Finish Lines & Milestones: Episode 102: Mike Lee - Film 📸 & Finish Lines

April 4, 2025

Here's a link to listen to this week's episode.

Guest: Mike Lee @mikelee_productions

Show Notes:

Mike Lee ⁠is an incredibly talented photographer and videographer. In fact, that's how I found him - through his work with ⁠Beyond Monumental ⁠through his company,⁠ Mike Lee Productions⁠.

During this episode, sponsored by ⁠Previnex⁠ and ⁠BITCHSTIX⁠, we talk about: his journey from starting his production company during the pandemic to running marathons around the world. Mike shares his experiences of training and running in major races like the Tokyo Marathon, his preparation for the Sydney Marathon, and the challenges he has faced including injuries. Additionally, he delves into his passion project ⁠'The Blend,' ⁠which highlights local coffee shops through film photography. The episode is packed with discussions on community, overcoming obstacles, and Mike's dream of filming the 2028 Olympics in LA.

00:00 Introduction to Finish Lines and Milestones

00:24 Sponsor Spotlight: Previnex

01:49 Exciting Giveaway Announcement

05:53 Interview with Mike Lee: From Runner to Filmmaker

14:15 Mike Lee's Tokyo Marathon Experience

27:26 The Role of Spectators and Volunteers in Marathons

36:47 Mike Lee's Running Journey and College Experience

45:25 Reflecting on the Boston Marathon Experience

47:14 Training Without a Coach

47:51 Upcoming Marathons: Berlin, London, and Sydney

49:24 The Importance of Personal Bests

50:44 Sponsorship and Brand Collaborations

52:05 Family Influence and Running Legacy

53:16 Inspiration and Overcoming Challenges

01:01:20 The Blend: Combining Coffee and Film

01:10:24 Future Goals and Manifestations

01:14:05 Final Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-Up

Sponsor Details:

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Previnex⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ALLY15 for 15% off your first order

⁠⁠⁠⁠BITCHSTIX⁠⁠⁠⁠ -ALLYB for 20% off your order

Episode Transcript:

0:00

This is a Sandy Boy Productions podcast.

Welcome to Finish Lines and Milestones, a podcast that celebrates the everyday runner.

0:10

I'm your host, Ally Brettnacker.

If you run, you are a runner and every runner has a story.

0:16

Join me each week as I share these stories and we cross finish lines and celebrate milestones

together.

0:24

This podcast is brought to you by Provan X.

Prevenex provides clinically effective supplements that promote longevity, performance and everyday

0:32

health.

I have been using Prevenex products since January of this year.

0:37

I had the pleasure and honor of meeting their founder, David Block.

He lives in the Carmel, IN area, believe it or not, and he suggested that I try some of the products

0:46

and see what I thought.

And come to find out, I replaced the Greens Greens product that I was using with their new gut and

0:54

Greens product and not only is it about half the price, but higher quality and less ingredients, no

fillers and it makes me feel great.

1:05

I have found that my natural energy is higher.

I don't reach for my second cup of coffee anymore.

1:12

It helps with digestive health and regularity as well.

I'm also taking several other supplements that they offer and I love their Nurify protein powder.

1:22

You can even mix that with the gut and greens for a tropical smoothie type taste and an easy

breakfast.

1:29

But if you'd like to try Previnex, you can go to previnex.com.

That's Prev inex.com and you can use code Alley 15 at checkout to get 15% off of your first order.

1:43

Thank you, Pravin X for supporting this podcast as well as our upcoming event.

Hello and welcome to Finish Lines and Milestones.

1:53

This is Ally Brett Knocker and in case you missed it, I just launched Humongous giveaway for the

Indie Mini weekend here in Indianapolis, which is May 2nd and 3rd.

2:07

The race is on the 3rd that Saturday and in partnership with the Bottle Works Hotel and my friend

Lindsay Hein, who is the founder of Sandy Boy Productions and the host of the all have another

2:18

podcast with Lindsay Hein.

We got so many sponsors together for this incredible weekend getaway giveaway.

2:26

And so if you've never come to Indy to do this race, it's a great excuse to come in town.

You're local, it'd be a great staycation.

2:35

Let me give you a quick rundown of what is included in this giveaway.

So we've got two night stay at Bottle Works, which will be on Friday and Saturday night. 2 Andy mini

2:44

race entries, $100 for the garage food hall, which is where always go for pizza and beer before a

race and then $150.00 athletic annex gift card.

2:55

That is our local running store.

They're also online.

2:59

So even if you're not local, Prevanex, we've got gut and greens muscle health plus joint health and

Nurify protein powder.

3:06

A huge amazing bundle.

The athlete good luck gift set from Bitch Sticks, which you will hear about during this podcast. 6

3:15

project Lean Nation PLN meals.

So they have pre made healthy meals and a 60 minute mobility session from Transcend Training and

3:24

performance.

That is my friend Whitney Miller, 150 minute standard stretch lab session and stretch lab downtown

3:31

Indy is right across from the bottle works.

So actually a couple years ago I did that for the first time right after the mini and it was

3:38

perfect.

I needed it.

3:41

Two indie mini athlete bouquets.

That is of course my business.

3:44

It's like an edible arrangement but for runners.

So it comes with all the goodies that you would want before a race and after.

3:50

Lindsay Hines marathon training clan bundle and Erica Sarah necklace hen and Paces travel shoe bag.

Super cute, great way to travel with your shoes.

4:00

And then a 24 pack of organic pure fuel Maple syrup run Fuel, which you know that I love and now you

need to get used to because there will be Maple syrup on course for the indie mini, albeit not pure

4:11

fuel, So not my most favorite fuel, but still same kind of thing.

So if you have not yet entered this giveaway.

4:19

There is a.

Form there's a link in my bio on Instagram.

4:22

My Instagram is Ally ALYTBRETT under score runs Also the bottle works hotel Lindsey Hyne.

They all have it in their profile as well.

4:32

You have to.

Follow all three of us.

4:34

And then like the post tag three of your friends and again, that form is in the link in the bio.

So that's really long winded way to tell you to do this giveaway.

4:44

It's amazing.

I want to win.

4:47

Too bad, Akit.

Thank you so much to all of our sponsors for coming together and making this giveaway possible.

4:52

I also went on site to the Bottle Works hotel today to check out the event space and it gets me even

more energized and excited, not just for this event, but perhaps what we could do in the future.

5:02

So if you haven't yet gotten your tickets, also do that.

We are nearly sold out.

5:07

We will sell out and it's going to be cozy.

So get your ticket. 25 bucks.

5:13

The goodie bag is more than worth it.

The company, the entertainment with Lindsay interviewing A2 time Olympian Kim Conley and also

5:22

Cameron Balzer, who ran around the perimeter of the United States last year, might have somebody

else joining us because the USCTUSATF 5K Championships will be at the Mini Marathon 5K.

5:33

So stay tuned.

Who knows, but it's going to be great.

5:36

And if you're not coming this year, maybe this will put a bug in your ear to think about it for next

year.

5:40

It is an iconic race you run around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

If you've listened to this podcast for a while, you've probably heard me talk about it plenty.

5:48

So anyway, I'm so excited.

It's.

5:52

Spring race season is coming.

I got a chance to meet Mike Lee.

5:56

He has his own production company called Mike Lee Productions, and that's how I found him.

I saw some incredible footage from the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon last November and found out

6:07

Mike was the one behind it.

And come to find out he's actually a runner himself.

6:12

And he just did the Tokyo Marathon this last March, is chasing the majors.

And I just really love his humble attitude, his kindness and his running stories.

6:24

And also, you know, why he's so into film and what he likes to capture and all of those things.

So I can't wait for you to get to know my new friend Mike Lee.

6:34

Welcome, Mike Lee.

Thank you for having me.

6:37

I told you right before we recorded that I'm embarrassed because I'm trying to do video.

And I just realized, look at this.

6:44

Probably shouldn't have that in the video, but thank you so much for coming from downtown to do this

with me today.

6:49

Yeah, of course.

My pleasure.

6:51

I'm such a big fan of your content, I just have to tell you that.

Thank you.

6:55

You're.

So talented.

6:56

Thank you.

I I try my best and you know, I try and learn something new almost every single week and just be a

7:02

sponge to new content and people doing things that inspire me and how can I transfer that, you know,

into my own style?

7:09

Yeah, well, and I'm like the quality of your content, like, how are you not just blowing up?

And we were just talking about that too, because Instagram and everything else is not very nice.

7:19

Yes, yes, keep on telling people like social currency is such a weird thing to me.

And the amount of followers is like the currency and you're perceived as wealthier or more

7:30

successful.

And like at the end of the day, like they're just numbers, you know?

7:34

Like, there are plenty of people doing better things than me that has like, only 100 followers just

because they don't post, right?

7:41

And it's all about like, can you be a creator and can you be a marketer?

But some people, they don't want to be both.

7:47

And that's totally fine and totally respectable.

Yeah.

7:50

And yeah.

So I nonetheless I appreciate the compliment.

7:54

Of course.

When did you start Mike Lee Productions?

7:56

Actually, during the pandemic.

OK, so the pandemic hit sophomore year of college for me.

8:02

I'm sorry.

Yeah.

8:03

It so it it was a whole ordeal.

My my sister was a senior at that time.

8:07

Graduation was delayed.

Internships and jobs for me were really hard and I couldn't find anything, you know, in person or

8:14

even remote because funding and everything was cut.

And so I just decided to start my production company then because everyone needed podcasts, everyone

8:25

needed webinars, training videos.

And I was like, I'm not doing anything.

8:29

If I could do it at the leisure of of being at home, then yeah, I should just start this while I

have the time.

8:36

Yeah.

And how long had you been doing photography and video?

8:41

You've been interested in that for a really long time.

A little bit, yeah.

8:45

But I didn't know if I wanted to go fully into like the production side of it.

I was doing video and photo like during high school, and I really just fell in love with, it's

8:57

funny, we were talking about editing before this.

I fell in love with the editing side, believe it or not.

9:03

A little psychotic, I know, but I love like, how meticulous you can be, like in the editing room.

And I was like, well, in order to edit things, I usually need to film things.

9:13

And so picked up a camera.

I was like, wow, this is actually really cool.

