Returning to studio 1812 after a long absence is Mr. Will “Mung” O’Keefe. Will is a husband, runner, gnarly BMX dude, man of faith, the most likely first off the 60-foot cliff into the lake, and finally, an assistant cross country and track coach at Adams State, a powerhouse D-II school in CO.

Will and I go back a few moons. That is, years. Back to his early Wile E. Coyote collegiate days at a D-II school in MO.

To learn more about Will – the court jester of coaching – and his more serious side - check out Season 1 Podcast Episodes 2 and 4. 

For now, learn about Will’s slow and somewhat bumpy onboarding into the coaching world. What decisions go into an ultimately West Bound and Down hard CO launch for him and his new and only bride, Taylor?

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of Coach O’Keefe!

Quips and Advice:

“Wanted…needed…appreciated.” – Coach Martin, Adams State.

"People may not remember what you said but will remember how you made them feel."

"Rather sacrifice a win for someone being healthy."

Guest Info & Contact:

Email: wokeefe@adams.edu

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Returning to studio 1812 after a long absence is Mr. Mark Stenbeck. AKA “Stenny.” He’s a runner, coach, and school counselor. Mark is a lifelong resident of Littleton, CO.

Mark and I go back many years. Way back to his early 2000s collegiate days at a D-II school in MO.

To learn more about Mark engage Season 1 Podcast Episodes 18-20. In one episode you discover that Mark was, in part, the 2018 USTFCCCA XC High School National Coach of the Year.

Not long after that achievement, Marked steps away from scholastic coaching duties. Life gets difficult.

Now he is back coaching and wishes to share what this next coaching assignment means to him and his newbie runners like “Captain K.” and “Freshman Franky.”

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of Stenny!

Quips and Advice:

 “Don’t implement too much too soon.”

 “Give me one more year of your life.”

 “What separates coaches?

 Building culture.

 Play the long game.

 Guest Info & Contact:

Email: drhsrunning@gmail.com

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Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Mr. Jay “Jay-Jay” Grainger. Former D-II runner. College coach and man of faith.

Jay resides in Colorado Springs, CO where he is an assistant coach at the UCCS (University of Colorado Colorado Springs).

Jay takes his strong and focused work ethic, and he insatiable thirst for facts (relevant or not) on a multi-year sports journey:  

• Running competitively at D-II Southwest Baptist University and Dallas Baptist University;
• Volunteering as coach at Missouri Southern State University;
• And finally, securing an official assistant coach position at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs. 

Shout out to Jay’s world renown boss – Coach Mark “The Metronome” Misch (Season 2, Episode 5).

Join jay as he reflects on (1) his early sport years (he loves baseball), (2) his D-II collegiate success and challenges (3) his deep love for coaching and finally on (6) his God who helps frame it all and leads him into the next lap of life.

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of Jay – The Bearded Wonder – Bandana Boy - Grainger.

Quips and Advice:

“Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions.”

“I wish I learned how to relax.”

Insight: How revive from a "dark night of the soul."

Guest Info & Contact:

Email: jaygrainger9@gmail.com 

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Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Mr. Paul “The Apostle” Ryan, young husband, former professional runner, accounting nerd, man of faith, and one of the “Speed Boys.”

Paul resides with his wife Tamar in sunny California.

Paul takes his strong and focused work ethic on a multi-year running journey:

• Securing numerous high school MD accolades at Logos High School, Moscow, Idaho.
• Gaining All-American statuses at D-I Washington State and dropping a 3:58 mile in his senior year.
• Qualifying and running in the 2021/2024 Olympic trials 1500. 
• Finding an agent, going pro, securing a contract with Adidas. 
• Traveling the world competing.
• Dropping a PR mile time of 3:52:41 in 2022; and finally, like many,
• Considering the landscape of the post pro running world.

Join Paul as he reflects on (1) his early sport years, (2) his D-I collegiate success and challenges (3) his pro career and finally on (6) his God who helps frame it all and leads him into the next lap of life.

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of Paul – “Let’s Go Baby” - #NoPaulNoParty - Ryan.

