On The Runs

Monday Night Media

Details

Runners are the best storytellers. On The Runs podcast features running narratives from the best of those storytellers. Whether hearing from a runner who started a year ago or 50 years ago, the conversation is engaging, funny, and enlightening. Guest stories range from struggles to outstanding achievements and everything in between … including “Code Brown” tales. “Code Brown” situations are not what you might think. Guests share awkward & unique circumstances they have found themselves in throughout their journey. The crosstalk between hosts Eric and Erika is natural and entertaining. Friends for over 20 years, they have the gifted skill set to keep the listener glued to the interviews along with the bantering between themselves. Their conversations come across as fireside chats amongst friends leaving you feeling like you were there. On The Runs has been fortunate to have a wide range of guests over their nearly 200 episodes from the local 5k runner to epic ultra marathoners. Iconic leaders and history makers in the sport along with, nutritionist, coaches, race directors, peloton instructors and running legends.

Recent Episodes

OCT 27, 2026
264 | Eddie Ferris | From Childhood Trauma to the Boston Marathon, because of our running community.
He's already part of our PodFam but finally we get to have him on the pod for his own episode as we're wicked excited to welcome Eddie Ferris to the Pod! Eddie Ferris, a longtime Manchester runner and familiar face in the local running community, joins us for a candid conversation about childhood trauma, PTSD, therapy, and the role running plays in his mental health. He describes finding a therapist and EMDR therapy after earlier approaches failed, and explains why openness, supportive friends, and everyday kindness matter to his ongoing healing. Guest Eddie Ferris talks with us about an amicable divorce, his Lyme disease misdiagnosis and recovery, and the running community that helped him rebuild. He traces his progress from returning to running after illness to a sub-90-minute half marathon and pursuing Boston qualification, sharing lessons about patient training, supportive friendships, and marathon preparation. Eddie Ferris tells us how he came back from Lyme disease, injuries, and doctors urging him to consider disability to become a Boston Marathon qualifier. He recounts a difficult first Boston, a steadier race and personal best at the next, and shares a hopeful message about kindness and mental health. Takeaways from Eddie It took a long time to get really reach a level of mental health that I'm at now. the baseball diamond was my sanctuary that running is as a kid. It really was that first step to healing. I am unapologetically unashamed of the things that happened to me. it is okay to not be okay and to talk about those things and be vulnerable. It's got a seat at the table and you need to teach it that you're at the head of the table. I just go out and I'm just leaving it on the side of the road for dead while I'm out there running. The more I opened up to her, the more I was able to open up with really close friends. It's just part of what makes me me. If you're gonna be something, just be kind to people. Chapters 00:00 Intro - Erika's new job 07:59 Guest Segment | Eddie Ferris 01:35:53 The Outro | 01:40:00 Giveaway w/ OOFOS 01:45:53 Closing and Eric's Virtual Half Thank you Back in Action for this weeks episode, download their Run Pain Free Guide HERE Final Two Questions brought to you by My Race Tatts Thank you OOFOS for our Bathroom Break Newsletter Giveaway Subscribe to the Bathroom Break Newsletter HERE
111 MIN
OCT 13, 2026
262 | Chicago Marathon Recap Group Chat
Welcome to episode 262 or should we say 26.2! The Chicago Marathon Recap Episode! We welcome back some podfam who ran the Chicago Marathon this past weekend including Tara Watt, Maurice Lowman aka the Marathon Panda and Randi Zuckerberg back to recap their weekends! We talk about the experiences at the Chicago Marathon, comparing it to other major marathons and sharing personal anecdotes. We welcome surprise guests, adding to the lively conversation about running and community. The conversation explores the experiences of runners participating in the Chicago Marathon, focusing on personal stories of redemption, race day challenges, and the importance of community. The participants share their unique journeys, from overcoming injuries to celebrating milestones, while also discussing innovations in race hydration and the joy of shared experiences with friends and family. The conversation revolves around the experiences of participants in the Chicago Marathon, highlighting personal stories, race conditions, and future running goals. The group shares insights on the camaraderie of running, the challenges faced during races, and the excitement of upcoming events. Thank you to Tara, Maurice and Randi for joining us! Subscribe to our newsletter "The Bathroom Break" and always be entered to win running prizes every month in 2027! