Episodes

  • MWM Episode 92 - Doing What it Takes

    MWM Episode 92 - Doing What it Takes
    Apr 28 2026
    This week the mileage is going up. More running. More lifting. A midweek double. Early mornings when it would be easier to stay in bed. And if I’m being honest… it’s inconvenient. That’s the part most people don’t talk about. We all like the idea of big goals—running your first ultra, pushing further than you ever have, proving something to yourself. But what those goals actually require? That’s where most people hesitate. In this episode, I break down what it really looks like to train when life is already full—and why waiting for the “right time” is usually what keeps people stuck. If you’ve been thinking about going after something big but aren’t sure how it fits into your life… this one is for you. What You’ll Learn: Why inconvenience—not ability—is what holds most runners back The difference between “fitting training in” vs building life around a goal How to stay consistent when your schedule is already full Why big goals require uncomfortable adjustments A mindset shift that changes how you approach hard days Key Takeaways Big goals demand intentional structure—not leftover time Your life won’t clear space for your training—you have to create it Discipline shows up when it’s inconvenient Growth is built through repeated, consistent effort The work you don’t feel like doing is often the most important Faith Focus: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” — Luke 16:10 Faithfulness in the small, unseen moments builds the foundation for bigger things. Coaching: If you’re ready to: Run your first or furthest ultra Stop guessing and follow a real plan Stay consistent when training gets hard Check out coaching:https://www.theriot.run/coaching-services/ Connect: Website: https://www.theriot.run Share: Know someone waiting for the “right time” to start? Send this to them. Closing Thought: The goal doesn’t adjust to your comfort. You adjust to the goal. Take one more step.
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    21 mins
  • MWM Episode 91 - Don't Listen to That Voice

    MWM Episode 91 - Don't Listen to That Voice
    Apr 22 2026
    That voice will show up. “Just give up.” In this episode, David shares a real, honest moment from a sleepless night filled with worry—and the familiar whisper that tries to convince us to quit. Whether it’s in the middle of a long run or a difficult season of life, the battle is often not physical—it’s mental. Drawing on years of ultrarunning experience, this episode breaks down: Why that voice sounds so reasonable How it shows up in both running and life What happens when we start agreeing with it And how to push forward even when you don’t feel strong Anchored by a quote from Babe Ruth: “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” This is a reminder that you don’t have to eliminate the voice—you just have to stop listening to it. Key Takeaways The urge to quit usually starts as a quiet, reasonable thought Mental endurance matters more than physical strength You don’t need motivation to keep going—you need a decision Strength often shows up after you take the next step Refusing to quit builds resilience in running and life Quotes from this Episode “The race is not against the distance. It’s against that voice.” “You don’t win by feeling strong. You win by deciding not to quit.” “Don’t agree with the voice.” “Take one more step.” Resources & Links Website: https://www.theriot.run Coaching: https://www.theriot.run/coaching-services/ If this encouraged you, share it with a friend, training partner, or someone going through a tough season. Final Thought You don’t need to have it all figured out today. Just don’t agree with the voice. Take one more step.
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    15 mins
  • MWM Episode 90 - Show Up Anyway

    MWM Episode 90 - Show Up Anyway
    Apr 15 2026
    In this episode, David shares insights from his recent 50K race, emphasizing the importance of showing up regardless of conditions, testing yourself, and building discipline over perfection. He discusses how consistency in training and life leads to long-term growth and success. Keywords: motivation, consistency, training, discipline, life lessons, running, mindset, growth, showing up, long-term success Key topics: The mindset of showing up regardless of conditions Training as a deposit, not just a race Identity not tied to performance The long-term perspective in growth and success Discipline and consistency in life and running Not every race is about winning; some are deposits in your growth Your identity is not defined by your performance Showing up when you don't feel like it builds discipline Long-term success is built on consistent effort, not perfect days You don't need the perfect run to make progress
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    20 mins
  • EP 190 - From Back Surgery to Boston: Ryane Broussard’s 20-Year Goal

    EP 190 - From Back Surgery to Boston: Ryane Broussard’s 20-Year Goal
    Feb 27 2026
    In this episode of Run the Riot, David sits down with Ryane Broussard, a driven runner, mom of four, and woman of faith who chased one goal for nearly two decades: qualifying for the Boston Marathon. But Ryane’s path wasn’t a straight line. After a sudden back injury left her unable to feel or control her left leg, doctors told her she’d need to find a new hobby and stop running. Ryane refused to accept that as the final word. What followed was years of rehab, identity rebuilding, and learning what perseverance really looks like—until she finally put it all together on race day and earned her Boston qualifier. This conversation is packed with practical lessons for any ultrarunner (or anyone training for marathons, ultrarunning, or ultra racing) who’s faced setbacks, self-doubt, or the weight of a long-term goal. What You'll Hear in This Episode: Ryane’s start in sports (including lacrosse) and how competition shaped her mindset Moving from Texas to South Louisiana and finding a running community The back injury that changed everything (and the hard season that followed) Doctors said “no more running”—how Ryane approached recovery anyway Identity shifts: when running becomes who you are (and how to reset it) The Boston qualifier chase: flu, self-sabotage, vomiting at mile 19, and trying again The power of words, self-talk, and what you “partner with” mentally Why community matters: pacers, training partners, and people who believe with you How she fits training into real life: faith, marriage, kids, work, then running Key Moments Starting point: sports background + love of achievement Back injury + surgery: the moment everything changed Rehab reality: relearning basic movement and rebuilding confidence The Boston goal: 30 marathons, setbacks, and alignment on race day The win: qualifying—and keeping it in the right place Practical Takeaways for Runners Race-day alignment matters: sleep, health, weather, and fueling can make or break the day Mindset is trainable: negative self-talk can sabotage fitness you’ve already earned Fueling is personal: don’t introduce “new” habits (like NSAIDs) without understanding the cost Build a support system: a coach, a pacer, and training partners can carry you when your brain gets loud Keep running in its place: what you do isn’t who you are—especially when setbacks hit Races Mentioned in the Episode Louisiana Summer Nights 50K/ultra effort Zydeco Marathon Stennis Marathon Boston Marathon qualifying standards shift
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • MWM Episode 89 - Relentless Forward Progress