Quips and Advice:

Paul gives a charitable perspective on the “Speed Boys” – Paul Ryan, Austen Dalquist, Daniel Michalski, and Brett Meyer.

• “Battle nerves with thanksgiving.”
• “Take time to develop.”
• “Take time to notice people.”

World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/paul-ryan-14651116

Instagram: Pau Ryan (@paulryan1)

LinkedIn: Paul Ryan (Former Pro Track Athlete)

Emai: paul@chilinryan.com

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Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Mr. Brian “Mr. Clean” Smith, young husband, father of three, former D-I collegiate runner, author, sports mentor, coach, man of faith, and proud Michigan hobby farmer.

Brian resides with his wife and family in rural Michigan.

Brian takes his strong and focused work ethic on a multi-year running and professional ministry journey: 

• Developing his early athletic skills at Rockford High School (MI), where his teammate was Dathan "The Razor" Ritzenhein; 
• Succeeding as a D-I XC/T&F student-athlete at Wake Forest University (NC); 
• Following a calling into ministry with AIA (Athletes In Action); 
• Landing a successful long term sports ministry role at University of Wisconsin; 
• Writing his first of two books – The Christian Athlete, and finally
• Relocating himself and family to rural Michigan where he continues sports ministry, writes his second book, and learns the ins and outs of hobby farming. Where pigs rule…and drool. 

Join Brian as he reflects on (1) his early sport years, (2) his D-I collegiate successes and challenges (3) his call into specialized sports ministry (4) his predisposition for prose and finally on (6) his God who helps frame it all and leads him into the next lap of life.

Journey into the head and heart space of Brian Smith.

Quips and Advice:

• “I played defense [in my faith].”
• “Funny guy in the room.”
• “…know the value of stacking small wins on top of each other.”
• “She called me ‘Smithers’.”
• “Let’s get the band together.”
• “I’d much rather have played a ball sport.”
• “The book Desiring God by John Piper. Game changer!”

Guest Info & Contact:

• The Christian Athlete: https://www.thechristianathlete.com/
• Blog: https://www.thechristianathlete.com/blog/
• Away Game: A Christian Parents Guide to Navigating Youth Sports
• https://www.horizonbooks.com/book/9780830788361
• Instagram: Brian Smith (@brianlinsey)
• Email: brian.smith@athletesinaction.org

Audio Correction: Brian ran at Rockford High School (MI) and not Lindsey. Just ask his teammate, Dathan “The Razor” Ritzenhein.

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Sooie Pig Alert!

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Mr. Austen “Dalqy Kong” Dalquist, young husband, businessman, and one of the original “Speed Boys.”

Austen resides with his wife in Boulder, CO.

Austen takes his strong and focus work ethic on a multi-year running journey: securing two state titles in both 1,600 and 3,200; winning one collegiate mountain running national championship; gaining DMR All-American status at the University of Arkansas; struggling with health and identity issues; getting injured and going broke in Europe, and resurrecting to secure his first sub-4 minute mile and a CO state mile championship, running so fast the lights went out. And then...there's the future.

Join Austen as he reflects on (1) his early sport years, (2) his D-II collegiate success and challenges (3) his health and identity concerns (4) his Olympic quest and finally on (6) his God who helps frame it all and leads him into the next lap of life.

Journey into the head and heart space of – the “Kong-n-ator.”

Quips and Advice: 

“Breathe a bit.”
“Talent finds a way.”
“It’s the Austen show.”
"So hungry for food."
“Stuck my nose in it [race] and rode it.”
"Do it Prefontaine [running] style."

Guest Info & Contact:

World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/austen-dalquist-14625658

Instagram: Austen Dalquist (@dalquesting)

Email: <austendalquist@gmail.com>

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Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Mr. Daniel “Millhouse” Michalski (MO-HAUL-SKI), young husband, father of three, coach, owner of “Buddy” the wonder dog, military man, man of faith and one of the original “Speed Boys.”

Daniel resides with his family in Colorado Springs, CO.

