Finish Lines & Milestones: Episode 124: Nicole Linn - You Can't Call Me Slow, I Already Did

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Guest: Nicole Linn @belowaveragerunning

Show Notes:

Nicole Linn⁠ is the Founder of⁠ Below Average Running⁠, because you don't have to be fast to run. And I love everything about the community she's building.

During this episode, sponsored by ⁠Athlete Bouquets⁠, we talk about:

• Why she’s trying to become a morning runner again - and it is not to beat the Florida heat

• The most recent injury she’s coming back from 

• How the movie Wicked is how we first really bonded 

• Her first half marathon in Palm Beach Florida and the things she didn’t know when she started running 

• The Space Coast Half Marathon and other races in Florida 

• Why she started Below Average Running 

• Celebrating the huge milestone of 5 years of BAR 

• Getting thrown into the influencer side of things 

• Her first marathon in Pittsburgh in 2022

• The BAR Run Club 

• The Rock ‘N Roll Las Vegas half we met at this past February 

• Brands she works with like Noogs, FP Movement, HOKA

• Going to a Grand Slam Track Club meet in person in Miami 

• How she met her fiancé and her upcoming wedding

  Sponsor Details:

  -⁠ Athlete Bouquets⁠ - use code PODCAST for 10% off your order

  - ⁠Noogs⁠ - use code ALLYB15 for 15% off your order

Episode Transcript

[00:00:00] This is a Sandy Boy Productions podcast.

Ally Brettnacher: Welcome to Finish Lines and Milestones, a podcast for everyday runners. I'm your host, Ali Brettnacher, and if you run, you are a runner and every runner has a story. Join me every Friday as I share these stories and we cross finish lines and celebrate milestones together. This week's episode is brought to you by Athlete Bouquets, my very own small business where I make gifts for runners, think edible arrangements, but with all the goodies you would want pre and post-race. If you visit athlete bouquets.com, you can use Code Podcast for 10%. Off your order, and there's more than just bouquets you can buy mugs, bracelets, temporary tattoos, stickers, ornaments, all kinds of fun stuff.

So as we head into the fall where it is peak race season, [00:01:00] make sure you are celebrating the runner in your life. Or celebrating yourself. Now for this week's episode, I'm super excited to introduce you to Nicole Lynn, who you would also know as below average running on the internet. I first started following Nicole A.

Long time ago it feels like, and had the opportunity to meet her in person in Vegas this last February. She did a shakeout run with bar run club below average running run club, and I decided that I needed to go and meet her in person and see what it's all about and what an incredible community that she is building.

It was so welcoming. All different paces. Everybody. Welcome, truly, everybody welcome. I feel like a lot of run clubs might say that, and that's all they do is say that they don't necessarily. Follow through with that. So what Nicole is creating is awesome. And so you need to go follow her if you don't already.

And September 1st, Nicole celebrated five years of Bar and she tells a story of kind of how it got started, really as a [00:02:00] joke and how it's morphed into a really great side gig and community for her. She actually has a day job as an architect of all things. So we chat a little bit about that.

A couple of things to update you on since we did record this episode back in July, she is getting ready to launch some merch for below average running. She's had it in the past and is bringing it back. Hoping to have everything this month. So stay tuned for that.

'cause it's not out yet, but it will be soon. And then we also chat about how to become a below average running ambassador and keep your eyes peeled for that as well. She doesn't have a set date on when the applications will open for that, Anyway, stay tuned and if you really wanna be a part of this community, first start by by following Nicole, and then also following bar run club as well. Okay, so Nicole and I met in February, but first we actually bonded over the movie Wicked. I was asking if it was appropriate for kids to see, and Nicole was so sweet and sent me voice messages [00:03:00] on her opinion after seeing the movie, and it put me over the edge to take Sid, who is now eight, and saw the movie I think in theaters three times.

And at the time this podcast comes out, we have 77 days until part two. Which it comes out on November 21st. So mark your calendars because mine is clearly already marked. So we bonded over Wicked and then just kind of kept in touch. And so then once I found out that she was gonna be in Vegas as well, I got a chance to meet her.

So during this episode, we also talked about something I wanted to make sure I did justice in the intro because I totally messed it up during the episode and I don't wanna get in trouble from Indianapolis Runners. So we talked about Grand Slam Track Club, how Nicole got to go to an event in Miami, which is where she lives, and I said, oh, I dont.

Know that we have any track events in Indianapolis, and here I am, I sit on the board for Beyond Monumental, where we've host, we literally last year and this year have hosted U-S-A-T-F championships and I just wasn't thinking, so please forgive me. I'm so sorry. And it's a good thing our executive [00:04:00] director does not listen to this.

'cause he would be like, what the heck ally? So in 2024, we hosted the U-S-A-T-F Masters Half Marathon Championships at the Indie half, which is about a month away. As this episode comes out, it's on October 4th And then we also hosted this year in 2025, the masters, one mile championships at the monumental mile.

