Start Lines and Swag Bags

Episode 24-09 War of the Hats and a Family Secret Revealed

Probably my absolute favorite episode to date. They just keep getting better and better! The winner of last week’s match up is revealed, two more runs are on the chopping block, and I have a special guest that stunned me into silence! Enjoy!

The War of the Hats!
Shamrock Shuffle 2023: the start line is way, way, way down there somewhere.
Post race: proudly representing both teams.
The Swifers! – apparently minus the bullhorn
Indi Monumental 2023: at the expo with Chelsea
A much different looking start line.
This is probably one of my favorite medals and I was so proud to have it engraved.
Friends, hats, and so much joy.

Episode 24-08 John and the Dangling Beard

Holy penny! This episode with USATF Certified Coach and fellow Swifter John McCarthy! We talk Strava Mafia, creepy carousels, and training slow to go fast.

And if you happen to speak Icelandic, give John a hand!

Episode 24-07 Wicked Half Marathon vs. S-no-W Fun Run!

Did you find my bracket on Instagram or Facebook? What race do you think is going all the way? This was a crazy match up for sure!

Such an inspiring name at the location at the start of the Wicked Half.
Uh, I start where?
Only time crossing the finish line at a half with a sub 2-hour time (oh, but I started an hour before that!)
My sister, Lauren, and me after the race.
Race shirt and medal. The bat spins!

Just part of the Fast Track Racing Team partying group in 2020!
Packed ballroom – 2020
Bright and empty ballroom – 2021
“You race who shows up” – 1st place age group!
Socks and glove (singular) from 2020; buff and medal from 2021!

Episode 24-06 Here Comes the Cheerbrarian Ashlie!

This one is a hoot! I get a chance to catch up with Ashlie from the “Advice from the Cheerbrarian” podcast.

Not sure how we went from horse tracks to Alexi Pappas but you’re going to like this one!

Episode 24-05 Euphemisms and a cake shake

Not the episode I planned, but I hope you enjoy it.

In Memory of Michael Kanalas Sr. 1/27/54 – 10/11/2024

Fun at the zoo, 2008
New Years Day 2010
Busse Woods 2012
Josh’s Bar Mitzvah 2019
Josh’s Graduation 2024

Episode 24-04 And here comes Mark!

Welcome to this week’s guest episode where I virtually sit down with Mark and somehow the conversation turns to dog collars and weiner races!

Nice magnet, Mark!
Look at that poor sad dog tag…..
The beautiful hand made medal to replace, well, the dog tag!
I want a medal with a weiner on it!
Mark with his own customized sticker from my Irrereverent Sticker Collection!

Episode 24-03 The First Elimination

This is a big one with a lot of name dropping! Thank you to everyone who has reached out with words of encouragement. I talk about my interview with Nicole that was released last Tuesday and start the race elimination process. Today, it’s Pettit Indoor Race Marathon vs. 4 on the 4th! Which one will advance?

2023 Meeting Carey Pinkowski
2024 Fast Track Group Photo
2023 Fast Track Group Photo
2021 Fast Track Group Photo
2019 Fast Track Group Photo
2019 and 2021 Elmhurst 4 on the 4th shirts

The whole group before the start!
Switching over the timing chip.
Just me running around the track.
Waiting for the awards and running into Wes Iler!
Podium shot! We are on the right; Rebecca, Alex, Vanessa, and me.
Post race pic with Bill!
Sabrina, founder of the Skokie Swifters and Bill Schneider.
Swag!

Episode 24-02 My chat with Nicole

Please take a listen to my first guest episode where I welcomed Nicole onto the couch and shot the very first in person episode. My favorite part was her remembering me because I sold her Mom shoes! Below are the pictures of the amazing medals she brought, and some great pics from her favorite race with mom!

My first guest, Nicole!

Episode 24-01 So it begins…..

In this first episode, I reveal how this all started, take the opportunity to thank some key people, and introduce the official race bracket (pictured below).