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In this conversation, Allison interviews Selena, a runner and the race director of Run the Rainbow, a multi-distance race event in Jackson, Mississippi that benefits the state’s only children’s hospital.

Selena shares how she began running in her early 30s as a personal goal, progressed from 5Ks to marathons, and grew passionate about the running community.

She discusses taking on trail running at longer distances, including a goal sequence with the local Muts Group (Frosty 15, Big Butts 50K, Clear Creek 50K) and an attempt at her first 100-miler (reaching 100K but missing the cutoff), with plans to complete a 100-miler and earn “Big Dog” status this year after a back issue affected her last attempt.

Selena explains that Run the Rainbow started after the hospital’s former 5K ended during COVID; she expanded it from 5K/10K/half to include a full marathon and a new 50K, with an earlier start option for slower runners and a commitment to supporting participants through the final finisher.

She details that all proceeds support children’s hospital needs not covered by standard funding, citing examples like patient iPads, specialized playground space, NICU “angel eyes,” transportation gaps, and hopes to add another trained facility dog like "Hollywood."

She highlights Run the Rainbow’s challenging hills, frequent aid stations and entertainment (including bands and mile-by-mile encouragement), safety planning with Capitol Police, JPD, and campus police, a course feature that includes passing a castle, and an after-party.

Selena also describes the event’s swag structure (shirts, kid-designed medals, towels, cups, hats/beanies, quarter-zips, and affordable donation-based expo items) and a new educational panel featuring a dietitian (Elizabeth), trainer Megan Cook, and runner Chuck Engle.

Selena Daniel - https://www.facebook.com/selena.lockwood


Races Mentioned
Run the Rainbow
Frosty 15
Fondren 50k
Big Butts 50k
Clear Creek 50k
Mamba 100-miler
Rocket City Marathon


Shout Outs
Muts Group
Dina Boyles
James Boer
Jeremy Jungling
RunStrong
Hollywood
Dana
Pothole Runners
Jackson Run Club
Elizabeth
Megan Cook
Chuck Engle
Dina Bulls

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For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/

For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/

Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support me on Patreon!
Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!!

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Kristen Rather
Steve Taylor
Mary Trufant
Suzanne Crist
Suzanne Clark
Anna Szymanski
Dave McDonald
Karla McInnis
James Contratto
Jordan DuBose
Cristy Evans
Sharonda Shula
Nell Gustavson
Meredith Nations
Allyson Swann
Chris Strayhorn
Karen Saldivar
Stefan Clayton
Rachael McRae
Scott Thornhill

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Alison interviews ultra runner and author Josh Coleman about his book, Moving Forward: Running With Grief, which centers on his grief after his wife Erin’s death and the importance of community support for those grieving.

Josh explains he wrote the book to keep Erin’s legacy alive, capture who she was for those who never met her (including the trail running community), help process his own grief, and share how he grieved without prescribing a “right way” to others; he emphasizes that grief doesn’t end but is carried as you move forward.

They discuss Erin’s passion for theater and Broadway, how she and Josh supported each other’s different pursuits, and how Josh honors her through a Broadway playlist and by carrying Erin’s obituary card during races. Allison highlights a quote from the book about runners carrying “invisible memorials.”

Josh recounts his running background from childhood through marathons, qualifying attempts for Boston, and his transition to trail and ultra running after Erin’s passing in June 2022, including his first 50K (Sweat, Swat, & Swear) in May 2023 and his first 100-miler (Bighorn 100), where he drew strength from Erin’s tenacity.

He describes becoming more open about grief on the trails, which encourages others to share their own trauma and loss, and frames himself as an unexpected “grief advocate.”

Josh shares lessons from ultras—patience, relentless forward progress, not quitting unless injury requires it, breaking big challenges into aid-station segments, and the value of community encouragement, recovery, cross-training, and gear.

In closing, Josh advises people to start small, volunteer to get involved, and highlights that supporting grief is about showing up and being present rather than trying to fix someone’s pain.

Josh Coleman - https://www.facebook.com/joshpcoleman


Races Mentioned
Boston Marathon
New Jersey Marathon
Miami Marathon
Sweat, Swat, Swear 50k
Bighorn 100
Tahoe 200
Bigfoot 200
Moab 240
Leadville 100k
Black Canyon 50k
Chicago Marathon
Coca Dona 250
Old Ephraim 200

Shout Outs
Erin Coleman
Jan
Caleb Olson
Ann Trason

Support the show

For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/

For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/

Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support me on Patreon!
Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!!

Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters!
Kristen Rather
Steve Taylor
Mary Trufant
Suzanne Crist
Suzanne Clark
Anna Szymanski
Dave McDonald
Karla McInnis
James Contratto
Jordan DuBose
Cristy Evans
Sharonda Shula
Nell Gustavson
Meredith Nations
Allyson Swann
Chris Strayhorn
Karen Saldivar
Stefan Clayton
Rachael McRae
Scott Thornhill

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In this episode, Blake shares his incredible transformation from viewing running as a form of torture in his youth to becoming an ultramarathon runner.

Blake discusses his initial attempts at running, propelled by a friend's encouragement, leading up to completing his first 5K and ultimately participating in marathons and ultra-races.

He reflects on the lessons learned through running, emphasizing mental and spiritual aspects. Blake also delves into his training routines, gear preferences, and the pivotal role of his supportive wife.

With personal anecdotes about races and the importance of a community, Blake provides advice for aspiring runners and underscores the importance of remembering the 'why' in running.

His inspiring journey highlights perseverance, community support, and keeping a balanced perspective.

Blake Hughes - https://www.facebook.com/blake.n.rachel.hughes


Races Mentioned
Lost Falls 50k
Twisted Ankle Half Marathon
Sloppy Floyd Race
Georgia Jewel
Last Man Standing, Rome, Georgia
Mid-State Mile
Pinhoti 100

Shout Outs
Chad Wright
Brooke Wright
Rachel Hughes
Andrew Peterson

Support the show

For more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/

For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/

Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support me on Patreon!
Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!!

Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters!
Kristen Rather
Steve Taylor
Mary Trufant
Suzanne Crist
Suzanne Clark
Anna Szymanski
Dave McDonald
Karla McInnis
James Contratto
Jordan DuBose
Cristy Evans
Sharonda Shula
Nell Gustavson
Meredith Nations
Allyson Swann
Chris Strayhorn
Karen Saldivar
Stefan Clayton
Rachael McRae
Scott Thornhill