Today I sat down with Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, world-class masters runner, and author of the national bestseller and Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year, "The Running Ground."

We dove into:

-Why we push ourselves to our physical limits

-Breakthroughs that only happen on the run

-The stories behind The Running Ground

-Mental toughness when the race gets dark

-The future of running, media, and human performance

-And what keeps him—just like all of us—still in the fight

This is a powerful one filled with great insights. I hope you all enjoy the listen!

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast or write a review and share feedback wherever you get your podcast groove on.

Connect With Nicholas:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxthompson

Grab his book, The Running Ground: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/678434/the-running-ground-by-nicholas-thompson

Connect With Ron:

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronrunsnyc

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runchats_with_ronrunsnyc

Facebook: https://fb.me/runchats

Website: https://ronrunsnyc.com

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: david@inpostmedia.com

© 2026 Ron Romano

Polly Cunes has been on quite the marathon journey. In 2008, at age 25, she ran 3:25 in her first marathon as a bucket list item, and recently rocked a 2:41 PR at Chicago—17 years later!

Polly is a mom of two, a teacher, and a master of juggling hard training and chasing down big goals. She bounced back strong from a knee injury in 2020 and surgery in 2021, despite the "advice" from her surgeon that running marathons was "too hard on her knees..."

And we're SO glad she listened to her inner voice instead.

17 marathons down. Faster times ahead.

Polly is a fun follow, inspires many, and personifies #fasterasamaster. We dug in on her build, the magic mirror, and what's next.

I hope you enjoy the listen!

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast or write a review and share feedback wherever you get your podcast groove on.

Connect With Polly:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommytosubthree

Connect With Ron:

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronrunsnyc

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runchats_with_ronrunsnyc

Facebook: https://fb.me/runchats

Website: https://ronrunsnyc.com

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: david@inpostmedia.com

Social: https://www.instagram.com/_margittai

© 2025 Ron Romano

Kelsi Chappell is on a TEAR!

A 2:43:15 PR at Boston followed by a 2:49:31 at London...

...Just 6 DAYS APART!

Then? She wins the hilly Bristol Half by breaking her own course record of 1:24:57!

Kelsi is not just a rockstar runner, she's also a Team O'Leary Coach—helping others chase big goals.

We dive into:

-Her Boston to London double

-Her continued progression

-Her dynamic with coach Brendon O'Leary

-Her coaching philosophy & approach

This convo was PACKED with insight and inspiration. Kelsi brought the fire!

I TRULY enjoyed our conversation. Go give Kelsi a follow and I hope you enjoy the listen!

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast or write a review and share feedback wherever you get your podcast groove on.

Connect With Kelsi:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsichappell

Connect With Ron:

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronrunsnyc

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runchats_with_ronrunsnyc

Facebook: https://fb.me/runchats

Website: https://ronrunsnyc.com

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: david@inpostmedia.com

Social: https://www.instagram.com/_margittai

© 2025 Ron Romano