🏃Running is art in motion and this week’s guest has made it his business to capture that art.
📸If you’ve ever seen a photo of either Brian or Francis that looks like it was professionally shot, it probably was shot by the man himself, Fidelis Teixeira. Through running, Fidelis has been able to create narratives with photos.🎞️
💔Whether it’s Heartbreak Signature Speed, The Speed Project relay, or his own portfolio, Fidelis sees the world as moments to be captured. In this episode, we discuss his entry into running, and his evolution as a photographer and creative at Heartbreak!
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⭐️ Did you like this episode? Remember to leave us 5 stars!
If you want to see more of Fidelis's awesome work, check him out on Instagram @fidel.is.cool
If you want to hear more about storytelling in running, check out these episodes:
30: Giving it your All with Olympian Marielle Hall
26: Building Strong Foundations with Benjamin Weingart
23: Ruminating about Running: Rafe Gangji's Story
------------------------------
Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
------------------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Fidelis Teixeira
🐘 An Olympic Trials Qualifying (OTQ) marathon time has long represented the standard of excellence in distance running, and this week, we were thrilled to be joined by a man who has done it, not once, but twice: Eric Ashe!
☄️ Eric is a 2-time OTQ marathon runner, 4-time team MVP and 2-time team captain at BU, 4:03 miler, conference champion in the Steeplechase, and former head distance coach at Tufts University Eric Ashe!
💫 Enjoy this glance into Eric’s impressive journey as we explore running origins, high school breakouts, the transition from events like the mile and 3000m steeplechase to the marathon, collegiate coaching, and more!
------------------------------
⭐️ Did you like this episode? Remember to leave us 5 stars!
Eric is super fast! If you want to hear more, then keep the pace with these interviews with some other blazing fast runners:
30: Giving it your All with Olympian Marielle Hall
19: From the Slopes to the Start Line: Liv Barvier talks Grit, Goals, and Going All-in
14: Run Fast, You Must with Peter Fox
------------------------------
Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
------------------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Eric Ashe
🇩🇰What’s it like trying to run abroad in a new city? This week, we were joined once again by our dear friend, former guest, and Nike Women’s Running Ambassador Cate Schultz! In this episode, Cate reflects back on her summer in Scandinavia, and shares her experience running in Copenhagen.
✈️ How do you stay focused on training when travelling?
🥵 How do you manage burnout when training amidst a busy schedule?
🌎 What are the differences between running abroad and in the US?
Additionally, we look back at Cate’s race at this year’s Boston Marathon and look ahead to the Chicago Marathon as well. Enjoy!
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🍠 Cate was our very first guest on the podcast back in February. In case you haven’t yet, be sure to check out our interview to learn more about Cate’s background as well as her involvement with Nike Women’s Running as a Brand Ambassador: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2khAJ7KBHGiJg41lrTJDWn?si=1d90e7b7eb584318
------------------------------
⭐️ Did you like this episode? Remember to leave us 5 stars!
Be sure to check out these other interviews with members of the Heartbreak community!
11: Rising Up with U.P. Nguyen
22: Heartbreaker, Dream maker: Dan Fitzgerald
23: Ruminating about Running: Rafe Gangi's Story
------------------------------
Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
------------------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Cate Schultz
🏅 Lace up and enjoy this inspirational conversation with Olympic 10,000m runner, GM of Heartbreak Santa Monica, and host of the Unexpected Curves podcast Marielle Hall! In this episode, we learn more about Marielle's story and shed light on some important conversations in professional athletics and women's sports.
🌎 What were some standout memories from Rio 2016?
🔀 What was it like transitioning from a professional athlete to a creator and community leader with Heartbreak?
🏃♀️ What are the most important conversations we should be having in women's sports?
------------------------------
Marielle's experience is unmatched and her perspectives are worth a listen for anyone interested in running! If you want to learn more about her story, be sure to:
📸 Find Marielle on Instagram
🎧 Tune in to her podcast: Unexpected Curves to hear from more inspirational voices in women's running
💔 Follow Heartbreak LA on Instagram
------------------------------
⭐️ Did you like this episode? Remember to leave us 5 stars!