9:16

I could also be meticulous with the camera and just started to blow up where friends of friends

needed video work, people were graduating, they needed grad photos.

9:26

And just like really getting any project that I could get my hands on.

And yeah, now we're here.

9:32

That's so wild.

You're still in college when you started it too.

9:36

That's not how old are you?

So I'm 2424, yes, I graduated Butler University in 2022.

9:42

Okay.

And yeah, straight off the bat, freshman year, I had an on campus job with video and photo and I

9:48

like to call it kind of like controlled freelancing where a professional would give us client work

to do and she would delegate the projects.

9:58

And I was like, well, I also really am liking the client side of it.

Can I, you know, shadow you on client relationships?

10:04

How do you budget?

How do you quote?

10:06

And just like again, being a sponge and seeing the resources that are available to me and just going

at it 110%.

10:14

It's so cool.

Thank you.

10:16

Thank you. 24 yes, so impressive.

Yes, yes.

10:19

And when did you start doing work with Indy Monumental?

Because that's how I discovered you.

10:23

Yes, yes.

So straight after college, I went to visit Indy at their like marketing team and learned such a

10:32

great deal about how the city operated, how the city is linked and interconnected.

And I was like, man, OK, so if I don't know someone or if I don't know an organization, I'd probably

10:42

know someone that does.

And my job at Visit Indy was to promote events through social media.

10:48

And I was like, well, I'm a huge runner.

I want to cover all these running events.

10:53

And obviously Indy, monumental, huge race, top 15th in the country as of I think 2023, Yeah.

We're 14th now.

11:02

We're 14th amazing I.

Know that's exciting?

11:04

Amazing, awesome.

The main objective of that job was to put Indy on the map.

11:10

And so I highlighted the monumental while I was there.

I got the media pass, put that on My Portfolio folio, put that on my resume, everything.

11:17

And then when I went full time freelance, they remembered me from last year and we just kind of got

to talking.

11:24

And it's like, OK, if this is a good fit.

And obviously I think a lot of races, they wanna hire video people that know the running world.

11:32

Yeah.

And it's like, OK, well, you know how crazy marathoners are, so you could highlight it and you have

11:39

an extra edge to some videographer that doesn't.

Right.

11:42

And also, if I truly do believe if you're passionate about something, you're going to do a better

job.

11:48

And so really got working there.

I also worked with the 500 Festival at the indie mini and all of their great events.

11:56

And so it was just like a natural lead up to the monumental and hoping to do that in 2025 and also

doing the 500 festival things this year.

12:06

So just super excited for just like the intersectionality of my two passions of running and video.

How?

12:11

Perfect.

Right.

12:12

And I'm like, well, like truly, if I love the things that I'm filming, I'm not working.

You know, if I'm not on the starting line racing, I want to be there filming.

12:23

Now, when you film in these events, are you mobile?

Are you on a bike riding around town?

12:30

Like, I know you probably know Timmy Howard.

Oh my gosh, I aspire to be as mobile as Tim.

12:35

He is another level I think though.

I shadowed him at the Fort Bend race and he had two cameras around his waist, biking, no handed,

12:46

going like 1516 miles an hour.

And like, he's turning, he's weaving, he's dodging potholes, and then he just like, jumps off of his

12:54

bike to snap some pictures and then on his merry way.

And you're like trying to keep up.

12:59

I mean, that'd be so hard.

And I'm like Timmy, like, like what's going on?

13:03

Do you do this all the time?

And he's like, yes, I was like, OK, cool.

13:07

So I know how to bike one handed or like no handed, but I don't know if I could do that with a big

camera around my waist.

13:15

Essentially, you're babies like you're carrying.

All the babies, correct, Correct.

13:17

And if my insurance saw that, they'd be like, no, we're upping your, we're upping your policy.

Yeah.

13:25

Yeah.

Oh, that's so funny to picture because I can like when I ran Monumental last year last fall, Timmy

13:32

was on a bike, like in new fields.

Yes, Yeah, No, I saw, I witnessed it first hand.

13:37

Him being no hand.

I'm just like, OK, right.

13:40

Like I think what I'm doing is hard running a marathon, but what he's doing is harder, right?

Because he is just yeah, non-stop the whole day.

13:48

Like I get to stop when I cross the finish line.

Yeah, he's going all day.

13:53

And I love his Instagram posts afterwards, you know, with him with the recovery boots on and just

like editing.

13:59

And I'm like, man, that is the hybrid athlete.

Like we we have the power lifters, we have the marathoners.

14:05

Like, no, that's the true hybrid athlete right there.

Yeah.

14:08

Yeah, so I wanna talk more about Mike Lee Productions, but I wanna hear more about your running

journey.

14:13

Yeah.

14:14

So you just did Tokyo?

Yes, in March, which is so freaking cool.

14:20

It was an amazing experience, yes.

I need to hear all about that.

14:24

Yeah, yeah.

So obviously Tokyo is one of the seven world majors.

14:29

And right when I completed the domestic ones, I was like, well, like, what are the odds that I could

get into London, Berlin and Tokyo and just was doing a deep dive how to get in and how to like,

14:41

raise money and all the different possible loopholes that you could do.

And just saw that I could fundraise.

14:47

And I've never fundraised for a race.

And, you know, I was like, well, this is a great time to do it.

14:52

Japan Cancer Society.

It lines up with my personal beliefs.

14:56

My dad just went through prostate cancer, wow, not too long ago.

And just I feel like it's always a never ending journey, like it's always a journey like once you

15:06

get the diagnostics.

And so just wanted to give back in any way that I can and a goal that resonated with almost everyone

15:14

else.

Yes.

15:14

And so just the amount of support, just with my fundraising journey and I only had about 60 days to

come up with the money.

15:23

And I think did you?

Say how much already?

15:24

So it was about $1500.

OK, so 1500 not crazy crazy, not crazy.

15:29

Yes, yes.

So in about I would say like only a couple of weeks, people in the Indianapolis and Chicagoland

15:35

area, they found my page and started donating.

And a shout out to Larry as well.

15:40

From Athletic Annex.

Yes, yes, Love Larry.

15:42

Yes, shout out to Larry because because he was like, I want to help you.

I want to help you on your journey.

15:48

Let's throw an event with Adidas and let's do a giveaway linked to your GoFundMe.

And just seeing the running community just really support me was such an amazing experience.

15:59

And that wasn't even at the race either.

And so just after I fundraise the money, seeing how I could go to Tokyo and my parents obviously

16:09

came as well, which was super sweet of them.

And my dad doesn't really like to travel a whole lot.

16:15

And so he was like, man, that's.

Big travel, though.

16:18

Tokyo is is a huge lift for him and he's like, if it wasn't for the marathon, like I don't think I

would have gone.

16:25

And that just shows how much that they support and follow like this journey with me, as crazy as it

may seem.

16:32

And that's not even talking like so after I fundraise the money, like I went through an Achilles

tendonitis injury and of course those take forever to recover.

16:43

And just the whole entire thing formulated where it was.

Just chalk it up to a good experience.

16:49

Like you made it to Tokyo and you fundraise this money for a great organization, great cause.

And you know, just did my first international marathon.

16:58

So one for the books for sure.

Yeah.

17:01

How did you end up being able to?

Yeah, it was really like good timing, I would say after I ran Chicago in the fall, about around

17:11

Halloween time to November, my Achilles just flared up really bad.

And I was actually in New York filming for the New York Marathon when it flared up.

17:20

And I was like, oh, great, a city that I have to walk so much and, you know, like be mobile.

So when I got back from New York, just really hit physical therapy really hard twice a week, doing

17:34

all the calf raises in the world and just like ankle mobility, ankle stability, hip work, hamstring

work, and just was on the bike for forever just because I knew Tokyo was coming up.

17:50

And once the Achilles healed up, I wanted to hit the ground running.

Yeah.

17:54

And I didn't want my cardio and my cardio work to be lacking.

Like when I finally was able to run right.

18:01

Absolutely.

And so especially, like, that's during the winter, too, the hardest months, especially for our

18:07

Midwestern runners.

It's rough.

18:10

Yeah, it's it's rough.

And, you know, luckily the gym was really accommodating and was really easy for me because I live

18:16

downtown.

And so just thinking about, OK, I need to run at least like Tokyo, like I need to be on the starting

18:23

line, like no matter what shape I'm in, I just need to be there.

I just need to make it right.

18:28

And that was just kind of my motivation throughout the whole entire winter.

And yeah, just turned out really well and had about six weeks of good training under under my belt.

18:38

Yeah, 6.

Weeks, Thank God you're 24.

18:41

Right, right.

And I'm like, OK, Like, I know I could bounce back from it now.

18:45

I might pay for it, you know, 10 years down the road, but you know.

You know, that's, that's incredible.

18:50

Well, and you did the work of the rehab stuff, which I feel like, I mean, at least for me, I'm very

cliche and that I don't stretch.

18:57

I don't do my exercises.

I've been to see Jacob Crowe here where a lot of runners see him at Tempo Sports Rehab.

19:04

And I saw him and I actually just found the videos he made for me the other day because I was like,

I need to probably start investing and doing this again because I don't want to get hurt.

19:12

I don't want to have to take a break.

Yeah, yes, yeah.

19:15

And it's so important maintaining your fitness and stability, especially like in the ankles and

really just being strong from, you know, the feet and up and just, again, all the runners know your

19:28

body's connected in one way or the other.

And you know, you're only as strong as your weakest link.

19:34

And you know, yeah, it's just like taking the extra 5-10 minutes before and after, maybe a little

bit longer.

19:41

Well, don't push it.

I'm like 5 minutes.

19:43

Right, right.

I was like, OK, like maybe for those early morning runs, 5 minutes, yeah.

19:47

But yeah, if you have the time, like just stretch and just take care of yourself, yeah.

Someday, someday I'll be good at it, Yes.

19:54

Maybe.

I don't know.

19:55

We'll see.

So Mike, what is your family's heritage?

19:59

Are you're not Japanese?

Right.

20:01

OK, so Korean.

Korean, yeah, Yeah.

20:03

So the only time that I've been to Korea actually was for a layover flight.

That's the only time I've been to Korea as well.

20:09

Yeah, and gorgeous airport.