It was incredible. To see these people like we're talking 80 year olds like running. It was incredible. And then in 2025, this year also had the 5K that was at the Indie Mini in May. So we clearly have hosted a lot and. USA Track and Field Is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, so I'm an idiot. Now. I've corrected that.

I should just cut it all out, but you know what, I'm human , we make mistakes. So I really enjoyed this conversation with Nicole. We've, we, again, learned all about the community that she built, but we talk about coming back from injury. We talk about her first, very first half marathon in Florida, other races that she's done.

What it's like to be an influencer and kind of [00:05:00] being thrown into that side of things. What she's learned, and we talk more about the race that we met at in Vegas, brands she works with, and also how she met her fiance and her upcoming wedding, which will be in February of next year during the Vegas half marathon.

Not actually at the, but that weekend, you get what I'm saying? So I won't see Nicole again in Vegas, but trying to convince her to come to Indianapolis. So everyone else who's listening, who's from Indy. You should tell her to come to monumental too. So I really hope that you enjoy this episode with the amazing Nicole Lynn.

Hello Nicole. Welcome to Finish Lines and Milestones. I'm so happy that you are here.

Nicole Linn: I'm pumped to be here. It's been a long time coming. I think we scheduled this back in April.

Ally Brettnacher: I don't even know. Yeah, I was like, I am scheduled out till like July. I don't know how I happened to do that to myself, but

Nicole Linn: I know. I wrote you in my planner and I was like, okay, we'll see how it comes, you know, in three months.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. And it's a miracle. Like usually you book out really [00:06:00] far in advance things you have to move things around and like reschedule three times. And so we didn't have to do that at all, which is amazing.

Nicole Linn: Yeah. Thank goodness.

Ally Brettnacher: And technology couldn't stop us. It tried.

Nicole Linn: it could delay us though.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, it could, it could do that. so happy Monday as we record this.

It's a Monday. I appreciate your time. At the beginning of a week. How was your run this morning? You said you ran this morning.

Nicole Linn: You know what? It wasn't horrible, and I'll

tell you. Yeah.

so the humidity was a little less, I think it was like 80% still, and it was, it only felt like 85. So I said, you know what? That's a win.

Ally Brettnacher: It's a breeze. Yeah. Well, my air conditioning stopped working last night, so That's great. So I'm like still in my workout clothes 'cause I'm like, well, I'm gonna just sit and sweat all day. So, who knows? Anyway, it's, it's great, but I'm not in Florida, so I can't complain that

Nicole Linn: Oh, you can complain. You can complain.

Ally Brettnacher: I do complain. I am in central Indiana and we've had really, really warm weather for us [00:07:00] this summer.

And then, yeah, I just think about being down where you are and running. And is that why you're trying to become a morning runner again? To beat the heat? No.

Nicole Linn: It's mostly because after work I get home and I'm like, if I sit down, it's game over. And I feel like there's not enough hours in the day no matter what you do. So it's like, and then at night, like I like to cook dinner and then like pack my lunch for work and do all those things. Well, if you're trying to run and then, you know, like stretch, not that I stretch often.

You run out of time and then you're like showering. It's like eight 30 and you're like, I haven't eaten yet and I gotta wake up. And then it's

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

Nicole Linn: so,

Ally Brettnacher: Are you training for a marathon right now? Because you're coming back from injury, so you're just trying to

Nicole Linn: I'm just trying to get some endurance back so I don't feel like I'm dying. So,

Ally Brettnacher: yeah.

Yeah. That's fair. and which injury is this? I feel like I didn't realize you had had multiple injuries in your running career. Is that right?

Nicole Linn: Yeah, which is horrible because like I was never injured, like my whole life, no issues. And then it was last year, my [00:08:00] left knee like started causing a lot of problems. It got it swelled up. It was so fat, like you

couldn't see my kneecap. And I went to the doctor and I had sprained my MCL, but I sprained it because like we, they did a more in depth look or whatever.

I don't have any cartilage left in like my left knee. So it, it cracks real bad. And like he said, my kneecaps are crooked, which is apparently common in tall women. And the way it's like pushing on, I guess the cartilage, it was a thinner piece anyways. And he's like, yeah, you're gonna need a knee replacement at some point.

And I said, when do you do that? And he's like, well, you're too young. I was like, well, don't tell me that then because now do I just want a knee replacement

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Now I just wanna fix it so I don't have to worry about

Nicole Linn: I respect the heck outta this doctor though. Like, that's not it. And he's like, we wanna strengthen everything around it so we can push off an knee replacement.

The technology's not there to have him long term, whatever. Like, I, I agree with him. It just sucks a little bit. And then I, I broke my foot in March running, I just like rolled my ankle and broke it. But that was two month [00:09:00] recovery. Super easy. I totally forgot. I broke my foot. Like it wasn't a stress fracture, wasn't overuse.

I rolled my ankle and broke my foot.

Ally Brettnacher: So which part of your foot did you

Nicole Linn: My, I think it was my fifth metatarsal. So like, if you look at your foot, it was like this guy here, which apparently is very common to do if you roll your ankle bad enough.

