Episode 17 brings us an important conversation with Dr. Alan Hivale — a Chico‑based physical therapist with a doctorate from Loma Linda, 15+ years in outpatient ortho, and a concierge practice built around one mission: keep people doing what they love.

The episode kicks off with classic Pod on the Run banter and a little Chico runner appreciation. Congrats Neil and Nimai on crushing the Redding Marathon! From there, Alan jumps in with his background, his philosophy, and why he built a PT model that actually gives runners time, attention, and answers.

From that point on, the episode becomes a runner’s goldmine.

You’ll hear Alan break down the most common injuries he sees in Chico — what causes them, why they linger, and what runners get wrong. Then comes Rapid‑Fire Rehab Roulette, where we throw a few injuries at Alan and he fires back with quick, practical first steps for relieving the issues! No WebMD spirals required.

The conversation then shifts into the myths runners love to argue about: warm‑ups, stretching, plyos, and whether “knees over ankles” is actually a thing.

Mid‑episode, things get delightfully unhinged with PT Confessions - the most avoidable injuries, the advice he ignores himself, and the hill he’ll die on as a PT.

You’ll also hear Alan unpack what runners should actually do after a run, which recovery tools matter, and which ones belong in the “it’s a personality trait” category. The hosts put him through Keep It, Toss It, Upgrade It with foam rollers, massage guns, compression boots, and epsom salt baths.

One of the most memorable sections dives into Alan’s time running in Africa - the terrain, the culture, the surprises, and the lessons he brought back to his practice and his own training.

As the episode winds down, Alan talks about Inspire Physical Therapy’s role in the local running community and what he’s excited about in 2026.

Finally, Petar closes things out with his signature rapid‑fire questions before the hosts wrap what they learned, and how listeners can enter the episode’s performance‑sunglasses giveaway.

If you run, want to run, or have ever been injured while running, this episode is your new favorite long run companion.

Ross and Petar close out an unforgettable first season of the Pod on the Run podcast — a year that started with a simple idea and grew into a community-powered storytelling hub. This episode brings together the voices, victories, and vibrant personalities that shaped 2025 for the Chico running community.

We kick things off with holiday highlights, big mileage energy, and reflections from the BRC Holiday Party before diving into conversations with Jess and Andrew about community, connection, and what makes this group special. Then we explore the future of the club with leadership insights from Logan and Manny as they pass the torch and look ahead to 2026.

Our spotlight interviews feature standout runners and community builders — Morgan Camy fresh off CIM, Geoffrey Chiapella on what’s next, Vanessa Wolfe on the impact of the Ladies Speed workouts, and Joseph Shufelberger on BRC’s growth and spirit.

We also stopped by Fleet Feet for a holiday gear rundown with Kristina and Aidan, plus details on a special $40 gift card giveaway. Finally, we wrap with a heartfelt year-in-review: the moments that moved us, the miles that changed us, and the goals that will carry us into 2026.

It’s gratitude, growth, and good vibes all the way through. We never imagined we’d be here after episode one — and we’re just getting started. Here’s to more miles, more stories, and more community in the year ahead.

What drives someone to lace up, race across the country, and chase 50 finish lines? In this episode of Pod on the Run, Ross and Petar sit down with Sarah Batiste, a marathoner on a mission to conquer every state—already 28 marathons deep across 26 states. Fresh off running two marathons in six days, three in four weeks, and setting a personal best of 3:22 in Indiana, Sarah shares the grit, joy, and quirky rituals that keep her moving forward.

From her iconic Flat Runner Instagram posts to the support of her coach, family, and Fleet Feet Chico community, Sarah’s story is equal parts endurance and heart. Together, we explore the highs, lows, and funny moments from her marathon journey, dive into what led to her Indiana PR, and consider what it means to balance grit with fun. Sarah opens up about the people who show up for her—from her family and boyfriend to the Pub Run crew—and reflects on the mantras, mental tricks, and advice that keep her motivated when the miles get tough.

We also look at what happens beyond the finish line, from post‑race rituals to bouncing back after hard runs, and even peek into Sarah’s identity outside of running. Of course, Petar brings his signature lightning round of rapid‑fire questions, and Sarah shares her vision of crossing that dream 50th state finish line and what comes next after the big goal.

This episode is a celebration of endurance, community, and the joy of running—with plenty of laughs and behind‑the‑scenes stories along the way. Tune in to hear Sarah’s journey, her rituals, and her vision of crossing that final finish line.