So I will say yes, yeah, yes.

20:13

It's so crazy.

I was there for about like 5-6 hours on the way to Cambodia for a mission trip and wow, yeah, such a

20:19

such a long flight as well, such a long journey, but such a unique perspective to have and just

realizing like there are more perspectives than just like the states.

20:29

I know that sounds like super ignorant, right?

But I.

20:32

Mean, yeah, until you've been outside it's really hard to truly understand, I think.

Right, right.

20:37

And just like seeing just such a different world out there and like truly was just really impressed

with just the transportation.

20:45

Public transportation in Japan is is incredible super clean, heated seats on the subway.

I will say amazing.

20:53

Wow that is mind blowing to.

Me, I was so after the race, the last three days, I was there snowing, sleeting, just ridiculous

21:01

weather out there.

And we hop on the subway, I'm like, why am I starting to get warm?

21:06

And I, I look down below and yeah, believe it or not, heated, seated, yeah.

That is, that is amazing.

21:14

Like just phenomenal.

I I loved it.

21:17

The whole experience was such an eye opening experience and just that makes me want to travel even

more because I was like, OK, if that's how Japan does it, how does Berlin do it?

21:26

How does London do it?

And just like being super wide eyed to all of the experiences and just saying yes to just any

21:35

opportunity that comes my way.

I didn't realize that it was, I guess I'm trying to like visualize the globe and be like what

21:42

hemisphere, what season, but I didn't realize it was going to be cold.

Did you?

21:47

Know that?

I mean, I don't know anything about the weather.

21:49

I thought it was going to be, I thought it was going to be at least temperament.

Like, you know, the day of the race was really warm, about 75° and sunny.

21:59

And I was like, man, and I got really dehydrated during the race.

And afterwards I was like, well, that's that explains it.

22:06

Because I was training in negative degrees in the Midwest.

And when you fly across the world and, you know, run a race about 70° hotter than you're used to.

22:18

Yeah.

You're gonna be a little dehydrated.

22:21

Yeah.

And I was like, man, I should have thought about that a little bit more.

22:24

But yeah, just super, super unique experience.

Again, like I said, traveling in itself is, you know, an accomplishment.

22:32

And then when you talk about like nutrition, how to how to find, you know, the right like diet while

you're there getting accommodated to eat it, it was truly like pretty difficult to find like a pasta

22:45

restaurant or like Italian place like in Japan.

It's like doing something that's familiar, you know, obviously like the food's very different.

22:53

So getting accommodated to that and being Uber careful on that, you know, 48 to 24 hours before the

race.

23:00

Yeah, because I think, I think, yeah, don't eat bad sushi like right before, can you?

Imagine.

23:05

Oh my gosh, no, I don't think that there is bad sushi out there.

I was thinking.

23:08

The same thing?

Probably not.

23:09

In Japan everything is fresh and amazing.

Everything was phenomenal, but I was like, I can't eat any seafood, you know?

23:16

Really.

Before, before the race, Yeah.

23:18

Just because that's not what my body's used to.

So.

23:21

Absolutely.

Did pizza?

23:22

Did you like track down pizza?

No, I didn't track down pizza, no.

23:26

I just guess I don't really think about that.

What other nuances?

23:30

I feel like your eye is so much different being, you know, in the field that you're in, right.

Looking at things from the photographer, videographer's perspective.

23:38

Yeah.

What kinds of things did you notice that were different about the race environment compared to

23:44

Monumental in Indiana?

Yeah, yeah.

23:46

First of all, like this is not a dig on the US at all, but the streets were so clean and there were

no potholes that the last thing that you want to worry about while running a marathon is potholes

23:59

and divots and sewer lines, just straight concrete, like the whole 26 miles.

And I was like, this is this is amazing.

24:07

And just like seeing the building structure, then seeing old and new Tokyo and just seeing the

temples mixed in with the skyscrapers, and I truly do believe a marathon is the best tour that you

24:20

can have of a city.

Yeah, the first time I was in New York was for the New York Marathon.

24:25

That was the first time you were in.

That was the first time and the best.

24:29

I was like, OK, like this is the way to experience New York and it is legitimately just a three hour

party with three.

24:37

Hours.

Sorry I have to pause and laugh.

24:41

Or five hour party or whatever.

Right, right.

24:44

But just just with, you know, 50,000 other runners and just like, what an experience and like how

like that.

24:51

That's just such a great tour of a city, expensive tour, but just such a rewarding one.

Yeah.

24:58

Did does Tokyo do they use paper cups?

Yes, OK, yes, So everything, everything was just a little bit different.

25:06

And instead of Gatorade, they had Bakari sweat, which Bakari sweat amazing.

I've ever heard of that.

25:12

It's kind of like a fusion of think about like a Gatorade plus Powerade.

And so a little bit more like watered down than than Gatorade, but just had a really nice flavor in

25:23

my opinion.

I don't know the nutrition stats on it, so I couldn't tell you, but you know, when you're 20 miles

25:29

deep and you're like, man, this tastes really good, I'll take it.

Right.

25:32

That's all you can ask for, Yes.

What kind of fuel did they have?

25:35

Did they offer fuel on the course?

They had such unique snacks along the way so I didn't take any just because I.

25:41

Like I don't want to play that.

Game, right, I don't want to play that game.

25:44

I'm already dehydrated.

I don't want to fuel with different snacks that I'm not used to.

25:48

But think of around like mile 20, they had a couple different snacks.

You know how the courses had bananas or you know, like Morton gels?

25:57

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

So they had different snacks along the way.

26:00

Honestly, like I kind of black out during, during races, so I don't, I don't remember too much, but

I do remember the scenery just being, you know, so gorgeous, so beautiful, nothing like I've ever

26:11

seen before.

And just seeing old and new Tokyo blended together during that experience is is really, really

26:19

awesome.

How about the topography?

26:21

Is it pretty flat?

Tokyo.

26:23

Very flat.

I was trying to.

26:24

Picture all the majors, you know, you've seen the graphics of the like all the elevation profiles.

Yes, yes.

26:29

OK, so that's nice, nice and flat.

Did you run through parks then as well?

26:32

Like, did you get to see some scenery?

Or was it mainly city?

26:36

Yeah, mainly city.

So we finish at the Imperial Palace.

26:40

And so that's a huge palace in the middle of the city and just super gorgeous architecture.

You have all the the bright greens and all all the bright Reds of the temples.

26:51

And as the photographer and the video person, I'm like if I only had a camera.

That has to drive you nuts when you're running.

26:59

Yes, yes, yeah.

But it keeps me distracted from the amount of pain that I'm in, right?

27:04

You're like, I'm just gonna take some mental photos.

Yes, yes, mental photos and just like the shadows and the highlights and I could go on and on about

27:12

that, but just I truly do think St. photographers are at an advantage when they're marathoners too,

because they're not paying attention to the race itself.

27:22

They're just, you know, looking at different compositions and framings.

Yeah, yeah.

27:26

What are the moments that you like to capture the most?

That's a really.

27:31

Question.

That's a really hard question.

27:33

I think the next marathon that I highlight or go to, I want to capture nothing of the actual race.

But I want to create a video with the spectators because the spectators are just as crazy because

27:48

they're biking.

They're finding, you know, the near subway.

27:51

They're finding how can I see my one person for five seconds?

Yeah.

27:56

And I truly appreciate my parents going out to Tokyo just to see me for 10 seconds of the race.

Where were they in the?

28:03

Race they were.

They were, I think if I recall, around like mile 14 or so and then another time at like 16 or 17 I

28:12

believe.

It's all kilometers too, right?

28:13

So you're like.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

28:15

Also, no mile markers either on the course.

Yeah.

28:18

But even in the States too, like you see all these spectators just looking out for that one person

and just seeing the passion on their faces and seeing, you know, like when they see that one person

28:29

just them yelling or supporting or, you know, holding up the signs.

Like, I want to create content revolving around the people that are supporting the marathoners

28:38

because I truly, it's such a thankless, like job.

Yeah.

28:43

And it takes so much planning, takes so much.

And a lot of spectators are like, man, like, I'm sore after it, like, that day.

28:50

And I'm like, yeah, like, you're gonna be sore.

You're gonna be moving.

28:53

You're gonna be grooving.

And it's just that's such a unique perspective and in the content for Beyond Monumental, I tried to

29:01

capture the race and also the spectators because they have the energy, like they definitely do bring

it.

29:08

Yeah, I love that so much.

I have spectated New York City.

29:13

I'd spectated the year after I ran.

I went back because some friends had to defer.

29:17

And so I was like, well, you cheered me on, I'm going to go back and cheer you on.

And then I've spectated in Chicago and then obviously monumental and around here.

29:25

But I have such an appreciation for like people like my husband who brought our two young kids out,

right?

29:32

You're like dragon kids.

And even for him, he was just going to one spot.

29:36

But like just to get those kids out the door dressed, you know, and like get them to the right place

at the right time.

29:42

Like, all that's really hard.

And I've joked on this podcast before talking about how it's easier than parenting.

29:49

Like running a marathon is easier because you just are by yourself.

It's like, oh, this is a break.

29:53

I'm, you know, right.

It's hard, but not as hard as, you know, lugging little kids around.

29:57

Exactly.

So yeah.

29:58

The idea of following a family around a city that they may not even know and, you know, being at the

Expo, answering questions about, like, how to spectate, it gives me anxiety because I don't want to

30:09

steer anybody wrong, you know.

Yes, because you just, if you're not there, right, those 10 seconds, your runner.

30:15

Right, runs by and usually the app is, you know, a couple seconds, if not a couple minutes delayed,

Yes.

30:22

So you can't really trust it.

And each app is different, right?

30:26

So like Monumental might be early, Chicago might be late.

And only, like, the veteran spectators know that, which is a little funky to say out loud, But like,

30:35

my dad has a complete note sheet of like, what time do we need to, like, be at the race?

What time, like, do I need to be at this mile?

30:44

And he will do whatever it takes to, like, see me the most during the race.

And my mom thinks he's a little psychotic, which he might be.

30:54

That's his sport, but like the.

Best.

30:56

That's his sport.

He is so excited to see me race.

31:00

And he will take a city bike, a scooter.

