Without Limits Runners Podcast

Join Hammer (Matt) and Ace (Tom) as they dive into a recap of their weekend races. After a two-year hiatus, Matt pushes his limits in an all-out mile race, while masters runnerTom runs a 15:02 in the 5K. But that's just the start—they also break down arm swing when running hard, the Boston Marathon, from the hot weather to their personal insights. Plus, don't miss their interview with Casie Henrie, who achieved a remarkable negative split at Boston this year. Tune in for an enjoyable conversation filled with running tales, marathon musings, and more!

Join us for an exhilarating preview of the Boston Marathon 2024 in today's episode, featuring an exceptional lineup of guests. On the podcast, we have Colin Hackman, a 7-time Boston Marathon finisher and a meteorologist who will be running the race this year, and Phillip Davis, a 6-time finisher who achieved his personal best on this very course during a warm year, bringing a wealth of experience at the age of 63. Together with seasoned marathoners, professional coaches, and athletes, they dive into a comprehensive guide to this year's event. Discover what to expect, learn strategies for navigating the course, and uncover the best tactics to achieve your personal best in Boston's iconic 26.2 miles. Whether you're a first-timer or a veteran, this episode is your go-to source for making the most out of the Boston Marathon 2024.

Learn more about Without Limits: www.iamwithoutlimits.com

What do you think about race medals? How about Bank of America logo being on the Boston Marathon medal? Ace and Hammer talk medals, cost, ordering timelines, and other current running talk for this week!

Listen in on Tom Clifford and Cam Holman's record breaking race at Swim/Run NC (Hanging Rock).  Tom and Cam finished by just a hair in a 3:05 making 5 lead exchanges with the 2nd place team.  It was an amazing experience!  Learn more about the race and swim/run the sport.

Swim/Run NC Recap on Slowtwitch: https://www.slowtwitch.com/News/Fast_Action_at_SwimRun_NC_8528.html

Upcoming races: https://www.iamwithoutlimits.com/events/

Alex Llinas @saltyfreediver dove 70m (230’) without fins or the aid of any propulsion or pulling…it is basically a modified breast stroke all the way there and back.  It was a Continental record for South America and his 5th National record.  I did it because just like with running, I wanted to explore the results of dedicating a year to freediving training would have and to see where my limits are or as you would say without limits.  I also want to hopefully inspire some people to chase their goals and dreams despite adversity and what life throws your way.  If a at 44 years a person that has had cancer and other health issues can successfully start their competitive freediving career, so can many others start to pursue their dreams and passions.  It is early in the year and my 1st competition, but have a few other goals and comps coming up and I am hopeful Incan overcome some of the issues I am having with my equalization.  This is a journey and nothing is guaranteed, but i’m sure gonna try like hell!

We follow up with registered Dietitian Diana Davis on eating issues.  One of our previous podcasts with Terra Jackson discussed her eating disorder and how she overcame that.  Now we get into some more healthy conversation on how to deal with it from a dietetics standpoint.  Listen to Tom and Diana on this topic that many athletes struggle with.

Tom Clifford and Tracy Meyerson discuss race rules, athlete communication, advice for athletes from a race directors point of view and an athlete's point of view.  Tracy Meyerson is 58 year young and has done 34 out of 50 states for the marathon.  She has done over 50 marathons (or greater distance) is the USATF 2015 Marathon Trail Champion age 50-54 an a Barkley Fall Classic Finisher.  She has been the president of the Wilmington Road Runners and a board member for 15 years.  She started her own company Good Habits in 2019 and calls herself a lifestyle modification specialist.  Her favorite quote is "YOU MUST BE THE CEO OF YOUR OWN HEALTH" Tony Robbins.  https://goodhabits.guru/

Tom Clifford talks with certified breathing instructor and Without Limits Coach Angela Midget on breathing, Wim Hof Method and how breathing can help you overcome many things in life and may enhance performance in endurance sports!

Tom Clifford talks about exploring the benefits of Ice Baths, Wim Hof Breathing and Intermittent fasting during a period of low training load time.  Does all of this work?  We will get into more details about each of these on separate podcasts but for now, chime in and take a listen to how this has affected Tom.

Tom Clifford interviews psychologist and clinical social worker Tracy Hilsman (hilsman3@gmail.com)

Mental fatigue is real for all of us and all athletes.  So what happens when you are mentally fatigued and how do you overcome it?  Do you have physical symptoms?  Can you perform when you are mentally fatigued?  How does your brain affect your performance.  Take a listen on what ALL OF US go through when life hits, a pandemic hits and we are extra busy while trying to race and train. - Music by O.A.R. Taking on the World Today

Listen in on Without Limits coaches and former youth athletes discuss training, coaching philosophy, memories and experiences, and how to get to the next level in running starting at the youth level!  Coaches Tom Clifford, Colin Hackman, Aaron Kolk, Ryan Hauck, Justin Fischetti, and youth athletes Robinson Snyder and Jamie Whitmer come together on a super fun discussion.