Daniel takes his strong and focus work ethic on a multi-year running journey winning 1 x D-II National Championship (steeplechase), qualifying for several US Olympic trials (4th in 2021), and winning a silver medal at the 2023 Pan American Games.

In 2023, Daniel joins the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) within the United States Air Force, allowing him to hone a technical skill, serve our country, and train for the LA 2028 Olympics.

Join Daniel as he reflects on (1) his early sport years, (2) his D-I and D-II collegiate success and challenges (3) his Grandfather’s (Pop Pop) influence on him (4) his Olympic quest and finally on (6) his God who helps frame it all and leads him over life’s hurdles and water pits to the finish line.

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of “Big MO.”

Quips and Advice:

• Jimmy John’s fan. Insider experience.
• Anatomy of the Steeplechase.
• “Disassociate my running from my identity and reorient it to that which matters.”
• “Boys are the burgers and the girls the buns.”
• First race…”NASCAR moves.”
• “Big fat thing or another.”
• “Give yourself license to win and succeed.”

Guest Info & Contact:

• World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/daniel-michalski-14692269
• Instagram: Daniel Michalski (@dannyboy91095)
• Email: michalskidaniel0@gmail.com
• Articles: https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3574204/air-force-wcap-athlete-sets-sights-on-paris-olympics/
• https://www.usatf.org/news/2023/three-gold-night-caps-off-pan-american-games-for-t

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Christmas “Ultra” Special

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Dr. Sabrina “Resolute” Little. Wife, mother, professor, author and one stellar, virtuous, professional ultra-distance runner.

Sabrina resides with her family in Newport News, VA.

Sabrina takes her strong, virtuous, and focused work ethic on a multi-year, professional running journey winning (and this the short list) five US Ultra Championships, an individual World silver medal and Team Gold Medal in 2013.

In 2019, Sabrina runs the fastest 100K and 50-mile times for US women and ranks 10th on the all-time list of American Women. Previously the 24-hour American record holder (152.03 miles) and 200K American Record (19 hours, 30 minutes), Sabrina now focuses on the “shorter” events like the marathon and 100K.

In early 2024, Dr. Little releases her Oxford University Press book – The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners. In this book Sabrina argues “that virtue ethics provides a vocabulary for athletes to better understand their own formation in sport, and assists them in developing a vision of what a rich athletic life can look like.”

Join Sabrina as she reflects on (1) her early sport years, (2) her collegiate success and challenges (3) her professional move to the ultra-distance (4) her mixing of personal faith and sport and finally (I hope) on (6) her favorite ultra-distance nutritional hack.

Quips and Advice: 

“Hunting down the runners ahead of us!”

“The cows are so big in person.”

“Is perseverance always a virtue?”

"She is an Outlier.”

“Fixed on good ends and done in good ways.”

Guest Info & Contact:

https://sabrinalittle.com/
Instagram: Sabrina Little (@sabrinablittle)
Sabrina Little (@sabrinablittle) · X
Email: sblittle6@gmail.com

NEW BOOK: The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners. 

https://www.amazon.com/Examined-Run-People-Better-Runners/dp/0197678696

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Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Mr. Jim “Data” Sorensen. Husband, stepfather, educator, coach, and a man of faith with the proclivity towards perseverance.

Jim takes his strong and focus work ethic on a multi-year running journey winning 1 x D-II national championship (1500), qualifying for several US Olympic trials, and setting 2 x M40 (masters) world records in both the outdoor (1500) and (800). He currently holds the American M40 800 outdoor record. In short, Data is fast.

Jim resides in AZ with his family where, as they say, the weather is good.

Join Jim as he reflects on (1) his early sport years, (2) his collegiate challenges (3) his gift for “wanting it so bad” (4) his frustrating near misses (5) his two masters track records and finally on (6) his God who helps frame it all and leads him to the finish line.

Quips and Advice: 

“Sometimes you got to hold yourself back.”

“I think I cried a little.”

“Can’t grit your teeth in all your workouts.”

“The #1 way to recover is sleep!”

“Ultimate goal / Good goal / OK goal.”