He took a rickshaw in Chicago for a good amount of money to, to book it to, to back to Chinatown.

31:10

And, yeah, just like the passion that spectators have.

And it's it's like, OK, yeah.

31:15

Marathon is an individual sport, but at the same time, A, you're racing yourself and B, the

spectators, like, that's a sport in itself.

31:24

Yeah.

Like, kudos to you.

31:25

Like, put it on Strava.

Like, I like, Right.

31:27

Truly.

Truly do that.

31:29

Yeah.

And also signs, like people who really put in a lot of effort for signs.

31:34

I love the creativity.

I mean, the distraction of being able to read amazing signs is awesome as a runner.

31:41

So yeah.

Do you have any that come to your mind that are like some of the best you've seen?

31:44

I know that's a hard.

Question.

31:45

Oh my gosh, there's so many.

The the one that's top of mind is Emma Bates posted it the other day and it's it's the guy that

31:56

looks naked and he has a sign that says that's covering his, you know, and, and it says run faster

or I will drop the sign.

32:05

And there's a photo of Emma just, like having the biggest grin on her face.

And I'm like, I want to know what mile that was at because I'm sure that helped her because she's

32:15

like, oh, yeah.

Like, at least for a couple seconds I wasn't focused on the race.

32:19

Yeah, but I was focused on this stupid, you know, kid with a sign that, like, made her chuckle.

Yeah.

32:25

Like that, that in itself is so worthwhile and so creative.

But I do love like a kid holding like, power up.

32:35

I love those.

Too like.

32:36

Please, Yeah, if you have a kid, create a sign, put it on the course because like, you will get so

many high fives.

32:44

It's the best.

So many cheering.

32:45

Yeah, yeah, it's amazing.

Yeah, actually, OK, this was at Carmel.

32:49

Maybe it was last year.

They blurred together, but there was this woman and her kids and she had her phone playing like the

32:58

Super Mario music music amazing.

And so like when you hit the sign, she would do the sound effect.

33:04

That's and I was like this is above and beyond ma'am, like you are.

You need a medal as well, yes.

33:09

Yes.

And let's talk about the volunteers, too, because the volunteers just truly make the race happen.

33:16

And especially, I think in Indianapolis, like volunteers, they show up for races.

Yeah.

33:23

Like, no matter what it is, no matter what the job is, no matter the weather, too, right?

You think about about running in the wind, Imagine these poor volunteers who can't stand to stay

33:33

still.

Yeah.

33:35

Yeah, and just like holding it out, they're usually going to get wet because runners are clumsy or,

you know, they will spill and I don't.

33:42

Have good aim, right?

I try not to hit the volunteers correct.

33:46

Correct.

You know, but it's like when you're running like you, I'm sorry, that's the last thing that you

33:51

know, you're thinking about and just it's such a thankless job sometimes.

And at the end, I always, like, try and say thank, thank you and, like, thank you for being here.

34:01

And they just have such a attitude about it and just, yeah, like, I'm here because I like seeing

other people succeed.

34:08

Yeah.

And I'm like, that warms my heart.

34:10

And I know that I wouldn't have such a great marathon experience if it wasn't for the volunteers.

Yeah, I like to encourage people to volunteer at races, yes.

34:19

Because I it's like sad and embarrassing to admit, but like, before I joined the board for Beyond

Monumental, I had never volunteered at a race and I had run, and this is not a knock if you've never

34:32

volunteered, but just it's something to think about.

I had run I don't know how many half marathons and marathons before, a lot like over 50, and then

34:40

like probably a handful of marathons.

And it just never really crossed my mind to volunteer.

34:46

And then with Beyond Monumental, I've started doing that and you just realize, yeah, the kinds of

people that come out and volunteer and why they do it and all that.

34:54

And you're like, man, I mean, filling up water cups is a sport.

Yes, and stacking them upon.

35:01

Stacks.

Yeah, Holy.

35:02

There's a whole strategy, right?

I had no idea.

35:05

Right.

And so full circle moment, full, full circle.

35:11

I volunteered at the Chicago Marathon in high school.

You did.

35:14

And so that's how I got in because the way that so we the first year, it was kind of a rites of

passage in cross country to volunteer because you had to be a certain age.

35:25

And I'm young for my age with a June birthday.

And I remember all my friends going volunteering when I couldn't.

35:33

And they're like, Oh my gosh, it was great.

We saw the pro athletes, we tried to like, race on the sidewalk next to them, but like, we saw all

35:40

of these centers and it was great.

You need to go like next year when you can.

35:44

And I remember the first year we were handing out water cups.

And again, thankless job.

35:50

You're going to get wet.

You're going to have to take a bus at like 4:00 in the morning because you have to set up.

35:55

But you get, you know, jackets, you get hats and like, that's just the coolest thing as a high

schooler.

36:01

And, you know, you're tracking all the pro athletes on your phone.

And Year 2 was at the finish line with handing out bananas.

36:08

And it's just, it's again, it's long hours, but to see people cross the finish line and it's like,

man, like I want to do that one day.

36:16

Like I want to run the Chicago Marathon one day.

And you know, only a couple years later I was like, all right, like I'm at the start line and I saw

36:24

my every single year I see my high school volunteering out there.

That's cool.

36:28

And it's such a unique full circle moment.

And I'm like, no matter what I accomplish, like, I want to be looking back at like, you know, the

36:35

people that that started it and, you know, made me realize these goals and these dreams.

And it's just such a rewarding thing to be a part of.

36:45

Yeah, when did you start running?

So I started running in the 6th grade, okay.

36:51

And it was only that early because I had two older sisters and they wanted to do summer running for

high school.

36:59

And it was at like 6:30 in the morning.

And it was easier for all three of us to go instead of, you know, my, my parents dropping off 2, two

37:09

of the three and then me being home or, you know, whatever.

I'm like, can't I just like sleep in or, you know, do just watch cartoons or like just be at home

37:17

And they're like, no, like you're, you're going to this And just fell in love with the process and

just the delayed gratification of running.

37:26

I didn't know it at the time.

I just thought that it was too early and, you know, too hot outside to run.

37:32

But eventually it it stuck.

Wow, that's so funny.

37:36

What part of Chicago was this that you grew?

Up, yeah, northern suburbs.

37:41

OK, so I say Chicago, depending on, you know who I'm talking to.

Totally.

37:45

But you know, if I say Chicago to a actual Chicago and they're like, oh, you're, you're from the

suburbs.

37:50

Yeah, but about 30 to 35 minutes north.

OK.

37:53

Which suburb?

Northbrook, IL OK.

37:56

Northbrook.

Yeah, yeah, I'm familiar with some.

37:58

Like my sister's best friend lives in Hinsdale, which is super nice.

Oh my gosh, I wish I could remember where this guy I met in North Dakota.

38:06

Himanshu is from Chicago and he, I forget the name of his running club too, but he volunteers at

Chicago every year.

38:13

His job is the first aid station.

Like that is his jam.

38:18

But yeah, but all those areas I lump into Chicago is somebody from Indy.

Like I'll say I'm from Indianapolis, even though I'm from Carmel, Right.

38:25

It's like people who aren't from Indiana.

Yeah.

38:28

No idea.

Yeah.

38:29

Yeah.

OK.

38:30

Northbrook.

And so after high school, what made you pick Butler?

38:35

Yeah, Butler was already on my radar because conveniently, my two sisters went there as well, OK.

And you know, me being the stubborn youngest child, I was like, I'm not going to follow my two

38:47

siblings.

Like, I want to do my own thing and I want to like, you know, make my own path because I feel like

38:52

I've been in the shadow, like, of them.

And then I started looking into like, Butler's communication school, the city, the internship

39:01

opportunities.

And I was like, man, like Butler seems like a really good choice.

39:08

But I also wanted to run in college, and that was a huge thing because I wasn't quite good enough

to, you know, have D1 like letters sent to me.

39:18

But I was looking at D3 schools and trying to see can I run and also have great internship

possibilities in the future?

39:27

And Butler, I could have walked on, maybe I could have given a shot, but I was like, I'm going to

take the school that has more of the professional development skill sets because let's be real, like

39:39

I'm not going to be a professional athlete.

So like, why am I going to pick a college based on, you know, the athletic potential?

39:47

And was really lucky freshman year to get involved in like a run club and really just like running

with people that also wanted to do marathons and wanted to get into that like scene.

39:58

And I still run with a couple of them like now.

And that's just been so rewarding because.

40:03

I chose the school based on, you know, my career choice.

And it's like, no matter where you are, like you're going to find runners.

40:11

Like, no matter, like, no matter what, if you look hard enough and if you're just on the Monon or

the Canal, like you're going to see people on a regular basis.

40:20

And it's such a small world, especially in Indy.

So yeah, I just started off at Butler and just, you know, transition my way like, after post grad.

40:29

And it's like, wow, like Indy's actually a really good city to live in.

You know, it is I'm biased because I grew up here essentially and I always thought I'd be somewhere

40:38

else.

Like why would I live in Indiana?

40:40

Doesn't I'll go to Chicago or big city or out West, but Nope, here I am and it's the best.

I really love it and it's a great place to be able to travel from.

40:49

Right?

And So what was the first year you ran a marathon?

40:54

Were you still at Butler when you ran a marathon?

Yes.

40:56

So that's.

Crazy to me.

40:58

After I was accepted into Butler and I was like, well, if I'm not running, I need, I need a goal.

I need a tangible goal to set my eyes on.

41:07

And so that summer going into college, I signed up for the Monumental and I was like, okay, like I'm

going to train for it my freshman year.

41:16

And right when I crossed the finish line, I was like, I want to do another.

Like, I want, like, as crazy as that seems, I was like something grabbed the hold of me and I just

41:26

really liked it.

It was super rewarding.

41:29

I didn't know what I could do, like, given the training.

And I, I wasn't a high mileage athlete in high school.

41:36

So marathon training for me, like, was still like 40 to 50 miles.

And so it's like, OK, like, what can we do on, you know #2 and #3 and like, let's, let's see where

41:48

this road takes me.

And yeah, like, here we are #10 loading in in August.

41:54

That's so crazy.

It's amazing.

41:57

And what year would have been your first marathon?

So 2019.

42:01

OK.

Yes, yes.