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Episode 262: The Chicago Marathon Recap 02:22 Experiencing the Chicago Marathon: Logistics and Atmosphere 05:26 Comparing Medals: Chicago vs. New York Marathon 08:35 The Pursuit of Personal Records: A Marathon Debate 11:22 Special Guests Join the Conversation 12:19 The Road to Redemption 14:20 Personal Triumphs and Challenges 16:21 Navigating the Heat of Competition 18:12 Innovations in Race Hydration 20:11 Family and Community in Running 22:07 Girls Trip Adventures 29:05 Connections and Community in Running 32:45 Meeting New Friends and Family at Races 33:14 Spectating and Support During the Race 34:40 Memorable Encounters and Experiences 34:41 Recapping the Chicago Marathon Experience 37:32 Weather and Its Impact on Race Day 38:18 Logistics and Course Comparisons 39:16 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Goals 44:22 Celebrating Achievements and Health 47:18 Chicago Marathon Weekend Recap 47:18 Chicago Marathon Weekend Recap 50:01 Community and Personal Growth in Running 52:58 Brooks Running Collective Experience 55:54 The Importance of Gratitude and Encouragement 58:44 Newsletter Launch and Community Engagement 01:01:43 Motivational Insights for Runners 01:04:38 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Events and Announcements
68 MIN
OCT 8, 2026
261 | Carey Pinkowski | Chicago Marathon Race Director
We are thrilled to officially welcome Carey Pinkowski to the PodFam! Carey Pinkowski, race director of the Chicago Marathon joins Eric and Erika to trace the evolution of the Chicago Marathon from a 6,000-runner race to a World Major with more than 50,000 participants. He breaks down how the course, the city, and the community shaped the event, and why the race’s success came from building the experience first and letting everything else follow. We discuss the early days of Chicago running, how the marathon course was designed around neighborhoods and transit, and the stories that define race-day culture. Carey also shares what it takes to keep improving an event for 36 years, plus a few unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments from marathon week. During the Tros, hosts Erika and Eric discuss personal milestones, including Erika's new role as an aunt and her upcoming job, while also preparing for the Chicago Marathon. The conversation flows into the excitement surrounding the marathon and the logistics of their upcoming live streaming event at the New England half marathon. Chapters 00:00 Intro and AUNTY SIX STAR 12:20 Guest Segment: Carey Pinkowski and the Chicago Marathon 14:39 The Evolution of the Chicago Marathon 17:33 Personal Journey and Early Experiences 20:22 Building the Chicago Marathon Brand 23:29 Community Engagement and Race Day Experience 26:25 The Role of Neighborhoods in the Marathon 28:55 The Community Connection in Running 31:21 Stories from the Marathon: Challenges and Triumphs 37:05 Planning for the Future: The 50th Marathon 40:38 Chicago: The Best Event City 43:31 The Chicago Spirit in Music 45:29 The Outro Follow us on Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter
74 MIN
OCT 6, 2026
260 | Letty Lundquist from Marathon Journal | Co-host sub-in Jaye Duncan
We are thrilled to welcome back Letty Lundquist who has recently started a new venture called "Marathon Journal". We explore how she’s turning marathon news into a standalone media brand. The conversation covers major race headlines, including London’s 2027 two-day experiment, Chicago’s refill stations, and New York’s Nine Plus One overhaul, and more. This is a segment that we hope to bring to you monthly going forward. Be sure to follow Letty's Marathon Journal on Instagram HERE Check out Marathon Journal Website HERE We open the episode with a different co-host as Six Star Erika is away for a wedding in California. Thank you Jaye Duncan for jumping in! We get to catch up with Jaye on her life over the past few years since she kicked cancers ass and ran the Boston Marathon in 2024. We cover a lot with Jaye from applying for another Boston Marathon to Murder Mysteries and much more. Our first BLOG drops on Wednesday, make sure you subscribe to the Newsletter / BLOG HERE Chapters 00:00 Intro with Jaye Duncan 20:05 Guest Segment: Letty Lundquist 24:39 The Expansion of Marathon Journal 28:44 Nike's Controversial Marketing and Influencer Dynamics 33:32 London Marathon's Two-Day Event 43:09 Clayton Young Record Attempt 49:10 Media Access and Experiences 49:10 Refillable Drink Stations and Environmental Impact 53:04 Debating Water Station Methods 58:25 New York Marathon Changes 01:00:42 Boston Marathon's Qualifying Challenges 01:03:29 Future Collaborations and Goals 01:08:42 The Outro 01:11:33 Blogging Ideas 01:19:16 Murder Mystery with Jaye 01:27:23 Skiing Adventures and Retreats
96 MIN