“OK to lower your goal to decrease pressure.”

“Motivation comes first and propels everything else.”

“Make your running enjoyable.”

“Run with people you like.”

“You need a coach.”

Guest Info & Contact:

World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/jim-sorensen-14251861

Email: jimsore34@yahoo.com

Audio: NBC Sports

If you read this far, kudos to you. You get an extra inside perspective on Jim's thinking. He writes:

"Back in the 90s, the saying was Americans don't want it bad enough. They don't work hard enough… etc.... I felt that was untrue for myself and those I competed against. Looking back, I know I pushed hard in a lot of hard day/workout days. I gritted my teeth, so to speak. I wanted to get better and improve. Working hard equals results, correct? Well, there's a balance. I think it's good to grit your teeth on your interval/hard days. But some of those sessions should be more about pace work and putting in a volume at a certain pace without having to dig down deplete yourself .

Looking back, I probably would have reduced the number of days where I really dug down deep and worked hard in interval sessions, and made them more about getting a specific volume of pace work. Still kind of a of a hard day, but going to the bottom of the well."

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Olympian Spotlight! – Take a stroll down memory lane (80’s and 90’s). Names dropped: Sebastian Coe, Sydnee Maree, John Walker, Steve Ovett, and Steve Scott to name just a few.

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Olympian Mr. Jim “Speed Racer” Spivey. Man of faith, business executive, husband, father, and coach.

A graduate of Indiana University, Jim takes his strong and focus work ethic on a multi-year national and international running journey: earning multiple collegiate titles; winning two US national championships (1500), securing a World Championship bronze medal (1500) and representing the United States with three Olympic appearances: LA (1984, 1500), Barcelona (1992, 1500), and Atlanta (1996, 5K).

Jim resides in the Chicago area with his family and is a 15+ year veteran at a multinational company that manufactures and sells sportswear, shoes, and accessories. A company whose name in Latin [anima sana in corpore sano] translates to "a sound mind, in a sound body". Most of us don’t know this, but we love their stuff, nonetheless. Thanks, Asics.

Join Jim as he reflects on (1) his early sport years, (2) his collegiate challenges, (3) his international and Olympic competition, (4) his transition to coaching and the corporate world, and finally on (4) his God who helps frame it all and leads him to the finish line.

Quips: 

“No money. Need to get a hurdler.”

“Oregon turned me off.”

“He carried me in that race.”

“Hip Hip Hooray!”

“Did you do the best with the talents the Lord gave you?” 

"The Lord loves to hear your prayers."

“Peak at the right time.”

Guest Info & Contact:

World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/jim-spivey-14251978

Olympics: https://olympics.com/en/athletes/jim-spivey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-spivey-9231146/

Email: jim.spivey@asics.com

Personal Bests:

•           800 m -- 1:46.5 (1982)

•           1000 m -- 2:16.54 (1984)

•           1500 m -- 3:31.01 (1988)

•           Mile—3:49.80 (1986)

•           2000 m -- 4:52.44 (1987, American record)

•           3000 m -- 7:37.04 (1993)

•           5000 m -- 13:15.86 (1994)

Source: TrackandFieldNews.com

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Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Mrs. Alexis “Rae Rae” Adams (formerly Barber). Alexis is new college graduate, a new bride, a new public-school educator, and a former D-II student-athlete in XC and track & field at Southwest Baptist University, MO.

Alexis is a 2 x All-American. 4 x national qualifier (3 indoor, 1 in XC), and 7 x GLVC champion (mixing it up in the DMR and 1500).  And in all cases sporting a fresh coat of nail polish and spiffy hair-ribbon.

Join Alexis as she reflects on what it takes to engage new life challenges both in and out of sports.

Alexis reflects on personal identity issues and perfectionism in sport, academics, and in life in general.

"Rae Rae" ponders life after losing her father and how that loss and other challenges take her to a point of deep brokenness and…in the end… freedom.

Let's GO! Alexis takes her freshly minted college degree and husband and toes the line for the start of her post-college life race.