Be sure to check out these other interviews with members of the Heartbreak community!
11: Rising Up with U.P. Nguyen
22: Heartbreaker, Dream maker: Dan Fitzgerald
23: Ruminating about Running: Rafe Gangi's Story
------------------------------
Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
------------------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Marielle Hall
🏃This week, tune in for a special race recap hot off of Heartbreak's 2025 Mob Mile. We'll unpack Brian and Francis' race-day strategy and have them relive the trauma of an all-out mile ⚡️
⭐️Did you like this episode?
Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️, we really really appreciate it!
🎉 Race shoutout time!
A huge shoutout to everyone who ran Mob Mile 2025! y'all killed it!
--------------------
Never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates
Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
--------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
☕ Running and coffee go hand in hand, and it’s almost impossible to imagine one without the other. This week’s guest has spent years living in over 15 major cities exploring roads, trails, and cafes through the lens of a runner and creating guides for others to follow suit. Please enjoy our interview with The City Runner: 40-time marathoner Yü Wu!
🤔 How does our love of running grow and change through the miles?
👟 How do I choose a run club?
🍓 What the heck is the… Raspberry double??
☕ Last but not least, what is the best coffee shop in Boston?
If you're interested in Yü's city guides, check him out on instagram @yutherunner and at his website: https://www.thecityrunner.com/
------------------------------
⭐️ Did you like this episode? Remember to leave us 5 stars!
Be sure to check out these other fan favorite episodes:
24: Sun's Out, Tum's Out with Alex Hermanson
19: From the Slopes to the Start Line: Liv Barbier talks Grit, Goals, and Going All-in
11: Rising Up with U.P. Nguyen
------------------------------
Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
------------------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Yü Wu
👤 This week were lucky enough to invite our friend: Nike performance running EKIN, Heartbreak Coach, and retired collegiate 800m runner Russell Wells back on the podcast for the second time. This week, we chatted about everything from backyard ultramarathons to new shoe releases.
📏 Wait, what the heck is a backyard ultra?
🏎️ What is it like ripping a 4-minute 1500m?
👟 Should I be running in the Structure 26 or the Vomero Plus… or both?
If you still wanted to learn more about shoe foams, check out this spreadsheet breaking down all the premium foams from top running brands!
In case you missed it, be sure to hear our first interview with Russell to learn more about his background, experience, and his role as a Nike EKIN: the "coolest job in the sneaker industry". Listen to 5: Getting Technical with Russell Wells.
------------------------------
⭐️ Did you like this episode? Remember to leave us 5 stars!
We are huge fans of Heartbreak Hill Running Company, and have had the chance to sit down with some amazing members of the Heartbreak family. You can check out some of these interviews here!
11: Rising Up with U.P. Nguyen
22: Heartbreaker, Dream maker: Dan Fitzgerald
23: Ruminating about Running: Rafe Gangi's Story
------------------------------
Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
------------------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Russell Wells
👬 Welcome to episode 26.2, celebrating a marathon of memorable moments on The Zone 2 Podcast. Join us as we look back at some of our favorite moments from the last 6 months!
🏆 In this bonus episode, Francis and Brian look back at our 5 favorite moments, with a few honorable mentions. We also pick some superlatives including our favorite running moments, favorite fun facts, and most proud accomplishments! We also do a rose-thorn-bud and look ahead to what comes next for the pod!
👣 We hope you have enjoyed the journey so far! Stick around for new episodes streaming every Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts.
------------------------------
Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
------------------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🧱 This week, we’re thrilled to sit down with retired collegiate runner and founder of the Brick Layers Union: Ben Weingart!
We kick things off with some light banter before diving into Ben’s running origins, life transitions, and thoughts on self-discipline.
🏃 Who are the Brick Layers Union, and why run with them?
🧩 How does BLU’s online presence tell a unique story?
🗺️ Why should you go run an “out of the box” relay?
If you want to learn more about the Brick Layers Union, check them out on Instagram, and catch them for a group run at the BU Bridge every Wednesday at 6:45 am.
