For Human Race's final episode, we share several of your stories. This episode of Human Race is brought to you by Brooks. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw.Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Rachel Swaby, Brian Dalek, Christine FennessyTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race is a proud part of PanoplySpecial thanks to:David Willey, Christine Fennessy, Brian Dalek, Sylvia Ryerson, Audrey Quinn, Mervyn Deganos, David Weinberg, Danielle Thomsen, Kit Fox, Casey Martin, Willow Belden, Tennessee Watson, Scott Carrier, Karen Given, and Cindy Kuzma.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For Human Race's final episode, we share several of your stories. This episode of Human Race is brought to you by <a href="http://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brooks</a>. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at <a href="http://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw</a>.Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Rachel Swaby, Brian Dalek, Christine FennessyTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race is a proud part of PanoplySpecial thanks to:David Willey, Christine Fennessy, Brian Dalek, Sylvia Ryerson, Audrey Quinn, Mervyn Deganos, David Weinberg, Danielle Thomsen, Kit Fox, Casey Martin, Willow Belden, Tennessee Watson, Scott Carrier, Karen Given, and Cindy Kuzma.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 29: See You on the Road

In his 20s, after running cross country in high school and college, Tim Manzer swore off running completely. Then, in his early 40s, his doctor told him that running would not be a part of his future. “I wasn’t running anyway!” Tim laughed. In 2010, Tim was trimming some apple trees in a little orchard right next to his front yard, when he backed up into a wasp’s nest. “They're after me. I'm zigzagging across my yard and over in the neighbor's yard.” After 10 or so stings, Tim finally loses them. As he recovers on his front porch, he thinks to himself, “You can run. You just need the right motivation, but you can run!”Tim’s is an unbelievable tale: it has a summer camp, a motorcycle club, poop, and wasps, of course. Oh, and love.This episode of Human Race is brought to you by Brooks. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw.Episode Credits:Host &amp; producer: Rachel SwabyEditing help: Brian DalekTheme Music: Danny CockeHuman Race is a proud part of Panoply.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his 20s, after running cross country in high school and college, Tim Manzer swore off running completely. Then, in his early 40s, his doctor told him that running would not be a part of his future. “I wasn’t running anyway!” Tim laughed. In 2010, Tim was trimming some apple trees in a little orchard right next to his front yard, when he backed up into a wasp’s nest. “They're after me. I'm zigzagging across my yard and over in the neighbor's yard.” After 10 or so stings, Tim finally loses them. As he recovers on his front porch, he thinks to himself, “You can run. You just need the right motivation, but you can run!”Tim’s is an unbelievable tale: it has a summer camp, a motorcycle club, poop, and wasps, of course. Oh, and love.This episode of Human Race is brought to you by <a href="http://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brooks</a>. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at <a href="http://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw</a>.Episode Credits:Host &amp; producer: Rachel SwabyEditing help: Brian DalekTheme Music: Danny CockeHuman Race is a proud part of Panoply.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 28: Crash & Return

​When Amy Downs thinks about her life, it splits into two distinct sections: before the bombing and after the bombing.Before the bombing, Amy’s life had fallen into a predictable pattern. She went to work, came home, ate dinner, watched TV and went to bed. After she moved away from her hometown and gotten married a few years earlier, she’d gained weight quickly—100 pounds in one year. “And I was too embarrassed to come home,” says Downs. “This was before cell phones and email and all of that.” Relationships with her friends and family suffered.But then, one spring day, when Amy was 28, a tragedy ripped Amy’s life in half. She vowed to change her life completely.This episode of Human Race is brought to you by Brooks. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw.Credits:Host and Producer: Rachel SwabyEditing help: Christine Fennessy, Brian DalekTheme Music: Danny CockeHuman Race is proud part of Panoply Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

​When Amy Downs thinks about her life, it splits into two distinct sections: before the bombing and after the bombing.Before the bombing, Amy’s life had fallen into a predictable pattern. She went to work, came home, ate dinner, watched TV and went to bed. After she moved away from her hometown and gotten married a few years earlier, she’d gained weight quickly—100 pounds in one year. “And I was too embarrassed to come home,” says Downs. “This was before cell phones and email and all of that.” Relationships with her friends and family suffered.But then, one spring day, when Amy was 28, a tragedy ripped Amy’s life in half. She vowed to change her life completely.This episode of Human Race is brought to you by <a href="http://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brooks</a>. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at <a href="http://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw</a>.Credits:Host and Producer: Rachel SwabyEditing help: Christine Fennessy, Brian DalekTheme Music: Danny CockeHuman Race is proud part of Panoply Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 27: From The Rubble

In 2011, at the Western States 100-mile Endurance Run, Noe Castanon Mendez was a pacer in need of a runner. Thomas Wong was a runner in need of a pacer. They were strangers when they met and decided to pair up with more than 30 miles still to go.But the meeting got off to a tense start. Thomas was in pain and exhausted, close to the cut off time, and uncertain he could finish on his own. Noe, on the other hand, still had fresh legs. He was cheering on runners with a cowbell and excited about the prospect of hopping onto the course. They weren't on the same page, and it wasn’t clear that they’d get there.This is the story of a self-professed odd couple. It’s the story of what happens in the dark of night, through pain and doubt, when a runner is at their worst. And the unique relationship formed in extremely challenging circumstances.Episode credits:Host &amp; producer: Rachel SwabyEditing help: Christine Fennessy, Brian Dalek, Kit FoxTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race is a proud part of PanoplyThis episode of Human Race is brought to you by Brooks. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2011, at the <a href="https://www.runnersworld.com/western-states" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Western States 100-mile Endurance Run</a>, Noe Castanon Mendez was a pacer in need of a runner. Thomas Wong was a runner in need of a pacer. They were strangers when they met and decided to pair up with more than 30 miles still to go.But the meeting got off to a tense start. Thomas was in pain and exhausted, close to the cut off time, and uncertain he could finish on his own. Noe, on the other hand, still had fresh legs. He was cheering on runners with a cowbell and excited about the prospect of hopping onto the course. They weren't on the same page, and it wasn’t clear that they’d get there.This is the story of a self-professed odd couple. It’s the story of what happens in the dark of night, through pain and doubt, when a runner is at their worst. And the unique relationship formed in extremely challenging circumstances.Episode credits:Host &amp; producer: Rachel SwabyEditing help: Christine Fennessy, Brian Dalek, Kit FoxTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race is a proud part of <a href="http://www.megaphone.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Panoply</a>This episode of Human Race is brought to you by <a href="http://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brooks</a>. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at <a href="http://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 26: Pacers