Episode Notes:
Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio.

Contact:
Instagram: alexisadamsss_

Fun Facts:
With the help of some friends, we now know that Alexis is most likely to: 

• Leave her phone in CA after a track meet.
• Eat all the marshmallows while a guest at a bonfire.
• Decorate her Bible with colorful artwork during church.
• Binge read a depressing book series about abusive relationships.
• Lose interest 5 seconds into move.
• Share the same traits as her twin sister
• Accurately impersonate her 3rd grade students.
• AND finally, caretake her world-renown squishmallow collection.

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Special Guest

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Mr. Brett “Hold Fast” Meyer, former D-II mid-distance track/field student-athlete at Fort Hays State University, KS. Currently, Brett is the Assistant Cross Country/Track and Field Coach (Middle Distance) at Fort Hays State University.

The Scott City, KS native (current population of 4,008) earns six All-American honors in the 800 and 1,500 meters, culminating in a D-II individual national title at 1,500 meters in 2019.

Brett reflects on his professional running, including making a run at the recent 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. Interestingly, in 2021, Brett breaks Jim Ryun's 53-year-old Kansas indoor mile record at the Washburn Invitational in Topeka, running a time of 3:58.39.

Join Brett as he balances his introverted, quiet, and “I-will-not-miss-a-day” running work ethic self with ongoing and new responsibilities that include: his “Hold Fast Running Camp”; his wife Kelly, who beat him in a 7th-8th grade 4x200 race; his young buck son, Judah, and his Lord who is before all things and holds it all together.

Quips: 

“I wanted to quit cross-country every day.”

“Be a man and learn.”

“Hello Kelly.”

“Brett. You’re  being a bum. You just run.”

“Running is irrelevant. But priceless.”

Note: He does love Jimmy John's

Guest Contact:

World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/brett-meyer-14653170

Hold Fast Running Camp: https://walkrunrollscottcity.com/hold-fast-running-camp

Email: brettscmeyer@gmail.com

Instagram: brettmeyerr

Correction: D-II champion, not D-I, as referenced once along the way. 2019, not 2029, as referenced once.  Can't tell the future. Geeze, need some sleep...and food.

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Olympian Spotlight!

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Olympian Mr. Tiidrek “Estonian Express” Nurme; man of faith, husband, father, and professional runner.

Tiidrek (tee-drek) takes his strong and focused work ethic on a multi-year running journey, setting many national records and representing Estonia with 3 Olympic appearances: Beijing (2008), Rio (2016), and Tokyo (2020).

Tiidrek is one of only five men in the history of the Olympic Games to have qualified for and competed in the 1,500 meters (2008) and the marathon (2016, 2020) in separate Olympics during their career.

Tiidrek resides in Estonia with his wife, Maili (the loveliest woman in the world) and his three children.

Join Tiidrek as he reflects on:

·         his early sport years in Estonia, 

·         his “costly, street tough, vulnerable” adolescent life, 

·         his journey to a highly decorated, public figure and finally on 

·         his God who helps frame it all and leads him to the finish line.

Quips:

“Straight into business.”
“How can start that slow?”
“Everything I speak I got to speak about God.”
“That was a hard start.”
“Looking for love and trust.”
“Everything that’s junk [food] is tasty.”
“I like in Kenya. It is my second home.”
“Life is more than….”

Guest Contact:

Website: https://tiidrek.ee/
World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/estonia/tiidrek-nurme-14181111

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Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks with Mr. Micah “G2” Dettmer. Former D-I student-athlete (runner) at Texas A&M, husband, father of three, and collegiate discipler.

Micah resides in Fort Worth, TX with his wife Stephanie and three children. Through his current financial analyst position at CRU, Micah helps students experience local and overseas missions.

So, join Micah, a self-identifying “Goober”, as he reflects on his:

·         troublesome adolescent ideation phase,

·         loss of family,

·         early competitive sport years, 

·         infamous “Brick of Pasta” moment,
 
·         hypocritical college freshman year,

·         dating woes,

·         faith journey downs and life changing ups, 

·         redline running at Texas A&M, 

·         desire to equip and send college students on mission, 

·         mid-30s love of running, and finally, 

·         first encounter with his future wife that involved a “Scream” mask and French maid outfit (Goober 2.0 stuff).