------------------------------
⭐️ Did you like this episode? Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️! Be sure to check out these interviews about other Boston-based run clubs:
8: Running the Show with Nora Johnson
16: This Episode is a Banger: Seth Wolfman on Building Boston's Friendliest Run Club
22: Heartbreaker, Dream maker: Dan Fitzgerald
------------------------------
Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
------------------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Ben Weingart
🐐 This week, we are delighted to welcome Heartbreak Coach and community organizer Devin Miller back on the Podcast! This time around, we dove headfirst into a discussion about determination, grit, and going the extra mile.
🫥 How can you learn to grow from hard days and setbacks?
💡 How can you turn your ideas within your community into reality?
🩲 What kit should you be wearing to your next run club?
This was an interview so good we didn’t want it to end! If you haven’t already, stay caught up and check out our first interview with Devin to learn more about his background:
6: In the Details with Devin Miller
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As mentioned in last week's episode, click here to learn more about my friend Brent’s project: Racing AL. The documentary follows a cyclist travelling from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine, and the project seeks to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Dementia and the need for early intervention and treatment. You can support the project by donating, sharing, and following along for the journey.
------------------------------
⭐️ Did you like this episode? Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️! Be sure to check out these interviews with these current and former track runners:
5: Getting Technical with Russell Wells
7: Fast Times with Tommy Hinojosa
15: Break to BQ with Aidan Kindopp
------------------------------
Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
------------------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Devin Miller
☀️On the off-chance you haven’t seen him running around Boston, you’ve definitely seen him on social media. This week, we had the pleasure of chatting with Alex “Herm” Hermanson, known on socials as @herm.runs, for a philosophical yet fun discussion about perspectives, motivation, goal-setting, and community.
🌆How do you tap into the communities around the activities you love?
🙂↕️How do you learn to disregard social norms and do what you want?
👟Seriously, what’s the hype with the Adidas EVO SL?
Be sure to check Herm out online and enjoy an interview that will leave you wanting to lace up, take off your shirt, and go rip a marathon.
------------------------------
As mentioned in the episode, click here to learn more about my friend Brent’s project: Racing AL. The documentary follows a cyclist travelling from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine, and the project seeks to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Dementia and the need for early intervention and treatment. You can support the project by donating, sharing, and following along for the journey.
------------------------------
⭐️ Did you like this episode? Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️! Be sure to check out these interviews with some amazing personalities in the Boston running community:
13: Sticking the Landing with Savannah Gigandet
3: Taking it Easy with Ted Trozinski
2: Women’s Running and Brand Ambassadorship with Cate Shultz
------------------------------
Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
------------------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Alex Hermanson
🔋 This week, we are joined by Rafe Gangi — Social Strategist at WHOOP, Heartbreak pacer, retired collegiate 400m runner, and all-around chill guy. We covered everything from Rafe’s transition from the 400 to the marathon, to building social media strategy at Saucony and WHOOP, to Joey Chestnut’s outrageous performance at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
📈 What makes a running brand campaign really stick?
📊 How should you be using your wearable data to train smarter?
🏠 What really holds people back from lacing up and getting out the door?
🌭 And seriously… how does Joey Chestnut do it?
Answers to all that and more in a fast-paced, fun, and thoughtful episode. If you’re interested in more content, you can find today’s guest on Instagram @runningrafe. As referenced in this episode, here is a link to the German game show where they cut food in half.
------------------------------
⭐️ Did you like this episode? Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️! Be sure to check out these interviews with some amazing personalities in the Boston running community:
16: This Episode is a Banger: Seth Wolfman on Building Boston’s Friendliest Run Club
19: From the Slopes to the Start Line: Liv Barbier talks Grit, Goals, and Going All-in
22: Heartbreaker, Dream maker: Dan Fitzgerald
------------------------------
Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates
Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
------------------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Rafe Gangi
💔 This week, we sat down with one of the faces behind Boston’s iconic Heartbreak Hill Running Company: Dan Fitzgerald. Dan’s role is finely structured around his passions for community, coaching, and of course, running. Join us in unpacking Dan’s journey at Heartbreak from humble beginnings in the South End all the way to new frontiers in LA and beyond.
