150 | Alex Hermanson "Herm Runs"

On episode 150 we welcome Alex Hermanson, AKA Herm Runs to the PodFam!In this conversation, Herm (05:00) discusses the profound influence of Kelly Roberts on his journey in running, the camaraderie and culture within the ultra running community, and his personal experiences transitioning from a non-runner to an enthusiastic participant in marathons. He shares insights about the importance of support systems, the unique aspects of running events, and his humorous take on the food choices during ultra races, particularly his love for donuts. In this segment of the conversation, Herm and Erika delve into the emotional and physical challenges of running marathons. They discuss the importance of celebrating milestones, respecting the marathon distance, and the reality of marathon struggles. The conversation also touches on training preparation, misconceptions about marathon courses, and the mental aspects of running. Additionally, they explore nutrition, weight management, body image, and the assumptions surrounding injuries in larger-bodied runners. They share personal stories from the New York City Marathon, discussing the physical and mental hurdles faced during the race. The dialogue also highlights the importance of community in running, emphasizing how building connections with fellow runners can enhance the experience. The speakers reflect on their motivations, the joy of running, and the supportive environment they have cultivated within their running community. In this engaging conversation, Herm discusses the challenges and joys of content creation, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the process to avoid burnout. He shares experiences with brand partnerships, highlighting the need for meaningful collaborations. The discussion also touches on community engagement through events like the Boston Run Show and personal anecdotes that illustrate the connections formed within the running community. The conversation wraps up with reflections on music, personal aspirations, and the significance of enjoying the journey.Chapters05:30 Introduction to Herm and His Journey08:30 The Love-Hate Relationship with Running and Health11:29 The Ultra Running Community and Its Culture14:27 Herm's Background and Support System20:30 The Locker Room Experience in Running23:21 Herm's First Marathon Experience25:38 The Emotional Journey of Running a Marathon26:36 Celebrating Milestones in Running27:31 Respecting the Marathon Distance28:36 The Reality of Marathon Challenges29:44 Training and Preparation for Marathons31:08 The Misconception of Flat Marathons32:39 The Mental Aspect of Running33:55 Nutrition and Weight Management in Running37:43 The Influence of Food on Performance41:02 Body Image and Running Expectations44:54 Pain and Injury in Running49:32 The Joys and Challenges of Running50:56 Experiencing the New York City Marathon56:42 The Transition to Ultra Marathons01:05:45 Building a Running Community01:13:14 The Creative Process and Burnout01:16:37 Navigating Brand Partnerships01:19:47 Community Engagement and Events01:22:23 Personal Connections and Experiences01:25:40 Final Thoughts and Future AspirationsMy Race Tatt's - Check out My Race Tatts and support the pod when you buy your next set by using our My Race Tatt's Link.Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at [email protected]'t Fear The Code Brown and Don't Forget To Stretch!