Latest / Reimagine Running / Reimagine Running | Interview with Christy Rundio S1E7

Transcript

Reimagine Running | Interview with Christy Rundio S1E7 · Reimagine Running

• Coach Ryan Head: Running is a strange thing. Some people find it on the sidewalk at sunrise. Some find it deep in the mountains chasing daylight. And some of us find it when life feels heavy and running is the only thing that makes sense. For some, starts with the 5k. For others, it's a marathon. And for a few, it's a hundred miles that changes everything. But somewhere between the first step and the finish line, something happens. Running stops being about pace or distance or medals. It becomes about purpose. I'm your host Ryan Head. All right everybody, welcome back to Reimagine Running the podcast talking about your why and why we run. I'm excited to have a new guest on today, someone who I am very well acquainted with and who is just a great friend of mine in the community. Someone I've had the pleasure of knowing for a few years now. she has been that Hey runner, thanks for hanging out with me today on Reimagine Running. I'm grateful you're here and a part of this great podcast. I just want to remind you, if you ever feel stuck and unsure or just want someone in your corner, I do offer coaching for runners at any distance, whether you're starting out with the 5K or you're chasing some crazy big goals and dreams like the marathon or the 100 miler, I'd love to help you. Please reach out and I'd be happy to set up a time to go over options and plans and goals with you. Well, until next time. And this is Reimagine Running, the podcast dedicated to talking about why we run. Each episode, we'll sit down with runners from every background, trail runners, road runners, beginners, veterans, and talk about their journey. Not just where they've run, but why they run. Because for many of us, running didn't just change our fitness. It helped us find clarity, healing, discipline, hope, and sometimes even ourselves. Whether your why was born on a short loop around the block or somewhere deep inside a long, lonely mile. has just taken running by storm. You have these people that you know in the running community and wherever you live, wherever you're at, whether you're here in Utah, Salt Lake City, you're in Delaware, whatever, Florida, there's these people, we all know these people, that they just, they come, they show up to maybe a group run or a race and then all of a sudden, like two, three years later, they have just got incredibly faster, they're kicking butt. Take care of yourself, trust the process, stay disciplined and keep chasing that Y. This podcast is for you. Welcome to re-imagine running. They're doing miles like crazy. They're doing at one time like five races in a row. We'll get to that. I'm excited for her to talk about this on the pod today. But just turns into just a running fiend ⁓ has just been so awesome. I'm to Chrissy Rundio join us today on pod. Let me give just a little bit about her. Christy is a Utah transplant, having lived in five other states before landing here with her family in 2020. Her running journey started in 2022 with a small prequel in about 2014. I'm excited to hear about this, because I'm not even aware of this. Christy Rundio: You Coach Ryan Head: ⁓ She enjoys both road and trail running as they both serve different purposes. Her work outside as a therapist informs her as a runner and vice versa. Outside of running she loves camping, home made pizza night with the family and the Denver Broncos. Really. No, I'm just teasing. I'm just teasing. That's awesome. Well, Kristy. Christy Rundio: Yes, absolutely. Coach Ryan Head: I am so excited to have you on the podcast. Welcome to Reimagine Running. Christy Rundio: I'm stoked to be here. Thanks for having me. Coach Ryan Head: Yes, awesome. again, when ⁓ I was this podcast together, ⁓ you know, eventually gonna get through the 12 people that, the names of the 12 people that I have, so it's gonna be often when I can't use this any longer. But there was ⁓ a certain people that I'd kinda come up with, and some have been added, but you know, that wasn't originally on. But you were one of those people that I identified because your story has just been so ⁓ awe-inspiring. Christy Rundio: you Coach Ryan Head: as you started coming out, running with us in the running club. And it's funny because early on, when I think of the running club, I always think of the people who show up all the time. And originally it was like me and Tim and Joe. And that's just like, it was like the three of us. And then as the years have progressed, there's people who have just now become part of those regulars. And you know they're gonna be there. And sometimes they can't. But really early on, you were one of those people who just like became a regular. And when I think of the running club now here in Ogden, Utah, this beautiful thing that we've helped all create, you know, a group that's all of ours, you're one of those people. You're one of those people that I'm just like, it's, Christie is such an integral part to it. So I appreciate everything you offer, not only to the running club, but to the running community in general, your inspiring story. what you're doing and that's why I want you on the podcast because you have a story that people need to hear. That's why I'm doing the podcast, right? Not only is it our why, but you have a story that people have to hear because it's important. I think there's so many people that may be, you know, not exactly you, but in the same boat as you and we need to hear their stories and I think that's important. I think it's necessary. So at least that's my crazy, crazy wild idea that I had when I So anyways, I gave a little bit of an intro review Wayne tell us a little bit more about you anything else you want to share doesn't have to necessarily be running related it could be what's your favorite hobby outside of running and football not just kidding or sport so Christy Rundio: ⁓ Yeah, I mean, running with something that I like kind of stumbled into here and I'm super, grateful to have that here. Yeah, big Denver Broncos fan. I'm married to an Eagles fan. Once every four years we battle it out. And I think we have tied record right now. So ⁓ yeah, just, I'm, you know, I'm a wife, I'm a mom. ⁓ I'm a clinical therapist. work with people who struggle with addiction and, you know, it's, I love all the different facets of my life and running was not necessarily something I expected to become one of those, but it has been, I'm just so grateful for it every day. Coach Ryan Head: Nice, nice, no that's awesome. Okay, well, I usually lead with the same question, but I guess I'm gonna ask a different version of this question. ⁓ How did running become what it is for you? I usually ask, you know, what's your why or how did this all happen? But how did this become what it is to you? Because, right, I mean, all joking aside, I always have people tell me, like, running is your addiction, and right, you're a therapist for addiction, so like. Christy Rundio: Ha Mm-hmm. Yeah. Coach Ryan Head: What's going on here? right? Anyways, how did this happen for you? Christy Rundio: Yikes. I think the big element for me has been the community, you that you talked about the running group. That is, I know without a doubt what has kept me showing up and what has helped me find the love of running that I have ⁓ and keeps me going on the days that I don't want to get up and run or, you know, ⁓ when 16 miles feels like, ⁓ you know, it's The community is really such an integral part of how it's become what it has become for me. And I don't think I'd be where I'm at, or I don't even know that I'd be continuing running if I didn't have that. That's been a huge, just a vital element of it for me. Coach Ryan Head: That's awesome. That's awesome. I agree with you. It's funny how there's been so many of us who have come on so far and episodes yet to be released and I'm sure there'll be more after who say the same thing. The community has been so important and you know because I when when I first started this group right and I I agree like people have been like well it's your group and I don't think it's my group I think it's the community's group. But I did start it, it was something, you we started years ago, thanks to Jamie McDonald, big shout out to Jamie McDonald and Fleet Feet for believing in me all those years ago and being like, hey, we want you to lead our group runs and all that fun stuff and really try to form a club. But it was awesome because that, ⁓ so people have said, they're like, ⁓ I this, ⁓ like I that interaction, I want to fill a part of something. And I think we've all experienced that to some extent or whatnot. So I love that you say that, because I feel the same way. I love knowing that on Saturday morning, we're all going to hold each other accountable. We're all going to get some miles together. We could do it in a very pretty safe environment where we all feel good to be around each other. And we all have each other's backs. I think that's the coolest part. And one other thing that I've always just appreciated, I think ⁓ it's taking years to kind of get to this. I feel like we have more women that run now that we do have guys to the running club, which has been so cool for me because I work in HR professionally you know, I'm always worrying about perception and you know, what people can say and there could be issues and that's just natural. ⁓ But seeing so many women feel safe enough to come out and run with us has been huge. And I'm like, yes, we are accomplishing the goal. And I know that's not just me. Christy Rundio: Yeah. Yeah. Coach Ryan Head: That's people like you, that's people like Joe, that's people like Micah who have just been there to make people feel welcome, to feel like they have a place that regardless of their pace, regardless of where they're at, come run a mile, come walk a mile, come run 20 miles with us. We're gonna have fun, come have fun with us. So that's awesome, so I agree with you. Christy Rundio: when you talk about people, having that place or that sense of belonging. I talk a lot about the idea people place and purpose. and