Ally Brettnacher: Interesting. I did not know that.

Nicole Linn: it's okay.

Ally Brettnacher: I'm sure other people listening have had the same thing happen though. But I had a stress fracture in one of my metatarsals. I don't remember which one, but that was in college and that's, yeah, knock on. I don't have any wood close by, but, that's like really the only injury I've had to speak of related to running was a stress fracture.

And that was when I was just over training. So I'm just trying not to fall over. Yeah.

Nicole Linn: Yeah, just watching the ground. You can trip.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Yeah. so we got to meet in person. Which was so exciting for me because I've been following you on Instagram for a while and I just love everything that you're doing. I'm [00:10:00] mildly obsessed with everything you're doing.

And when I saw you were gonna be in Vegas, I was so excited. I'm like, I have to, I have to meet Nicole. And I feel like it's always, I don't know, at least for me, I feel like I'm a very awkward person.

Nicole Linn: You.

Ally Brettnacher: so normal.

well, I always feel awkward 'cause I'm just like, oh my gosh, here we are in real life. Hi, I'm here. And um, it's just kind of funny, but you're like the exact same person I would expect to meet in real life.

And then I just felt like, okay, well now we're friends. I've met you,

Nicole Linn: We were friends when we bonded over Wicked

via voice memos.

Ally Brettnacher: that was the nicest thing maybe anyone's ever done for me, Nicole, that was so sweet

Nicole Linn: I will persuade anybody to watch Wicked. Even a child,

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

this is a PSA for anybody who has for some reason put off seeing it. It's an incredible movie. Yeah. I was just worried that my 8-year-old, almost 8-year-old was gonna be scared. Not at all. Now my, my four year old's seen it too. Not scared. So, yeah, [00:11:00] it was excellent.

Nicole Linn: I love it.

Ally Brettnacher: I love it. do you listen to Wicked Music on your running playlist?

Nicole Linn: Not on my runs. I don't like to listen to it. It's like strictly a car song, screaming it loud. shower song. I used to like, I will listen to it. If certain runs I'll get like. Anxiety for it. Like I get nervous if it's a really hard workout, I'll listen to Wicked, but like Broadway, not the new one to calm my

nerves. I do love the new one as well, but like if I need the calm sensation, it is Kristen and Idina,

Ally Brettnacher: Yep. Yeah, I understand. Well now I have to figure out how to take my kid to go see it. Like the actual live play at some point somewhere she needs to go now. So, and it's almost time for what Thanksgiving's when the next one comes out,

Nicole Linn: Yeah. The 21st of November. It's the week before. Yeah.

Ally Brettnacher: we'll have to uh, reconnect after that and uh, bond over the second half.

I can't wait. yeah, so thank you for doing that. I appreciated it so much. And so yeah, we were friends and then you [00:12:00] ended up in Vegas with your crew and with below average running Vegas and your dad and your grandma, your gram, ugh, ugh. And so that was a blast. I absolutely loved, I just love everything you're doing.

So I guess I tend to start somewhat chronologically 'cause I feel like it's helpful for people to understand.

How the heck you got into running? Like what makes you enjoy running? And then I can't wait to hear more about the story of bar run club and like all that you've kind of done with this movement of celebrating and embracing the pace.

So, so take us back

Nicole Linn: Oh boy.

Ally Brettnacher: to the beginning. Where, who are you, Nicole?

Nicole Linn: So it was an early morning, October 11th, 1996. Um, I'm just kidding. My mom currently, I was in a rush to be born. 'cause my mom like, didn't even get like Advil or like no epidural. I just was like,

she's like, this is the only time you were early in your whole life. Anyway. Sorry mom. Um, but no, so I like. I wish I, I, I really am [00:13:00] jealous of people who remember running their first mile because I don't like, it's not that I ran like as a kid, but there was like the holiday mile when, like the children's race that you did.

I always did those. and I wouldn't say like, my parents aren't runners, but we always active. So I've always done like the five Ks. I've always done 'em. Let me clarify, I've never been fast at them. I have been in the back, so that hasn't changed. but then I definitely got more serious with it. Like, I started running cross country in high school.

My older brother ran first, and so then I started doing it. So I think How old are you when you go into high school? 14, 13, 14. I don't know. Um, so that's when, like long distance I started to be introduced to it. I ran through high school. I absolutely hated it as I think most individuals do. But the, my teammates were the best.

My coaches were the best. Like the people you meet through running like, you know, Allie, the kindest individuals. so that's when I started and then in college I said, I'm done doing this, I hate it. And then it didn't last long, clearly. I, [00:14:00] um, I studied architecture and it's a very demanding major. Like, we did not see the outside very often.

Like we were always working and it obviously is not like a healthy lifestyle of like staying up late, drinking so much caffeine, no water, whatever. So I was like, if I sign up for a half marathon, like it'll force me to have some healthy aspects of my life. So I did that

Ally Brettnacher: and

wait, before, we move further, I need to go back to architecture. what got you into that field? I feel like that's

Nicole Linn: I wanted to be an engineer like my dad. Then I took calculus and I said, I don't wanna do this anymore. Like this sucks. so after calc, after Calc one high school, I was like, I'm done. I had always been very creative, like I always loved, art and like, but it's not like drawing, I'm a horrible drawing or sketcher or whatever.

