The RUNEGADE Podcast

"It's easy to push our dreams down the road. And I'm urging people not to do that because you don't know how long you're here. You take one mile at a time, right? One aid station at a time." - Julie B. Hughes

This episode is sponsored by Thrive Protein | Canadian made supplements, nutrition, and hydration to fuel all your adventures. Check them out: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thrive Protein⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use the code RUNEGADE to save 20% off your order.

In this episode, Julie B. Hughes shares her journey from running as a childhood joy to conquering an ultra marathon, all while weaving in powerful lessons on resilience, storytelling, and embracing the here and now. Julie conquered the mighty JFK50 Mile, America's oldest ultramarathon, by dedicating every mile to someone touched by cancer.

She shared her heroic journey in her new book: Miles of Meaning: From Doubter to JFK50 Mile Finisher

Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or just contemplating a big leap, Julie’s insights remind us that one step, one mile, one story at a time is enough to create profound change.

In this episode, we discuss:
How running mirrors writing: slow, steady, truth-telling
How friendship with fear builds resilience
The transformational power of storytelling
Merging mental training and physical prep for an ultra
The importance of gratitude and presence
Her training strategies: nutrition, pacing, mental hacks
The history and community spirit of the JFK 50 Miler
Practical tips for balancing family, training, and life
Significance of coaches and the power of showing up

Connect with Julie:
Miles of Meaning - Julie's new book
Julie's Website
Julie on Substack
Julie on Instagram: @runtowritejulie

Sign up for the JFK50 Mile Here: Accept the Challenge

Keep showing up, keep running your story. It’s not about perfect miles or perfect sentences - it's about staying in the race, one step at a time.

We thank Julie for becoming a RUNEGADE.

In a world of runners, be a RUNEGADE.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Save $$$ with RUNEGADE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - friends of the podcast offering great savings to RUNEGADE listeners.

Connect with Todd, Mark and Harvey:
​Email: [email protected]
​Todd on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@altramarathonman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​Mark on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@runclemark⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​Harvey on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@altra_harvey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUNEGADE on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Path Projects⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | our favourite running gear and apparel. Look great and perform to your potential by gearing up with Path Projects. Elite running gear and apparel, by runners, for runners. Hats, T-shirts, base liners, hoodies, shorts, jackets ... everything performs. Use code TRP10 for 10% off (limited time)

"To me, grit is really about being faced with adversity or getting hit with something and not collapsing under the weight of it. But being able to come back not only to baseline, but to go above baseline based on training, based on that strength that you've built." - Eric Hodgdon

This episode is sponsored by Thrive Protein | Canadian made supplements, nutrition, and hydration to fuel all your adventures. Check them out: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thrive Protein⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use the code RUNEGADE to save 20% off your order.

Eric Hodgdon, widely known as The Grit Guy, is a 2x TEDx speaker, Amazon bestselling author, and leading transition coach who empowers high-achievers to break free from corporate constraints and build resilient, purpose-driven lives and businesses. With over 25 years in corporate leadership, Eric draws on profound personal experience - including navigating the grief of losing his daughter - to teach the power of grit, resilience, and a growth mindset. Through his work as a lifestyle business mentor, grief coach, and founder of The Grit Guy, he helps ambitious professionals launch parallel incomes, navigate major life transitions, and create futures they truly control.

In this heartfelt and powerful episode, Eric takes us on a journey through life's setbacks, grief, and the transformative power of resilience and storytelling.

From overcoming personal tragedy to helping others find their strength, Eric demonstrates that real grit isn’t armour, but response - built through vulnerability, purpose, and connection.