that's what the running community is for me. Like there's people there that I know ⁓ are going to be excited to see me on Saturday morning, even when we're still rubbing sleep out of our eyes, know, ⁓ and I'm really excited to see them and they're, cheering each other on and we want to see each other accomplish things. And that place, you know, it's that safety safety, you know, it is a big thing, not just in the sense of like being physically safe as we're out running, but also there's no judgment, you know, come at whatever pace you're at, come at whatever distance you're at. When I started with the group friends, like I remember going to the first one and thinking, okay, here we go. I'm going to try it and see what this is like. and, and it was just like, ⁓ okay. This is just a good place to be. and then having that purpose, like just that. The thing that keeps us going, right. Holding each other positively accountable, but then expanding it, bringing other people in come join us. You know, we want to help see you meet your goals, you know, just paying it forward kind of thing. Coach Ryan Head: Yeah, I love it. And there is this feeling, you know, not to go religious at all, but like when you serve others, you feel better about yourself. And I think that's, you know, that's not just religion, that's just, I think human nature. And there is this beautiful thing that happens when you are like, You help someone else not only find running, but a place that they feel like they can come and do it and do it safely. I think that's amazing and it's fun when you like look at the people, whether you brought them or you've just friended them and they come because they're like, ⁓ I know her or ⁓ I know him and he's got my back or she's got my back. So I love that you bring that up. That's super, super cool. Well, let's jump into this. I am very excited to hear. ⁓ when did running first enter your life? I'm excited about this, maybe you have told me, I just don't know if I know this story. So when did running enter your life? Christy Rundio: Hahaha So I think, you know, we had mandatory sports when I was a kid at our schools. And so I think there was one year I ran track. It didn't grab me or anything. I did it because I had to, like had to do a sport. But that prequel kind of ⁓ I actually really started in 2012. ⁓ my, were in California. My husband was in the air force where stationed at Travis air force base and my friends, Pat, St. Christine, and we're like, Hey, we're going to do the Pasadena rock and roll half marathon. was the inaugural year for that race. You should do it. I'm not running. I'm not in shape. I'm not doing anything reasonably similar to, you know, a running lifestyle. So naturally I'm like, okay, you know, and so go do that. It was pretty horrendous in many ways, like, cause I was ill prepared. had no idea what I was doing. ⁓ but I was thinking about it the other day and I, one moment that stands out from that experience for me was, I don't know what mile I was in, but I was dying and somebody going by me and just, got this, you can do it. Keep going. You got this. And it's like, that's just, that's what you get with running. That is just. wherever it's been, it just seems to be pervasive of people cheering each other on. And that was sort of a one and done experience for me. And then a couple of years later, and I think it was about 2014, my interest sparked again. And there was a great running ⁓ series in Davis, California that I ⁓ remember what it was called, but it was a bunch of like five Ks and 10 Ks. So it felt very accessible. I'm very manageable. so I, did that race series one year. And then I think the following year did part of it. but it kind of fizzled out, you know, at that point in time. And I know ⁓ looking back, like, well, I didn't have a community. didn't have people that I was running with really. ⁓ you know, there were a couple of, ⁓ of my from ⁓ being a, know, military family that I knew that would, we would do that together, but. you know, the military separates you at different points in time. So we all kind of moved on our different ways. And so it just kind of fizzled out and it really wasn't until I moved here. And again, my friend Patsy and her, was really her daughter, Madison was like, I'm doing rebel, big cottonwood candy and half marathon. You guys should do it with me. She was talking to me and her mom and did that, but it stuck. And that was kind of the difference. So 2014 was like dipping my toe in the water. ⁓ But 2022 is really where it started for me. And I think the big element again is like community, along with like, okay, what can I maybe do with this and learning some, those early lessons about myself. Coach Ryan Head: That's super cool. I always love to hear people's intro into running because it's funny when you think back about it. I liked running when I was in junior high. That's when I first ran the mile. ⁓ It wasn't what it was now by any means. ⁓ I did an LDS mission, two-year mission to Houston, Texas. I'd go run two miles with my companion, whatever. But it wasn't really like... I never was into it. I remember early on when I, and I would say this was maybe, I think I've shared this a few times now, but it's like 12, 13 years ago now. I remember the first time I ran like four miles and I remember being like, what was that? Something clicked. Like it was weird. was like, ooh, that was something. That was like, I actually really enjoyed that. And I'm like, four miles? Like who just goes and runs four miles? Like what's the point of running four miles? Christy Rundio: Mm-hmm. Coach Ryan Head: I remember being like in football in high school, like I would run the whatever they said and I was good at it like because I've been naturally gifted especially before the knee stuff. I was good at it. I could run distance and I was never a problem. And I remember just like and so you know fast forward to you know whatever that was, 2013. I was like there's something here. There's something different about doing this and so it's kind of fun when you think back about it and you tell yourself like man Like I remember those thoughts early on and being like, what is this? Like, and do I even want to continue to do this? So it's cool to hear that you were like, you know, I did a race, but then it kind of just fizzled out. And then I did another one, kind of fizzled out again. And then all of a sudden, boom, it hit, you know, and that's when you found it. So I get that. I have a question for you back because you said something about that 2012 race, which was fascinating. Have you had an opportunity to tell somebody? Christy Rundio: Mm-hmm. Coach Ryan Head: ⁓ on a race. Hey, you've got this. Christy Rundio: For sure. So my favorite runs or races that we do here are the out and back. Coach Ryan Head: Mm-hmm. Christy Rundio: And if you are running near me or, you know, cross my path in any way, I am the person who is screaming at people. And if I know your name, I'm going to shout your name out. it is so fun to see other people out accomplishing. Coach Ryan Head: Let's go. I love it. Christy Rundio: whatever, you know, whatever their goal is pushing themselves. and so like the 5k that we had with the winter running series, you know, it was an out and back this year and it was fabulous and it was fast and it was flat and people were just crushing it and so many PRs that day. and it was so exciting to see and that charges me up. You know, if I can be focused on cheering on other people, then Coach Ryan Head: Mm-hmm. Christy Rundio: My mindset's different. I'm out of my head in terms of like this sucks. This is hard, whatever. And so it's, I love doing it. A few years ago when we had, and it's coming up again, the 10-mileer for the Winter Running series, Rebecca Lockhart's birthday falls on or around that. And so I remembered. Coach Ryan Head: Mm-hmm. Christy Rundio: you know, the first year doing that and I starting to get people or get to know people in the running group and running pastor and shouting happy birthday, Rebecca and just being super stoked about it. And just that fun little moment of being able to do that. Coach Ryan Head: That's awesome, I love it. Well the reason why I asked this story, I mean I wanted you to say that you've done it, which is awesome. I know we're us forwarding quite a bit here from where we're at in 2022 to Mueller Trail Half Marathon in 2025. I was a mess. I had just barely finished. Christy Rundio: You You Ha ha! Coach Ryan Head: not only the Wasatch 100 and Bear 100, and then the week after the Bear 100, I paced my buddy on the DC Peaks, which was an absolute, awful, awful race because of the rain. And the race is awesome, the race is awesome. I'm just saying the weather was a nightmare this year, or in 2025. And I know you were up at the Northern Utah Trail Experience, or not as they call it, up there in Weber County. That same day was a nightmare, but. Christy Rundio: Mm-hmm. Yeah, it was terrible. Mm-hmm. Coach Ryan Head: The week after, so many of us were running the Mueller Trail Half Marathon and I'm a mess. I'm trying to do it. I'm doing my very best. I remember my hips were on fire, my knees didn't feel good, and I remember with like a mile and a half to two miles left in the race, I am doing the best I can to shuffle down the trail and it's not really that technical. It's a little technical. It's got some rocks and whatnot. Christy Rundio: Yep. Mm-hmm. Coach Ryan Head: But I'm doing my best just to get down. And you know, and I've seen all of my friends pass me and they're just like, know, you're doing awesome for being here. You know, I just wanted to be a part of the community. And I knew I was, there was no way I was racing. But I remember you coming by me and you were so kind and you're like, are you okay? And you're like checking in on me. You're being, you know, you're being like that really good friend that just is like, are you okay? and I'm like. I'm fine, I'm just hurting too bad. Like I can't. But you were like, we've got this. And you're like, I know you got this, let's go. And I'm like, thanks, Kristy. was like, I'm like, you know, part of me is like, of course I know I got this, Kristy. I've done