I'm taking this week off. But you'll get a new episode of Human Race next Tuesday (8/8). In the mean time, I want to hear from you. Email me stories about why you started running and you could be included in a future episode. You can email me at RWaudio@rodale.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I'm taking this week off. But you'll get a new episode of Human Race next Tuesday (8/8). In the mean time, I want to hear from you. Email me stories about why you started running and you could be included in a future episode. You can email me at RWaudio@rodale.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

New episode coming next week

Earlier this year, Human Race asked listeners to send in stories about their run clubs. We got inspiring, motivating, and touching stories from all over the country—exactly what we were hoping for.But then we got a story so unexpected, so charming, so zany, that we couldn’t possibly pass it up. This week, Human Race goes to Colorado Springs to run with donkeys. That’s right. Donkeys. And what we found there wasn’t just a novelty club. When “you teach someone else not only how to [run with donkeys] but why to do it,” says Shaw, “That forms a more unique bond between people.” Rosco’s Runners is a club that’s had a powerful effect on the local community—as well as the people who run it.Rosco’s Runners Videos:Rosco's Th@nksgivingRosco likes Human RaceEpisode Credits:Host &amp; producer: Rachel SwabyEditing help: Sylvia Ryerson and Brian DalekSpecial thanks to Kevin Shaw, Suzanne Shaw, and Tony White.Thanks to Sam White for donkey running recording help.Theme music: Danny CockeHuman Race is a proud part of PanoplyThis episode of Human Race is brought to you by Brooks. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Earlier this year, Human Race asked listeners to send in stories about their run clubs. We got inspiring, motivating, and touching stories from all over the country—exactly what we were hoping for.But then we got a story so unexpected, so charming, so zany, that we couldn’t possibly pass it up. This week, Human Race goes to Colorado Springs to run with donkeys. That’s right. Donkeys. And what we found there wasn’t just a novelty club. When “you teach someone else not only how to [run with donkeys] but why to do it,” says Shaw, “That forms a more unique bond between people.” Rosco’s Runners is a club that’s had a powerful effect on the local community—as well as the people who run it.Rosco’s Runners Videos:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q43WA3hKB1Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rosco's Th@nksgiving</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kHNF_oSg8Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rosco likes Human Race</a>Episode Credits:Host &amp; producer: Rachel SwabyEditing help: Sylvia Ryerson and Brian DalekSpecial thanks to Kevin Shaw, Suzanne Shaw, and Tony White.Thanks to Sam White for donkey running recording help.Theme music: Danny CockeHuman Race is a proud part of PanoplyThis episode of Human Race is brought to you by <a href="http://www.brooksrunning.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brooks</a>. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at <a href="https://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 25: Rosco's Runners

On January 1st, 1997, Karen Queally decided that running every day was something she could do for herself. She had recently given birth to twin girls and she had another daughter, just a few years older. She’d run three miles or 45 minutes, whatever came first. And every January, she’d decide whether she’d like to renew the commitment. That was more than 20 years ago. Karen has kept her streak alive every day since. Now, she knew running every day would be difficult. She expected early flights and injury and illness. However, she didn’t expect just how much she would have to go through to keep going. And how maintaining control over her running would hold her together while her health and her home life deteriorated.  During this daily running practice, Queally saw her dreams expand. Karen is 163 marathons deep with 7490 days of running in a row. She has no plans to stop any time soon.This episode of Human Race is brought to you by Brooks. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw.Episode Credits:Host &amp; producer: Rachel SwabyFeedback from: Christine Fennessy and Brian DalekTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race is a proud part of Panoply Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On January 1st, 1997, Karen Queally decided that running every day was something she could do for herself. She had recently given birth to twin girls and she had another daughter, just a few years older. She’d run three miles or 45 minutes, whatever came first. And every January, she’d decide whether she’d like to renew the commitment. That was more than 20 years ago. Karen has kept her streak alive every day since. Now, she knew running every day would be difficult. She expected early flights and injury and illness. However, she didn’t expect just how much she would have to go through to keep going. And how maintaining control over her running would hold her together while her health and her home life deteriorated.  During this daily running practice, Queally saw her dreams expand. Karen is 163 marathons deep with 7490 days of running in a row. She has no plans to stop any time soon.This episode of Human Race is brought to you by <a href="http://www.brooksrunning.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brooks</a>. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at <a href="https://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw</a>.Episode Credits:Host &amp; producer: Rachel SwabyFeedback from: Christine Fennessy and Brian DalekTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race is a proud part of <a href="http://www.megaphone.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Panoply</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 24: What would it take?