Sticking the landing. In the end, Micah gives two pieces of sound advice for the current collegiate student-athlete. Here’s a hint: Zzzzzzz.

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Fresh Off the Collegiate Vine

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks with Mr. Troy “Kenny-G” Davidson, former D-II soccer, track and field student-athlete, forever WPD Beta group member, and 2024 graduate of Southwest Baptist in Missouri.

Troy reflects on his early sport and faith years, his decision to go one sport (track and field), his love of general biology (not), and the value he places in community.

Known for his…

•           “smooth and relaxed Kenny-G” demeanor on and off the track,

•           his outdoor 800-meter school record,

•           his proclivity to puke post-race,

•           AND his love for all things candy, which includes but not limited to: Dum Dums, Air Heads, Sour Patch Kids, Dots, Nerds, Skittles, Fat Boys (ice cream sandwich), Apple-spice Airwick Stickups, and possibly his favorite, Mike & Ike,

Troy takes his freshly minted college degree and toes the line for the start of his post-college life race.

*Kenny-G. American smooth jazz saxophonist, composer, and producer. 

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Olympian Spotlight!

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks Mr. Matt “Skymaster” Hemingway: Man of faith, business executive, husband, father, outdoorsman, coach, and Olympian.

A graduate of the University of Arkansas with 4 x All-American honors in the high jump, Mark takes his strong work ethic on a multi-year, bumpy journey towards a still standing US Indoor high jump record height and an Olympic silver medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Matt resides in Evergreen, CO with his wife Kate and daughter, Asha. When Matt is not helping his sales team WIN in the office, he strategically guides puckering patrons through some of CO’s best river waters at Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting in Buena Vista, Colo. Want to play some hoop? Pick Matt. He’s that 6’7 dude standing just off to the side. Word on the street is that Matt and his “older” teammates (the Roaches) still have skills!

Join Matt as he reflects on his early sport years, his time at powerhouse Arkansas, his irregular path to Olympic silver, and on a God who helps frame it all and leads him to the finish line.

Quips: 

“Looking back. You don’t have to get there overnight.”

“If it’s not motor, then it’s luggage.”

“It’s time to go to war.”

“Can’t live on the mountaintop. Growth is in the valley.”

‘Power of painter’s tape.” (visualization)

“Have gratitude.”

“When you can no longer do the sport, your response to that moment reveals your true identity.”

Guest Contact:

Website 
Email: matt@matthemingway.com
Instagram: Matt Hemingway
 X: @matthemingway
LinkedIn: Matt Hemingway OLY
World Athletics
Team USA
2004 Athens High Jump (6:35 into video)
Wikipedia
Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting

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Special Geezer Spotlight!

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks with Mr. Todd “The Poet Runner” Sukany: Man of faith, runner, educator, author, musician, husband, father to three, grandfather to six, and my long-time friend.

Todd resides in the metropolis of Pleasant Hope, MO where he and his wife run an unofficial sanctuary for wayward dogs and uncooperative cats.

Known for his “poetic” prowess, sharp guitar licks, vintage and often stinky running apparel, and that stellar set of geezer man boobs, the Poet Runner ponders his faith and his next long trail run in Southwest MO. Finally, "PR" shares meaningful poems and reflects on how he hopes to finish his life race.

His Book: Frisco Trail and Tales. Self-published. Want a copy? Simply email him for details. Mention you heard him on the Press On Podcast.

Contact: tasukany@gmail.com 

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Smokin' Special Guest!

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) continues conversation with Mr. Mark “The Captain” Curp, pride of Polo, MO; seven time NCAA D-II and 2 time D-I All-American in cross-country and track and field at Central Missouri State University (CMSU); professional New Balance sponsored runner for 15 years (1983-1997); former US 20K record holder (1986); former US half marathon record holder (1985-2007); US Olympic Trials participant (1984-1996), and former half-marathon world record holder (1985-1990).