In this episode, learn all about:
💥 What it takes to launch a running retail brand from the ground up
🏙 How Heartbreak carved its identity in Boston’s running scene
📈 The evolution of the running community and Heartbreak’s role in shaping it
All this and more; plus, we learn about the recent launch of Heartbreak LA and look ahead at what’s coming up at Heartbreak this summer. Whether you’re a regular at the Tuesday morning track workouts or are just looking to order some Heartbreak gear, this episode has something for everyone. Want to learn more? Check out heartbreak.run and follow @heartbreak.run on your socials to stay connected.
--------------------
⭐️ Did you like this episode? Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️!
Also, be sure to check out these interviews with other members of the Heartbreak community:
5: Getting Technical with Russell Wells
6: In the Details with Devin Miller
11: Rising Up with U.P. Nguyen
--------------------
🎉 Race shoutout time!
Did you or a friend crush a race recently?
Submit it here for a shoutout on the pod: 👉 Race shoutout form!
--------------------
Never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates
--------------------
Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Dan Fitzgerald
🚀 In this week’s special episode, Francis and Brian take a deep dive into one of the most revolutionary developments in modern running: supershoes💨. From record-shattering performances by Kelvin Kiptum and Tigst Assefa to the carbon-plated kicks showing up at your local 5K, we break down the science, the history, and the hype behind the shoes that are changing the sport.
In this episode, we get into:
The evolution of shoe tech from kangaroo skin to PEBA foam
What the research says about performance gains
What the heck a carbon plate actually is
The risks, the rewards, and who benefits most
Elite supershoes cost a premium, but are they worth it? Lace up and find out.
------------------------------
⭐️ Did you like this episode?
Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️! Shoes are cool, but there's so much more to running than that! If you liked this episode, check out these other episodes:
9: Fueling the Finish with Lily Toussaint
3: Taking it Easy with Ted Trozinski
------------------------------
🎉 Race shoutout time! Did you or a friend crush a race recently? Submit it here for a shoutout on the pod:
------------------------------
Never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates
Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
------------------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
💻 References for today's episode
🏅 This week, we’re thrilled to introduce Mike Beeman, who you may know from his energetic and motivational TikTok videos featuring his mantra: “Slay the day, rep the steps!”—always followed by his signature dab. Known online as @Runboston48, Mike has an incredible 48 Boston Marathon finishes under his belt and is looking ahead to number 49. We spent some time talking with Mike to hear about his unique perspective on distance running, community, longevity, and how the sport has evolved over his 56 years of running.
In this episode:
– How has the sport of running changed over the decades?
– How has social media influenced Mike’s experience as a runner?
– What advice does he have for beginners starting their running journey?
💎 All that and more in this absolute gem of an episode.
And if you haven’t already, be sure to check him out on TikTok and read more about his journey in People or on boston.com.
------------------------------
⭐️ Did you like this episode?
Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️! For anyone interested in distance running, it doesn’t get bigger than the Boston Marathon. We recommend checking out these episodes featuring other Boston Marathon finishers:
16: This Episode is a Banger: Seth Wolfman on Building Boston’s Friendliest Run Club
13: Sticking the Landing with Savannah Gigandet
11: Rising Up with U.P. Nguyen
------------------------------
🎉 Race shoutout time! Did you or a friend crush a race recently? Submit it here for a shoutout on the pod: 👉Race shoutout form
------------------------------
Never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates
Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
------------------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Mike Beeman
🌟 This week, we sat down with Liv Barbier, 3x marathoner and runner for the Tracksmith Hares, for an inspiring conversation about motivation, goal-setting, and self-belief. If you haven’t already signed up for a marathon, you will after hearing what Liv has to say. From her background as a competitive skier and mountain biker, Liv shares about her rapid transition from hobby runner to a competitive marathoner, gives a unique perspective into her TikTok presence, and looks ahead to some big future goals.