42:02

All right.

So you snuck that in?

42:04

Yeah, Yeah.

Yeah, OK, 2018-2019.

42:08

Around there, the fall of 2018.

Years blur together.

42:11

Yes, so and also the run club you mentioned at Butler.

What?

42:15

What was the run club?

Yeah, it was a Butler run club and there was only a couple of us.

42:21

You know, Butler's a small school of, you know, 4 to 5000 kids and just really trying to start a run

club there with four or five people doing, you know, afternoon runs, morning runs, and just really

42:34

facilitating, you know, that running community.

And it never quite took off in my four years, especially because the pandemic hit in the middle of

42:41

it.

Running in groups wasn't necessarily like the smartest thing to do, like during the pandemic either.

0:00

But, you know, just like trying to like meet people and like trying to see like, all right, like if

42:53

you're running, you know, indie, I want to run with you.

And if you're doing monumental, like let's train together, especially because in college there are

43:00

so many things to try and so many like different avenues.

So just having that accountability with one or two other people like could be the deciding factor.

43:10

Yeah, I'm so glad that Monumental was your first marathon.

Yes.

43:13

What was your marathon time?

Three O 130.

43:17

OK, so did that piss you off because you're like, yeah, yeah, that's a dumb question, Of course it

did.

43:22

It, you know, I was like, I have no idea what I'm going to run today, but at the half I was like,

all right, like let's try and go for it.

43:31

And being 90 seconds off it still qualified me for Chicago at that time.

And I was like, let's go for Chicago and then Boston, then New York.

43:41

And it just kind of spiraled ever since then.

So credit credit to Beyond Monumental for being my first and for that Google Ads because when I

43:50

typed in indie marathons, like it's like.

Booth.

43:53

That's the one.

43:54

And I was like, all right, good field size and fast times.

And I was like, OK, like if I could afford it as a college student, I'll do it.

44:02

Right.

Yeah.

44:03

That's also helpful that it's here and not.

Yeah, your first one being in, right.

44:07

Yeah.

Was it?

44:08

So the next one was Chicago the following fall then?

Yes.

44:11

And then did you do what was the timeline from your other ones?

Yes, so monumental my freshman year and then sophomore year it was Chicago and that's where I ran a

44:22

251.

Wow.

44:25

So cut off 10 minutes, which was amazing.

Huge PR.

44:30

And then that qualified me for Boston.

And at that time, I didn't know it qualified me for New York.

44:36

And I was like, oh, that's cool.

I could just do both because just do both.

44:41

Yeah, just because New York is a fall race and Boston's in the spring.

But then the pandemic hit and so then Boston was like, well, since we missed the race in the spring,

44:53

we're going to do a fall race.

And I was like, oh, cool, so I have to do Boston, then New York back-to-back within three weeks of

45:03

each other because I could have deferred.

But I was like, no, I don't want to defer because I want to do it like as soon as I can.

45:11

So yeah, that was number three and four afterwards.

Back-to-back.

45:16

Back-to-back, yeah.

Wait, was was Boston first?

45:20

Boston was, yes.

Boston was first, yeah.

45:23

Yes, and I have not done Boston yet.

I really do hope to work my way to qualifying.

45:28

I'm getting closer, especially as I age up, but how was that experience?

It, you know, it was not since you're doing video, but there's a videographer and runner who he said

45:41

his first experience was like a thumbs up, thumbs down.

When he crossed the finish line.

45:45

He went like this.

And it was because it was the hardest thing and yet the most rewarding thing.

45:51

And I truly resonated with that because it was my slowest time.

I was banged up going into it with a knee injury, was not ready for the Newton Hills.

46:01

I knew people said Heartbreak Hill would break you.

And I was like, Nah, like I'm young, I'll I'm invincible.

46:07

Like I'm still in college.

I could do it.

46:10

Oh my gosh.

At mile 19, when those hills hit, you're not ready for it.

46:15

Especially training in the Midwest.

You're, you know, the only hill I really had access to was Holcomb Hill at Butler.

46:23

And just because my knee injury like I didn't do hills too often.

Right, you're not trying to make that mad.

46:29

Right.

No.

46:30

And I'm like, I'm just gonna try and be as healthy as I can and just kind of hobbled through Boston

that year and I was like, man, I got New York in three weeks.

46:40

So Boston was a three O 7 and then bounced back in New York with a 259.

And I was like, I don't know how I did that, but I did it.

46:48

Probably not going to do that again because that was that was pretty stupid.

But I promised myself I'd do Boston again just because I wanted redemption after that.

46:59

And just, you know, I wanted not like my first marathon or first Boston experience to taint that

race.

47:06

And I wanted to, you know, get revenge on on Heartbreak Hill.

I need to do that again.

47:11

I need a do over, yes.

Do you work with a coach at all for your training?

47:14

I don't OK, so for the past couple marathon builds, I've just been strictly off a field and just

taking a week by week and just like seeing all right, like I know Wednesday's a workout, I know

47:27

Saturday's a long run and just being flexible with my schedule as well with being an entrepreneur.

It's like I might be traveling one week or I might be in the city for, you know, a couple weeks.

47:37

So let's hit those couple weeks pretty hard.

So just like having some flexibility, my training schedule is really nice, yeah.

47:43

Yeah, well, it sounds like you're being smart about it, especially by feel and week by week,

especially with somebody who has dealt with injury.

47:49

Yeah, yes, yeah.

So now we have Berlin, London and Sydney left, right, Yes.

47:59

So what are you doing to go after those?

Man, I glad, I'm glad you asked.

48:04

Somehow, someway, I got into Sydney in August.

As in August.

48:09

Yes.

And so this year, August 31st, which is like.

48:13

Not for that long from now.

Yeah, not not too far this year to Sydney, which is amazing.

48:18

So I was thinking, I saw somewhere you mentioned 2026, but you must just not have thought you were

gonna get in and.

48:24

Yeah, yeah.

So this this summer, which is amazing.

48:28

It's gonna be great.

So got Sydney checked off in August and then trying to, you know, run for charity or for like

48:37

specific run club in, in London and then I'm only like about 2 1/2 minutes off from Berlin

qualifying and so.

48:45

Oh wow.

OK.

48:45

I really just want to qualify for Berlin and then, you know, try and get lucky for London.

But something about only what is that like 3 seconds per mile for for Berlin, which doesn't sound

48:58

that bad when you think about it, but it is it's.

That's a lot of time.

49:03

Yeah, you're like okay, like 618 converted, you know, down to 615 like oh okay, so gotta do Berlin.

Cuz I think, you know, there's something rewarding about like going after a time and just like

49:16

something about running as fast as possible and booking that flight is going to be really rewarding.

Yeah, I always, I think about it as like the time it matters in that you're chasing your best.

49:30

It doesn't matter what the time is, right?

But you're chasing your best, your personal best.

49:35

Like you said earlier, you know, you're competing with yourself.

And that's the way I try to think about it, too.

49:40

When I think about Boston and I feel despair, I'm like, how am I ever going to do it?

And it's like, you know what, just chase your best, yes.

49:48

And that's, you know, it'll get you there or it won't.

But like just try to be the best, right?

49:52

OK.

I can frame it that way versus getting so stressed, right, because it is really hard.

49:58

Yes, yeah.

And you know what?

50:00

What's this?

I think the stat is still like 1% of people will ever, like, run a marathon, right?

50:05

Yeah.

And it's like, OK, I'm still in the one percentile.

50:09

Totally.

I'm still, you know, unique and I'm still, you know, one of those people that are crazy enough to

50:15

run a marathon.

Yeah.

50:17

And especially with like at a boom in running right now, it's like you have so many people just like

being talented and just qualifying Boston like right off the bat.

50:27

And it's like just not to get discouraged by by those people in comparison is the thief of joy.

And it's like, I'm going to run my best and I'm going to run and try and be the best version of

50:39

myself.

And that's that's all you can do.

50:42

Yeah, I I love that so much.

This episode is brought to you by Bitch Sticks.

50:50

See, I told you I was going to tell you what it is.

Bitch Sticks is a self-care brand that cares about people, communities and the world.

50:58

Bitch Sticks is more than just a bomb.

It's a call to action to transform a quote bad word into a force for good.

51:04

Each November they give thousands of dollars not just in product but actually monetary support to

support organizations that support survivors of domestic abuse or sexual assault.

51:14

They are also a Indiana company.

They are woman owned and while they are small they are in over 5000 stores nationwide.

51:22

The Athlete Good Luck gift set is part of the giveaway that was mentioned earlier.

It is amazing.

51:29

It comes with two SPF lift balms, one just original 1 eucalyptus.

It comes with a big bitch stick that is for face sunscreen SPF 30.

51:39

The son of a bitch anti chafe which I just tried for the first time and it is great.

Quit your bitchin muscle rub.

51:47

I mean, how can you just not love this brand?

I don't I don't know.

51:50

So if you don't win the giveaway and you want to try bitch sticks, just head to their website

itisbitchsticks.com and you can use code Ali BALLYB for 20% off your order.

52:02

Thank you bitch sticks.

Do either of your sisters run or like your parents, have they ever run?

52:09

Yeah, so my dad, my dad ran all throughout like high school and I believe some in college.

And then my sisters ran cross country in high school.

52:18

And then the reason why the Lee family knew of Butler was because my oldest got a letter from Butler

to run for the 800 meter.

52:26

And so she was there for freshman year and then unfortunately got like 2 stress fractures on her

shins, so had to get surgery on both shins.

52:37

And I'm like man.

So I think it was the really brutal recovery for her and wow, but she's out in Connecticut now and

52:44

she loves backpacking and hiking and getting back into the running world.

And that's been great to see.

52:51

So all of us are still active, you know, nonetheless.

But again, I think I mentioned it, it doesn't matter like if it's a marathon or like a 5K or 10K,

53:01

whatever goal that you want to set, be motivated and be determined to get that goal.

Like it doesn't even have to be a physical goal either.

53:08

I believe people can tackle any challenge that they set their minds to and like that's what I try

and work like.

53:15

That's why I'm trying to tell my story a little bit more to inspire people to tackle that main goal.

I'm glad you brought that up because I loved how you said that.