Oh yeah, he is a husband, father, grandfather, and coach.

In part two, Mark reflects on his fifteen-year New Balance professional running career, dropping a Who’s Who list of 80’ and ‘90s runners. Marks recounts his various high profile road races, his Olympic Trials appearances, and the run up to his world record half-marathon. Oddly, he just wasn’t feeling it days before the event.

Finally, The Captain reflects on life after professional running, and life as a cancer survivor, giving us words of wisdom when the “race” gets seriously hard.

Mark currently resides in the Kansas City, Missouri, area.  He and his wife, Teri, have five grown children (combined) and three grandsons. After professional running and after 21 years in the corporate world, Mark changes directions, hoping to make a positive impact in the world through coaching.

In his semi-retirement, Mark works as a paraprofessional and coach at a local high school. He also collaborates with individual athletes on a one-to-one basis. Currently, Mark presses forward in and through his second cancer occurrence.

More information at MarkCurp.com

Contact: mcruns77@gmail.com

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Special Veteran Spotlight!

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks with Mr. Mark “The Metronome” Misch, current Head Men’s Cross Country/Assistant Track & Field Coach at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The 2023-2024 academic calendar signifies Mark’s 17th season with the university.

While leading his team to multiple D-II national championship finishes AND mentoring and coaching several post-collegiate runners both nationally and internationally, Mark runs. And runs. And runs. Could say that Coach has the runs! No big deal, some will say.

But this year the “Metronome” completes a running milestone. What is it? Ready? Mark surpasses over 100,000 career running miles. Yep, 100,000!

That is… rough calculation… a bit over 4 times around the world. And he has the old-school documentation to prove it.

Starting with his early moments in Coffeyville, Kansas, to his collegiate sport days, to an almost career-ending traffic accident, and not to mention that “scolding” at France's Arc de Triomphe, the “Metronome” reflects on his faith, coaching, personal trials, professional relationships, world travel, and that long, long, long run-up to the 100K mark.

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of my guest and friend, Coach Mark Misch.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs - Mark Misch.

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Smokin' Special Guest!

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks with Mr. Mark “The Captain” Curp, pride of Polo, MO; seven time NCAA D-II and 2 time D-I All-American in cross-country and track and field at Central Missouri State University (CMSU); professional New Balance sponsored runner for 15 years (1983-1997); former US 20K record holder (1986); former US half marathon record holder (1985-2007); US Olympic Trials participant (1984-1996), and former half-marathon world record holder (1985-1990).

In part one, Mark reflects on his early days learning the value of hard work on his family’s Missouri farm and discovering in high school that he can…well…run.

Mark secures a $100 athletic scholarship at CMSU, stuffs his 5”3 105-pound body into his 1966 Ford Mustang, and heads to college. Mark reflects on his student-athlete collegiate years (athletic, academic, social, spiritual). He finds his stride after a slow start, embraces academics, keeps his nose clean, and becomes a multi-year All-American, positioning himself, somewhat unknowingly, for an interim 15-year career as a New Balance sponsored professional runner. Shhh...he throws down a world record in the half-marathon that lasts five years (1985-1990). Polo, MO proud!

Mark currently resides in the Kansas City, Missouri, area.  He and his wife, Teri, have five grown children (combined) and three grandsons. After professional running and after 21 years in the corporate world, Mark changes directions, hoping to make a positive impact in the world through coaching.  More information at MarkCurp.com.

In his semi-retirement, Mark works as a paraprofessional and coach at a local high school.  He also works with individual athletes on a one-to-one basis. Currently, Mark faithfully presses onward and through his second cancer occurrence.

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Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks with Mr. Sam “Nord” Nofziger, former D-II cross-country and track and field athlete and 2020 graduate of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

Sam yearns for the day when he can leverage his Minnesotan-honed snow skiing skills somewhere in Texas. While he waits for that notable day, Sam redeems his space as a mechanical engineer at a Fort Worth, TX government contractor.

