Inspire to Run Podcast

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#055 - Marketer, runner, and podcast host Richard Conner shares his story about how he was inspired to run again and faced his fears by running obstacle course races. His Spartan Coach, Kevin Gregory, takes the host chair as they walk through why Richard signed up with a coach and what led him to take on one of the biggest challenges of his life - The Spartan Trifecta.

Topics Covered:

• Facing fears and taking on big challenges
• Importance of not setting “a number” as your primary goal
• Finding the right coach to help you reach your goals
• Building daily habits and letting go of the guilt

Richard Conner

Richard is a strategic marketing professional with experience in B2B marketing. Richard is the founder of Inspire to Run and is passionate about helping others reach their goals. He is a Connecticut native and is a husband, dad, writer, Star Wars fan, and of course - runner! Richard recently discovered obstacle course racing and has fully embraced this new obsession.

Kevin Gregory

Kevin has been a fitness trainer since 2013 and runs Underdog Fitness Inc - a personal training and small group training gym specializing in functional fitness and Obstacle Course and Hybrid Racing. Found Obstacle Racing in 2011 with Warrior Dash. Since has multiple Elite Level Podiums at Spartan Race including a 7th Place finish at Ultra World Championships in Iceland, Achieved a Silver Bib (75 Miles) at World’s Toughest Mudder and most recently seeded 3rd at the upcoming DEKA Strong World Championships with a time just 5 seconds off the current world record. Kevin also broke the DEKA Fit Co-ed Relay Record earlier this year with partner Cassandra Carroll.

He holds a Master's Degree in Fitness and Wellness Leadership from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Has a Master Level Training Certification with the International Sports Science Association, Nutrition Certification from Precision Nutrition, and an SGX (Spartan Group Exercise) Certification through Spartan Race. Also have certifications in Corrective Exercise, Exercise Therapy, Sports Nutrition, and Strength and Conditioning.

Follow Kevin Gregory:

• Instagram (Kevin Gregory) - @bubblestheclowne
• Instagram (Underdog Fitness) - @underdog_fitnessct

Join the Inspire to Run community:

• Website - Inspire to Run
• Facebook - @InspiretoRun
• Instagram - @InspiretoRunPodcast
• Strava - @InspiretoRun

For more information, visit Inspire to Run.

Join the community and click the subscribe button!

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#123 - In this episode, we sit down with Micky Ely, a Spartan OCR and DEKA racer, to share our respective journeys of overcoming running injuries and setbacks to compete in the Spartan DEKA World Championships. We discuss the importance of community support, goal-setting, and maintaining self-belief throughout recovery.

Topics Covered:

• Listen to the events leading up to our respective running injuries and unexpected setbacks
• Discover the importance of identifying and accepting where you are and making the best decision to move forward
• See how you can succeed by embracing challenges and accepting the highs and lows of a long recovery
• Find inspiration to overcome your running injuries and setbacks

Today’s Guest

Micky Ely

Micky got into OCR racing back in 2018 where he joined and raced in Bonefrog, Maryland to spend time with his brother; having no idea what to expect or what training was required. Surprisingly he placed in the top 25 wearing basketball shorts and running shoes. Over the next two years, he begun to build his obstacle proficiency and dedication to running finishing the run the year challenge of 2020 miles during the year.

2021 was a breakout season for Micky setting personal records in all three Spartan distances while finishing two trifectas. During the season, he ran perfect races (NO BURPEES) in all but two events setting his focus on reaching his first podium in 2022 and showing everyone that the big guys can win races!!!

Follow Micky Ely:

• Instagram - @m_ely84

Resources:

• Inspire to Run on Instagram - @inspiretorunpodcast
• Free Guide - Kickstart your Fitness in 5 Steps
• 8 Week Fitness Coaching Program with Underdog Fitness
  • Sign-up using code INSPIRE10 for 10% off

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Inspire to Run Podcast is truly inspiring!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the healthy life that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Join the Inspire to Run community:

• Website - Inspire to Run
• Facebook - @InspiretoRun
• Instagram - @InspiretoRunPodcast
• Strava - @InspiretoRun

For more information, visit Inspire to Run.

Send us a text

#115 - Ready to meet an inspiring athlete who turned her life around through sheer determination and a powerful mindset? Kayla Cittadino, host of Taco About It Tuesday podcast, shares her story of transformation—from struggling with weight and a toxic relationship to becoming an elite athlete and a two-time American Ninja Warrior competitor.

This episode is a masterclass in making positive changes and overcoming the mental and physical obstacles that hold us back. Kayla opens up about the pivotal moments that sparked her lifestyle overhaul, starting with small, incremental steps in nutrition and fitness. This conversation is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and the importance of a supportive coach and community.