--------------------
⭐️ Did you like this episode? Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️! We also recommend checking out:
18: 100 Miles of Mind Games: Inside the Ultra Life with Meg Morgan
11: Rising Up with U.P. Nguyen
2: Women's Running and Brand Ambassadorship with Cate Schultz
--------------------
🎉 Race shoutout time! Did you or a friend crush a race recently? Submit it here for a shoutout on the pod:
--------------------
Never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
--------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Liv Barbier
⛰️ This week, we’re going long — really long. We’re joined by professional ultramarathoner Meg Morgan, who runs for La Sportiva and has taken on some of the gnarliest races out there — including the iconic Western States 100. In this episode, Meg walks us through her journey from hobby runner to pro, why she chose to go beyond the marathon, and what actually happens inside your head (and feet) during a 100-mile race.
We talk about the training that sets ultrarunners apart, the mindset that keeps them going, and the trail-tested gear Meg swears by. If you’ve ever wondered how many shoes an ultra runner goes through in a year — or what to wear on hardpack dirt and sand — you’ll want to stick around for this one. You can read more about Meg on the La Sportiva team page.
--------------------
⭐️ Did you like this episode? Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️! We also recommend checking out:
7: Fast Times with Tommy Hinojosa
15: Break to BQ with Aidan Kindopp
--------------------
🎉 Race shoutout time! Did you or a friend crush a race recently? Submit it here for a shoutout on the pod:👉Race shoutout form
--------------------
Never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on Instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
--------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven🎙️ Guest: Meg Morgan
🍁This week, tap in for a special race debrief from this past weekend’s Vermont City Marathon. We’re joined by our friend and fellow marathon debutant Zach Shrull, who finished in an impressive 3:17:07, and managed a negative split. In this episode, Francis and Zach both take a good hard look at all their life decisions over the last 6 months: specifically, we unpack their first training cycles, reflect on their race-day experiences, and look ahead to the possibility of more races to come. Whether you're training for your first marathon or you're just here for the chaos, there’s something in this one for you.
--------------------
⭐️Did you like this episode?
Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️, we really really appreciate it! You should also check out:
3: Taking it Easy with Ted Trozinski
12: Running Really Really Far with Rachel Ahlmark
15: Break to BQ with Aidan Kindopp
--------------------
🎉 Race shoutout time!
Did you or a friend crush a race recently? Submit it here for a shoutout on the pod:
--------------------
Never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates
Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
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🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Zach Shrull
This week on The Zone 2 Podcast, Francis and Brian are joined by Seth Wolfman, the founder of the widely popular Brighton Bangers Running Club! Since its founding in 2012, the Bangers have grown into one of the most vibrant and welcoming running communities in Boston — with hundreds of runners showing up to weekly group runs. In this episode, Seth shares:
🏙️ The joys and challenges of building a running community
📈 How he keeps momentum going and attracts new members
🧠 Insights into group dynamics, leadership, and club culture
🎽 And of course — marathon stories! From Boston favorites to hilarious bib-hunting adventures, Seth has seen it all.
Want to run with the Bangers?
Join a group run in Oak Square, Brighton:
🕖 Wednesdays at 7 PM
🕘 Saturdays at 9 AM
Learn more on Instagram @brightonbangers or visit brightonbangers.com
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🎉 Race shoutout time!
Did you or a friend crush a race recently? Submit it here for a shoutout on the pod:
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Never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates
Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
--------------------
🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Seth Wolfman
Welcome back to The Zone 2 Podcast! This week, Francis and Brian chopped it up with former URI varsity runner and freshly minted marathoner Aidan Kindopp. Aidan may be humble, but we’ll brag for him — coming from a 1500m PR of 3:54.83, Aidan BQed in his debut marathon with 2:45:53 at the 2025 Rhode Races Newport Marathon. And just to round things out, he’s currently pursuing his Ph.D. in chemical engineering at MIT. Yes, he might somehow be even smarter than he is fast.
In this episode, we dig into:
🏃♂️ Aidan’s transition from middle-distance to marathon
🧠 Burnout, identity, and what stepping away from racing taught him
🏁 Race-day nerves and and lessons learned
🔬 Balancing academics with high-mileage weeks
👟 Shoes (of course)
If you're looking for inspiration, this episode is for you!
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Did someone run a race? Get a race shoutout here!
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Never miss a run, or an episode:
✔️ Follow us on instagram
✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify
✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox
✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates
Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃♂️💨
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🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven
🎙️ Guest: Aidan Kindopp