Elite runner Brandon Hudgins had the storybook ending to a remarkable comeback at the 2016 Olympic Track Trials. Over eight years, he fought three relapses of a rare form of the autoimmune disease vasculitis to qualify in the 1,500 meters. When the disease strikes, it attacks the very organs needed to run fast—the blood vessels that transport oxygen to muscles. In a matter of weeks during a relapse, he can go from being able to run a mile in under four minutes, to barely being able to plod through one in 15. He’s suffered depression and anxiety because of his health, maxed out credit cards, and had to quit his job because he is too sick to work. But in spite of these biological, mental, and financial obstacles, in front of his parents, friends, coach, and 20,000 spectators on a sopping, rainy Hayward field in Eugene, Oregon, he placed ninth in a semi-final heat—the highlight of his professional career. This week, we explore what happened after that storybook comeback in 2016. Brandon wants to run faster, to chase his dream of being a top-level elite runner. But he has body that steals his talent just when things are going his way.   This episode of The Runner's World Show is brought to you by Brooks. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw.Additional Reading:This Unsponsored Athlete has the Comeback Story of the Trials by Kit FoxVasculitis Foundation Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Kit Fox, Rachel SwabyFeedback by: Christine Fennessy, Brian Dalek, Sylvia RyersonTheme Music: Danny CockeHuman Race is a proud part of Panoply Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elite runner Brandon Hudgins had the storybook ending to a remarkable comeback at the 2016 Olympic Track Trials. Over eight years, he fought three relapses of a rare form of the autoimmune disease vasculitis to qualify in the 1,500 meters. When the disease strikes, it attacks the very organs needed to run fast—the blood vessels that transport oxygen to muscles. In a matter of weeks during a relapse, he can go from being able to run a mile in under four minutes, to barely being able to plod through one in 15. He’s suffered depression and anxiety because of his health, maxed out credit cards, and had to quit his job because he is too sick to work. But in spite of these biological, mental, and financial obstacles, in front of his parents, friends, coach, and 20,000 spectators on a sopping, rainy Hayward field in Eugene, Oregon, he placed ninth in a semi-final heat—the highlight of his professional career. This week, we explore what happened after that storybook comeback in 2016. Brandon wants to run faster, to chase his dream of being a top-level elite runner. But he has body that steals his talent just when things are going his way.   This episode of The Runner's World Show is brought to you by Brooks. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at <a href="https://brooksathlete.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw</a>.Additional Reading:<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/olympic-trials/this-unsponsored-athlete-has-the-comeback-story-of-the-trials" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This Unsponsored Athlete has the Comeback Story of the Trials</a> by Kit Fox<a href="http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vasculitis Foundation </a>Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Kit Fox, Rachel SwabyFeedback by: Christine Fennessy, Brian Dalek, Sylvia RyersonTheme Music: Danny CockeHuman Race is a proud part of Panoply Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 23: Don’t Call it a Comeback

When Judge Craig Mitchell visited the Midnight Mission homeless shelter on Skid Row in Los Angeles in 2012, the organization’s president asked him if he could think of any way to contribute. Judge Mitchell was an avid runner, and he worked nearby. So he offered to start a run club for guys in the shelter. He hoped to get to know the people staying at the Mission better, maybe foster a sense of community.  What he didn’t know was just how profoundly running would change their lives and his.  The run club he started is the subject of a new documentary premiering at the LA Film Festival on Saturday, June 16th. Mark and Gabi Hayes made the film, and they’ve given Human Race exclusive access to the interviews they conducted over the course of the four years they followed the group.  The group started on Skid Row, but its members did not finish there. Additional Reading: Skid Row Marathon at the LA Film Festival: Saturday, June 17th at 12pm.Skid Row Marathon WebsiteAnd Skid Row Marathon on Facebook Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducer: Rachel SwabyReporting and documentary by Mark and Gabi Hayes.Feedback from: Christine Fennessy, Brian Dalek, and Sylvia RyersonFounding editor in chief: David WilleyThis episode is brought to you by Brooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Judge Craig Mitchell visited the Midnight Mission homeless shelter on Skid Row in Los Angeles in 2012, the organization’s president asked him if he could think of any way to contribute. Judge Mitchell was an avid runner, and he worked nearby. So he offered to start a run club for guys in the shelter. He hoped to get to know the people staying at the Mission better, maybe foster a sense of community.  What he didn’t know was just how profoundly running would change their lives and his.  The run club he started is the subject of a new documentary premiering at the LA Film Festival on Saturday, June 16th. Mark and Gabi Hayes made the film, and they’ve given Human Race exclusive access to the interviews they conducted over the course of the four years they followed the group.  The group started on Skid Row, but its members did not finish there. Additional Reading: Skid Row Marathon at the <a href="https://tickets.lafilmfestival.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=skidrowmarathon&amp;BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LA Film Festival</a>: Saturday, June 17th at 12pm.<a href="http://skidrowmarathon.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Skid Row Marathon</a> WebsiteAnd Skid Row Marathon on <a href="http://facebook.com/skidrowmarathon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducer: Rachel SwabyReporting and documentary by Mark and Gabi Hayes.Feedback from: Christine Fennessy, Brian Dalek, and Sylvia RyersonFounding editor in chief: David WilleyThis episode is brought to you by Brooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 22: Skid Row Marathon

Run streakers people committed to running at least a mile every day. There are now Facebook groups filled with run streakers and a national organization. But before any of that, Brent Burmaster decided that he would run at least 5k, or 3.1 miles every day for the rest of his life. That was in 1993. More than 8,800 days later, Burmaster is still at it. But in the twenty-four years between then and now, his life took a dramatic turn. Burmaster had always been a heavy drinker, but his big nights out were mostly confined to the weekends. However, when his first marriage fell apart, he plunged into alcoholism, going to bars every night. Was running holding his life together or enabling his addiction? Keeping him healthy or keeping him trapped in another addiction? That’s our story this week. Additional Resources:2017 Runner’s World Summer Running StreakSoul’s HarborAlcoholics Anonymous Host: Rachel SwabyProducer: Rachel SwabyFeedback from: Brian Dalek, Sylvia RyersonSpecial thanks to Hollis Karoly, a doctoral student at the University of Colorado Boulder, for help with the science of alcoholism and exercise.Theme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor in chief: David WilleyHuman Race is a proud part of Panoply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Run streakers people committed to running at least a mile every day. There are now Facebook groups filled with run streakers and a national organization. But before any of that, Brent Burmaster decided that he would run at least 5k, or 3.1 miles every day for the rest of his life. That was in 1993. More than 8,800 days later, Burmaster is still at it. But in the twenty-four years between then and now, his life took a dramatic turn. Burmaster had always been a heavy drinker, but his big nights out were mostly confined to the weekends. However, when his first marriage fell apart, he plunged into alcoholism, going to bars every night. Was running holding his life together or enabling his addiction? Keeping him healthy or keeping him trapped in another addiction? That’s our story this week. Additional Resources:<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/rwrunstreak/rw-running-streak-faqs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2017 Runner’s World Summer Running Streak</a><a href="http://www.soulsharbordallas.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soul’s Harbor</a><a href="http://www.aa.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alcoholics Anonymous </a>Host: Rachel SwabyProducer: Rachel SwabyFeedback from: Brian Dalek, Sylvia RyersonSpecial thanks to Hollis Karoly, a doctoral student at the University of Colorado Boulder, for help with the science of alcoholism and exercise.Theme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor in chief: David WilleyHuman Race is a proud part of<a href="http://www.megaphone.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Panoply</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 21: Twenty-Four Years

Human Race is a podcast from Runner's World. Hosted by Rachel Swaby, Human Race focuses on long-form storytelling. It brings the depth and reporting you’ve come to expect from ambitious features in the magazine—but with the intimate and immersive aspects only audio can provide. Each week, we share a story about runners and the world of running.