this a few times. But part of me was just so like, so grateful that you would like say that to me. Because so many people, I think they come across me and they're just like, hey Ryan. And then they just kind of fly past. They didn't want to say anything. But you were like, are you okay? And you're like, we got this, let's go. And I'm like, I'm. Christy Rundio: Thank Coach Ryan Head: I will be right behind you, you just go, just do your thing and I'm just doing my best to survive right now. It just meant a lot. I love when things like that happen and it was just so cool to see because that was, and we'll get to this, but that was when you were in this tirade of race after race after race last fall and again, we're gonna get to where, she started and then when you hear about this, you're gonna be just taken back and this is where like, Christy Rundio: Yeah. Coach Ryan Head: As I said on other podcasts and like as I said with Eric Sutterfield in the last episode or two episodes ago, sorry, I'm off by one now. ⁓ Me and Eric talked about how a 20 mile long run on a Saturday seems impossible to a lot of people and I get it. You've never done it before. It's like what the crap, especially if you're like I've never run a marathon and now you want me to go do 20 miles on a Saturday. But the more time you do it, the years as they go by, it becomes ⁓ I don't know if attainable is the right word, but it's something that now becomes more in your head. It's more realistic, it's achievable because you've done it before. And that to me is the game changer, I think. And especially as I've seen your progression over the past few years, how you just have continually stayed consistent. And there's no surprise about what you're doing right now, what you're achieving. And I... I know that I speak for many of us in the community when we say, going to be a special year for you because you've done amazing. Christy Rundio: Yeah. Thank you. Yeah. I'm excited for Ogden this year. think it's, you know, to that point of like the moment where 20 miles feels like, whoa, what? ⁓ And I still like, I know it's in my plan. You know, it's coming. You've warned me. Like, and it's still, even though I've done the marathon, it's like, ⁓ that feels big. ⁓ But the more... Coach Ryan Head: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Christy Rundio: You know, I remember starting training where like a six mile run would feel really big or, you know, ⁓ 10 miles, like that's a really long. And now it's like, ⁓ I only got 10 miles on my long run. And, know, the mindset really shifts. it just comes patience and time and practice. Coach Ryan Head: Yep. It's about endurance, right? And it's like anything in life, right? Whether that's getting used to working a nine to five, a 40 hour job, whether it's, you become a parent for the first time. There is a lot of shock value for all of our young listeners listening to this right now. Being a parent for the first time, yeah, you don't know what you're doing. There's no playbook. There's no book that tells you how to do it. And you kind of learn on the fly. And a lot of times you're just like, okay, well. Christy Rundio: Mm-hmm. Yeah. ⁓ no. Coach Ryan Head: I just changed his diaper and they just went to the bathroom again. So let's do this again. And it's patience and it's long suffering. It's being ⁓ just committed to a cause. And in a lot of ways that's endurance with running is it doesn't happen overnight. Nobody does that. Some people think, ⁓ well, this person's just a gifted athlete. And people are like, especially when they say to me, they're like, ⁓ you can go out and bust out a 20 mile run any weekends you want. I'm like, yeah, it's been built over 13 years. Christy Rundio: Yeah. Coach Ryan Head: It wasn't done overnight, it didn't happen yesterday. It's taken a long time and that's what I try to tell people is like if you're patient with yourself and you give yourself grace because it's okay to have bad days and bad runs, you'll get there. And some people get there faster, some get there slower and that's okay. just happens for all of us. Cool, all right, well let's go back in time. We'll quit talking about the future. 2022, what happened in 2022? Why did you... Christy Rundio: Haha Coach Ryan Head: Why'd you even get into this? are you even running? Why are you doing all this crazy stuff? Christy Rundio: So, I mean, again, it started with my friend Patsy and her daughter Madison. Madison is 24 at the time. She's young and athletic, played college hockey. We're up camping. ⁓ are our best friends, Patsy and Chris and her kids. Their kids are really special to us. My husband officiated Madison's wedding. ⁓ Coach Ryan Head: Yeah. awesome. Christy Rundio: camping with them and Madison is talking to her mom and I and saying, I'm going to do this race. You guys should do it with me. It is, okay. It's that race is like second weekend of September. This was probably the last weekend of July, maybe first weekend of August. Yeah. So it's like, we'd just gotten our treadmill. think having been here for a couple of years had been like doing some hiking and that kind of stuff, but really not. Coach Ryan Head: ⁓ nice, yeah. Christy Rundio: not engaged in consistent physical activity. So naturally, of course, the response is okay. ⁓ And got home that weekend and signed up and did what I could in like six weeks to train for that thing. That race is, so downhill, ⁓ which gave me speed I didn't to have. until it flattens out and then you're like, what is this? but it was, ⁓ know, it was fun. ⁓ ⁓ and I were next to each other the whole time. ⁓ ⁓ remember one moment where the marathoner lead comes, you know, flying by us ⁓ ⁓ had been at a race, ⁓ the weekend before a couple of weekends before, where the winner of the marathon that ⁓ the race that we were doing, he had been in the lead for the prior merit, the prior race that they were at, and he took a wrong turn and it cost him the race. she knew the story and told me the story and was just in, and as he went by, ⁓ everybody was just like on fire about like super excited because so many people knew. And so it was just like getting that taste of what the community is like. Coach Ryan Head: That's cool. Christy Rundio: Um, and then, you know, having this moment where it's the last couple of miles, it flattens out. I'm dying. I'm struggling. I know nothing about nutrition. I knew nothing about hydration. Like I know nothing about running. had no business being on that course, but there I was. And Patsy is feeding me miniature Snickers bars to get me to finish life. That was my fuel. We're little, little mini Snickers bars. Um, Coach Ryan Head: Hahaha Yeah? Christy Rundio: And we crossed and it was great. It felt really great. It was a lot of fun. And it was just kind of like, okay, this is, that was fun. It was not totally painful, disastrous experience that was 2012 for me. and I think it just kind of sparked something in me of like, okay, ⁓ I want to look more into things. And I started to learn about, you know, what was more local, like the Ogden. they're on winter running series and Ogden Marathon. And so for 2023, that's, I did the Ogden half for the first year that year. And I did the winter running series. And were my introductions of it. ⁓ And it was, think at those races, you know, at the winter running series and whatnot, I started to meet people in the community. ⁓ I think I the first group run actually in 2024. but that it started with Rebel and I have to laugh because the two intros that I have to running, my friend Patsy are part of those stories. Coach Ryan Head: That's so cool. I'm not gonna lie, that's exactly like what you've experienced with Patsy. I have experience with like Nate Allred, He is someone that has been there for on every one my hundreds ⁓ to me, he just means the world to me. Like he's someone I would do for just because We're brothers. ⁓ We may not be blood, but we are family, no question. So I get you 100%. I do wanna just give people a little bit more context on these revel races. You may be familiar with them because there are multiple of them. I know there's Big Bear in California, there's Mount Charleston in Nevada. I'm trying to remember some of the others, but here in Utah we have the Big Cottonwood Canyon one and it is... It's a beast, it's awful. I have done the marathon, I believe, three times, if I remember correctly, and I am officially retired from doing that marathon. When people say to me, ⁓ Ryan, you can do Wasatch 100 that has 24,000 feet of up and down, and you're like, you won't go back to Revel, and I'm like, what that race does to a human's body is not right, and it messed me up. Every time I've done it, it has messed me up so bad. Christy Rundio: Yeah. Bye. Coach Ryan Head: One time I tore a quad and I swore I was like, that'll never do that again. So for you, I think it's impressive. say all of this because it's just giving context because for you to do the half marathon and then you still want to do it after how bad that race can be. And again, I know you did the half, but the half starts about eight miles from the start of the race. And then you guys, the full marathon does a little, it did announce. Christy Rundio: ⁓ Yeah Yeah. Coach Ryan Head: and you guys go all the way. Anyways, long story short, you still have a lot of downhill, like probably almost 3,000 feet of downhill. And then yeah, once you get down to where it flattens out, everyone thinks, oh, okay, now it's gonna probably feel a little bit better, it be so steep and whatnot. No, the flat feels like you're going uphill now. Christy Rundio: Mm-hmm. Yep, it felt like a brick wall. It was just horrendous. Coach Ryan Head: Yeah, it's, yeah, yeah, it is, and it's awful, and like, that's why, it's funny that you've had that same experience because everybody talked to you, it feels the same way, they're like, it is so rough, and listen, Revel does an amazing job, I think their races are great, I enjoy them, I've done multiple, not just, you know, big cottonwood, but they are rough, and if you are not prepared for that kind of training, doing downhill, extreme downhill, you're in for it, you're in for treat, so. Christy Rundio: Yeah. Coach Ryan