But it's like the problem solving and like building things I always really loved. So my dad's like, I mean, have you considered architecture? I said, no. ' cause when you're like 17, 18, you don't consider anything. You just wanna go to [00:15:00] college. And so I, when I applied to schools, the only school I applied to that had architecture was Kent State University, which is where my parents went and where my grandma went.

You met Grandma Carroll, so

Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. I should know where that is. Where's Kent State?

Nicole Linn: the middle of nowhere or Ohio, Okay. that's why I should know. I knew it was

yeah. Um, I guess the biggest city would be Cleveland. It's closer to Akron, you know, like LeBron James, but

we don't like Akron. So, um, so yeah, it's in northeast Ohio.

Ally Brettnacher: Okay. Okay.

Nicole Linn: A very cold place to live. So I was like, okay, well if I go to Kent, then it's a sign that I'll study architecture.

And I, I also wanted to study business. And my dad, my dad, he's the best because the way he said, I was nervous to obviously go away. I was born and raised in South Florida and all my friends were gonna Florida State, uf, whatever. And I was like, do I do this? Like, Kent offered me a lot of money. so I was like, okay, screw it.

And my dad said something that stuck with me and still stuck, stuck with me before I left. And he said, if you don't like it, you can leave. You're never stuck anywhere. Like, he's [00:16:00] like, yeah, it's gonna be a pain in the ass to do like the paperwork to transfer all these things, but in any situation in your life, you can leave, you can remove yourself from it.

He said, go take the chance and if you hate it, we'll figure it out. Lo and behold, I did hate it. For the first like two months, like cried every day. Like I didn't have friends. Everyone knew each other already, and like I, I think I'm a social person and I couldn't make friends and like, and then it got better and then I loved it.

Well, I don't like Ohio weather, but the individuals I met, I can't are some of the best. And the schooling was fantastic. Like no regrets. Like I love Kent State so much, but the weather was horrible.

Ally Brettnacher: It's rough in the winter up here.

Nicole Linn: It's so bad.

Ally Brettnacher: happened. Yeah.

Yeah. I went to sch, I went to undergrad in Ohio too, actually. I went to Miami of Ohio, which

Nicole Linn: Oh,

Ally Brettnacher: to Cincinnati and

Dayton on the west side. but yeah, I remember, I mean, winter's in college. Yeah, I, there were only classes like canceled maybe once my whole college career.

Otherwise they just, they're like, bundle up.

Nicole Linn: You're like, have fun walking across [00:17:00] campus in this blizzard, and you're

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Yeah. And there was no remote classes then. I mean now they'd be like, we're just gonna do e-learning today. I mean, what Kids are not gonna be strong. It's like, yeah. That builds character, I tell ya.

Nicole Linn: I do worry about that.

Ally Brettnacher: so are you still working in the field of architecture today?

'cause you got your master's as well after. Okay.

Nicole Linn: So I did return home to Florida because I said I can't do this anymore. I hate it here. so I did my master's at FIU Florida International, down in Miami. Love, FIU. It is a great university and it's significantly cheaper than the University of Miami. So that's why I picked FIU and, but both are great, great, great schools.

And, I did go remote during my master's. I was there for one semester and then

COVID hit, so everything went virtual and very interesting. Doing all your studio projects, all your research for these sites via just the computer.

Ally Brettnacher: yeah.

Nicole Linn: It was nice that we didn't have to build anything.

Like I didn't have to use the laser cut [00:18:00] laser cutters or 3D printers 'cause we couldn't access them. But like, they're like, oh, you have to make a video of your entire building in and out and like gave you a new skillset set. But like that also sucked. So,

Ally Brettnacher: That's so interesting. My husband got his master's too, during

COVID. He's like, might as well,

Nicole Linn: I know, I know. It was, it's good for the certain reasons and then it was bad.

I mean, you didn't have the interaction with any of your classmates, which obviously sucks and you couldn't connect to your professors as well either, but

Ally Brettnacher: Right.

Yeah. Well,

Nicole Linn: No, whatever. It's over.

Ally Brettnacher: yeah. Yeah. Huge accomplishment. So, okay. So back to when you signed up for your first half marathon. That was when you were in, now I forget. High school or college?

Nicole Linn: I was a junior in high school

Okay.

Ally Brettnacher: Okay. Okay.

Nicole Linn: as I made a deal with my one cross country teammate. We're like, we gotta do this before we graduate. And we were like the slowest on the team and we did it and it sucked. We did not know how to train for it. Like I had no idea what I was doing and it was brutal.

Ally Brettnacher: yeah. Which, what was your first half marathon.

Nicole Linn: It was the [00:19:00] Palm Beach half Marathon,

Ally Brettnacher: Okay.