This is a great series. Very inspiring. I just wish there were more episodes!

I Want More!

I truly miss this podcast-there is nothing like it!
Great stories-wish it would return

Missed not forgotten

Human Race

We've got two stories this week. The first is about why we run, not just as runners but as human beings. In the 1980s a biologist named Dave Carrier came up with a controversial theory about human evolution. He called it the "Running Hypothesis" and it was based on the idea that humans became elite long distance runners so that we could hunt large game by chasing it on foot until the animal collapsed from exhaustion. So Carrier and his brother, a radio producer named Scott went to Wyoming to prove this theory by trying to run down an antelope until it collapsed. The second story comes from producer Karen Given and is about a runner who set a surprising marathon goal after volunteering for a major surgery to save his mother-in-law’s life. We also learn how to hide an engagement ring in your running clothes. Additional Listening:Producer Scott Carrier has a podcast called Home of the Brave. You can listen to more of his work at homebrave.com.Producer Karen Given works on a show called Only A Game. You can listen to more of her work for that show at http://www.wbur.org/staff/karen-given. This episode of Human Race is sponsored by Aaptiv, an on-demand audio fitness app that you can do at home, at the gym, outdoors - anywhere. Get your first month free when you sign up for a monthly subscription at and use the promo code "HUMAN."Episode Credits: Host: David Weinberg Producers: Scott Carrier, Karen Given Theme music: Danny Cocke Human Race editor in chief: David Willey Human Race is a proud part of Panoply.Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've got two stories this week. The first is about why we run, not just as runners but as human beings. In the 1980s a biologist named Dave Carrier came up with a controversial theory about human evolution. He called it the "Running Hypothesis" and it was based on the idea that humans became elite long distance runners so that we could hunt large game by chasing it on foot until the animal collapsed from exhaustion. So Carrier and his brother, a radio producer named Scott went to Wyoming to prove this theory by trying to run down an antelope until it collapsed. The second story comes from producer Karen Given and is about a runner who set a surprising marathon goal after volunteering for a major surgery to save his mother-in-law’s life. We also learn how to hide an engagement ring in your running clothes. Additional Listening:Producer Scott Carrier has a podcast called <a href="http://homebrave.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Home of the Brave</a>. You can listen to more of his work at <a href="http://homebrave.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">homebrave.com</a>.Producer Karen Given works on a show called <a href="http://www.wbur.org/onlyagame" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Only A Game</a>. You can listen to more of her work for that show at <a href="http://www.wbur.org/staff/karen-given" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.wbur.org/staff/karen-given</a>. This episode of Human Race is sponsored by <a href="http://www.aaptiv.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aaptiv</a>, an on-demand audio fitness app that you can do at home, at the gym, outdoors - anywhere. Get your first month free when you sign up for a monthly subscription at and use the promo code "HUMAN."Episode Credits: Host: David Weinberg Producers: Scott Carrier, Karen Given Theme music: Danny Cocke Human Race editor in chief: David Willey Human Race is a proud part of <a href="http://megaphone.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Panoply</a>.Follow us on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/rwaudio" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@rwaudio</a>) and Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RunnersWorldAudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Runner's World Audio</a>). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 15: Endurance

In the Barkley Marathons' thirty years, only 14 people have ever completed it. But it’s not for lack of trying. Some 1000 runners have attempted to complete Barkley’s five loop course of agony through Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee. The route is supposed to be 100 miles, but Barkley veterans guess that it’s more like a very hilly 130. With no GPS, no course markers, and not an aid station to speak of, sleep deprived runners are challenged more than just physically. For the vast majority of runners, this race isn’t about finishing. It’s about pushing themselves to their absolute limits.This episode of Human Race is brought to you by Brooks. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw.Further reading:The 2016 Barkley Marathons: One Person Finishes! by Brian DalekNotorious by Charlie EngleEpisode Credits:Host: Rachel Swaby Producers: Brian Dalek, Rachel Swaby Editor: Audrey Quinn with help from Christine Fennessy Production help: Mervyn Degaños Thanks to Pam Bede from Swim, Bike, Run, Eat! and Bryce Mander from UC Berkeley’s Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory for their help on this story Theme music: Danny Cocke Human Race editor-in-chief: David Willey  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the Barkley Marathons' thirty years, only 14 people have ever completed it. But it’s not for lack of trying. Some 1000 runners have attempted to complete Barkley’s five loop course of agony through Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee. The route is supposed to be 100 miles, but Barkley veterans guess that it’s more like a very hilly 130. With no GPS, no course markers, and not an aid station to speak of, sleep deprived runners are challenged more than just physically. For the vast majority of runners, this race isn’t about finishing. It’s about pushing themselves to their absolute limits.This episode of Human Race is brought to you by <a href="http://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brooks</a>. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at <a href="http://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw</a>.Further reading:<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/races/the-2016-barkley-marathons-one-person-finishes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The 2016 Barkley Marathons: One Person Finishes!</a> by Brian Dalek<a href="http://rw.runnersworld.com/selects/notorious.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Notorious</a> by Charlie EngleEpisode Credits:Host: Rachel Swaby Producers: Brian Dalek, Rachel Swaby Editor: Audrey Quinn with help from Christine Fennessy Production help: Mervyn Degaños Thanks to Pam Bede from Swim, Bike, Run, Eat! and Bryce Mander from UC Berkeley’s Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory for their help on this story Theme music: Danny Cocke Human Race editor-in-chief: David Willey  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 7: Barkley Marathons