Head: Awesome, we'll take us to 2024. What happened in 2024 and got you started going to the group runs and stuff. Christy Rundio: ⁓ you know, I think it just, again, I started with the winter running series and I decided to, ⁓ you know, I had done the Ogden half and 23. ⁓ and it was a really interesting experience because that was not, like I'd, I'd been training like for the half marathon. didn't, I didn't have my coach yet. I didn't have like structure. Still didn't really know what I was doing. ⁓ But one of the things that I did benefit from in 23 was the ambassadors and the Instagram takeovers. And I learned from them about things like fueling and nutrition and that kind of stuff. ⁓ for 23, the half, the thing that was a little, that I experienced with that was I got really sick like two weeks beforehand. totally took me out. So I went into that race just like, I'm just gonna go do. If I need to walk part of this, I'm gonna walk it. And it was super slow. ⁓ just wanted to go have the experience and finish. And ⁓ was great, like I did. And it was a beautiful day. We had great weather. And ⁓ was just fun because I had started to, ⁓ I said, get to know some people a little bit from the... ⁓ running community, seeing people at the finish line. Um, and so that charged me up for the next year, but it was, I think in 24 that, you know, I started to, you know, I didn't go to a ton of the group runs that year. was really, I dove in last year. Um, but it was, there was enough safety created at the winter running series races of like, I'm going to go try this group run out. And I'm going to go see what it's like. And it was super out of my comfort zone. Really having to challenge the conversation inside my head about I don't belong here. I'm not fast enough. I'm, you know, they're all going to just leave me in their dust kind of thing. ⁓ But it was, I'm going to try it and I'm going to see what this, what this is like. And I think I did two group runs that year. ⁓ But it was enough of ⁓ an experience and a welcoming experience that then come training time for the next year. was like, okay, I'm all in. Let's do this thing. Coach Ryan Head: awesome. That's awesome. I think I remember you coming to a couple of those runs in 2024 and I remember thinking like you know she's awesome. I'm glad she's here. It would be fun to see you come out more. But also in that same sense too like you said I never want to be that person that's like forcing people or like you know twisting their arm to show. I'm always like hey come out come run with us. We're a good group. Christy Rundio: Mm-hmm. Coach Ryan Head: You we're just a bunch of crazy fools that, you know, instead of us sleeping in on a Saturday, like 95 % of the population does, we go for runs on Saturday morning, bright and early. And it's just been fun to see that. So that's awesome. you know, fast forward, we get to 2025. What did you do in 2025? Christy Rundio: Yeah. I lost my mind and signed up for the full marathon. That's what I did. Coach Ryan Head: Let's go! Yeah, let's go! That's awesome. So 2025, you signed up for the Ogden Marathon. What happened with all that? Christy Rundio: lot of growth, a lot of learning painful lessons. It was, you know, I mean, it was not what I had thought it would be. And so many different ways. It's, you know, I got majorly derailed. It's funny because I'm thinking about, okay, we're almost we're almost to that time of year where the wheels fell off. I'm very, very much aware of it right now. Coach Ryan Head: Mm-hmm. Christy Rundio: for 24, I did the half. I felt strong. I felt good. Here comes Patsy again in my story. She ran the fall and it was like watching her come across the line prior to that moment. had you asked me if I would ever run a full marathon, would have no way, you're out of your mind. And my experience with the half marathon and just how good it felt and then seeing my friend come across that finish line, was like, okay, maybe I want to do this. And so I thought about it, I sat on it and then ⁓ made that decision to train for the fall. And then called you and was like, is what I want to do, but I need you to coach me. Coach Ryan Head: Yeah, that's awesome. I remember you reaching out and I remember I was actually down here in my basement, like I'm talking to you now, having this conversation and I was just like, Chrissy, you'll do it. Like you did great at the half. I always say if you can run a half, you can run a full. It's just a little bit more endurance, a little bit more work. You'll get there. Christy Rundio: Hahaha Coach Ryan Head: And I have some other crazy thoughts I could tell you about if you could run a full marathon, then you could run 100 miles. But we'll save that discussion for another guest. as you talked to me about that, I was like, you'll do it. You'll do just great. And so it was fun to tell you, because when I coach my athletes, I'll coach as long as you want. But I've always said, I want to coach you. Christy Rundio: You Ha ha ha ha ha Coach Ryan Head: when it means the most. And so I was like, you know, if you want to start early, we can start early, but this is what I'd recommend. Let's focus like on a 20 week plan. And I think we started a little bit sooner than that, I was like, you know, focus on a 20 week plan and let's really dial it in. You know, continue to keep moving. We'll build your base up again as well, but let's do it. And I just remember you attacked it. Like you were on fire. You know, the one thing Christy Rundio: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Coach Ryan Head: It's funny because as I've been a coach now for a few years here, ⁓ three years, something like that, ⁓ the one thing that I get, you get all kinds of athletes. get athletes who ⁓ are, they hit probably 75 to 80%, which is great. You get athletes who are a little unmotivated, and that happens. And then you get athletes like Kristy, who. When I give her permission to take a Sunday off because I see her fatigue levels are out of control, she's like, Ryan, I don't give myself excuses not to run. I really need to stay to it. And I love having Chrissy as an athlete. But I'm just saying, I'm like, Chrissy, it's okay. And she's like, no, I have to lock in on this. And so it's been good. And I know you'll listen to me if I was like, no, you gotta really stop. And I know we actually got to a point like that. Why don't you tell us what happened? Because. Christy Rundio: you You down. Coach Ryan Head: I want you to tell this story because there's going to be many people who have the same experience this year. And many people are going to go through exactly what you did last year. And it was tough. I know it tough for you. Christy Rundio: Yeah. Yeah. It was, ⁓ yeah, that was brutal. What happened? I was, ⁓ yeah, it was end of March is really, ⁓ kind of this pivotal moment in my training last year where I remember we were doing a group run. was a Saturday morning. I had an eight mile run and we were running out, ⁓ in Riverdale. So we met at the target and did the path and then you know, things were kind of talking to me, like my hip was kind of starting to talk to me and that kind of stuff. And by mile four, was like pain, like legit pain, not discomfort, not sore, like legit pain. ⁓ and it was so frustrating and I had to like, I, you know, hit my turnaround point to head back. And I remember trying to run and like limping through it and then walking and running. And finally just like, I got to walk. just got to walk. And it's funny cause it's one of those moments that is simultaneously like really frustrating, but it also held one of those just really uplifting moments about the running community where like I was walking and here comes Zach. And I didn't really know Zach very well at that point in time. And he stops. And he slows down and he's walking with me and he checks in with me like, Hey, are you doing okay? How, you know, what's going on? And he walked with me for a little bit, talked with me, talked me up, you know, kind of not in the sense of like, you can do it and go run and like, you know, but just you're going to be okay. You know, these things kind of happen. ⁓ and then, you know, he continued on his run. but it was just so, I remember that moment and it was just like, I was so grateful to have. You know, another one of those key moments within our community where somebody is just going to check in and make sure we're okay. ⁓ and I, you know, finished the run and I remember like posting about it and just, was actually looking up my Strava post from, not that long ago and just the frustration. remember feeling the frustration and the let down. And then probably a few days later or something, I tried another run. I got one mile in on the treadmill. and it was just done. And I remember sitting in my basement, sending you a message like in tears about it, because it was so not in the plan, right? It was not, this was not what was supposed to happen. And it felt like I'm done, like Ogden's not gonna happen. It just felt like really, really, it was just very defeating. ⁓ What I've learned looking back is there were warning signs I was not paying attention to. You know that I'm going to dial I'm going to get every mile I'm going to do every run. I know I need not to always take that approach. ⁓ Because if there's discomfort or coworkers are like, why are you limping? ⁓ I'm just sore from my ride not that big of a deal. No, Christie, like, pull your head out of your butt. Come on. ⁓ So that was you know, it and it was my end of March. We were what? Coach Ryan Head: Yeah. Christy Rundio: about six to eight weeks, six, seven weeks out from the race. I was fortunate enough to get into PT like right away. I couldn't like, I messaged my primary care was like, Hey, here's the deal. This is what's going on at the Ogden marathon in the middle of May. Can I get a PT referral? And it, and it happened that I got in within like a week and I had a great PT and he gave me exercises and that diligence of following my running plan went into my PT. It was like, instead of running every day, I'm doing my PT exercises every day, everything like that. it, you know, it worked out. ⁓ Cause I made it to the start line