In this episode:
Eric’s transition from a successful IT career to resilience coaching after facing profound loss
The true meaning of grit
How storytelling heals the brain and fosters universality in pain and recovery
The myth that time heals all wounds and why proactive steps accelerate healing
Strategies for helping others through grief and building resilience in personal and professional life
The importance of embracing vulnerability and living purposefully
Practical insights on practicing and preparing for life’s challenges, including public speaking and racing

Connect with Eric:
⁠Instagram: @thegritguy⁠
The Grit Guy Website – Learn how Eric helps you transition from employee to entrepreneur

Resources and More:
The Little Book of Talent by Daniel Coyle – Discover why struggle is essential for growth
Steven Pressfield - The War of Art – Overcome resistance and unlock your creative potential

This episode reminds us that resilience is built day by day, through response over armour, story over silence. Whether you're running, working, or facing life's unexpected setbacks, embracing vulnerability, connection, and a growth mindset can transform your pain into purpose. If you’re navigating your storm, Eric’s message is clear - you're not alone, and the next step is always possible.

In a world of runners, be a RUNEGADE.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Save $$$ with RUNEGADE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - friends of the podcast offering great savings to RUNEGADE listeners.

Connect with Todd, Mark and Harvey:
​Email: [email protected]
​Todd on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@altramarathonman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​Mark on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@runclemark⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​Harvey on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@altra_harvey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUNEGADE on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Path Projects⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | our favourite running gear and apparel. Look great and perform to your potential by gearing up with Path Projects. Elite running gear and apparel, by runners, for runners. Hats, T-shirts, base liners, hoodies, shorts, jackets ... everything performs. Use code TRP10 for 10% off (limited time)

Jade Belzburg: The Quiet Strength Behind the Ultra TrailI Star

"I just kept telling myself that I was doing the best I could and I wanted to stay relaxed because while I was solely focused on being in the canal path, I was also aware that there were a lot of miles left after I got off of the canal path." - Jade Belzberg on her way to win the 2025 JFK50

This episode is sponsored by Thrive Protein | Canadian made supplements, nutrition, and hydration to fuel all your adventures. Check them out: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thrive Protein⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use the code RUNEGADE to save 20% off your order.

This episode, we sit down with Jade Belzburg, an inspiring Canadian ultra runner whose journey exemplifies curiosity, discipline, and authentic passion for the trails. Jade’s story reveals how relentless curiosity and love for the sport can propel you forward. Her racing career spans over 70 races and some of the most challenging terrains, all while maintaining a sense of joy and purpose.

In this episode:
Jade shares her unconventional entry into ultra running, shifting from a non-athletic background to racing
She discusses her approach to race strategy, including pacing, nutrition, and mental tactics
What it takes to balance a demanding sport with a love for animals and the simple pleasures of life
The importance of enjoyment and authenticity in ultra running, and why not taking yourself too seriously can be your secret weapon
Key insights into training for ultras, from long-distance buildup to transitioning from marathons
How injury, setbacks, and DNF experiences shape resilience and growth in the sport
How animals, nature, and the outdoors influence Jade’s perspective on endurance and presence

Connect with Jade:
Coaching: Lifefoot Coaching
Jade on Substack
Jade on Instagram: @jadebelzberg

This episode reminds us that the journey to endurance isn’t always about raw talent or early promise, but often about consistent curiosity, joy for the craft, and making space for life’s simple beauty - even if it involves caring for nearly 20 animals. Jade embodies that quietly fierce spirit that turns a love for running into a life of authentic excellence.

Thank you to Jade, a true RUNEGADE.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Save $$$ with RUNEGADE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - friends of the podcast offering great savings to RUNEGADE listeners.

Connect with Todd, Mark and Harvey:
​Email: [email protected]
​Todd on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@altramarathonman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​Mark on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@runclemark⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​Harvey on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@altra_harvey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUNEGADE on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Path Projects⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | our favourite running gear and apparel. Look great and perform to your potential by gearing up with Path Projects. Elite running gear and apparel, by runners, for runners. Hats, T-shirts, base liners, hoodies, shorts, jackets ... everything performs. Use code TRP10 for 10% off (limited time)

"The basic idea ... we make a shoe that lets your foot sit in its normal position and doesn't squeeze the toes together. And it's perfectly balanced and kind of gets out of the way of any biomechanical alterations that other shoes might be creating." - Colby Gould

This episode is sponsored by Thrive Protein | Canadian made supplements, nutrition, and hydration to fuel all your adventures. Check them out: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thrive Protein⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use the code RUNEGADE to save 20% off your order.