Wonder

This week on Human Race, we’re sharing a sprint—or a short story. We’ll be alternating long stories, like the Tin Man story last week, with shorter stories, like the one you’re getting this week.Our first sprint is a story we’re featuring from the Runner’s World Show, our really wonderful sister podcast. It will be rare that we’ll air the same story on both shows, but this one is really special.Chris Kraft, site director for RunnersWorld.com, gets text alerts that reveal when the International Space Station (ISS) will be flying over his house. He even schedules his (very, very early) morning runs so that he can catch a glimpse of these flyovers. Chris’s passion is so appealing that we asked him to record himself out on the run. In the story, we also meet a fellow sky gazer and astronaut Sunita Williams. Suni has been up to the International Space Station twice. On one of those trips, she ran the Boston Marathon virtually, while in orbit. This is their story of wonder, passion, and running.Episode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Sylvia Ryerson, Christine Fennessy, Brian Dalek, Chris Kraft, Rachel SwabyTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor-in-chief: David Willey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Human Race, we’re sharing a sprint—or a short story. We’ll be alternating long stories, like the Tin Man story last week, with shorter stories, like the one you’re getting this week. Our first sprint is a story we’re featuring from the Runner’s World Show, our really wonderful sister podcast. It will be rare that we’ll air the same story on both shows, but this one is really special. Chris Kraft, site director for <a href="http://RunnersWorld.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RunnersWorld.com</a>, gets text alerts that reveal when the International Space Station (ISS) will be flying over his house. He even schedules his (very, very early) morning runs so that he can catch a glimpse of these flyovers. Chris’s passion is so appealing that we asked him to record himself out on the run. In the story, we also meet a fellow sky gazer and astronaut Sunita Williams. Suni has been up to the International Space Station twice. On one of those trips, she ran the Boston Marathon virtually, while in orbit. This is their story of wonder, passion, and running. Episode Credits: Host: Rachel Swaby Producers: Sylvia Ryerson, Christine Fennessy, Brian Dalek, Chris Kraft, Rachel Swaby Theme music: Danny Cocke Human Race editor-in-chief: David Willey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 2: Wonder

Sylvia Weiner is a prolific runner. She’s 85 years old, and she estimates that, during the course of her running career, she’s completed nearly 2,000 races—and she’s got an extensive collection of race medals and trophies to prove it. In 1975, Sylvia even claimed a very special spot in Boston Marathon history.But her most significant legacy has nothing to do with race accolades. When Sylvia runs, she shows others what’s possible. Her long-term dedication to the sport is impressive. “I have to stick to [running] for dear life,” she says. That’s because running is more than a passion; it’s a way of dealing with her traumatic past.In this week’s episode, Sylvia shares her incredible story. Let’s just say, there’s a reason Sylvia’s longtime running buddy greets her with an enthusiastic, “Sylvia! She’s our hero!”Episode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Rachel Swaby, Audrey Quinn, Christine FennessyEditing help: Brian DalekSpecial thanks: Gordon Asmundson from the University of Regina for sharing his research.Debbie Weiner for her help with this story.Theme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor-in-chief: David WilleyHuman Race is a member of Panoply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sylvia Weiner is a prolific runner. She’s 85 years old, and she estimates that, during the course of her running career, she’s completed nearly 2,000 races—and she’s got an extensive collection of race medals and trophies to prove it. In 1975, Sylvia even claimed a very special spot in <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/boston-marathon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boston Marathon</a> history.But her most significant legacy has nothing to do with race accolades. When Sylvia runs, she shows others what’s possible. Her long-term dedication to the sport is impressive. “I have to stick to [running] for dear life,” she says. That’s because running is more than a passion; it’s a way of dealing with her traumatic past.In this week’s episode, Sylvia shares her incredible story. Let’s just say, there’s a reason Sylvia’s longtime <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/fun/the-10-most-annoying-people-to-run-with" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">running buddy</a> greets her with an enthusiastic, “Sylvia! She’s our hero!”Episode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Rachel Swaby, Audrey Quinn, Christine FennessyEditing help: Brian DalekSpecial thanks: Gordon Asmundson from the University of Regina for sharing his research.Debbie Weiner for her help with this story.Theme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor-in-chief: David WilleyHuman Race is a member of Panoply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 3: Sylvia

For over 20 years, the so-called World’s Longest Urinal was a New York City Marathon institution. At the height of its glory, it was an astonishing 350-feet long. The story of this urinal is one of DIY problem solving, triumph, and liquid tragedy. And behind this open air trough: An unknown legend named Vic Navarra. Vic was a fixture at the New York City Marathon for over a quarter of a century. He was a New York City firefighter who conducted the race start from the top of a fire truck's 85-foot ladder. When tens of thousands of runners poured onto multiple levels of the Verrazano bridge at the start of the marathon, Vic was the one conducting them. As the race start coordinator, he was the steward of this storied urinal, too. Together, their history gives us a glimpse into how the New York City Marathon scaled up to be the world class race that it is today. Episode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Rachel Swaby, Mervyn DegañosEditor: Audrey Quinn Editing help: Christine Fennessy, Sylvia RyersonFact checking: Jan McLeodTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor in chief: David Willey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For over 20 years, the so-called World’s Longest Urinal was a New York City Marathon institution. At the height of its glory, it was an astonishing 350-feet long. The story of this urinal is one of DIY problem solving, triumph, and liquid tragedy. And behind this open air trough: An unknown legend named Vic Navarra. Vic was a fixture at the New York City Marathon for over a quarter of a century. He was a New York City firefighter who conducted the race start from the top of a fire truck's 85-foot ladder. When tens of thousands of runners poured onto multiple levels of the Verrazano bridge at the start of the marathon, Vic was the one conducting them. As the race start coordinator, he was the steward of this storied urinal, too. Together, their history gives us a glimpse into how the New York City Marathon scaled up to be the world class race that it is today. Episode Credits: Host: Rachel Swaby Producers: Rachel Swaby, Mervyn Degaños Editor: Audrey Quinn Editing help: Christine Fennessy, Sylvia Ryerson Fact checking: Jan McLeod Theme music: Danny Cocke Human Race editor in chief: David Willey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 5: Unknown Legend