Nicole Linn: so

Ally Brettnacher: I mean, it sounds beautiful but also sounds hard. What time of year is that?

Nicole Linn: December, middle of December, but it's still very warm down here. And I remember like hitting like mile 12 and I just felt like my shoulders were frying off my body. Like it was so hot. It was so hot,

but

Ally Brettnacher: I don't do well in heat, so, so this heat is good because I need a train in it to get used to it, but I still hate it. I'll still complain. So,

Nicole Linn: okay. Complaining gets the job done, it's fine.

Ally Brettnacher: So who is the friend that you, so did you guys run the whole time together for that first half? No. You just signed up and both did it. Did she do it too?

Nicole Linn: Yeah. I don't remember where we, I don't really remember that race all like at all, which is sad now that I think about it, but like. We started together and we probably were together a few miles 'cause we were the same pace, like on cross country. But she, she beat me. I don't remember, I don't know what her time was, but we did separate I think pretty early on.

'cause I remember being alone and then we found each other after the race. And there's this photo [00:20:00] of us just like hugging. And I'm six foot and she's really tiny. So it's just like me, like half on her body, like we're drenched, like distraught and like it's gross.

But yeah,

Ally Brettnacher: like, okay, were you hooked from that

Nicole Linn: no, no, I said I'd never do it again.

Like it was

Ally Brettnacher: of course.

Nicole Linn: but I, like, I didn't train, I didn't know, like I didn't know anything. So it was bad

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. And so how long then did it take you to sign up for another distance race?

Nicole Linn: like law, like half marathon distance, four years. 'cause I did it junior year of college.

Ally Brettnacher: Okay. And so then did you have the same kind of thing, like, I need to do this before I graduate again, or

Nicole Linn: No, I did it to try to be healthy.

And I still hated it. I trained better this time and I, like, I did, I had a huge pr, but I was like, I still am not having fun yet. Like, this is not, and this is like literally, this is so bad of me. I didn't feel like I didn't know you had to eat and do these things. Like, I didn't know.

And I feel like there's so much more knowledge. What maybe it's like with TikTok and

Ally Brettnacher: great. Oh my [00:21:00] gosh.

Nicole Linn: they have to fuel, but like, I feel like when you were in high school running, no one told you this. Like, we didn't have water on our runs. We just didn't have water.

Ally Brettnacher: That's crazy

Nicole Linn: And it's, I think back I was like, we were running at 3:00 PM in August.

Like we didn't have water. Okay.

Ally Brettnacher: All

right. I guess we,

Nicole Linn: I just feel like there was a lot of, a lot of knowledge that wasn't like told to us, which is fine. It's, but

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. It is so interesting to think about that now. I feel like it's almost to the point of being overwhelming with all the information that's out there, because now you feel like,

Nicole Linn: Mm-hmm.

Ally Brettnacher: I need to do, I need to do all of these things, these warmups, these stretches, these, this fueling I need to do pre-workout and post-workout recovery.

And, and you're just like, okay,

Nicole Linn: Yeah.

Ally Brettnacher: try to do all the things. So what was your, what was the half marathon that you ran when you were a junior in college? Was it the same one?

Nicole Linn: no, this was the Towpath half marathon, somewhere near Kent, Ohio. I don't remember. I ran this one with my dad 'cause we had run a fuse together. And by that I mean he ran in front of me.[00:22:00]

He will never let me live that down. So we ran that one. And yeah, that one wasn't great either, but it was better weather.

It was kind of chilly. I remember that. ' cause it was like October in Ohio, so

Ally Brettnacher: Okay. Now when you say towpath, it makes me think of like a gravel like trail. It wasn't, it was just a road race.

Nicole Linn: not a road. Well, part of it was, I think. The reason I didn't like this race, it was definitely a low budget race. The tow path might have changed since 2017 or whatever, 18, whatever year it was. So I'm not like sitting on the tow path and it was a fast course for me, but at one point I remember it was essentially like an out and back race to an extent.

And you were on, I kid you not a sidewalk like it was paved, but it was like kind of traily of that was maybe three or four feet wide. The issue with this was the fast runners were then coming back this way when you're going this way. And it was so tight. And I don't remember how long that was, but I remember being like very overwhelmed of there's too much coming and going like, and you're [00:23:00] trying to run.

Um, I don't know if they fixed that,

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. I wonder We have a race. well, there's a women's race in particular that's in, August now here, and we have the Monan Trail, which is an old rail road that they paved, it's pretty wide. I think it's enough, but yeah, you do, like, you pass people coming back, which is, it's thankfully not so narrow that you're, you know, like what you've described, but still it's kind of like,

Nicole Linn: when then I feel bad, like the people who are like really fast, like maybe are trying to get a BQ or win the race, I'm like, I am in your way. Like my race doesn't matter. Yours is way more important.

Ally Brettnacher: yeah. You're like, sorry, I'm just gonna

Nicole Linn: yeah, I was like, sir, I'll stop. It's

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

I'll stop. It's great. wow, Ohio and with your dad. So have you and your dad done a lot of race races together?

