Send us a text What do your running dreams actually mean? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the strange, vivid, and sometimes stressful dreams runners experience — from being late to the starting line, to legs that won’t move, to those magical dreams where you’re flying effortlessly down the trail. We explore how sleep, training load, stress, and recovery all influence dream content, and what those dreams might be telling you about your performan...
All content for I Don't Know Running is the property of Lewis Hayden and Mitch Brouwer and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Send us a text What do your running dreams actually mean? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the strange, vivid, and sometimes stressful dreams runners experience — from being late to the starting line, to legs that won’t move, to those magical dreams where you’re flying effortlessly down the trail. We explore how sleep, training load, stress, and recovery all influence dream content, and what those dreams might be telling you about your performan...
Send us a text What do your running dreams actually mean? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the strange, vivid, and sometimes stressful dreams runners experience — from being late to the starting line, to legs that won’t move, to those magical dreams where you’re flying effortlessly down the trail. We explore how sleep, training load, stress, and recovery all influence dream content, and what those dreams might be telling you about your performan...
Send us a text Pacing isn’t just about splits, GPS watches, or fitness — it’s about decision-making under stress. In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive deep into the psychology of pacing and why so many runners blow up before fatigue ever truly sets in. From race-day adrenaline and comparison traps to fear-based pacing and watch obsession, we unpack the mental mistakes that quietly sabotage great races. But this episode goes beyond running. We explore ho...
Send us a text Running in your 50s is different—and that’s not a bad thing. In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we talk honestly about what changes as runners get older: slower recovery, new aches and pains, declining speed, shifting motivation, and learning to let go of chasing PRs. We also share what still works, what needs to change, and how adjusting expectations can actually make running more enjoyable and sustainable. We cover: - Why speed and VO₂ max decline with ag...
Send us a text Winter is here, the roads are icy, and somehow our houses are falling apart — so naturally, we decided to talk about Christmas gifts for runners 🎄🏃♂️ In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch break down the best gift ideas for runners at every price point, from easy stocking stuffers to big-ticket items you only buy for someone you really love (or yourself). We cover: Budget-friendly stocking stuffers every runner actually uses Cold-weather essen...
Send us a text How far do you really have to go before you’re “remote”? Spoiler: not as far as you think. In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, Lewis and Mitch talk about how quickly a simple run, walk, or short hike can turn into a serious situation when you’re underprepared—whether you’re a mile from the house, on a local trail, or dropping down to the Western States Trail after a race. What starts as a story about a windy walk with the grandkids and a “quick” hike out west...
Send us a text In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive deep into the hilarious, confusing, and sometimes awkward language barrier between runners and non-runners. From “easy runs” that aren’t actually easy, to why runners own more shoes than they have feet, we unpack the quirks that make running culture so unique. Mitch also shares updates on his string of doctor visits, the ongoing search for answers, and what it’s like getting back into running slowly — on...
Send us a text Lewis and Mitch hit record deep in a gray fog, fresh off mid-day naps and low brainpower… so of course they talk about the thing that keeps ultrarunners going when everything feels bleak: aid station food. In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, they break down the classic, the weird, and the downright magical foods that can save your race—from salty potatoes and pickle juice to Coke, ramen, grilled cheese, and mashed potatoes. They share stories from races like T...
Send us a text This week on the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into one of the wildest, most chaotic, and downright unbelievable events in running history: the 1904 St. Louis Olympic Marathon. But first… Lewis got NEW CONTACTS and he’s telling literally everyone. 😂 Mitch tries to keep him on track (he fails), but eventually they shift gears into the true highlight of this episode: a marathon so outrageous it sounds fictional. 🔥 Inside This Episode: Why starting a marath...
Send us a text What makes a marathon truly iconic? Is it the history, the challenge, the crowds — or the story behind the miles? In this episode, Lewis and Mitch explore the most historic and legendary marathons from around the world. From the ancient origins of the race in Greece to modern greats like Boston, London, Chicago, and New York, they unpack what makes these events so meaningful to runners everywhere. 🏛️ The Ancient Athens Marathon — where it all began 🏃♂️ Boston & Yonkers —...
Send us a text In this episode, Lewis survives grasshopper season 🌱🦗 and discovers a wild new fitness challenge — combining golf and an ultra run. Yes… someone ran 92 miles and played 810 holes of golf in 24 hours. New life goal? Maybe. 😅 Meanwhile, Mitch celebrates a BIG win — not running today — and reflects on rebuilding fitness, embracing rest, and hitting his first 5-mile run again. 👏 Then, we dive into the Running Paradox: how different cultures view running — from spiritual journeys ...