    MWM Episode 89 - Relentless Forward Progress
    Feb 25 2026
    Relentless Forward Progress isn’t just an ultrarunning principle — it’s a blueprint for the Christian life. In this Midweek Motivation episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, David shares how the mindset that carries you through mile 80 of a 100-miler is the same mindset that builds spiritual endurance. When the body is tired and doubt creeps in, runners keep moving forward. When faith feels dry and life feels heavy, believers do the same. This episode explores: Ultramarathon mindset and mental toughness Endurance training and spiritual growth Staying consistent in your walk with Christ Overcoming doubt, drift, and discouragement Faithfulness over feelings Whether you're training for your first ultra, chasing a 100-mile finish, or learning how to stay steady in your faith, this message will challenge and encourage you to keep stepping — even when it’s not pretty. The original song “Relentless” plays after the episode. #ultrarunning #christianmotivation #midweekmotivation #mentalstrength #endurance #faithandfitness
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    21 mins
  • EP189 - The Long Game: Injury, Identity, and the Ultrarunner’s Comeback - Melanie Mathews

    EP189 - The Long Game: Injury, Identity, and the Ultrarunner’s Comeback - Melanie Mathews
    Feb 7 2026
    In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, David sits down with ultrarunner Melanie Mathews for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about grit, setbacks, and what it really takes to stay in the game of ultrarunning. Melanie’s running story starts long before ultra racing. Growing up on a Nebraska farm, she learned hard work, discipline, and toughness early—qualities that later carried her from road races to trail running and into ultra racing. She shares how she transitioned from marathons like the Little Rock Marathon to rugged mountain events, her early mistakes in trail racing, and why the ultrarunning community hooked her for good. The conversation goes deeper as Melanie opens up about DNFs, injury, grief, and seasons when running was taken away entirely. From her first 100-mile attempts to finishing the Love It 100, Melanie reflects on mental toughness, stubborn determination, and the lessons that only ultra racing can teach. She also talks about hormone health, depression, and the identity struggle many ultrarunners face when they can’t train or race the way they want to. Now heavily involved in volunteering and running aid stations, Melanie shares why giving back to the trail community matters so much—and how being on both sides of the race has shaped her perspective as an ultrarunner. This episode is packed with perspective for anyone chasing big goals in ultrarunning, navigating setbacks, or simply trying to stay grateful for the miles they get to run. More at http://www.theriot.run/melaniem
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • MWM Episode 88 - Stop Waiting Until You're Ready

    MWM Episode 88 - Stop Waiting Until You're Ready
    Jan 28 2026
    In this episode of the Run the Riot podcast, David Theriot discusses the common trap of waiting until one feels ready to take action. He emphasizes that readiness is often a feeling that can delay progress, and instead encourages listeners to take action to build momentum. Through personal anecdotes and examples from ultra running, he illustrates how starting small can lead to significant changes and growth. The episode serves as a motivational call to action, urging listeners to stop waiting and start moving towards their goals.
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    19 mins
  • EP188 - When FKTs Break You (and Make You Stronger): Katie Gunvalson

    EP188 - When FKTs Break You (and Make You Stronger): Katie Gunvalson
    Jan 24 2026
    In this episode of Run the Riot, David sits down with Katie Gunvalson, an ultrarunner known less for traditional races and more for her relentless pursuit of Fastest Known Time (FKT) efforts. Katie shares her journey from road marathons to multi-day ultrarunning challenges that test not just fitness, but resilience, problem-solving, and mental toughness. Katie opens up about repeatedly falling short on major FKT attempts — including the Pacific Crest Trail and the Arizona Trail — and how those setbacks nearly convinced her to quit. Instead, she chose to keep showing up, learning, and refining her approach. That persistence paid off with a breakthrough performance on the Oregon Coast Trail, followed by a gritty, emotional FKT on the Ouachita Trail, where she battled exhaustion, poor visibility, fueling issues, and long nights alone in the woods. Throughout the conversation, Katie explains why FKTs appeal to her more than ultra racing, how thru-hiking skills have made her a stronger ultrarunner, and why embracing discomfort is essential for growth. This episode is a powerful reminder that success in ultrarunning — and in life — often comes only after repeated failure. Whether you’re an aspiring ultrarunner, an ultra racing veteran, or someone struggling to stay resilient after setbacks, Katie’s story will resonate deeply. Key Topics Covered: Transitioning from road running to ultrarunning Why FKTs demand a different skill set than ultra racing Learning to manage failure and repeated setbacks Mental strategies for multi-day ultrarunning Fueling, sleep deprivation, and problem-solving on long efforts Why not giving up ultimately leads to breakthroughs Show notes: http://www.theriot.run/katieg
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    1 hr and 16 mins