Nicole Linn: Three or four halves. I think he's done three halves. 'cause then he ran the next one with me, which was Pittsburgh and that was senior year of college. And then we ran Space Coast one year together as well. And I know he misses it a lot. Um, his doctor did advise him to stop doing this. [00:24:00] He also has knee problems 'cause you know, it's genetic.

Ally Brettnacher: great.

Nicole Linn: I said, oh, thanks dad. and he also has a problem with his shoulder. He used to play baseball and it's his shoulders all. So, I know every time I do a race he misses it, especially like watching me do Vegas and get like very close to his pr he wants to race for real. so, but we did like some, we did the Dallas Marathon relay together recently, which was super fun.

And

he's done five days, but like, I think

anything

over that five or six mile mark is like really hard on his shoulder and his knees

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, that sucks.

Nicole Linn: Oh yeah.

Ally Brettnacher: And so where's Space Coast? That sounds like a cool

Nicole Linn: Um, Cocoa Beach, Florida by nasa, Cape

Canaveral. It is. You're, it is fun. It is. It's a smaller race. it feels very like home towny, family friendly.

They have a half and a fool and they go all out for space theme. Like, it's like, I think it's sponsored by NASA and at one of, there's two courses for the half and one of them you can see the one facility buildings [00:25:00] of NASA like across the water. And they have like, the metals are space themed. Uh. Every, like four years, they set a new mission.

So the first time I did it, I think it was like the Apollo mission and now it's mission to Mars. So I'll finish Mission to Mars this year, my fourth year. which like, it's like really cool. They go all out and everyone is so kind. You run past these like million dollar homes on the water and they come out here for you.

They have like makeshift aid stations. It's also an out and back, but it's on a big road. So you get to cheer for everyone and it's, if you wanna go fast, it's set up for you to do it. But if you want to take it easy, I think the half marathon cutoff is like four and a half, five

Ally Brettnacher: hours. Oh wow. That's

Nicole Linn: people who walk it and I'm like, I love that.

You just want people to come do this.

Ally Brettnacher: Right.

That's so

Nicole Linn: such a, it's a fun, chill race. I really love it.

Ally Brettnacher: What time of year is that one?

Nicole Linn: The Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Ally Brettnacher: Sunday after Thanksgiving. Well, you know, maybe if we do, my parents now have a place in Naples, Florida, and

so I haven't raced. I have never done a race in Florida, and so I'm like, [00:26:00] I need to cross that off the list.

Yeah. Although I really wanna come to Miami 'cause that would be fun,

Nicole Linn: of course. There. Listen, there's, down in the Keys, I believe it's Marathon two, I, I'm gonna mess up my keys, so don't come for me. But, uh, there's a seven mile bridge that's seven mile bridge and it was the best race I've ever done in my whole life. It was so beautiful. They shut down the bridge, obviously no cars, and it sells out every year in like two minutes.

I don't, I don't know how many runners they allow, but it's very small. And when you're on this bridge running, the sunrise is coming up and there's people on boats that are cheering for you, which is like so fun.

And it feels like you're not even on earth. It's just so beautiful. It's so quiet. Any Florida race, that's the one I recommend.

We, we gotta do it.

Ally Brettnacher: Okay. Yeah, I'm into that.

Nicole Linn: That one is very fun.

Ally Brettnacher: I don't like how it sells out in two minutes. How am I gonna get in?

Nicole Linn: You just gotta do it right at 6:00

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Okay.

Yeah, that's okay. Sign me up. Sign me up for that. There's also, we, my husband and I were in Key [00:27:00] West, when was that? Like spring break time and there's a, there's one there in January, which I was also like, I'd be down for that as well.

But the bridge

Nicole Linn: was, there's like a big party afterwards.

Ally Brettnacher: I bet.

Nicole Linn: Key West is a great time.

Ally Brettnacher: Yes. Yes. So much fun. So fun. okay, so you start doing races, half marathons,

two questions. At what point were you like below average? Running like, this is my jam. Kind of like I'm back at the pack. you know, running my race.

And then also at what point were you like, I wanna do a full marathon?

Nicole Linn: Oh, well. Um, okay, so it was my fourth half marathon. It was Space Coast. The first year I did it, it was 2020. It was the same thing. I was in grad school, so I was like, let me find a race to be like to try to have some health. And that was the only race that wasn't canceled. 'cause it's small enough that they could, like, we could kind of separate.

And so I signed up for that and I went to TikTok. I wanted to document my training because I was like, I wanna see, like I wanna see my workouts, like I wanna see how I'm speaking about 'em. And just like, [00:28:00] you can see like in your face how you felt about a workout afterwards. I said, screw it. Like I'm gonna video dire this for myself.

But then I was thinking, I was like, somebody's gonna make fun of me online 'cause like I'm not fast and I don't wanna do that. So I was like, okay, I'll beat 'em to it. So I just called it Below ever running and I posted the first video and it got way too much attention. And I said, oh no, no, no, no. I'm gonna have to keep doing this.