Send us a text We went all-in on the California Fall Classic 100K—remote aid, relentless climbing, and a day that turned into a masterclass in ultra mindset. Lewis ran ~50 miles (≈11,000 ft gain) before pulling the plug at Warm Springs, and this episode is the honest debrief: what went right, what tanked, and how to fix it next time. What’s inside Course reality check: almost no flat; it’s either up or down Crew logistics: easy to crew, minimal cell service, simple station access The hard...
Send us a text This week on the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch are soaking in race week vibes — the California Fall Classic 100K is here, and Lewis hopes he’s celebrating a finish by the time you hear this one! Between healthy-eating jokes, beet salad debates, and a surprise virtual 100-miler signup attempt 🤣, the guys dive into something we all need more of: getting off the pavement and finding peace on the trails. Join them as they unpack: 🌲 Why trail running (and time in n...
Send us a text This week’s episode takes a very real — and unexpected — turn. Lewis and Mitch dive into the chaos of everyday running life, from impatient drivers to moments of pure kindness on the road. But what starts as a lighthearted chat quickly becomes a powerful conversation when Mitch opens up about a sudden stroke that changed everything. 🎙️ In This Episode: The growing rush of drivers — and how runners can stay safe. The surprising kindness of strangers (and how we sometimes reac...
Send us a text Race registrations used to be simple — mail in a form, get a cotton T-shirt, and go run. But today? It’s a maze of add-ons, cancellation policies, and sneaky fees. In this episode, Lewis and Mitch break down the true cost of racing — from marathon entry fees that have doubled, to $50 5Ks, to whether those “insurance” and “VIP” packages are even worth it. We’ll dig into: How registration sites and convenience fees quietly add up Why cancellation and deferral policies are so ...
Send us a text In this week’s episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive deep into a topic every runner struggles with: recovery. From mixing up training with walk/run intervals to recognizing when slowing down actually makes you stronger, they share honest stories, laughs, and research-backed insights about the importance of rest. We cover: Why active recovery beats complete rest 🏃♂️ The dangers of the “no days off” mentality How even elites like Kipchoge use slow...
Send us a text Virtual races exploded during the pandemic, but do they still have a place in the running world today? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Louis and Mitch dive into the debate: Are virtual races just glorified training runs with medals—or do they provide real value, accessibility, and motivation for runners everywhere? We share our own experiences with virtual marathons, discuss programs like the NYRR Virtual 6 and runDisney’s virtual series, and explore how t...
Send us a text In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the question: Is running addicting—or is it just part of who we are? From the joy of small wins (like stringing together three miles after a long layoff) to the deep lows of injury, we explore how running can shape identity, regulate mood, and even become a coping mechanism. We also talk about: 📚 Ryan Hall’s book Run the Mile You’re In and the connection between faith and running 🤯 The science beh...
Send us a text In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into a hot topic in the running world—AI training plans vs. hiring a coach. Can artificial intelligence really guide you through a 100K ultra, or is the wisdom and accountability of a human coach irreplaceable? Along the way, Lewis shares updates from his California Fall Classic 100K training cycle, including how he’s handling knee flare-ups, back-to-back long runs, and even practicing “aid station” stra...
Send us a text This week on the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Mitch shares his journey back from injury using a run-walk approach and the lessons he’s learning along the way. Meanwhile, Lewis dives into his 100K training, the grind of running in the summer heat, and why Zone 2 training has become the key to staying healthy. We also cover: Injury recovery, knee pain, and learning when to actually rest How slowing down can make running more enjoyable (and social!) Stretching & recovery ...
Send us a text In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the unspoken (and sometimes ignored) rules of trail running. From yielding to uphill runners and bikers, to respecting horses, hikers, and even wildlife, we unpack what it means to be a good steward of the trails. We also share stories of surprising encounters, muddy mistakes, headphone mishaps, and why respecting closures is so important for preserving the spaces we love. Whether you’re a seasoned ...
Send us a text What do your running dreams actually mean? In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, Lewis and Mitch dive into the strange, vivid, and sometimes stressful dreams runners experience — from being late to the starting line, to legs that won’t move, to those magical dreams where you’re flying effortlessly down the trail. We explore how sleep, training load, stress, and recovery all influence dream content, and what those dreams might be telling you about your performan...
