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First off, can we all give our guest some love?! Follow Mike on IG and Threads @_mikenielsen and listen to his Runner’s Resource pod! Today I had the pleasure of chatting with Mike, a dedicated runner, father, and podcaster who embodies the values of consistency, mindfulness, and perseverance. We connected over our shared experiences as dads balancing family life with personal passions. This episode is all about rediscovering the joy of running, learning to be present, and how that can positively impact other areas of life.
Rediscovering Running:
After years of avoiding running, I recently took it up again. My last significant run was the Chicago Marathon 2013, which didn’t go as planned. I swore off running after that, but this year, something changed.
I started running to prepare for a December HYROX event, combining strength and endurance. I realized I needed to improve my stamina and VO2 max.
Running became more than just exercise; it became a practice in mindfulness and being present. I learned to focus on one mile at a time, which was crucial during our family road trip when we faced unexpected challenges.
Mike’s Running Journey:
Mike has been a runner for nearly 25 years, with his love for running sparked early on. Running has taken him to marathons across the U.S. and even ultra-marathons. We talked about his recent 100-mile race attempt, which, despite not finishing, taught him valuable lessons about resilience and the power of a strong mindset.
Mike’s story highlights the importance of having goals and being adaptable when life throws curveballs. His commitment to running also influences his work as a podcaster and podcast editor, where he brings the same level of discipline and passion.
Key Takeaways:
Consistency is Key: Showing up daily, even when you don’t feel like it, builds trust with yourself and others. It’s not about being perfect but about being persistent.
Mindfulness Matters: Running has become a mindfulness practice for me. Focusing on the present moment rather than the finish line can reduce stress and help manage life’s uncertainties.
Adaptability: Life, like a long-distance race, is unpredictable. Whether it’s weather conditions or unexpected injuries, adaptability is crucial.
Goal Setting: Having clear goals provides direction and motivation. For me, running has been about improving my fitness for an upcoming event and being an active role model for my kids.
Embrace the Journey: It’s important to celebrate the progress, no matter how small. The journey itself offers lessons, even if the final goal isn’t reached as planned.
Mike’s Podcast Insights:
Mike’s podcast, “Runners Resource,” focuses on the running community, offering advice, inspiration, and shared experiences.
His advice for aspiring podcasters is to know their “why,” be consistent, and enjoy the process. The journey is more important than instant success.
Let's wrap it up:
This conversation was a powerful reminder of the importance of showing up, both in running and in life. Whether it’s a podcast or a personal goal, being consistent and mindful makes all the difference. And remember, sometimes it’s okay to compartmentalize and take things one mile at a time.
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