“Nord” reflects on his early running days in cold Minnesota and how he falls in love with Colorado while a student-athlete. Sam introduces “Harambe” and what it means for a team in need of a spirit and purpose injection. Sam encourages athletes to be solutions to problems. Step up.

Post college life is dicey. Sam reflects on life after college when the schedules are free and one’s identity gets put on a clothesline for inspection. So much change.

Most importantly, Sam offers his best advice whether in or out of college. Surrender. Don’t fight the Spirit. Trust God for your yesterday, today,  and tomorrow. Game changer for Nord! How about you?

Finally, Sam and Dr. M. talk shoes and answer the question: Which is the worst (and best) sandwich shop pre or post event?

* Nord = Nickname for the man from Minnesota . Noun. North [noun] the direction to the left of a person facing the rising sun, or any part of the earth lying in that direction. North [noun] (also N) one of the four main points of the compass. Borrowed from French nord, from Old French norht, north, nort (“north”), from Old English norþ (“north”), from Proto-Germanic *nurþrą (“north”)…WHEW!

** Harambe. The word means “all pull together” in Kiswahili, Kenya's national language. It is the nation's official motto; it appears on the country's coat of arms; and it encompasses a concept of placing the group before the individual.

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Special Veteran Spotlight!

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks with Mr. Brett “The Hammer” Bundy former D-II cross-country and track and field athlete, former 15-year Christian missionary to Haiti, husband, father, and skilled tradesman.

Brett reflects on his early athletic days in Illinois and on a high school bus ride that changes his life. He shares how he builds great friendships and sees some running success amid a lean collegiate coaching system.

The “Hammer” reflects on a 15-year borderline workaholic service run in Haiti – a place known for its beautiful beaches, friendly people, cold bottles of Coke, abject poverty, darkness, and dinner plate size spiders. Over time, Brett learns to toggle between love and leadership, making the hard calls  but always putting people, including his family, first and tasks second. 

"If it makes you happy...."

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Special Veteran Spotlight!

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks with Jeffery “Aloysius”* Jump“ former D-II cross-country and track and field athlete, ultra-distance runner, Ironman finisher, cattleman, father, and a long-time friend.

From small town Missouri, Jeff walks-on as a student-athlete at Southwest Baptist University – a D-II school in MO.  Upon graduation excitement begins. Jeff embraces the more endurance side of running.

Known for his “warrior” mindset, many tattoos, and multiple cattle-kicks to the head, Jeff completes a full Ironman triathlon, a 100-mile race, and more impressive, raises his daughter, Julia.

Jeff reflects on his collegiate days, including meeting legendary Arkansas Coach John McDonald. He promotes the value of pizza, oranges, pickles, and “flat Coke” in any 100-miler.

Finally, Aloysius shares meaningful scripture from Mark – the Transfiguration – and focuses our attention on who is most important.

 *Aloysius is a traditional yet underused name meaning “famous warrior.” German and Latin origins.

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mc:  Studio Kolomna. Aggressive Sports Trailer. (Free) Music by Denis Maksimov from Pixabay.

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Special Veteran Spotlight!  Merry Christmas!

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks with Natalie “Nat” Goatley (formerly  O’Keefe), newly married, talented artist, former D-II basketball player, and 2 x D-II National Champion in the high jump.

Nat reflects on her early athletic endeavors, personal faith and vividly recalls her father being thrown out of her high school basketball game. Vocal and spirited chap that Mr. O’Keefe!

Natalie recalls the difficulty playing two sports at a high level. Cooperative and talented coaches make this possible. Personal discipline, solid coaching, and faith (and a few pixy stixs) guide her to two D-II national championships in the high jump.

After an introduction to “Banana Split,” Nat ends with a great faith and sport analogy.

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mc: Rock N Christmas, Grand Project

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Special Reflection

Our neighbor of 25+ years passed. 

I am sad as there is loss. Sadness reveals that which is meaningful to me. Sadness shows I need comfort.  Sadness becomes a gift to me as in the reality of the moment. This is healthy. Ponder this.

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