Most runners don’t realize that the shoes they wear could be quietly sabotaging their progress - and their injuries. Fooled by marketing gimmicks and grifters, we keep buying shoes that unfortunately contribute to the injuries we runners seem to run into.

Colby Gould, ultra runner and the driving force behind Altra’s radical, foot-friendly philosophy, reveals how ditching the high drops and narrow toes boxes can transform your run. Whether you're lacing up for long-distance trails or just trying to stay injury-free.

Colby’s journey from college soccer player to trail enthusiast is rooted in one simple idea: your foot was made to move naturally. After discovering that traditional shoes squeeze the toes and restrict movement, he embraced the Altra approach—shoes shaped like feet, with room to splay, zero drop, and the space to run as we were designed to.

We break down the core principles that set Altra apart: the foot-shaped toe box, balanced stack height, and the philosophy of letting your foot be a foot. Colby discusses how these ideas are not just trendy and they can change lives.

Why does this matter? Because ignoring foot mechanics risks endless injuries, lost miles, and giving up what should be a lifelong joy: running - whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out this episode is for anyone sick of injuries, curious about running smarter, or just wondering if your shoes are holding you back.

More Colby Here:
Colby on Instagram: @altracoby
Altra Running

We thank Colby for becoming a RUNEGADE.

In a world of runners, be a RUNEGADE.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Save $$$ with RUNEGADE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - friends of the podcast offering great savings to RUNEGADE listeners.

Connect with Todd, Mark and Harvey:
​Email: [email protected]
​Todd on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@altramarathonman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​Mark on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@runclemark⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​Harvey on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@altra_harvey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUNEGADE on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Path Projects⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | our favourite running gear and apparel. Look great and perform to your potential by gearing up with Path Projects. Elite running gear and apparel, by runners, for runners. Hats, T-shirts, base liners, hoodies, shorts, jackets ... everything performs. Use code TRP10 for 10% off (limited time)

The Unexpected Power of Treats: Why French Toast and Beer Make You a Better Runner with Kelly Chiusano and Grace Lee.

This episode is sponsored by *Thrive Protein* | Canadian made supplements, nutrition, and hydration to fuel all your adventures. Check them out: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Thrive Protein⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use the code RUNEGADE to save 20% off your order.

In this episode, Kelly and Grace share their inspiring journeys from half marathons, to marathons and beyond to help you with your next PR.Fresh voices in the field of running and coaches through The Striders NYC, they're fast, they're encouraging and they provide shining of examples that we can balance way more than we believe possible.

Whether you're chasing your first 5K or your next marathon PR their insights on fueling, patience, and balance will change your perspective on what it takes to keep going when it matters most.In this episode, we explore:
​Kelly's evolution from a beginner to a six-star marathon finisher, highlighting the importance of fueling and patience
​Transformation into a resilient unner, emphasizing trust in the process and mindset shifts
​Practical tips on pacing, slow runs, and the myth of zone two training
​How to manage negative thoughts and silence the inner critic during tough miles
​Secrets behind their favorite races—London, Berlin, New York—and what made these memories special
​The role of cross-training like kickboxing and strength training to enhance running performance
​Strategies for effective recovery and making room for fun amid busy schedules
More Kelly and Grace
​Kelly on Instagram: @kellychiusano
​Grace on Instagram: @gleeshyne
​Coaching: The Striders NYC

We thank Kelly and Grace for becoming RUNEGADEs.

In a world of runners, be a RUNEGADE.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Save $$$ with RUNEGADE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - friends of the podcast offering great savings to RUNEGADE listeners.

Connect with Todd, Mark and Harvey:
​Email: [email protected]
​Todd on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@altramarathonman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​Mark on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@runclemark⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​Harvey on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@altra_harvey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUNEGADE on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Path Projects⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | our favourite running gear and apparel. Look great and perform to your potential by gearing up with Path Projects. Elite running gear and apparel, by runners, for runners. Hats, T-shirts, base liners, hoodies, shorts, jackets ... everything performs. Use code TRP10 for 10% off (limited time)