About half of all runners who enter the Leadville Trail 100 don't finish. What stands between them and a finisher's belt buckle? Sandy Monahan. In this episode of Human Race, we follow Sandy as she dashes runners' dreams by enforcing the event's very strict cut off schedule. As she breaks countless timing chips in two, there are tears, hugs, and only the occasional death threat. And yet, Sandy keeps coming back. And so do the runners. There's something special about Leadville.This episode of Human Race is brought to you by Brooks. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw.Episode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Willow Belden, Rachel SwabyEditor: Audrey Quinn, David WeinbergThanks to Amanda Jamrogiewicz, Tom Kleinman, Caolan MacMahon, Jon Perz, and Scott SchaunamanTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor-in-chief: David WilleyAdditional Listening:Producer Willow Belden has a podcast called Out There. Here are two episodes she thinks Human Race listeners will like:Episode 11: Failure in SuccessEpisode 17: High on FailureFollow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

About half of all runners who enter the Leadville Trail 100 don't finish. What stands between them and a finisher's belt buckle? Sandy Monahan. In this episode of Human Race, we follow Sandy as she dashes runners' dreams by enforcing the event's very strict cut off schedule. As she breaks countless timing chips in two, there are tears, hugs, and only the occasional death threat. And yet, Sandy keeps coming back. And so do the runners. There's something special about Leadville.This episode of Human Race is brought to you by <a href="http://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brooks</a>. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at <a href="http://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw</a>.Episode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Willow Belden, Rachel SwabyEditor: Audrey Quinn, David WeinbergThanks to Amanda Jamrogiewicz, Tom Kleinman, Caolan MacMahon, Jon Perz, and Scott SchaunamanTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor-in-chief: David WilleyAdditional Listening:Producer Willow Belden has a podcast called Out There. Here are two episodes she thinks Human Race listeners will like:Episode 11: Failure in SuccessEpisode 17: High on FailureFollow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 10: The Cut Off Queen

Anthony Butler, a native of the Bronx in New York City, lost his sight eight years ago. For many people who lose their ability to see in adulthood, the decline is inevitable and gradual. Often a degenerative disease will chip away at someone’s vision to the point that they become legally blind.That’s not what happened to Anthony. One second, Anthony was hanging out with friends. The next second, his sight was gone.But even through a series of struggles—learning to navigate a new world, getting kicked out his home—Anthony found ways to turn his life around. One of those ways: running. It was last spring when Anthony met Kate Dixon on a group run in Central Park with Achilles International. Neither was a great runner, but something clicked when they began running together that made them decide to get serious for their own, important reasons.In this episode, we explore what happens when you lose something so essential. And what, perhaps, you might gain in its place.Episode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Mervyn Degaños, Rachel SwabyEditor: David WeinbergSpecial thanks to Doug Pedersen for research help and Dr. Steve Lomber. Dr. Lomber is the Canada Research Chair in Brain Plasticity and Development at the University of Western Ontario.Theme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor-in-chief: David WilleyHuman Race is a proud part of Panoply.Extra Credit:Kate and Anthony are raising money for Achilles. If they top the donor list before the New York City Marathon on November 6, they’ll win a free trip to Disney World. If you feel so inclined, you can donate here.This episode of Human Race is sponsored by Stamps.com. Buy and Print official U.S. Postage using your own computer and printer. Get a 4-week trial plus a $110 dollar bonus offer by going to Stamps.com and using the promo code "HUMAN."Help Panoply learn more about the podcasts you love, and how much you listen to them, by taking a short survey at Panoply.fm/survey. Thanks! Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Butler, a native of the Bronx in New York City, lost his sight eight years ago. For many people who lose their ability to see in adulthood, the decline is inevitable and gradual. Often a degenerative disease will chip away at someone’s vision to the point that they become legally blind.That’s not what happened to Anthony. One second, Anthony was hanging out with friends. The next second, his sight was gone.But even through a series of struggles—learning to navigate a new world, getting kicked out his home—Anthony found ways to turn his life around. One of those ways: running. It was last spring when Anthony met Kate Dixon on a group run in Central Park with <a href="http://www.achillesinternational.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Achilles International</a>. Neither was a great runner, but something clicked when they began running together that made them decide to get serious for their own, important reasons.In this episode, we explore what happens when you lose something so essential. And what, perhaps, you might gain in its place.Episode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Mervyn Degaños, Rachel SwabyEditor: David WeinbergSpecial thanks to Doug Pedersen for research help and Dr. Steve Lomber. Dr. Lomber is the Canada Research Chair in Brain Plasticity and Development at the University of Western Ontario.Theme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor-in-chief: David WilleyHuman Race is a proud part of <a href="http://megaphone.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Panoply</a>.Extra Credit:Kate and Anthony are raising money for <a href="http://www.achillesinternational.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Achilles</a>. If they top the donor list before the <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/nyc-marathon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New York City Marathon</a> on November 6, they’ll win a free trip to Disney World. If you feel so inclined, you can donate <a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/anthony-butler/2016achillesteamchallenge" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.This episode of Human Race is sponsored by <a href="http://Stamps.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stamps.com</a>. Buy and Print official U.S. Postage using your own computer and printer. Get a 4-week trial plus a $110 dollar bonus offer by going to <a href="http://www.stamps.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stamps.com</a> and using the promo code "HUMAN."Help Panoply learn more about the podcasts you love, and how much you listen to them, by taking a short survey at <a href="http://megaphone.fm/survey" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Panoply.fm/survey</a>. Thanks! Follow us on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/rwaudio" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@rwaudio</a>) and Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RunnersWorldAudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Runner's World Audio</a>). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 11: Bright Eyes

