Run The Riot Podcast

This week on the Run the Riot Podcast, we’re hanging out with ultrarunner Mason Phillips — and what a story this guy brings to the trail! From growing up in California to working remote trail systems in Alaska, Mason’s path to ultrarunning is as rugged and adventurous as the mountains he trains in. At just 26, he’s already crushed a 100-miler at Rio Del Lago and took on the monster that is the Moab 240 — and did it with grit, creativity, and just a little bit of chaos (spoiler: he carried dog food as training weight and wore trash bags for warmth during a bike race). We talk about: How Mason transitioned from college rugby to thru-hiking and long ultras The trail magic that led to meeting fellow ultrarunner Nick Fowler on the PCT Why he chose the Moab 240 as his first 200+ mile race What it was like running solo for nearly 100 miles without a crew His fueling, sleep strategy, and how he managed Alaska’s snow while training for a desert race Lessons learned, including why efficiency beats perfection every time And yes — he beat David Goggins. Mason brings a refreshing, raw perspective to the world of ultra racing — not everything has to be perfectly planned to achieve something incredible. If you’ve ever thought about going farther, pushing harder, or embracing the unknown in your running journey, this episode is for you. Video and show notes: http://www.theriot.run/masonp

This week, we’re talking about something most of us don’t slow down long enough to consider — identity. Not the surface-level kind. The deep, heart-level “who am I, really?” kind. A moment at a men’s retreat opened my eyes to how quickly we define ourselves (and others) by what we do. Someone called me “the ultra guy,” and while that’s part of my story, it’s not who I am. That pushed me into some honest reflection. In this episode, we get into: • Why performance-based identity is such a trap • How easy it is for good things — like running — to become labels • The danger of rooting your identity in something you can lose • What Scripture says about who we belong to • How running reveals character without defining identity • Why your unshakable identity anchors you through injury, age, success, or failure • How running becomes worship when it’s a gift, not your name If you’ve ever let a title, a role, or an achievement tell you who you are, this one’s for you. At the end of the episode, I share a song I wrote that captures this whole message — stick around for it. Thanks for listening, friends. Take a minute today to ask the hard question:What am I letting define me? Link to "Hidden in You" song: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/davidtheriot/hidden-in-you-special-version

Chad Bruce is back on the podcast, and this time he’s fresh off the Mammoth 200 — 200+ miles through the high country of the Eastern Sierras. From long stretches of soul-sucking gravel to alpine climbs and a thunderstorm finish that tested every ounce of grit, Chad takes us inside what it really takes to finish a race like this at age 52. We talk about how his training has shifted with age, what gear and nutrition worked (and what didn’t), how he balances racing with life, and the mental strategies that carry him through the lows. Whether you’re looking to run your first ultra or eyeing a 200-miler yourself, there’s something here for everyone. Mentioned in this episode: Mammoth 200, Moab 240, Cocodona 250, Bigfoot 200 Recovery and training tips for ultrarunners over 50 The role of mindset, mid-race nutrition, and sleep in 200s Follow Chad: Instagram: @chadbruce78 Learn more about coaching: www.theriot.run/coaching Episode Page: www.theriot.run/chadbruce2 Hashtags: #runtheriot #ultrarunningcoach #mammoth200 #ultrarunner #ultrarunning #ultraracing #trailrunner

Welcome back, friends! After a busy season, it’s time for a reset. Today isn’t about perfection — it’s about taking the next step. What we talk about: When life gets full and priorities shift Why stopping for a season doesn’t mean failure Recap: a powerful men’s retreat and lessons on identity Family updates (Jennifer’s knee surgery + travel softball chaos) Why the Heartland 100 got pushed — and why that’s OK Why comebacks don’t need to be dramatic The power of a single small step Today’s challenge: Choose one small action that moves you closer to the life, health, or goal you want. Just one. You don’t need: A new week A new month A perfect plan You just need to start. Quotes from the episode: “A pause isn’t the end.” “The finish line isn’t for people who never struggle — it’s for those who refuse to quit.” “Momentum changes everything.” I’m back behind the mic. Interviews are coming. New episodes are coming. Let’s reset together — and move the needle.

In this episode of Run the Riot, we reconnect with Peter Defty, a pioneering force behind the fat-adapted movement in endurance sports. Peter is the man behind Vespa and OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism), and today, he shares powerful insights into how ultrarunners can unlock performance, recover faster, and sustain longevity by training their bodies to burn fat as a primary fuel source. We dive into: Peter’s first 100-miler at the hottest Western States ever recorded 🌡️ How Vespa was inspired by a Japanese study of a wasp species The science behind OFM and how it improves fat utilization Why many athletes suffer from GI issues—and how OFM can solve them Why it’s not about keto or carbs—it’s about balance and metabolic capacity Practical advice for those looking to transition to fat-adapted running The real cost of "science-backed" sports nutrition and how to cut out 75+ lbs of sugar annually How Vespa and OFM have helped elite athletes like Jeff Browning, Peter Mortimer, and Andrea Moore thrive in the sport for years Whether you’re an ultrarunning veteran or just starting to explore performance nutrition, this episode is packed with science, stories, and real-world results. Show notes: http://www.theriot.run/peterd