and I made it across the finish line ultimately. But it was a really like humbling kind of experience. And there were a lot of lessons learned ⁓ in that process. Coach Ryan Head: That's awesome. All right, I wanna unpack this a little bit because this is one of those moments in our conversation that I think is super important. And I think everybody needs to, know, anyone listening to this can learn from your example here. So the first thing I wanna touch on is when things were doom and gloom, what did you do? Christy Rundio: You Oh, so I focused on what was under my control. I kept the goal in mind, even though, yeah, it felt like, you know, especially in that those initial moments, you have those catastrophic thoughts like this isn't gonna happen, I'm done. But then it's like, okay, what's under my control? My sister's a physical therapist, her husband was a physical therapist. it was like very familiar with that profession and like how valuable it is. And so it was like, okay, that's, let me see if I can get into PT. And again, stars aligned in terms of getting in as quickly as I could. And it was, yeah, following his recommendations, help me get back to where I wanted to be. ⁓ And, doing the other things that I could in terms of, whether nutrition or hydration, ⁓ KT taping, that kind of stuff. And then ⁓ I went and got new shoes, what can I do? ⁓ similar to what Nate talked about, actually, on podcast of ⁓ what can I problem solve here? also ⁓ paying to my mindset. What the conversation like inside my head? ⁓ I can spiral into ⁓ this is unfair and I can't this is happening or I can, you know, recognize that that thinking is not going to serve me. So what, ⁓ what's a different perspective that I take on this to help me stay moving forward. Coach Ryan Head: one little saying to kind of summarize it is go to work. There's work to still be done. And I love what you said because, you know, just to relate it to my example of, you know, doing the Waspich 100 this year, I'm, you know, 100 miles it's tough enough feet as is. Mile five, I get stung by eight Wasps and then... Christy Rundio: Mm-hmm. Coach Ryan Head: Mile later I get stung by four more wasps four plus. Let me put it that way I know it's 12. I've got pictures of the 12 stings on my body. There are more than that I just stopped at 12 I don't know what the number is but like you said which I love and it hits so deep is that I could have said it's over and and and a lot of people would have been okay with that like a lot of people been like dude that makes total sense you should stop like Christy Rundio: Right. Mm-hmm. Coach Ryan Head: getting stung, you've got wasps venom flowing through your body and it is hurting and it did hurt. And my heart rate kept skyrocketing. I was a mess. And you know, I've done a little bit of chat GPT about it. Maybe I should have stopped. I don't know. There's some questionable things that we did there, but that's what ultrarunners do. But I told myself, this is what I can control. I can walk at a pretty fast pace and keep my heart rate around 150. I can walk. Christy Rundio: Mm-hmm. Coach Ryan Head: usually around a 110, but because of the NetWass Venom, that's all I had. So I said, I'm gonna push it a little bit and just see what I can do. I'm gonna try to control what I can. I'm gonna get to Zach at mile 32 at Big Mountain. I'm gonna have him pace me and we're just gonna continue to go until I get pulled from the race. And if I get pulled from the race, I will have known that I didn't let the circumstances stop me. I kept fighting, I kept going, and at the end of the day, it wasn't my choice. I gave everything I had. Christy Rundio: Yep. Coach Ryan Head: Try to make this happen and that's the thing that I I love about your mindset is with this whole thing because like you said There are situations in life and I'm not saying that DNF being or not doing a race is a bad thing I'm not saying that at all. What I'm saying is is if there are those opportunities and you can sit here and say yourself Okay, I got a problem. So how do I fix this? How do I get to it? you can continue to push because it's not always all lost. It's not like ⁓ well, I just had this majorly happen. mean, Zach's a living example. Zach just broke his foot playing with his dogs a few weeks ago. And Zach's a good friend, Zach Vigil, great friend of ours, just an awesome person in community. But he broke his foot a few weeks back. And you know, when I first talked to him, he was pretty down on himself. And he's like, forget my goals for Ogden Marathon. And I was like, bro, just breathe. You're gonna be fine. And he was awesome. He actually was like, you know, you're right. I need to just breathe. And he is back on track. ⁓ Christy Rundio: Mm-hmm. Coach Ryan Head: be surprised if he PRs often this year. So I love that mindset, Chrissy. I think that really resonates. I think that's such a good mindset and it's something that people need to hear because inevitably there's gonna be quite a few people who face similar things like you do. How do think you're gonna feel when you get past the end of March and in 1st of April and you're healthy? What do you think is gonna happen? Christy Rundio: I think I'm going to breathe a big sigh of relief there of just, know, okay, I made it. I'm, and again, it's, lessons learned, hindsight is always 20, 20. I'm, ⁓ I laugh when you talking about like, so Christie's the athlete who's just going to do all the runs and execute. it's, ⁓ and I'm, yes, still much that person, but a little bit more willing. ⁓ to say, hey, I think I need an extra day for recovery. Or, you know, we've had conversations since we started the training for this year of just the stats on my watch were weird and it was like, okay, let's look at this. And we built in an extra day of recovery because it was just like, things were off. And then paying attention also to how I feel physically and not minimizing it, not just like, chalking it off to like, I'm sore. No, that was something to pay attention to. I'm not having any of those experiences. One, because I know I'm stronger this year than I was last year, but also I'm smarter about it. So I think yeah, once, I think it was March 29th was when that AML run happened. I think when that day comes and goes, I'll probably be very grateful to see that. Go by and be okay. Coach Ryan Head: That's awesome. Well, it's really funny because I don't know if this was by coincidence or ⁓ I guess it was the day so March 28th was for me on Antelope Island when I left ⁓ the halfway point at mile 50 and took that one out of that eight station. That was when I broke that barrier that I had. set up for myself on that race of the Antelope Island Buffalo 100, where I had DNF'd in 2023. And for me to take that one step out of the tent, Jo was with me and I just broke down crying and she's like, are you okay? And I just said, Jo, this is where I DNF'd last, you know, two years ago. And I'm like, I didn't know how this would go. I was really scared about how this would be because I remember being broken. I was a broken runner. getting in my car and leaving two years earlier and now to be who I am two years later. ⁓ And right, like, you know, or maybe you don't know, like, everybody thinks you're a badass runner right now. We all do. ⁓ Every one of us. But know in your head, you probably feel a little bit different. I know people think the same thing about me. I've heard people say all kinds of stuff. But I'm like, you don't realize that there have been times and multiple times throughout all this running stuff that Christy Rundio: you Coach Ryan Head: I have been very weak. I have been very much beating myself down and I'm like, I'm not as good as what people think I am. And when you do break these barriers that you have made up in your head, if you will, it's a game changer. And that's why I'm excited for you because not only do I know you're a stronger runner and I'm not worried about March 29th at all, but you've come a long way. You've learned a lot. You're smart. You're paying attention to your body. Christy Rundio: Yeah. Coach Ryan Head: you're talking to me a ton, not that you didn't last year, but you are this year, and you're just attacking it. You're ego free, You're like, listen, I don't care what it is, I just wanna go have a great day at the Ogden Marathon and then go from there. So I'm excited, because you're gonna pass March 29th and you're gonna be like, boom, and you're just gonna keep going. yeah, that's awesome. Well, cool. Christy Rundio: I'm looking forward to it. Coach Ryan Head: Take us to the Ogden Marathon, what happened there? Christy Rundio: ⁓ I finished. no goal. you know, it's so common, what's your time goal? What do want to you know, what do want to get that kind of thing? I had none of that because it was again, had to be realistic. Let's be brokered in reality. I got taken out of my training pretty significantly for a good chunk at a vital time, you know. And so it was like, I just I just want to go do and And most of it was great. Like it was, you know, there's moments like being at the start line and just seeing everybody there. I'm so excited for this year. I mean, it's just going to be, there's, there's going to be so many people that we know doing the Ogden Bowl this year. it's just like, the start line is going to be amazing. Um, but it was just so fun to be there. And you know, it was, you think about like the why. And what does that mean? And what, you know, it was like, I got to really tap into last year about, ⁓ I get to do this. got through the issues that I was having with my hip. I got to heal. I got to get back to running. ⁓ And don't if you remember, the shirt that I had on said, Foxtrot uniform Charlie Kelo cancer, which. I get to do this. I got through the issues that I was having with my hip. ⁓ I got to heal. I got to get back to running. And I don't know if you remember, the shirt that I had on said, Foxtrot uniform Charlie Kelo cancer, which. You know, if you know your military alphabet, you can translate that. and it was, you know, I, I picked that, cause two who were really important to me were battling cancer at that point in time. and one of is of our community and