

How to Break Free from the Comparison Trap

Here’s how you can shift your mindset and start thriving:

1. Focus on Your Reason for Running
​Why did you start running? What do you love about it? Your purpose is unique to you, and it has nothing to do with what anyone else is doing.

2. Celebrate Your Wins
​Instead of looking at someone else’s pace or distance, reflect on how far you’ve come. Did you finish a tough run? Hit a new milestone? Or simply show up on a day you didn’t feel like it? That’s progress worth celebrating.

3. Practice Gratitude
​Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have. Be thankful for your health, your ability to run, and the opportunities you have to improve. Gratitude turns comparison into contentment.

4. Set Social Media Boundaries
​If scrolling makes you feel inadequate, it’s time to reevaluate. Follow people who inspire and uplift you, not those who make you question your worth.

5. Compete with Yourself, Not Others
​The only person you need to be better than is the one you were yesterday. Track your progress and celebrate the improvements you see over time.

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A Quick Story to Inspire You

One of my runners recently fell into the comparison trap. She kept looking at other runners and feeling like her progress wasn’t enough. We worked together to reframe her mindset. Instead of comparing her pace to others, she started comparing her current runs to where she was less than a year ago.
The result? Not only did she feel more confident, but she also started enjoying running again. And when race day came, she ran with gratitude instead of pressure—and crushed her goal.

Action Items!

Let’s put this into action. Here’s how to start running your own race:

1. Write down three accomplishments you’re proud of in your running or life journey.
2. Set one small goal this week to focus on your own growth.
3. Reflect on your “why”—why do you run, and what does it mean to you?
4. Unfollow one social media account that triggers comparison and replace it with one that inspires you.

Comparison doesn’t have to control you. This week, let’s focus on gratitude, progress, and running your own race.

On the Journey,
David

Check out the latest podcast on this subject. Click here or watch on YouTube!

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