#203: Mainly Marathons Co-Race Director Inspired By Runners All Over the USA, Setting Records

Run The Race

Some people want to see as much as they can of America. Some people want to run marathons or other distances in all 50 states (like me). My guest for this episode of "Run The Race" helps people do both in a "loony" way. make sure to like/follow/subscribe to the podcast! (6:23) Former mental health counselor Daniel Rueckert and his brother Jesse from Minnesota are co-owners and race directors for "Mainly Marathons" - through which I've run 5 of my last 10 marathons (including some doubles you can hear about in my eps #180 and 202). He says it's exciting and exhausting to see people from all over the world in their 75 annual races in all 50 states through 13 multi-day series. Those are 14+ hour work days for them, with people taking 3-12 hours to finish marathons, no person left behind. Why do people do it this way? People can choose to walk the races...saving money on travel, doing races in multiple states the same week...encouraging, fun environment. How do they (14:22) balance work and life, being on the road 100+ days per year for these events? He explains, since they've directed close to 600 races in their 7 years as "mainly" race directors. Dreadlocked Daniel also talks about behind-the-scenes logistics like where they sleep, picking locations, measuring and getting race courses sanctioned, food and being cheerleaders. He talks about some of the WORLD RECORDS set on their courses too! Seeing these runners from all over the world (25:57), some injured or even paralyzed, achieving big things is inspiring to the Minnesota brothers who ran marathons in all 50 states together as well. Daniel also describes going from a sprinter and jumper to a long distance runner....and some of his favorite places to run and put on races. (34:07) What are the mental health and emotional benefits of running? He gives his perspectives on exercise, addiction, anxiety, as a former therapist who did walk and talk sessions. What can start as chemical dependency and feeling down with no support system...to fitness achievements building confidence, while being cheered on. As race directors, they've heard stories of personal struggles and triumphs on and off the race courses. (43:44) Some may be concerned about running becoming an addiction, but a good chunk of the back-to-back marathon runners see this as their "retirement community." It's about self-reflection too. (46:52) What's it like for them to see the USA like this? Their offices for work have some beautiful scenery. Daniel and his brother now head out for 2 series, 5Ks to marathons across 11 states in 11 days, from Delaware to Maine, starting Wednesday June 5. To learn more about Mainly Marathons, go to: https://mainlymarathons.com/. I close the podcast in prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.