the other one was my brother-in-law. And it was just like, I'm going to go do this. And these miles, ⁓ these 26.2 I get dedicate to them. You know, if you know your military alphabet, you can translate that. ⁓ and it was, I, ⁓ I picked that, ⁓ cause people who were really important to me were battling cancer at that point in time. ⁓ and one them is part of our community and the other one was my brother-in-law. And it was just like, I'm going to go do this. And ⁓ these ⁓ these miles, I get to dedicate to them. and I get to really hold them and carry them with me here. And it was just, was cool to have that experience. There are some really fun moments. Teresa and I ran many of the miles together and she was there when I did my half marathon run back after my injury. And she and I just cruised together. remember it. like mile six, somebody had a sign that said, you're almost there. Like, no, I'm not. Coach Ryan Head: Peace. Christy Rundio: It made me laugh. It actually, was like, okay, I know you're poking fun so I can laugh. ⁓ So it was, you know, and I remember getting to the half marathon point because it was, there was a relief cause I'd seen that part of the race. You know, I knew what was coming after that. And so that was, you know, it felt good. The last few miles were hard. They were really, they were really hard. Coach Ryan Head: Yeah. Christy Rundio: ⁓ my stomach was starting to kind of like just not tolerate any more feel. couldn't do gels anymore. It couldn't just, I just like sugar. couldn't handle sugar anymore. I felt sick. And so it was like water fruit. If it was there, that was okay. and it, and I remember struggling through those last few miles, getting text messages from you. We're here. We're waiting for you. You got this. making across that finish line and being so excited about it. It's like, just ran a fricking marathon, never in a million. And I was a month shy of turning 45. Coach Ryan Head: That That is so stinking cool. I remember you coming in and you know I can tell this from a different couple of different perspectives. I remember Zach he'd been there for like two almost two three hours just seeing people come through and he said that he was like leaving because he's like I gotta go home eventually but then he checked the tracker and saw you were coming down the road so he hurried and flipped around and went right back to the road to cheer you on. Christy Rundio: No. Yeah, I remember seeing him. Coach Ryan Head: And he's like, it was so cool to see Chrissy come flying through and I'm just cheering for her like crazy. I'm like, and then I remember I was, kept looking at the tracker and I was like, she's coming, she's coming. And so I'm just like going berserk waiting for you to come through and just so proud of you, just so proud of you, you know, for the injury you had sustained and you stayed in the game mentally, you you push through, right? Maybe it hadn't been the pace she exactly wanted per se. But we changed up our mindset where we went, you know what, let's not worry about your pace. Let's just focus on you getting across the finish line. Let's just get you there. If that way we can do that, because right, you'd taken so many weeks off when you had sustained this injury that, I mean naturally your fitness had gone down a little bit. And so we were concerned, I was a little concerned, but I said let's see if we can get a couple of long runs in here before we take you to the marathon. And you did them. you did them in a healthy state and there was no issues and I was like, okay, I think we're good. I say, let's go, let's see it happen. And like you said, it was fun to see you, it fun to see the whole crew, Tim, Joe, myself, my brother, ⁓ Nate, I mean, we're all up there the start line of Ogden Marathon, just amazing experience. Everyone's there, we're all having a party. ⁓ It's gonna be so, like you said, it's gonna be a blast this year, because it's 25th anniversary, and it's gonna be, everybody's there. It's gonna be chaos, pure chaos. I'm excited for it. But so, it was so cool to see you do that. You get through the finish line. I'm just so proud of you. And you know, I remember you coming, you we kinda talked in after that, and you're like, well what do I think you should do? And I said, you know what? You know, you should go have fun. Have fun running for the next. Christy Rundio: Yes. Coach Ryan Head: three or four months, go have fun, because you're like, I want to work with you again, and we do the Ogden Marathon again in 2026. I said, great, let's work together. Go have fun, go do you. And I remember part of me thinking, I don't know if she will. I don't know if she'll continue to maintain her fitness base, continue to push herself. What did you do? Christy Rundio: ⁓ Three races, three weekends in a row. Coach Ryan Head: Did you stop running? Christy Rundio: And more in the fall. Yeah. No, I definitely did not. I was not running the same amount like I was training for Ogden, I really, it's so funny. I say this often, like it takes a special group of people to get me to want to get up earlier on a Saturday than I do. for work, like oftentimes up at four, 430 in the morning to go meet people to run. But it's so fun, you know? and the running, you know, kind of, for me, it shifts more to trails ⁓ after Ogden Marathon. And there's different, there's just a different vibe with it. And there's like a, different kind of freedom that comes with that. And it's, it's super fun. maybe it wasn't the intensity or the frequency that I had with while training for Ogden, but I definitely, stayed in it. And again, largely because I have this community where it's just like, I want to go see these people and I want to, hear how everybody's doing, not just with respect to their running, but in their lives, we just, how are you doing? What's going on? you know, so I mean, we did a group run, old snow basin road. And it was your birthday, mine and Tim's, ⁓ and was just like, Hey, ⁓ I cookies. Coach Ryan Head: And you brought like, and you brought cookies or whatever, cupcakes or whatever it was for everybody. I'm like, what the freak, dude, it was so cool. And you're like, dude, I brought this for everybody. I'm like, let's go. Like, this is awesome. I mean, that's the community that like we've built. Like, it's so cool. Like, we do these things together and I don't know. think that's the hardest part for me is like, I think about like, you know, I go to my trail runs and I have to prepare for my trail races in the fall, but I still like, I like to still get together. Christy Rundio: E? Yeah. Coach Ryan Head: do all this with everybody because you know, like at the end of the day, it's still fun to get the crew together and run. And so like you said, that was fun. That was such a blast to do that. Well, I appreciate you telling me, you know, all these race experiences. I don't know if there really is much more to say about your why. You've really touched on it for the most part. But, you know, if there is anything left, that there's something that you haven't discussed about your why, what is it? What? Why do you continue to do this like all these years later, you know, even with setbacks, with the successes, you know, because some people, sometimes people get drunk on the success. They were like, you know, I did it once. I don't need to do it again. And I'm great. You know, I think my wife would prefer if I do that. She's like, you've done it. You have nothing left to prove, right? And you've run a hundred miles and you've done it a few times. Just stop. You got nothing to prove. And I'm like, oh, there's so much more than that. But. Christy Rundio: Mm-hmm. What? you Coach Ryan Head: Why do you do this? Why do you keep doing it? Like, what is your why? Christy Rundio: I think, I mean, obviously, like we've talked about the community that that people place in purpose, but I think also for me, so I'm a mom to two girls, you know, and it's, I want them to see what a healthy life can look like, what a strong body looks like, I want them to have like a good relationship. with their body ⁓ because as a woman, like there's so much pressure and expectation. And especially it seems like right now that super skinny, like semi-glutide weird body, you know, like it just is like that's coming back. And ⁓ I want them to know this is what healthy looks like. and this is what your body can do and it can do amazing things. And so one of the best ways for me to help instill that for them is to be a role model, of just like, ⁓ we're to take care of ourselves. ⁓ And you do that, like you can do these amazing things, you can have these incredible experiences. so having that, and it's, and for me, like to maintain that healthy relationship. that I have with my body in the sense of like, this is a healthy, strong body and it can do really incredible things. ⁓ And even, you know, ⁓ at the 10 K just wet last weekend, standing at the finish line and I don't know who she is, but there was a woman who came across the finish line who is, I mean, it looks like she could be, you know, maybe even in her eighties or something like she's, you know, but she's out there running. I don't know if she did the, or the 10 K or if she did the, the short course doesn't matter. Like she's out there running races. that's cool. And to be in a place that, you know, I'd love to be in that same kind of position where ⁓ I'm out there cruising still in my seventies, eighties, whatever looks like. Um, so it definitely is, you know, part of it's about role being that role model for my girls in that respect of, and that it can start at any time. I know this is, there's a moment in my relationship with my husband before we got married that we were in mammoth mountain, California. It's ultimately where we got married, but like the towns that like 8,000 some feet. I was not living this kind of lifestyle yet and we were out riding bikes. And I was struggling. It's probably like a 1 % incline on the road. It's a road ride. And he goes, at least we're getting exercise. And I turned to him and said, I don't want any f-ing exercise. And now here I am where it's like, I'm going to go run 16 miles tomorrow. And so it was like, it can start