53:23

You're like, I'm not trying to have this content out there to brag about myself or like whatever,

but I wanted to inspire other people that they can do whatever they set their minds to.

53:35

I saw a quote the other day and I wish I could remember it verbatim, but it was something like to

the effect of the reason that marathoners talk about their marathon or the reason runners talk about

53:44

their marathon so much is because it was so life changing.

It's like such a big experience.

53:49

It's not that I want to be like, look at me, you know, it's like, no, this was amazing.

And I want other people to feel that same experience.

53:58

Yes.

So I really like how you said that because especially as somebody, again, who's so talented, being

54:04

able to like see it through your eyes, it is really inspiring.

Right.

54:10

And I grew up with the same, my dad, I always said the saying of like, if you want notoriety or if

you want publicity in running, like you're in the wrong sport.

54:20

Like go play basketball, go play football.

Like if you want to be popular, like you're in the wrong sport.

54:28

Yeah.

So like know your why and like know why you run.

54:31

And it's not for publicity.

It's it's truly for yourself.

54:35

And I got lucky because two of my like, video and photo friends, they want to get into the

documentary like world.

54:43

And they're like, let's tell your story.

It is a tangible, like time goal of hitting Berlin, hitting 245, going for all seven world majors.

54:51

But what's the true story beyond that?

Yeah, it's not just a time goal.

54:56

Like what are the challenges internally that you're focusing on or like, you know, dealing with?

What are the pressures that you're going through?

55:04

And truly running is just the gateway.

Like it is the hook.

55:09

It is the thing that like gets people to click on, you know, your YouTube video or podcast, but it's

the lessons that they learn along the way.

55:18

And like, I'm hoping that people can transfer those skills to their own lives.

And maybe I'd walk for two miles or maybe I'd just like walk and like just, or like run down the

55:28

block and like see how that feels.

Or like, what if I just walk into a running store and just buy a pair of shoes?

55:34

Like, just get started.

Like that's all I'm asking for, you know, for my viewers.

55:40

Yeah, so cool.

I love it so.

55:42

Much thank you.

I want to talk more about content production too, and to build on what you're just talking about

55:48

with the documentary.

What does that look like?

55:51

Are you constantly, every week doing something?

Do you plan to do like a couple things a month?

55:57

Could you just talk to people about how that journey is coming together?

Yeah, Yeah.

56:01

That's a really good question and obviously this is a passion project for all three of us.

And I I think the biggest barrier for documentary workers are just getting used to the talent and

56:15

like accessibility to the person like both physically being in the same space, but also like asking

those tough questions too.

56:23

And with them being two of my best friends, that's really easy and like being around the cameras

already like pretty comfortable for me.

56:30

So that's not an issue.

But the issue that we're we're running into is time, because we all run our own production

56:37

companies.

We're all like running around the city and like filming certain things and being busy.

56:44

And that's the main barrier.

But it's setting those early morning like, you know, alarms and setting time to like block out for,

56:52

for filming.

Or I'll tell them when I'm doing a long run that could be good to be filmed or a speed workout.

57:00

And so it's really just an open line of communication.

And it's just been so rewarding, both on the creative side and also just a time capsule.

57:08

Yeah.

Because how cool like that I could just watch the Chicago video whenever I want.

57:12

And I'm like, wow, like I did that.

Or, you know, watching, like, the Tokyo video that's coming out.

57:17

It's like, I really did that.

I really worked through, you know, my injuries or, you know, like these different battles.

57:24

I like like it's such a good staple and like, OK, I was battling this in this time period, I can

accomplish XYZ that's coming ahead.

57:35

Yeah, so cool to have.

Thank you.

57:37

I mean shoot, I don't even have video of my wedding.

Yeah.

57:40

You believe that?

I mean, that's the power of video, right?

57:43

And like shameless plug to like production companies because, yeah, it's, it's a timeless piece.

And that's why getting into printing out like my work because yes, digital's really cool, but having

57:56

something tangible for you to like look through or just like reflect back on, like with you or, you

know, loved ones, that's timeless.

58:04

Yeah, I'm obsessed.

So my love for photography started when I was in high school.

58:08

And my high school photography teacher, Mrs. Collier, I really don't know where she is now.

I should look her up.

58:14

But you know, we did darkroom photography high school and I fell in love with it.

Like the idea the that red glow, like going in the dark and like learning about how to do that was

58:26

so cool.

And that was before digital was even a thing.

58:29

That's how old I am.

Hey, it's coming back.

58:32

But it is.

Films, yes.

58:34

And when I lived in Braderpool as a 20 something, I also took, I took a darkroom class at the

Indianapolis Art Center.

58:41

Yeah.

And loved it again, like I was like, I really miss the smell of the chemicals, you know, all the

58:47

things that come along with the darkroom.

And I also worked at Target Photo Lab at one point.

58:52

Amazing.

Yeah.

58:53

It was my favorite job probably.

That's all.

58:55

So anyway, all that's to say, like, I just am in awe of how you're using film and like you just

announced a film giveaway and I was like, I wish I could do something with film, but like tell

59:05

people about why, why film and like why that's a medium you like and.

Yeah, yeah.

59:12

I whenever I explain my love for film, I always preface it's going to sound pretentious because I

think that there's a world with film.

59:19

It's like, oh, like film was better than digital because like it's tangible and like, not to knock

digital, but there's something about, like you said, something about like seeing your negatives or

59:30

seeing like your scans.

And on the flip side, it's so much more meaningful when you take a shot when you know it might not

59:36

turn out if you don't roll the film properly or if you don't expose correctly.

There's so many more like I guess barriers to getting a good film photo that when it does come out

59:51

well or if it's like the shot that you really imagined, it's so much more rewarding.

It's like running that race of a lifetime.

59:59

It's like it's not the actual act that is rewarding.

It's all of the work that you put in to like the training, to like the nutrition to the diet, to

1:00:09

like all the other small goals along the way.

And it teaches you like that one shot is there's such a story behind each frame, whether that's

1:00:20

going around it like the city and taking a photo or like for like a coffee shop, It's so.

Rewarding.

1:00:25

And also to see the reaction of other people.

They're like, wow, like that's film.

1:00:29

Or like, that's our city, that's our coffee shop.

Like you did that.

1:00:33

And there's something tangible about it that I just can't, I can't put my finger on.

But so many people love film photography for a certain reason.

1:00:42

And it's not feasible.

It's expensive, it's a pain, you know?

1:00:46

Which is so crazy to think about how it's like just flipped because digital, when digital started, I

remember working in the photo lab and it was more expensive to do digital than it was to do film.

1:00:57

And now it's just kind of wild how that works.

Yeah, and like truly, everything comes back to analog.

1:01:02

Like everyone wants to feel like they're like a part of the process.

I still shoot predominantly digital for for my clients and for myself, but it's like something about

1:01:13

film is just so rewarding and like you're really a part of the process.

Well, now this is the perfect segue to talk about the blend, which I have watched a couple of

1:01:22

episodes.

Thank you.

1:01:24

Yeah, it's so cool.

Thank you.

1:01:25

Tell people what it is, how you came up with the idea, what to expect from it.

Yeah, yeah, shameless plug for the blend.

1:01:31

If you haven't checked it, please give it a like and a view.

But really just like the love for coffee shops started when I was at Butler and studying at coffee

1:01:41

shops was my favorite thing.

Not only like studying all day there, but when you get into your car and you smell like coffee

1:01:48

beans, like you know you did something right, Like you know, you did damage.

Like you know that.

1:01:54

OK, I studied my ass off because I was there.

But just like the people, the ambience, just like the drinks again, like something tangible about,

1:02:04

you know, doing a pour over coffee or like making espresso, it's going to take some time.

Like it's not instant.

1:02:10

It's an art in itself and just to pair the film process with the coffee process.

And when thinking about titles for the series, I was like, the blend is such a fitting title for it

1:02:28

because it's, yes, it's the blend of film and coffee, but also the blend of, you know, coffee beans

and the chemicals being into like, brewing coffee and like the science behind that and film

1:02:39

photography.

I was like, that's perfect.

1:02:41

And it's the intersectionality of my two passions.

And how can we also support the local coffee community here?

1:02:49

Because there's so many coffee shops, I think in the downtown area, there's more local shops than

Starbucks.

1:02:56

That's cool.

And that's amazing.

1:02:57

Like that.

That's such an impressive stat.

1:03:00

And you know, everyone, no matter where you are, will go to a local coffee shop here in

Indianapolis.

1:03:06

And it's so rewarding.

And if I could give back to the community, to the film and coffee community, like I want to do that.

0:00

So cool.

1:03:13

And it's like, I want to evolve the series where, you know, it's educational.

I want it to inspire other photographers to get into film because it's a daunting task, but I want

1:03:24

people to see like if Mike Lee can get into film like I can, and if I could have one or two

different Nuggets in each episode on like how to develop film or how to roll the film properly or

1:03:36

how to expose it like I want it to be.

I'm not a professional by any means, but like a master class for it and like giving back to the

1:03:44

coffee community at the same time.

It's been a really rewarding process.

1:03:48

Do you develop your own film or you send it away?

Yeah, I send it.

1:03:53

I'm not quite there yet and.

I don't even know.

1:03:55

I'm like, where would you go?

I mean, the Art Center I know has a dark room, but like, yeah, I don't know how that would work if

1:04:01

you were gonna.

There's so many sub categories I guess, right?

1:04:05

Like and like I develop it through one of my friends, Joey, and he's been really rewarding because

he tells me like how each role like went and if there are any things that he like saw in the

1:04:19

darkroom that I need to improve on.

And it's just been a really collaborative effort, so.

1:04:24

Wild.

Yes, yeah.

1:04:25

And it's the relationships that you build through photography.

And I get to meet all the owners of these coffee shops and like, see why they like started it and

1:04:35

like why they're in the community that they are and like they want to serve the community that

they're in and just hearing the stories.

1:04:42

So it's really just another storytelling Ave.

Yeah, I'm a part of.

1:04:47

And I think we're on episode 5.

Episode 5 is coming out soon and really just getting a lot of good feedback from it too.

1:04:55

How often are you planning and putting out episodes?

Yes, so I'm planning on posting every other week.

1:05:02

But every.

Other week, every other week.

1:05:03

That's amazing.