So, and I never really thought about it. And a lot of people like just loved like, kind of like beating people to the punchline. If you can't call me slow, I already did it. And. Like, I love running and I'm just not great at it. And so I kind of kept making the videos as a joke. but that was like the pivotal moment of when like running became fun for me.

Like I finally just started to have like a positive relationship with it instead of like, I hate this, even though I still feel that way sometimes. Um, and then I had a coach reach out to me too, coach Alicia, from what runs you. And she taught me so much stuff like that. I have to eat didn know that, I need to drink more water.

Like, she taught me a lot that it [00:29:00] became not horrible to run it. Like I didn't feel like I was dying.

Ally Brettnacher: Right.

Nicole Linn: so much shifted into that fourth race. Like I didn't run a PR at all, but like I felt so much better and then it just, it just continued from there.

there.

Ally Brettnacher: Snowballed a little bit from there. Do you still work, Coach Alicia?

Yeah, I remember. Well, I trained for my first marathon with a coach. What, what year would that have been? Like 22 I think it was. 'cause it was my first time after my second kid was born that I was gonna run a marathon. I wasn't going for a pr, but I just wanted to see what I could do with a coach.

Like what can I learn? And it was the first time where I crossed the finish line and I didn't feel like I was gonna die. And I thought this coaching thing is pretty nice,

Nicole Linn: yeah. They know what they're doing.

Ally Brettnacher: They know. They know how to help me. I don't need to go out and run as fast as I can for six miles. Like every, like I would just before that, I would have like the Hal Higdon plan on, you know, and I would just say, okay, today's four miles.

I'm just gonna go out and run four miles as fast as like, just [00:30:00] whatever pace I want. And I realize then working with a coach, you're like, that's not how you're supposed to do it

Nicole Linn: Yeah. But it's, it's not common knowledge. Like it's, you see online, like these people trying to absorb all this information, these new runners, someone's like, how do you not know this? As like, you have to think, we did not know this until someone taught us. And a lot of us were running in the days where you didn't even have a smartwatch, you had a stopwatch on your wrist like.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

Nicole Linn: Like, I didn't know how far I was running. Like you just mapped it with your car. Like there has been so much knowledge and you don't learn unless someone teaches you that.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Yeah, exactly. People who say that you're just like, okay,

Nicole Linn: They're so rude. I'm like, okay, Mr.

Ally Brettnacher: rude. Yeah. Good job. So did you start on TikTok or Instagram or kind of both of the same. Okay. TikTok. Okay. Because how old are you

Nicole Linn: We're turning five,

Ally Brettnacher: or no, how old are you as a

human? Oh,

Nicole Linn: 28.

Ally Brettnacher: you're like 1, 2, 3.

Nicole Linn: Yeah,

Ally Brettnacher: today?

Nicole Linn: I turned 29 in October and then I'm spiraling 'cause I'm [00:31:00] almost 30. So

Ally Brettnacher: Well that makes sense. 'cause TikTok like, I'm 39, so I'm Instagram because I'm old. Yeah, yeah. Mm-hmm.

Nicole Linn: I would've said 32.

I No, like I really,

Ally Brettnacher: Oh my God.

Nicole Linn: but you're like two kids. I said, Hmm. That's

Ally Brettnacher: Hmm.

That's probably, yeah, she's a little, so yeah, so I, yeah, I'm Instagram, but yeah, TikTok makes sense for you. And who, which is, which cat is that? Hold on

a moment. Oh.

Nicole Linn: She doesn't have a tail.

Ally Brettnacher: Oh,

Nicole Linn: She was born without it.

Ally Brettnacher: Oh,

Nicole Linn: This is Miss Princess and this is her barrel that she sleeps on.

Ally Brettnacher: she always is up there. Look at her showing off. She's like, hello?

Nicole Linn: she's a giant flirt.

Ally Brettnacher: Hi

Nicole Linn: I call her, uh, we call her Miss Princess Bombe, the queen of Brisbane.

Ally Brettnacher: Perfect.

Nicole Linn: And I said the princess The Queen? Yeah.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Oh my gosh. That's funny. Sorry. I got very distracted. I just saw her face right there and I was like, hello. Who are you? I figured I would see somebody from your farm family that you mentioned in your [00:32:00] email. and now I completely lost. Oh yeah, we were talking about age.

So Yeah. And then below average running is about to turn five. When's your, when's the birthday of the run

Nicole Linn: September. Oh, well, bar is September 1st. Run club is in, March is March of 23.

Ally Brettnacher: Okay. I love it. So you just called, so you started on TikTok and you're like, I'm below average running, and you documented your first. Training season and did you just start gaining like this community and following, I mean, you mentioned you got a lot of attention right away, so did it kind of come quickly?

Nicole Linn: It like continued for, it continued for a while and it was obviously, it's very motivating. Like when you start to see that, like you get excited if you go viral, you get excited and, but then it was when it slows down and you're still getting a good amount of views, it's when you're getting the comments of people being like, you inspired me to start running.