at any time. We don't have to stay in that that's not something that I do or that it's not something I'm capable of. ⁓ And ⁓ that's a big part of my why is for my girls and for myself of seeing ⁓ and being model of like, we can do this at any time and we can do amazing things. Coach Ryan Head: Yeah, I love that. No, thank you for sharing that. And I definitely, like I've said, it's hard for me to always put my why in words because mine is, it's like a tree. There are so many roots and there are so many different reasons. And it's funny because I've always been like, I've gotta put this in writing and I don't think I can But like you, my daughters. ⁓ that it's important for me to show them that I can run 100 miles. I really don't care what most people think of me. I don't, I got over that long ago. It's why I post what I do on social media. It's why I post what I do because I'm trying to inspire people to be better. I'm trying to motivate them. I'm trying to get people to commit to believing in themselves is basic what I'm trying to do. And I don't care if my neighbors think it's stupid. I don't care if my family thinks it's stupid. I'm posting what I want because I'm trying to motivate others. And when I think about my daughters and I go and do 100 miler, getting to the end and seeing them is like, it's special. It's really special for me to see them there. And I always hope that maybe one day when I'm old and I'm not doing 100 milers anymore, and those days are long gone, and maybe it's a 5K if I'm lucky type of a deal. Christy Rundio: Yeah. Coach Ryan Head: that they think back and they're like, remember when dad did that? And they're like, ⁓ he showed that you could do hard things, you could do great things. ⁓ And that's ⁓ really gets excited. Like that ⁓ makes me to continue to do this, that I can help motivate them to just do good things and be good people. Like you said, I don't care what they look like. ⁓ And there these... these images that aren't fair to people, whatever it is. mean, you and you spoke about, you know, girls and females, and I totally agree with that. You know, I think there's a perception out there if we just focus on runners that you have to look like a bean pole, if you will, and you have to be just so skinny, and only runner worth anything is someone who runs ⁓ a two-hour marathon or whatever. And that's exactly why I did this podcast. I've said this now countless times on almost every episode now. Christy Rundio: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Coach Ryan Head: I'll have all the I'll have elites on I'll have a couple I've got some friends that are elite runners, but I want the everyday runner like you and me that's why I'm doing this because we have a story we have so much stuff whether it's our families or jobs or careers, you know or our running careers now All these things taking care of our homes or yards, you know, da da da da da we have all this crap that we have to do every day I love to hear these stories. I love to hear the story of someone that's like I didn't let my midlife take over. I didn't say, well, I just assumed I was going to just give up and don't care. I'm going to keep going. And like you said, there's this 80 year old lady. I remember I made sure to get over there and give that lady a high five at the end of the 10K. I walked over and I was like, you are freaking inspiring. I hope everyone's looking at you right now because you just set the bar. Good luck to the rest of us because guess what? Christy Rundio: Yeah. Yeah. Coach Ryan Head: I'm going to guess 95 % of the people here will not be doing what you're doing at your age. Like I just know that's going to be how it is. And it was inspiring. So I love that you shared that last little bit of your why. So thank you. And it brought, it brought back some good memories for me. I'm trying to be a good example to not just my, daughters, but to other people and you know, what we're really trying to accomplish with this podcast is really trying to inspire and not just inspire, cause inspire inspiration always melts away quickly, but really more motivate people to say, know what, can be different, I can change and ⁓ I can be healthy, be whatever I am and have fun and be in a place where I can feel safe to do it. So I love it. So thank you. That's awesome. Cool. Well, Chrissy, I've been loving this podcast. You've done great. Let's go to the future. So what does the future hold for you? Christy Rundio: Yeah. Ogden, full in May. So what are we? Eight, wait, how many weeks out are we? About 10, something like that. ⁓ Coach Ryan Head: Nice. We are, yeah, we're about 10, 11 weeks out, something like that, Christy Rundio: Yeah. And then, becomes more trail related kind of things with some exceptions. ⁓ like I, Mueller has become a favorite for me. ⁓ And ⁓ then the Northern Utah Trail I I love doing that, that whole experience. ⁓ Gold Foundation puts together is just such a great punctuation mark to the summer and ⁓ the summer running season, if you will. ⁓ And then I'm doing the Epic Women's Half Marathon again. So it's going to be three in a row again. So I think it's still going to end up being three weekends in a row. ⁓ And then I signed up also for the Epic Women's Deer Valley 10K. Coach Ryan Head: Let's go. Heck yeah. I love it. Christy Rundio: So that's on my calendar and I'm excited because it's the thing that's been super fun through all these years ⁓ ⁓ get a little bit faster every single year. ⁓ on like, ⁓ Ogden's the thing that I train the most for, right? It's like I'm more in, ⁓ whether it's the half or the full, like I'm training, I'm gonna ⁓ dialed in and ⁓ a goal. Coach Ryan Head: Nice. Christy Rundio: The other things are really, I just want to go do them and have fun. But even with that, it's still getting better and faster each year. And there have been some pretty significant time improvements that I've had. ⁓ And it's, ⁓ it's exciting to see. And that's on my post Ogden horizon. And, you know, we'll kind of see I've learned to not be to not say I'll never do something. Because I've said that and then I've done it. So I've learned to not say never. I'll leave the mind open. Coach Ryan Head: I have so much I want to say to that. I'll just leave it at this. One day you'll run a hundred, so we'll leave it at that. ⁓ Christy Rundio: Again, I've learned not to say never, but that would take a lot. Coach Ryan Head: Yeah, well, I think you're closer than you realize, but I digress. So ⁓ that's awesome. Well, you are a fantastic athlete in my mind. think ⁓ you're doing a lot of great stuff. Like I mentioned kind of at the start, you are inspiring and you're motivating because years ago, and I can't remember exactly what your pace was, but you were like a 14 minute, Christy Rundio: Ha! Coach Ryan Head: runner, you you go out and do two or three miles and that was about the best, know, you could do it. I'm not saying that's wrong, bad or indifferent. That's awesome. I mean, that's all someone can do. That's all something doing great. Get on, get, get out there and get some exercise. And then, you know, she does the flat 5k a few weeks back and she does an eight 57 per mile pace. mean, wow. Like six minutes per mile off of your pace. I just come on, like, come on, like that's nuts. And Christy Rundio: Right. Coach Ryan Head: You know, just one of the craziest but awesome stories from all of this stuff, like all these races, all the things our community just what an inspiring, motivating story of just if Chrissy can do it, so you type of thing, right? And, you know, that's one of my mantras is if I can do it, so can anyone else. And and I really believe that because I'm like, you know, if I can do it with all the fun I have with my knees, like ⁓ I truly believe others, can too. I just appreciate you because I think you are an example to so many people out there. And I guarantee your daughters do look up to you and think, you know what, mom's amazing because she just is killing it in life and just, she's a working professional, she's good at what she does, she's a level-headed kind person, kind to the community, community loves her. I mean, you're doing all the right things, Kristy. Like, I can't say, you know, and if you ever beat yourself up. Trust me, there's so many of us who think the world of you and think you're just an amazing person. I mean that. There are so many of us who just think you're a great person. And I just appreciate you. I just appreciate you. Yeah. Christy Rundio: you No, thank you. I appreciate that. I think too, when you surround yourself with good people, it just brings out the best in you. And I think that that's what this community has really done for me, is just bringing out parts of myself that I didn't know were there. Coach Ryan Head: us. Christy Rundio: I mean, that's just the reality of it. it's, and, and I'm excited about it. I'm excited about, who Christie is in her mid forties, And I think that it, ⁓ and it's always, all positive from running community. ⁓ if, if you ever want be uplifted, join a running group, ⁓ it's just, you know, it's really, ⁓ such an awesome experience. so. ⁓ Coach Ryan Head: Mm-hmm. Christy Rundio: but I, you know, I appreciate that. appreciate, ⁓ those like really kind words because it's, ⁓ I think the world of, of the people within this community and, ⁓ I feel ⁓ feel honored to be a part of it. Coach Ryan Head: Well, again, we love having you a part of it and you've been, you're just awesome. So, okay, well let's get to the lightning round. I'm sure you've heard the lightning round. Everyone's getting, everyone's starting to know about the lightning round. So let's do the lightning round with you and same questions as I ask everybody. So I won't trick or do anything crazy with it. So, favorite race distance? Christy Rundio: I can't. ⁓ Ha Well, ⁓ gosh, so I'm learning to love the marathon. And then the half marathon is definitely, especially on trails. On trails, the half marathon, I do love that. I think. Coach Ryan Head: Cool, no I can respect that. As I always say, my favorite distance if I'm racing is the half marathon. I'll always love the half marathon, I think that's my favorite. But if I'm out just having a good