A series of unfortunate (and hilarious) events just minutes before the start of one of the world’s most prestigious races. This week’s episode is a sprint—a short story. And you might want to hold your nose because it’s a pretty surprising, very unsettling story about a port-o-potty from Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray. Or, to up the stakes, a story about that time McGillivray nearly missed the start of the race he directs. Episode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Rachel Swaby, Audrey Quinn, Christine FennessyTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor-in-chief: David Willey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A series of unfortunate (and hilarious) events just minutes before the start of one of the world’s most prestigious races. This week’s episode is a sprint—a short story. And you might want to hold your nose because it’s a pretty surprising, very unsettling story about a port-o-potty from Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray. Or, to up the stakes, a story about that time McGillivray nearly missed the start of the race he directs. Episode Credits: Host: Rachel Swaby Producers: Rachel Swaby, Audrey Quinn, Christine Fennessy Theme music: Danny Cocke Human Race editor-in-chief: David Willey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 4: Trapped

Greg O’Brien is 66 years old and open about his struggles with early onset Alzheimer’s. When a story about Greg appeared on NPR detailing how he uses running to combat mental decline, Runner’s World editor Christine Fennessy reluctantly decided to reach out. Reluctantly because up until this point, Fennessy had done whatever she could to avoid personal stories about Alzheimer’s. They hit too close to home.This week, Fennessy meets O’Brien in person—and confronts her biggest fears about the disease.  Additional Resources: On Pluto by Greg O’Brien Outrunning the Demons by Greg O’Brien, edited by Christine Fennessy Inside Alzheimer’s: NPREpisode Credits: Host: Rachel Swaby Producers: Christine Fennessy, Rachel Swaby Editor: Audrey Quinn Production help: Mervyn Degaños Theme music: Danny Cocke Human Race editor-in-chief: David Willey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Greg O’Brien is 66 years old and open about his struggles with early onset Alzheimer’s. When a story about Greg appeared on NPR detailing how he uses running to combat mental decline, Runner’s World editor Christine Fennessy reluctantly decided to reach out. Reluctantly because up until this point, Fennessy had done whatever she could to avoid personal stories about Alzheimer’s. They hit too close to home.This week, Fennessy meets O’Brien in person—and confronts her biggest fears about the disease.  Additional Resources: <a href="http://onpluto.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">On Pluto</a> by Greg O’Brien <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/outrunning-the-demons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Outrunning the Demons</a> by Greg O’Brien, edited by Christine Fennessy <a href="http://www.npr.org/series/389781574/inside-alzheimers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Inside Alzheimer’s: NPR</a>Episode Credits: Host: Rachel Swaby Producers: Christine Fennessy, Rachel Swaby Editor: Audrey Quinn Production help: Mervyn Degaños Theme music: Danny Cocke Human Race editor-in-chief: David Willey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 9: Close to Home

On May 6, 1967 in a suburb of Toronto, Canada, a 13-year-old girl named Maureen Wilton accomplished something extraordinary. In a marathon of 30 people, she set the women's world record, running 26.2 miles in 3:15:23.Nicknamed “Little Mo” by her track teammates, Wilton’s accomplishment should have gone down as a defining moment in running history. It was, after all, just two weeks after the famous Kathrine Switzer completed the Boston Marathon wearing bib 261—despite the race director attempting to tackle her off the course.Instead, Wilton’s achievement was treated with controversy and accusations of cheating. Whereas Switzer became a champion for women’s running—sparking an unprecedented growth in female participation in the sport—Wilton receded into the background. So what happened to Little Mo? Fifty years after her world changing run, we revisit the historic race. And share the story of a forgotten women’s running revolutionary.Episode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Rachel Swaby, Kit FoxFeedback from: Christine Fennessy, Brian Dalek, Sylvia RyersonTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor in chief: David WilleyHuman Race is a proud part of Panoply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On May 6, 1967 in a suburb of Toronto, Canada, a 13-year-old girl named Maureen Wilton accomplished something extraordinary. In a marathon of 30 people, she set the women's world record, running 26.2 miles in 3:15:23.Nicknamed “Little Mo” by her track teammates, Wilton’s accomplishment should have gone down as a defining moment in running history. It was, after all, just two weeks after the famous Kathrine Switzer completed the Boston Marathon wearing bib 261—despite the race director attempting to tackle her off the course.Instead, Wilton’s achievement was treated with controversy and accusations of cheating. Whereas Switzer became a champion for women’s running—sparking an unprecedented growth in female participation in the sport—Wilton receded into the background. So what happened to Little Mo? Fifty years after her world changing run, we revisit the historic race. And share the story of a forgotten women’s running revolutionary.Episode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Rachel Swaby, Kit FoxFeedback from: Christine Fennessy, Brian Dalek, Sylvia RyersonTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor in chief: David WilleyHuman Race is a proud part of <a href="http://www.megaphone.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Panoply</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 19: Little Mo

The last time someone broke the record for the fastest crossing of America on foot was 1980. Frank Giannino Jr. traveled from San Francisco to the Brooklyn Bridge on foot in 46 days, 8 hours, and 36 minutes. His journey was marked by an almost military-like routine—a routine that has yet to be replicated.Three people have attempted to break Giannino’s record this year. Human Race goes out on the road with one of them. In the process, we find out what happens to your body when you run more than 50 miles every day, and what it is about this 36 year-old record makes it so tough to beat.Further Reading:Ultrarunning Newcomer Will Run Across America Trying to Break 35-Year-Old Record by Kit FoxRenowned Ultrarunner Attempting Trans-America Record by Kit FoxEpisode Credits: Host: Rachel SwabyProducer: Rachel SwabyEditor: Audrey QuinnProduction help: Mervyn DegañosTheme Music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor-in-chief: David Willey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The last time someone broke the record for the fastest crossing of America on foot was 1980. Frank Giannino Jr. traveled from San Francisco to the Brooklyn Bridge on foot in 46 days, 8 hours, and 36 minutes. His journey was marked by an almost military-like routine—a routine that has yet to be replicated.Three people have attempted to break Giannino’s record this year. Human Race goes out on the road with one of them. In the process, we find out what happens to your body when you run more than 50 miles every day, and what it is about this 36 year-old record makes it so tough to beat.Further Reading:<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/ultrarunning/ultrarunning-newcomer-will-run-across-america-trying-to-break-35-year-old-record" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultrarunning Newcomer Will Run Across America Trying to Break 35-Year-Old Record</a> by Kit Fox<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/renowned-ultrarunner-attempting-trans-america-record" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Renowned Ultrarunner Attempting Trans-America Record</a> by Kit FoxEpisode Credits: Host: Rachel SwabyProducer: Rachel SwabyEditor: Audrey QuinnProduction help: Mervyn DegañosTheme Music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor-in-chief: David Willey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 8: Crossing the Country