Learn more about our youth programs here:  https://www.iamwithoutlimits.com/memberships/youth/

Coach and athlete Tom Clifford discusses his own set back and also has guest athlete Alecia Williams on who overcame a broken femur in the Boston Marathon and 3 surgeries to fix it.  Alecia is now a grand master and is running 7:30 miles on the track.  You will get inspired and learn how to mentally overcome the hurdles you experience when you are deeply injured or in an athletic slump.

BLOG ABOUT ALECIA: https://www.iamwithoutlimits.com/being-without-limits-by-alecia-williams/

A little different podcast episode in that we had 25 people chime in on a zoom chat with Coach Matthew Hammersmith and Coach Tom Clifford. Athletes asked questions to Coach Matt and Coach Tom. Both coaches weigh in on some of the subjects on Ultra Marathoners' minds: How to get into Ultras, nutrition, heart rate, blisters on your feet and more! Learn about Matt Hammersmith and some of his experiences getting into the sport and coaching it.

Professional Triathlete and Coach Aaron Kolk discusses his solo 140.6 effort to raise nearly $7,000 for charity. Aaron talks about all aspects of the event from it being his first 140.6 race to his mindset, nutrition and coaching philosophy. While Aaron may not be one of the known elite’s, “YET” he gives great advice and not many can say they did 8:42 all alone for their first IRON-DISTANCE triathlon.

Tom Clifford interviews U.S. Olympian Paul McMullen about his running experiences. Paul talks about his career in High School, his Collegiate experience at Eastern Michigan, his professional career and what drove him to greatness. Paul gives great advice to young athletes who are striving for greatness and adult athletes who are looking for the edge. 

Tom Clifford talks to Father Richard Sutter of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, NC.  Father Sutter and Tom connected after the 2017 IRONMAN NC 70.3 Triathlon at Sunday Mass.  Father Sutter, himself, is a triathlete and marathon runner.  He has competed in the 70.3 world championships and run 2:58 at the Boston Marathon.  Father Sutter talks about the connection between endurance sports and faith, how to pray better when in your sport, who to pray for, how suffering in life and endurance sports are related and more!  If you want to grow in your faith and use your sport as an outlet, this is a great listen.

Tom Clifford and Colin Hackman talk about racing the mile and why it is good for everyone to do and try.  Then they transition to ULTRA MARATHON crazy distance running, Colin talks about Avery Collins a normal 8K 10K guy that now is a known Ultramarathon runner "RUNNING HIGH"  The talk then transitions to the importance of sleep, then to Colin discussing mental health, addiction, his own personal experiences and how it ties together into his love for running.  We finish up with some quirks and funny stories about Tom.

Tom Clifford interviews Kristen Jeno a coach, event director and SwimRun guru.  Kristen has a long list of accolades for SwimRun as an athlete but she is also a SwimRun race director for SwimRun Lake James and race director of Swim the Loop 3.5 mile swim.  Kristen has done the Otillo world championships, the 2016 SwimRun Georgia, 2016 SwimRun Casco Bay – 4th place female team, 2016 SwimRun Hanging Rock – 3rd place female team, 2017 SwimRun Casco Bay – 2nd place female team, 2017 SwimRun Hanging Rock – 1st place female team, 2018 SwimRun Hanging Rock – 1st place female team, 2019 Rockman SwimRun.  

Kristen and Tom discuss how to get into the sport, what it all entails, some tips on training, what its like to train with a partner, and equipment needed.  Learn about SwimRun and maybe you'll want to add it to your bucket list for the journey and experience or to really race it and take it on as your new sport.  You never know!  EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE #IAMWITHOUTLIMITS

Coach Tom Clifford interviews Brittany Perkins, Erin Hogston, and Peyton Thomas on their journey to the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials.  Also including special guest and training partner Bridget Phillips.  Bridget decided to train with these girls so she could try to break 3 hours at age 44.  The podcast is more about the journey of how qualifying for the trials unfolded for each of them, their advice to you, how Bridget began as a 4:03 marathoner and overcame many mental hurdles to get under 3 including stepping way out of her comfort zone to train with Brittany, Erin and Peyton.  If you want to be inspired, and meet 4 amazing women who are driven, set goals, and never gave up, this is a great listen! 

Tom Clifford has guest runner, race director, timer, and meteorologist Colin Hackman on the program.  Colin and Tom have been friends and work partners for over 10 years.  The conversation begins with current events with COVID-19.  We start out by discussing Colin's solo 26.2 B.Q. on a 10 x 2.6 mile course, then go into COVID-19 discussion on smaller race events this fall.  Tom's talks about his background, what motivates him, how he still competes,  runs 3 businesses and raises his two daughters.  Colin then interviews Tom on his background, mistakes, and a little fun Q and A.  If you want to get to know us better, this is one to listen to:)

Without Limits owner Tom Clifford hosts the podcast on running and endurance sports relating to life.  Overcoming obstacles, resilience, and failure combined with personal experience.  Guests are Kyle Phillips and Keith Parrella who are both endurance athletes and have served 22 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.  Kyle has completed over 10 marathons, Ironman finishes, Swim Run races, and lives the sport every day,  and Keith has done several 100-mile races, over 25 ultra marathons and JFK 50 x 3.  This is a motivational podcast that will give you advice and guidance of preparation, readiness and overcoming fear of failure.