old day, 100 miler, no question. Always will be, it hurts, it beats you up, but the adventure of a lifetime, so I love it. So cool. Roads or trails? Christy Rundio: I'm both. And again, it's Coach Ryan Head: No, you choose one, can't choose one, choose one! You can't- no, don't play that game with me, you gotta choose one! Christy Rundio: Yikes. No, I don't know how to choose just one. Cause they both, like I said, serve a purpose. I would probably lean into the roads then, because it's the Ogden ⁓ running club, you know, and it's all that training. And think it's also where ⁓ I find ⁓ so far, although this is changing a little too, but finding like, ⁓ That's where I'm learning the most about what speed wise I'm capable of. Coach Ryan Head: Yeah, no, that's fair, and I think, yeah, I mean 100%, you're not gonna be going, you won't be doing, ⁓ not many of us go that fast on the trails, but I'll convince you over the years. We'll get you, we'll trade you over to the trails. No, I love both as well, but definitely ⁓ I lean a little towards trails at this point, so cool. Morning or evening runs? Christy Rundio: you usually mornings. Like I, I do like to start my day that way. ⁓ my coach monitors my sleep to make sure I'm getting enough. So sometimes I shift to the evenings to make sure I'm getting enough sleep. Coach Ryan Head: So I just want to emphasize that because the way that said it can sound very creepy. I know I want to emphasize I'm over dying. I'm like blushing. I'm sure I'm like already. I want to emphasize that I do not watch her while she sleeps. I do not love check on her. I get an update on her Garmin. Christy Rundio: Ryan's being creepy! You Yes. Coach Ryan Head: that tells me how many hours she sleeps every night. And I am a big proponent of sleeping when I coach athletes because your body does need the time to recover both mentally, physically, and emotionally. And ⁓ so I have made a big push. Everyone of my athletes have heard it, not just Kristy ⁓ have heard it from me about the sleeping thing, this training block, and I won't stop talking about it until we're through the current training block. So anyways, no, I'm glad you. Christy Rundio: Yes. Coach Ryan Head: I'm glad you give me a hard time. So yes, I do. I do monitor everybody's sleep and I give them grief if they're under seven hours or they get it from me. that's a guarantee. Okay, favorite post-run meal. And it can be if you, what was that again? Christy Rundio: homemade pizza. Homemade pizza. Yep. Coach Ryan Head: ⁓ love it, awesome. I was gonna say, some people ask me whether it's post race or post run, I'll let you choose, but pizza, awesome, homemade pizza. Christy Rundio: Yeah. So it's the, for post-race, ⁓ and specifically post-Dogden, the pizza oven is out, the dough is, you know, ⁓ this is all my husband's doing. Like he is the, the master chef in the family. And, ⁓ it is, it's not just the food, it's an experience and it is just, it's awesome. And so that is, ⁓ yeah. Coach Ryan Head: Let's go. Christy Rundio: post-marathon is that pizza oven is out front and we are just making a whole night of it. ⁓ Coach Ryan Head: That's awesome. Hey listen, my work and one of my, and I think one of my brothers has a pizza oven and listen, when we do it, it is a treat, it is a blast, so I'm with you 100%. So we'll ostracize you a little bit with part of the community. Favorite toppings of a pizza. Because this is so controversial. I'm always amazed how people. ⁓ Christy Rundio: Mm-hmm. Yep. It was like olives and pineapples was the argument or something like that. there's two that we make I love. ⁓ One is, we used to call the ⁓ because it's ⁓ anise fronds or the fronds. it's licorice, flavor, sausage and dates. ⁓ We renamed it the Cindy, because that was my mom's favorite pizza. So we named it in honor of her. So that one is definitely a winner. And then we have one that's called, we call it Camomile, which was a ⁓ pizza place in Napa Valley that we used to go to. They've shut down. So this is our homage to them. And it's sauteed onion, pancetta, and Parmesan cheese. And if you aren't careful, it will burn the roof of your mouth like nobody's business. Coach Ryan Head: Yeah. sounds good. ⁓ wow. Christy Rundio: So you have to let it cool because the parmesan cheese traps all the heat. Coach Ryan Head: Oh wow, okay. No, that's interesting. I'm fascinated. You know, you've been pretty, you you've given us a good description of different things. I always say my one ingredient that I have to have on every pizza, and I love it because I get a lot of hate from it, and then I have some people that are like, dude, he gets it. Green olives. Oh man, they are money. If you have never tried green olives on a pizza, I'm just saying, you've missed out. If you have tried it you don't like it, But then our friendship just ended. No, I'm just teasing, I'm just teasing. ⁓ It is my favorite ingredient. is so good. Love it, love it, love it. So I know, ⁓ a few people out there that agree with me, but ⁓ it is so good. ⁓ I'm doing a pizza anywhere, I go, I'm like, you have green olives? If you don't, I don't know if I want the pizza. So anyways. Christy Rundio: Maybe we'll try that next time we do pizzas. We'll throw some green olives on and I'll let you know. Coach Ryan Head: Just saying, it'll change your life. It'll change your life. okay, cool, cool, cool. Next one, music, podcasts, or silence on runs? Okay, got a deep dive on this. What's on your playlist right now? Christy Rundio: Music. Definitely music. ⁓ so much different stuff. I don't have any yet. Leave that to Nate. ⁓ Coach Ryan Head: Called him out. Let's go. Let's go date. She just called you out. I it. Love it Christy Rundio: are Man, if you're needing to do like a super chill run, I could see any really working. My playlist is very expansive. I do have three different songs from the score of the Deathly Hallows, like the Harry Potter movies. I have ⁓ classical stuff and then I'll have like and hard rock. Usually it's things that have like good strong beats. I'm a huge Sarah McLaughlin fan, so all of the stuff that's been remixed of hers, they're likely to find on my playlist for sure. Coach Ryan Head: I love it. No, that's awesome. I love that you called out Nate. I've been teasing him. I'm like, what were you going for? Like a Lord of the Rings Phil when you're running bear? I'm like, what dude, what kind of weird rap is that? He's like, shut up dude. I don't want to hear it from you. Anyways, it's been comical. Last two questions I have for you and then we will wrap it up. I thank you so much for your time today. This has been awesome. It's been so fun chatting with you. Christy Rundio: You Coach Ryan Head: What would you say to someone who maybe has lost their why with running? Christy Rundio: I really actually agree with what Nate said about like, find the thing that you're passionate about. And if, if it's not running anymore, that's, you know, that's, that's fine. Just something that you're passionate about. if, if you're wanting to stay connected to the running, you know, like in therapy, we kind of look at a lot of times this idea that motivation will follow action. So sometimes it's like, Get out and do and see where it takes you because ⁓ oftentimes actually through that journey and in that process that we reconnect to it or we find the new thing. ⁓ why will change and it should change. Motivation for change, the things that, ⁓ I talk to my clients, the things that bring you into recovery are not necessarily gonna be the things that keep you in recovery. The things that bring you into running aren't necessarily gonna be the things. things that keep you in running. so allow it to change. It's okay. ⁓ The other thing that I would say too is never underestimate how wildly capable you are. Like don't sell yourself short curious. curious about what you can do. a lot of it's like, I'm going to go see and do and, and let it be. So that's. Those would be my additional thoughts. Coach Ryan Head: Wow, I love that, get curious. I 100 % agree, I haven't had that thought about running in years. So thank you for sharing that, that's been good, that brings back a lot of good memories and I would agree, know, get curious about it, because there's a lot of adventures, there are a lot of things you can try and you may surprise yourself, so I love it. if anyone wants to follow you social media on Strava where could they follow you at? Christy Rundio: on Instagram, is ⁓ my name, Rundio. you can also find me on Facebook. It's Christie Tomlinson Rundio and then yeah, Strava. I'm actually, what's my name on there? Same thing. Strava name is Christie Rundio, right? Yes. Very generic. Just Christie Rundio ⁓ and my name just to have the word run in it. I didn't design it that way. It was just serendipitous. Coach Ryan Head: Awesome. Yep, I love it. I know we were teasing her about this a few weeks back. Well, cool. Well, Christie, it has been so good to chat with you. ⁓ This episode has been great. I've loved the context of it. We've definitely had our serious parts of it. We've had the laughing parts. We've had some tears. We've had some parts where we really dug ⁓ Christy Rundio: Ha ha ha! Coach Ryan Head: I really do appreciate you and thank you so much for taking time out of your night to spend with me and I'm sure there will be many people, especially those who have maybe suffered a setback, who can use this podcast and use this episode to refocus and get back after it and know that it's not all over. So thank you so much, seriously. Christy Rundio: No, my pleasure. I'm super stoked to be here. Thanks for having me. It's been a lot of fun. Coach Ryan Head: Awesome. Well, we'll wrap up tonight. I just want to remind everybody again, if you have any needs ⁓ shoes, with nutrition, with anything, go over, ⁓ out Fleet Feet, those guys over there in Ogden and Leighton will get you taken care of. Again, so excited to have them as my premier sponsor for podcast. Love Jamie, and the other Jamie and Kevin. ⁓ They're store managers at both Those guys are rocking it. They'll get you taken care of. So stop by, see those guys, and they'll get you guys taken care of. Thanks again, everybody. Have a great evening.