Shortly after mile seven in the 2015 Chicago Marathon, Richard Sikorski had a sudden cardiac arrest. His heart stopped beating and he collapsed in the middle of the road. He wasn’t supposed to run the marathon. He was feeling under-trained and a little tired. But the energy at the race expo changed his mind. He called his wife. Told her, “It’s pasta for dinner.” He’d rather be around other runners and suffer through 26.2 than stay at home. The decision to run profoundly altered the trajectory of his life. Sikorski started the race, but he did not finish it.This is the story of the race to save his life—a race that requires a NASA-like command center, a year's worth of planning, hundreds of volunteers, and a little luck. Additional reading:* "Last time I saw him he was dead" by Cindy Kuzma* The Runner's HeartEpisode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Cindy Kuzma, Rachel SwabyEditor: David WeinbergTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race Editor-in-Chief: David WilleyHuman Race is a proud part of Panoply.Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shortly after mile seven in the 2015 Chicago Marathon, Richard Sikorski had a sudden cardiac arrest. His heart stopped beating and he collapsed in the middle of the road. He wasn’t supposed to run the marathon. He was feeling under-trained and a little tired. But the energy at the race expo changed his mind. He called his wife. Told her, “It’s pasta for dinner.” He’d rather be around other runners and suffer through 26.2 than stay at home. The decision to run profoundly altered the trajectory of his life. Sikorski started the race, but he did not finish it.This is the story of the race to save his life—a race that requires a NASA-like command center, a year's worth of planning, hundreds of volunteers, and a little luck. Additional reading:* "<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/chicago-marathon/nurse-who-helped-save-marathoner-last-time-i-saw-him-he-was-dead" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Last time I saw him he was dead</a>" by Cindy Kuzma* <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/heart" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Runner's Heart</a>Episode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Cindy Kuzma, Rachel SwabyEditor: David WeinbergTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race Editor-in-Chief: David WilleyHuman Race is a proud part of<a href="http://megaphone.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Panoply</a>.Follow us on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/rwaudio" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@rwaudio</a>) and Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RunnersWorldAudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Runner's World Audio</a>). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 18: Runner Down

In April 2015, a viral post on Facebook about the Boston Marathon kicked off a wave of controversy. In this week’s episode, we explore how that controversy turned into a full-blown movement. Today, a league of at-home vigilante race investigators are changing the way we police marathons online for everyone to see. The story takes us from a race in Pennsylvania to the Boston Marathon to a set of spreadsheets (yes, really) to a runner in a suburb in New Jersey. For those outed online, we wonder if the punishment fits the crime.This episode of Human Race is brought to you by Brooks. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw.Additional Reading:“Dozens Suspected of Cheating to Enter Boston Marathon” by Kit FoxMarathon Investigation, Derek’s blogEpisode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Kit Fox, Rachel SwabyEditor: David WeinbergTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor-in-chief: David WilleyHuman Race is a proud part of Panoply.Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In April 2015, a viral post on Facebook about the Boston Marathon kicked off a wave of controversy. In this week’s episode, we explore how that controversy turned into a full-blown movement. Today, a league of at-home vigilante race investigators are changing the way we police marathons online for everyone to see. The story takes us from a race in Pennsylvania to the Boston Marathon to a set of spreadsheets (yes, really) to a runner in a suburb in New Jersey. For those outed online, we wonder if the punishment fits the crime.This episode of Human Race is brought to you by <a href="http://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brooks</a>. Sign up for the Brooks Big Endorsement and become a sponsored athlete at <a href="http://www.brooksathlete.com/rw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BrooksAthlete.com/rw</a>.Additional Reading:“<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/boston-marathon/dozens-suspected-of-cheating-to-enter-boston-marathon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dozens Suspected of Cheating to Enter Boston Marathon</a>” by Kit Fox<a href="http://www.marathoninvestigation.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marathon Investigation</a>, Derek’s blogEpisode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Kit Fox, Rachel SwabyEditor: David WeinbergTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor-in-chief: David WilleyHuman Race is a proud part of <a href="http://megaphone.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Panoply</a>.Follow us on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/rwaudio" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@rwaudio</a>) and Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RunnersWorldAudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Runner's World Audio</a>). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 12: Villains and Vigilantes

This week’s episode is a sprint—a short story—about how a chance meeting kicked off one woman’s incredible running career. But between that first surprise encounter and this runner’s eventual success, so many surprising things happen. There’s hate mail and poetry and a run in with a famous runner and a national movement. If there is a typical athlete coming into her own story, this is not it. This is the story of Katy Schilly.Episode Credits:Host: Rachel SwabyProducers: Danielle Thomsen, Rachel Swaby Production help: Mervyn DegañosTheme music: Danny CockeHuman Race editor-in-chief: David Willey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s episode is a sprint—a short story—about how a chance meeting kicked off one woman’s incredible running career. But between that first surprise encounter and this runner’s eventual success, so many surprising things happen. There’s hate mail and poetry and a run in with a famous runner and a national movement. If there is a typical athlete coming into her own story, this is not it. This is the story of Katy Schilly. Episode Credits: Host: Rachel Swaby Producers: Danielle Thomsen, Rachel Swaby Production help: Mervyn Degaños Theme music: Danny Cocke Human Race editor-in-chief: David Willey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Episode 6: The Ballad of Katy Schilly

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