Rust Belt Running

We bring Leah Backo back for the second time in as many months to talk her positive Covid-19 Antibody test, and what running has looked like during recovery from the virus.  She also discusses what it's been like to lose her mom during this pandemic. We offer our thoughts to her and her family through this, and hope they can wrap arms around one another soon!

Well, this was supposed to be another edition of the "Staying Sane" series, but thanks to Sara being one of the craziest guests we've had, it turned into a full episode.  Hey, we aren't complaining!  This may be the silliest and most fun 45 minutes we've had here at Rust Belt Running!

We bring back an old friend of the pod, Steph Lesco Teppner, to discuss her work in public health during this crazy time.  Of course, no time with Steph would be complete without talking about beer and running, no matter how wrong her third favorite Ohio beer is.

Oh boy - we talk with Andrew's boy this time.  They take a break from 1st grade homeschooling, and talk to Hayes about his quarantine so far.  This is truly a can't miss podcast.

As we continue our quarantine series, Staying Sane, Andrew takes some time to talk with his Sis-in-Law Kelly Hettinger.  They discuss Kelly's famous item from Bonefish Grill, the process of getting home from work in healthcare throughout this pandemic, and Kelly gives a different answer than everyone else to the question "What are you most looking forward to when this is all over?"

This week we bring on the author of "You Are Not a Rock" Mark Freeman to discuss the mental toll of issues like this pandemic, and our responses to it.  Mark digs deep into his past to talk about his own struggles with mental health, and how he has battled back to become a teacher, speaker, and coach for mental health battles.  

As we continue the Staying Sane series, we get to talk to Will Mercer.  Will talks about having a kid who is immune compromised through this scary situation.  We also talk about beer, and his sound strategy at keeping himself stocked up on life's most essential product.  Somehow, there is about a five minute stretch where Will and Adam talk Marvel Movies, while Andrew just scrolled Twitter. 

On this special episode, the Staying Sane series continues as we talk to loyal listener Keegan Gallagher.  We talk about school during quarantine, how running stores are holding it together through this, and just kill some time getting to know one another.  We will get through this together!

This week we continue to talk with guests about how Covid-19 is effecting their life, and their running. Erica and Heather were set to complete the final two legs of the World Marathon Majors, until their plans were completely derailed, starting with Tokyo in February.  As we continue to cope with this new normal, we are beginning to have more and more fun with you all.  Thanks for continuing to listen!

We continue our Staying Sane series by taking sometime to chat with friend of the pod Stephani Itibrout.  She finds out shortly after we recorded this that her race is in fact cancelled.  We can't record these fast enough!

A little bored during your quarantine?  We got your back!  Today we take a little time and talk to longtime interactive listener, Andrea Sanchez.  It's good to get social with people, while all this "social distancing" is going on, and that's what we're looking to do with these mini-episodes.

This week we discuss a little what it's like in this world we are living in.  This new normal that we have been blindsided with over the last few weeks.  Rebellious pharmacist Eric Geyer joins us to discuss his side of things, and the boys try to find some positives in this time of fear and uncertainty.

This week, the boys sit on chairs of toilet paper, and talk about the events of the week surrounding this novel coronavirus.  Strong opinions on the data, the need for community support, and how it's effecting running and other sports.  This is a time for serious action, but not a time for panic.  Join the boys as they try and maintain some sense of normalcy during this craziness.

After the Olympic Trials, the boys decide to take their time to talk alone for a little bit.  They discuss the results of the Trials last week, the upcoming extra hour of daylight in the evening, and the dawning of spring (thank God!).  Andrew would like to point out, he was 2 of 6 predicting Olympians from Saturday, while Adam didn't pick a single podium runner.

This week the boys preview this weekends Olympic Trials in Atlanta.  They each pick their top 3 from the men's and women's fields, give some Northeast Ohio connections to Atlanta this weekend, and discuss SHOES AGAIN! They also talk about the Salazar effect for Rupp and Hasay, and CAN WE PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT SHOES!

After discussing the divisive topic of food last week, the boys decide to try and mend fences by discussing politics.  To help in the proceedings, Adam Wren of Politico joins them to discuss life as a runner on the campaign trail with presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg.  Adam shares some awesome stories of following candidates on both sides of the aisle, and how it all relates to running.  We also dive into what it truly means to represent the rust belt and the midwest... DISCOUNTS!

This week, the boys go completely off the rails talking about food.  What was meant to be a basic opener, turned into a rage filled debate about tacos and pizza, as Andrew has an aneurysm live.  Adam is his calm usual self, and it's really annoying. 

For the Golden Episode, the boys reunite with friend of the Pod Leah Backo. They discuss Leah's move to a new city, rebounding from injury, and running with dogs. Yes DOGS! ALL THE DOGS!

This week, the boys take a look at the impact of Kobe Bryant and his unfortunate passing.  The legacy he leaves has parallels in the running community, as Adam and Andrew talk about the bigger than life heroes of our sport. 

This week, the boys spend some time talking with running coach Kyle Kranz. Kyle speaks about his passion in the environmental sustainability of running, what it takes to be a coach, and how he uses the upcoming election to motivate his athletes. Andrew is disgusted in his views of burritos and beer.