Which is great and so pushing out film as much as I can.

1:05:09

But I'll be filming at coffee shops like a couple of times a week.

Sometimes we have episode, I think 6-7 and eight already recorded.

1:05:18

Film is already back from the lab, so I have that stockpiled.

I wouldn't be posting that frequently if I didn't get that much feedback from the coffee shops

1:05:27

because it's usually a hell yes.

Like we want to be involved.

1:05:31

Like, why wouldn't we?

Well, exactly.

1:05:34

And it's free promotional at the end of the day.

So since I'm getting so much support from it, it's like, well, I can't stop now.

1:05:41

And seeing like where that takes me.

Yeah, so cool.

1:05:44

Thank you.

1:05:46

How do you pick where to go?

That's a great question.

1:05:49

It's usually like a coffee shop referring me to yet another coffee shop and just cold D Ming coffee

shops and saying like, hey, like here's my work.

1:05:58

I would love for you guys to be a part of it.

And usually just sitting down with the owner or manager.

1:06:03

It's like, here's what it would, you know, tangibly look like.

And I, I don't want to be intrusive when I'm at the shops.

1:06:10

I want to be a family in the wall.

I want to just capture the authentic nature of the coffee shop.

1:06:16

And so usually they're OK with that.

And I don't want to bother service.

1:06:20

And I just want to like be there with my camera and like, you know, my video person and then just

talking through the process.

1:06:27

And it usually takes about an hour to, you know, 90 minutes, just like being at the shop.

But it's just, yes, it takes a lot of time, but at the same time, it's like, it's so, so rewarding.

1:06:40

Yeah, every other week.

Yeah, it's wild.

1:06:43

I'm like looking at the quality of that and like thinking, man, like I put out weekly episodes and

it's so much work and you're like, holy crap.

1:06:50

But that is your jam.

Yes, yes, that's my jam.

1:06:53

That is your jam.

How can people work with you if they want to?

1:06:57

If they hear this, they're like, oh, I didn't.

I've never heard of Mike Lee Productions.

1:07:01

Yeah, I mean, I'm on Instagram, I have my website.

I will never turn down a coffee chat that is again my jam.

1:07:09

Like I would love to talk to people.

I'm an introvert like in nature, but like one-on-one meetings is like where I'm at.

1:07:17

So like podcasts is great, like just coffee chats, like over some good coffee.

And it's just, you know, that's like the jam.

1:07:26

And I always love to tell stories.

So if you have a unique story or if you have a company or organization that has a really unique

1:07:34

story that you want to get across, like on the digital platform, I have plenty of experience with

that.

1:07:39

So how do you do, I don't section off my clients based on like what they do, but just if they're

good people and if they have a good story, like I want to work with them.

1:07:46

Yeah, man, I could nerd out too.

Just about all the editing I have, like you had once one point mentioned on Instagram, I think, hey,

1:07:57

like, should we get creators together?

And I was like, can somebody teach me how to do like I will pay to like learn how to do the things

1:08:06

that I'm trying to tackle Because it just seems really overwhelming at times like we've talked about

and especially doing good work, especially when the stories deserve the good work.

1:08:16

That's I'm like, oh man, I feel bad that I did this early podcast.

That's not going to get, you know, I'm just getting better and better.

1:08:23

Yeah, yeah.

But it's like, how can we breakdown those barriers where it's like we have YouTube, we have, you

1:08:31

know, all these websites, but people are craving like in person teaching or like in person just like

learning.

1:08:38

So it's like if you could grab coffee with one person and just hey, can you teach me like how to

edit or like how to like, shoot photos?

1:08:45

I think people are more willing to do it than they will admit, and it's really rewarding.

Like once you do it a couple of different times, you're like, well, like, that felt really good.

1:08:54

I think gatekeeping is such AI don't know.

Red flag, Red.

1:08:59

Yes, yes.

Thank you.

1:09:00

Thank you.

That's the word.

1:09:01

Red flag.

Yeah.

1:09:02

It's like wait.

OK, you're we're not gonna be friends then.

1:09:05

Right.

And it's like a rising tide lifts all shifts.

1:09:07

Yeah.

Like, come on.

1:09:08

Like, can't you see that?

Especially in a community like Indie.

1:09:11

And it's like if we could a uplift meeting at coffee shops and two, like the creative economy.

Yeah.

1:09:17

Like, come on.

Yeah.

1:09:19

How are you not down for it?

Yeah.

1:09:21

Well, I'm down.

I just, I have different value to bring, I suppose.

1:09:25

But yeah, I've thought about signing up for a digital photography class at the Art Center again,

just because I recently got a new camera and I just, I was like, I know that there's a way that I

1:09:36

could use this to the best of its ability and I'm not taking any advantage of it.

Like I could probably be videoing with my really good camera but instead I'm using my iPhone which

1:09:44

is fine but.

But it's like, again, like the resources that you have, like just make do and like shout out

1:09:50

Robert's camera like they Roberts, they are such a blessing to this community.

And I don't think people realize how having a shop downtown, and I don't know what other city has

1:10:03

that like Chicago, you know, you have a couple here and there.

But to have a store that develops, that has used gear that has like the new and up and coming gear

1:10:13

in Indianapolis in the heart of it, that's such a awesome resource that I don't think people will

utilize too often.

1:10:21

So I want a segue to talk about what you dream of and what you're manifesting.

Oh.

1:10:27

Man.

Tell people what you're dreaming about.

1:10:30

And I'm dreaming about a lot of different things.

I would love again, to have like more intersectionality in my life.

1:10:37

I think I definitely live to work.

I definitely live to work.

1:10:42

I know that for a fact that is affirmed by my girlfriend, my friends, my family.

And they're like, you just don't stop.

1:10:49

And I was like, yeah, because I love what I do.

And so definitely like, I want to continue that.

1:10:56

I want to get more into like the personal branding and just having genuine social media content is

where I'm going for not necessarily like trying to be an influencer by any means, but like authentic

1:11:09

partnerships and just like telling my story on a platform and like collaborating with people like

Roberts, collaborating people like Beyond Monumental, like 500 Festival, Boston Marathon, like all

1:11:23

of those things are so great.

I'm filming for Heartbreak Running Company out in Boston this April, which is amazing.

1:11:30

And that was a dream of mine since I've ran Boston, like I want to film it like one year.

So to have that like actually like be this year is super exciting and just capturing different

1:11:43

stories, whether that's running camera gear, film, I like those are like kind of my three buckets

right now.

1:11:50

And so if I could, you know, do more of that in 2025 and 2026, I'm here for it.

And what about 2028?

1:11:57

Oh, man, I mean, of course it's the Olympic year.

Of course, the Olympics are, you know, in LA That would be like the icing on the icing of the cake.

1:12:07

I think you'll get there.

To like be there and just be there with my camera filming like professional athletes, that would be

1:12:14

the dream.

Definitely manifesting that into existence.

1:12:18

So, yeah, just like how can we go from point A to point B?

And I know that there's a lot of work to be done, you know, before 28 comes around, but it's just,

1:12:27

again, just like running every single training block will help you, you know, get to the goal that

that you want to be at.

1:12:34

Yeah, absolutely.

Yeah.

1:12:35

At the Olympics, man, that would be so incredible.

Yeah.

1:12:38

You never know who's listening, right?

You know?

1:12:41

So it's like you got to put it out there and say, hey, I want to be there, I want to do this.

I mean, all the brands, all the different.

1:12:46

I mean, there's just so many avenues to get there.

And it just takes one, right?

1:12:51

It just takes 1.

Like you don't need a million, it just takes 1.

1:12:54

So keep on reaching out.

And it's like for the 10,000 no's that you're gonna get like you just need one.

1:13:00

Yeah, it's so true.

Yeah, so true.

1:13:04

Oh, my gosh.

And when you do this is back to the documentary, because I've been thinking about this when you do

1:13:10

that.

Do you stockpile all that and.

1:13:12

Edit it all at once?

Or do you kind of like edit as you go?

1:13:15

That that's a question for my two friends.

Just because I'm more of a like creative director.

1:13:21

So I'm not in the editing lab like editing just because I'm like, I feel like I'm too close to the

project.

1:13:28

Like literally you are the project.

Right, right.

1:13:30

I'm like, I also don't like editing myself.

Yeah, that just feels.

1:13:34

Weird sucks, I do it a lot.

Yes.

1:13:37

And I do it with the blend.

So I'm just like, I don't want to do that.

1:13:40

And again, it's like, I want an editor to edit my documentary just because they'll see things that I

don't and it will attract so many people like them.

1:13:51

You know, that might not be in the running world.

That will be interesting.

1:13:55

So if we could draw more eyes through, you know, start to finish like I want to, I want to do that.

Yeah, yeah, for sure.

1:14:02

So good.

Well, I hate to do this.

1:14:05

I'm going to ask you the end of the podcast questions, but we're not in a rush.

Five times.

1:14:10

This is good.

So I need to know Mike, what is your favorite running song and or mantra?

1:14:19

Man, I so I don't listen to music while running.

It's something that I've just never done.

1:14:24

But that that doesn't mean I don't, you know, get hype in the car.

Right.

1:14:30

Getting get like going too much, Yeah.

But it's usually something with like Kaleo.

1:14:35

I love like the song Way down we go.

It's it's more of like a slower song, but just something about it, like something about the rhythm,

1:14:43

just like really gets me going before a race.

But also like I heard from Jeff Cunningham, who's like a pretty prominent coach in the running

1:14:50

community, like be the curious amateur.

And I'm like, that makes so much sense.

1:14:56

And what he means by that is like be an amateur of the sport.

Amateur is like, for the love of, you know, blank.

1:15:02

It's like always be a sponge, always be like soaking up knowledge, be curious, be humble about like

where you are to.

1:15:09

He always talks about like, I don't call myself a professional like other people may call me a

professional, but I'm always just an amateur of, you know, my career path or like video or like

1:15:19

running.

So having that mantra in the back of my head like during my training bill during the race, like that

1:15:27

really just keeps my head up during it.

So I always just like try and keep that close to my heart.

1:15:32

Yeah, that's a good one.

Yeah.

1:15:34

Thank you.

It's a really good one for life, too.

