The Run Shoe Diaries Podcast

Send us Fan MailThis episode of Run Shoe Diaries is brought to you by SILO Performance! Whether you're chasing your first finish line or taking on your biggest challenge yet, SILO has your back with performance-tested gear built for the long haul. Use code RSD10 at GoWithSILO.com for 10% OFF your order.In this episode, I sit down with one of the most accomplished endurance athletes in the sport today—Megan Eckert.You may know Megan from her incredible performances at Cocodona 250, Badwater 135, Backyard Ultras, or six-day races. But before the podium finishes, national recognition, and seemingly impossible accomplishments, there was a runner who was too nervous to even start a 5K.Together, we explore the journey between those two moments.Megan shares how she discovered ultrarunning, why she continues to push the limits of human endurance, and how she's learned to embrace curiosity over fear. We dive into the mental side of racing, the joy she finds in the process, the evolution of women in ultrarunning, fueling strategies, coaching, and what it really takes to compete at the highest level while still having fun.Of course, we couldn't let her leave without talking about her incredible podium finish at Cocodona 250, the lessons she's learned from racing some of the world's toughest events.But what makes this conversation so special isn't the accolades.It's Megan's perspective.She reminds us that growth starts long before the finish line, that courage often looks like taking the first step, and that the greatest adventures begin the moment we're willing to leave our comfort zone.Whether you're training for your first 5K, chasing your first ultramarathon, or simply looking for inspiration to tackle life's next big challenge, this episode will leave you motivated to keep moving forward.Lace up. Race up. And let's get moving.Instagram AccountsMegan Eckert:https://www.instagram.com/_megeckert/Run Shoe Diaries:https://www.instagram.com/run_shoe_diaries/Run Shoe Diaries Spotify Guest Playlist!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7tJ7SyTYbY46DBC6Vqjb5D?si=3AgluKTiR-OUv3ywW_GmrwMusic Licensing InformationRocky UpbeatUsed with Permission - https://audiojungle.net/user/runshoediaries/statementInvoice No: IVIP43381612Order No: 146231625Premium Beat - We are the oneUsed with Permission - https://audiojungle.net/user/runshoediaries/statementInvoice No: IVIP43381612Order No: 146231625Collection/Artist: The Journey TogetherTitle: Single ReleaseComposer: David John Vanacore (ASCAP); John Richard O'Hallaron (ASCAP)Publisher: Prod Music of RB (ASCAP)Label: Sounds of Red BullOrder Number: 0SYUAWU4Premium Beat - The MotivationUsed with Permission - https://www.premiumbeat.com/account/ordersLicense No: #4022460Order No: #3449651Audio Jungle - "Game Show Opener" - D. Weltermann (ASCAP)Used with Permission - https://audiojungle.net/user/runshoediaries/statementInvoice No: IVIP44457818Order No: 150546937

Send us Fan MailDanny Brigman: The Making of Running BearThis episode of Run Shoe Diaries is brought to you by SILO Performance! Whether you're chasing your first finish line or taking on your biggest challenge yet, SILO has your back with performance-tested gear built for the long haul. Use code RSD10 at GoWithSILO.com for 10% OFF your order.Now, let's get into it...In this episode, I welcome back a familiar voice to the Run Shoe Diaries Podcast—Danny Brigman. You may remember Danny from Episode 16, but this time he's returning with a very different story to tell.Danny is the founder of Homelands, a community-driven leader, and an ultrarunner whose journey has become one that many of us can relate to. From the DNF disappointments to an epic finish at the Crazy Mountain 100, Danny shares the lessons, growth, and mindset shifts that helped him become the runner he is today.Together, we revisit the race that humbled him, the race that rebuilt his confidence, and the moment he returned to finish the very race that once stopped him. Along the way, we discuss identity, resilience, community, and what it means to keep showing up when things don't go according to plan.Danny opens up about the support system that helped him along the way, the evolution of his relationship with running, and the next challenge on the horizon—the Oregon Outback 230.This conversation is about much more than race results. It's about growth. It's about persistence. It's about becoming the person capable of accomplishing the things that once seemed impossible.From the "green lost puppy" of his first hundred-miler to the runner many now know as Running Bear, Danny's story reminds us that long-term consistency will always beat short-term intensity.So whether you're chasing your first mile, your first hundred, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this episode is for you.Lace up. Race up. And let's get moving.Instagram AccountsPhotographer Credit: Anastasia Wilde (Photo Used With Permission) https://www.instagram.com/_anastasiawilde/Danny Brigman:https://www.instagram.com/dannybrigman/Homelands:https://www.instagram.com/homelandsapp/Run Shoe Diaries:https://www.instagram.com/run_shoe_diaries/Run Shoe Diaries Spotify Guest Playlist!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7tJ7SyTYbY46DBC6Vqjb5D?si=3AgluKTiR-OUv3ywW_GmrwMusic Licensing InformationCaves and TunnelsUsed with Permission - https://audiojungle.net/user/runshoediaries/statementInvoice No: IVIP43381612Order No: 146231625Premium Beat - Greratest WillUsed with Permission - https://audiojungle.net/user/runshoediaries/statementInvoice No: IVIP43381612Order No: 146231625Collection/Artist: Sounds of Red BullTitle: Single ReleaseComposer: David John Vanacore (ASCAP); John Richard O'Hallaron (ASCAP)Publisher: Prod Music of RB (ASCAP)Label: Sounds of Red BullOrder Number: 0SYUAWU4Premium Beat - The MotivationUsed with Permission - https://www.premiumbeat.com/account/ordersLicense No: #4022460Order No: #3449651Audio Jungle - "Game Show Opener" - D. Weltermann (ASCAP)Used with Permission - https://audiojungle.net/user/runshoediaries/statementInvoice No: IVIP44457818Order No: 150546937

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to Solo Strides.In Episode 26, I pick up right where the last chapter left off—but this time, we’re not talking about the break…We’re talking about what happens when you finally find your rhythm again… and then lose it just as fast!This episode takes you into the Crazy Mountains of Montana, where a single moment on the trail turned into something much bigger than a fall. Through raw audio, real-time frustration, and a moment where another runner stops to check on me mid-race, you’ll hear exactly what makes the ultra running community what it is — people who show up for each other, even when they don’t know your name.We get into what it feels like when running—something that becomes part of who you are — gets taken away again… and how quickly “I missed a run” can turn into “Who am I without it?”But more importantly, this episode is about the shift that came from it all.Learning when to stop pushing… and finally start listening.Because sometimes the lesson isn’t found in the miles you run — it’s in the moments that force you to slow down.So lace up, press play, and let’s put one foot in front of the other together.Photographer Credit: Anastasia Wilde (Photo Used With Permission) https://www.instagram.com/_anastasiawilde/Audio Jungle - "80s Rocky Upbeat Training" - Vyray (ASCAP)Used with Permission - https://audiojungle.net/user/runshoediaries/statementInvoice No: | IVIP43381612Order No: | 146231625P.S.A. (Karaoke) - Baba O'Riley / MakerOfAllMusicD1: Who Re-Drum Dj SegwayUsed with Permission - https://audiojungle.net/user/runshoediaries/statementInvoice No: | IVIP43381612Order No: | 146231625Collection/Artist: Smoke and TroubleTitle: Single ReleaseComposer: Mark Walloc (ASCAP)Publisher: Mark Walloc (ASCAP)Label: Premium B.Order Number: WOPBBIQEWIPFFNEZ