Topics Covered:

• Learn practical tips for making positive changes and overcoming mental and physical obstacles
• Understand why a champion mindset is necessary to conquer fear, set personal goals, and build a positive relationship with yourself
• Discover insights on how self-talk and visual affirmations can keep you motivated and moving toward your goal

Today’s Guest

Kayla Cittadino

Kayla turned her life around in 2018 after making the decision to return to a healthier lifestyle. What started off as a 75lbs weight loss journey turned into becoming a 2x American Ninja Warrior, Spartan OCR Athlete, a DEKA World Championship Competitor and Podcast Host of her mindset based podcast Taco About It Tuesday.

Follow Kayla:

• Instagram - @kaylacittadino
• Podcast - Taco About It Tuesday

Resources:

• Inspire to Run on Instagram - @inspiretorunpodcast
• Free Guide - Kickstart your Fitness in 5 Steps
• 8 Week Fitness Coaching Program with Underdog Fitness
  • Sign-up using code INSPIRE10 for 10% off

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Inspire to Run Podcast is truly inspiring!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the healthy life that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Join the Inspire to Run community:

• Website - Inspire to Run
• Facebook - @InspiretoRun
• Instagram - @InspiretoRunPodcast
• Strava - @InspiretoRun

For more information, visit Inspire to Run.

Send us a text

#054 - Active duty military member and obstacle course racer Micky Ely shares his story about how running has helped him lose 50 pounds. Through obstacle course racing, Micky regained his fitness after losing motivation during a challenging time in his life. He shares tips on how to get started on your journey and ways to stay motivated.

Topics Covered:

• How to take your first step toward your transformation
• Finding time for fitness while maintaining a busy life
• The benefits and challenges of running
• Staying motivated on those difficult days

Micky Ely

Micky grew up in the southern part of Maryland spending most of his life dedicated to focusing on a career in baseball. Micky got into OCR racing back in 2018 where he joined and raced in Bonefrog, Maryland to spend time with his brother; having no idea what to expect or what training was required. Over the next two years, he began to build his obstacle proficiency and dedication to running finishing the run the year challenge of 2020 miles during the year.

2021 was a breakout season for Micky setting personal records in all three Spartan distances while finishing two trifectas. During the season, he ran perfect races (NO BURPEES) in all but two events setting his focus on reaching his first podium in 2022 and showing everyone that the big guys can win races!!!

Follow Micky Ely:

• Instagram - @m_ely84

Join the Inspire to Run community:

• Website - Inspire to Run
• Facebook - @InspiretoRun
• Instagram - @InspiretoRunPodcast
• Strava - @InspiretoRun

For more information, visit Inspire to Run.

Join the community and click the subscribe button!

Send us a text

#108 - Are you looking for personal growth and renewed motivation in your running journey? Look no further! Listen to my conversation with Shawn Buttner, Certified High Performance Coach, as he shares the solution to help you unleash your full potential and achieve remarkable transformation in running and life.

Together, we will unlock the power of personal growth, fuel your motivation, and pave the way for unparalleled success on your running journey. So, are you ready to conquer your limits and embark on a running adventure like never before?

Topics Covered:

• Discover how your running journey can lead to personal growth and self-discovery
• Learn the five ways running can help transform your personal and professional life
• Explore running as a therapeutic outlet for mental and emotional well-being
• Understand the transformative power of running and its impact on overall personal development

Today’s Guest

Shawn Buttner

Shawn is a Certified High Performance Coach and host of The Meaningful Revolution Podcast, operating out of Oakland, CA. After a successful 15 year career in technology, working for companies like Wal-Mart and Apple, Shawn now helps individuals live better lives through high performance coaching.

His method of coaching includes a holistic approach to find higher levels of performance in your career, health, relationships, and well-being.

Follow Shawn:

• Instagram - @coach_shawn_buttner
• YouTube - @shawnbuttner
• Podcast - Meaningful Revolution Podcast
• Email - [email protected]
• Website - https://www.shawn.coach

Resources:

• Inspire to Run on Instagram - @inspiretorunpodcast
• Free Guide - Kickstart your Fitness in 5 Steps
• 8 Week Fitness Coaching Program with Underdog Fitness
  • Sign-up using code INSPIRE10 for 10% off

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Inspire to Run Podcast is truly inspiring!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the healthy life that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Join the Inspire to Run community:

• Website - Inspire to Run
• Facebook - @InspiretoRun
• Instagram - @InspiretoRunPodcast
• Strava -