1:15:36

And it's like stay humble in a lot of ways too, right?

It's like you always have more to learn.

1:15:41

Yeah, and like staying hungry about it, like always saying yes to new opportunities, just like dive

into the deep end as much as you can.

1:15:49

Yeah.

So shout out, Jeff.

1:15:50

Yeah.

That's a good one.

1:15:52

OK.

And then next finish line or milestone, which we've kind of already given a lot of that away, but

1:15:58

let's reiterate.

Yes.

1:15:59

So obviously Sydney coming up, which is great, but I also have Chicago in October.

So Sydney August 31st and then recover from the jet lag and then get going for Chicago second

1:16:14

weekend of October.

Yeah.

1:16:16

So I have a little bit of time in between, but not too much, you know, to dilly dally.

But yeah, just like wanting to say yes to the opportunities that arise this Chicago will.

1:16:29

I'll be a legacy runner after this so.

OK, how many is that?

1:16:33

I think 5 that's 55 will get you like legacy status so you could run does.

It have to be in a row.

1:16:40

I think so, yes, Which is a lot.

And I don't want to think about the money and length of time.

1:16:47

We can't think about that.

No, no.

1:16:48

Ignorance is bliss when it comes to that.

Oh yeah, Oh my gosh.

1:16:53

So for Sydney, how many days before the race will you get out there?

1:16:57

Think at least three or four.

I want to make it a whole trip.

1:17:01

I haven't been there obviously so.

It's been a really long time since I have.

1:17:05

OK yeah if you have any recommendations for Sydney, please send them my way cuz it's a whole nother

world out there and just like the flight like how do I do that?

1:17:15

Who knows so.

Yeah, right.

1:17:17

Yeah, because usually my MO would be like, OK, let's get some Ambien and, you know, sleep, because I

can't sleep on a plane without Ambien.

1:17:25

But then you're like, what's that going to do to my body?

Just all the things you have to think about differently when you're traveling for a world major

1:17:32

marathon compared to just going for vacation, right, Right.

The most memorable thing I did in Sydney was I was with my dad and my middle sister and we climbed

1:17:40

the Harbour Bridge and it was unreal.

But I have no idea how that looks in a week like Sydney Marathon.

1:17:46

I have no idea if that's even possible.

Maybe that'll be my shake out.

1:17:49

Afterwards, like after the right, yeah.

Just shaking out all the lactic acid.

1:17:57

Right.

Exactly.

1:17:58

Yeah.

And then I've done on my Peloton treadmill, they have like the, what is it called, like a scenic

1:18:02

run?

And they do it in Sydney.

1:18:04

And so I've done that just because I can, I guess.

And it's kind of cool to see like where people run in certain cities.

1:18:12

Maybe that'll be my, like, visualization tactic.

Yeah.

1:18:15

Leading up to the race.

There you go.

1:18:17

OK, like hop on the peloton or like, yeah, one of those scenic runs.

Yeah, you totally can.

1:18:22

And now they're starting to do content related specifically to the New York City Marathon, like they

have, I think part of the course on there.

1:18:30

I don't know, but that's really nice because it's like, Oh yeah.

And sometimes you just need to do something like that to get your mind.

1:18:35

Absolutely.

Yes.

1:18:37

Yeah.

1:18:37

OK.

Sydney in August.

1:18:39

Do you have a time goal for Sydney or are you just going for the experience there?

I think a.

1:18:43

Little bit of both, like we will.

We'll see how the summer looks.

1:18:46

Hoping for a really healthy and good summer training block.

Trying high mileage this time so we'll see how that goes.

1:18:54

I think my body's ready for it as I get older too.

Like high mileage will be my friend instead of, you know, I feel like I've built more muscle and

1:19:03

more experience too.

And I can, you know, learn and really listen to my body a lot better this time around and see like

1:19:11

what I need to look out for this training block.

But like, we'll see.

1:19:15

I I haven't done research on the course yet, so I don't know if it's, you know, fast or faster

compared to Chicago.

1:19:22

So I think depending on the summer build, Sydney might be the Eagle or Chicago will be the a goal

depending on the weather too.

1:19:32

So who knows, but trying to be flexible, trying to roll with the punches, but also be determined in

the goals that I set forth and really just like trying to keep myself accountable through it.

1:19:45

Yeah.

Gosh, I can't believe you get to go do that.

1:19:47

I'm so excited.

Well, every time we talk about Sydney, I tell people my oldest daughter's name is Sydney.

1:19:52

And so I'm like, I gotta take her there.

I gotta go do the marathon.

1:19:54

That's only right.

Yeah, but maybe she'll want to do it.

1:19:57

Maybe she wants to run the Sydney marathon.

Can you imagine if that were?

1:20:00

I don't know.

One can dream.

1:20:01

That is legitimately manifesting, Yeah.

Like if your name is Sydney, shout out to all the Sydney's like you have to do, you have to go do.

1:20:08

Sydney Marathon, right?

And do you run with anybody today?

1:20:14

Like do you run with any of the clubs or do you just primarily workout solo?

Yeah, a lot of it is solo, but my friend Corey, he and I, we've been running since the pandemic and

1:20:25

like through like our Butler days.

But yeah, like I try and get out like and visit all the run clubs if I can.

1:20:32

But we're we're usually like 5:15 in the morning type like crew Corey works at 7:00 AM And every

time I complain about that because yeah, he's like, well, yeah, I work from like 7:00 to 4:00 and I

1:20:45

was like, what?

But like, why can you just like?

1:20:49

Wait, don't.

Does he have your own business too?

1:20:50

No, no, no, no.

So yes, So he he's pretty regiment in that.

1:20:54

That makes sense.

And I was like, man, like, I don't have to.

1:20:57

Like if I didn't have this run, I didn't have to wake up until like noon if I didn't have to.

Yeah, you're a good friend.

1:21:04

Yeah.

A really good.

1:21:05

Friend, thank you.

Thank you.

1:21:07

Corey will love that when he hears this.

Yes, exactly.

1:21:09

But shout out to Corey because he and I, we've been running for a couple years now and it really

just feels like second nature just to, you know, like run with him and we have the same goals too.

1:21:19

And just like really having a good time while running it.

And like he makes it a lot easier.

1:21:25

And I hope it's the same too.

But yeah, it's just like trying trying to find community within like this crazy world of running

1:21:32

too.

Yeah, right.

1:21:33

Well, and I just props to you for getting up in the morning because I don't have to at this moment.

And so, I mean, I do my kids wake me up, but I don't have to get up at, you know, four in the

1:21:42

morning like I used to, to go get in miles before my friend Selena, she was the one who had to work

and be at work at 8.

1:21:49

And so we always got up early to get it done before she would have to go to work.

So yeah.

1:21:56

And so in terms of milestones and we had big milestones out there outside of the obvious one of

getting all the world majors.

1:22:05

Yeah, yeah.

I think that's like that's the key objective, I think.

1:22:10

But at the same time, it's like, I don't know where this crazy world's going to take me either.

And like, the places that I get to see and the people that I get to meet, Like, that is such a

1:22:19

rewarding part of the whole entire process.

And it's like, if I could learn, you know, like at least one thing along the way of each training

1:22:28

block or like, meet one person in every single country or every single race, that is success to me.

And sharing it with people, like back here and bringing people along for the journey.

1:22:42

And like, again, like learning about the course and learning about the culture.

Like, that's such a unique experience of like, an international marathon.

1:22:50

Yeah.

And just like, again, yes, sharing it with the platform that I have and just like seeing the people

1:22:55

invested in it and like that's been really rewarding.

And also, like we mentioned earlier, it's a time capsule too.

1:23:02

So when I'm older, like seeing that, like it's like, OK, I did that in my 20s.

Like I did that.

1:23:09

And I feel like it's a Gen.

Z term but it's like it's dad lore.

1:23:14

Oh, I don't even know what that means.

Looking back at it, like it's, it's like, oh, like dad, like you did the Sydney Marathon.

1:23:20

Like in, you know, when you're 25, it's like, yeah, like I did that.

And like, here's the video.

1:23:25

If, like, if that plays back, like, you know, in the future.

But who knows if 4K is going to be like, you know, like relevant.

1:23:34

Right.

I know it'll be like, wow dad, this is the quality of this is awful.

1:23:38

Right, right.

But hey, it's just going to come back.

1:23:40

It's going to come back eventually.

Yeah, Oh my gosh.

1:23:43

Do you ever do?

We talked about, you know, doing 5 KS and stuff like before.

1:23:47

Do you ever do other distances or is the marathon your main?

I mean, obviously your main focus right now chasing the majors, but.

1:23:54

I, I think I always like to incorporate like races within the training block, like to like

incorporate that race day feel and environment.

1:24:02

So obviously doing the 10 Miller if I'm not filming it for the 500 festival and like doing a half

marathon in June or July, like leading up to Sydney, But like those are just really fun for me

1:24:15

because I feel like a marathon is a little bit too serious.

So like for me just to like go out there and just have fun, Turkey trots are always a tradition of

1:24:25

mine.

So toeing the line with a couple high school friends, like that's so fun.

1:24:29

And just having that tradition side of running is something that I always tap into, yeah.

Thank you so much for doing this.

1:24:37

Thank you you've.

Inspired me a ton.

1:24:40

Yeah.

Thank you.

1:24:41

Yeah, absolutely.

And that's the goal.

1:24:43

So if we can inspire a couple of other viewers and listeners like that, like we did our job.

Yep, job's done.

1:24:50

Yes, yes, and thank you.

Thanks to everybody who's listened or maybe even watched the video, who knows.

1:24:56

I don't know if people will watch it but.

Incorporating video is a huge step, so thank you for doing.

1:25:01

That I'm trying.

I'm trying, Mike.

1:25:03

All right, Thanks, everybody.

Happy running.

1:25:06

Yay.

We did it.

1:25:09

If you enjoyed this Sandy Boy Productions podcast finish lines and milestones, please go share rate

review.

1:25:17

I'm going to ask you to do a couple more things and that is go buy your tickets for the

Indianapolis.

1:25:22

I'll have another live show with myself and Lindsay Hein on May 2nd in Indianapolis.

And check out the Instagram giveaway.

1:25:31

It is humongous.

Talk to you soon.

Back to blog