'cause I felt the same way that I was like, holy shit of like that I could help someone. 'cause like if you ask any of my cross country teammates or my coach in high school, [00:33:00] like I was not that person. Like I always dreaded practice, like did not wanna be there like I am. I would encourage you of course, but like I wouldn't inspire you at all.

And

And

so,

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

Nicole Linn: so, like, I know, like my, I saw my coach a couple years ago and like she had seen everything that I was doing and she's like, I just would never have believed that you were the one to do this. Like, and she's like, I'm so proud of you, but like, whatever. And I guess like you just see them of like someone who's never run before, finally the conference to go or someone who was always slower is like, they screw it.

I liked running, like I'm gonna post it.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

Nicole Linn: Um,

that's what was like, I think is my favorite part, is that I've inspired a lot of individuals to start running and who don't give a shit about their pace. Like, because all movement is good movement. Like, let's, let's stop. I, we're all getting older, our joints are getting worse.

Whatever, we need to move our bodies. Let's do it however we need to fast or slow.

Ally Brettnacher: yeah, yeah. I mean, yeah, people are, [00:34:00] I'm just so happy that there's now this community. I mean, so when you say you're five years of below average running, is that when you created your TikTok? Is that like when you first started

Nicole Linn: that's the first video.

Ally Brettnacher: Five years. Oh my gosh.

That's awesome. Happy birthday.

Nicole Linn: thanks.

Ally Brettnacher: What are you gonna do to celebrate that milestone?

Nicole Linn: Well, I'm gonna be in Puerto Rico for my bachelorette party, first of all.

Ally Brettnacher: Uh, perfect.

Nicole Linn: So, um, nothing on the actual day. I'll probably be hungover, but that's okay. 'cause it's Labor Day this year. but the whole month of September we're having our run clubs. I don't wanna like spoil anything. When is this coming out?

Ally Brettnacher: not for a while.

Nicole Linn: Well, all of our run clubs, they're partnering with local business breweries, hotels, et cetera. Um, we're gonna have a lot of free samples given out. Like we're just trying to have like a party at every city to celebrate whenever it is. 'cause our run clubs are all month.

for, I know for my location for Miami, I have a lot of good things planned, a lot of exciting things. And the biggest news is, we will have merch finally [00:35:00] again.

And I have been busting my ass, like to get it done and it's not been easy, but like we're, it's about to start printing and all that stuff, so like, it is happening

Still in the works.

There's good stuff.

Ally Brettnacher: You gotta do well. Do you have temporary tattoos?

Nicole Linn: No.

Ally Brettnacher: You should do that.

Nicole Linn: I

Ally Brettnacher: Too. just, just throwing it out there as somebody who's just mildly obsessed with temporary tattoos.

Um,

I really am, there's a couple companies. There's like the, my race tattoo, my race tattoos. Uh, I haven't used them yet, but I am probably gonna make a move here soon.

'cause the company I use now, I have to order like 200 at a time. And I just wanna make a ton of different mantras. Like, I just wanna have a ton of 'em, but I can't afford to like, buy 200 of every phrase I wanna put. But anyway, I digress. But you could probably create something with that. It'd

Nicole Linn: Yeah, yeah,

Ally Brettnacher: Um, yeah, so, oh gosh, that's so exciting.

And I connected you with Mary Pittman, who's here in Indianapolis area. did, what is she, is she gonna start a bar run club here? She needs to, we need somebody to do it.

Nicole Linn: we discussed it and I [00:36:00] think it's, uh, there's the serious potential, but I don't know if it's right now,

Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Well, anybody else listening. Is from the indie area and would like to champion a below average running club here in Indie. Do it because we need one. I should say that Mary is from average athlete, by the way, if you guys haven't met Mary. so that's so exciting. So exciting. So at what point did you start like, working with brands or like discovering, I dunno, the whole like influencer side of it, right?

It's gotta be kind of, you just kind of thrown into it

Nicole Linn: Yeah, it's weird. Like it's, I think I got the first, like I remember, I think it was Element and I called them Element T, like they, when they first started, that was one of the first like, I guess, PR packages I ever got, like the first thing, and that was really cool. I was like, oh my God, like. Why, why are you sending me this?

And then I think it was shortly after, it was this brand called, Javi Coffee. That [00:37:00] was like an in, it was a coffee concentrate. And they, like, they paid me. And I was like, what? This is weird. And I did it and like, I liked the product and, and they paid me. We never did anything else, but like, and they severely underpaid me, but I didn't know that at the time. And it was so fascinating of like, you get a contract sent to you and you're like, what am I signing? I don't know. I don't know what I signed to them and I don't wanna review it, but

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Because you're like, Ooh.

Nicole Linn: yeah, so it's like interesting when it started happening. And then my coach, like Alicia is also like an influencer as well.

So she really helped me with a lot of things just to understand it, because those companies wanna take advantage of

you. They really hope that you are like. Just so unfamiliar with it that you're not gonna ask a question. They don't think you have an attorney because most of us don't.

whatever. So she helped with so much, it was when I was going into my first marathon, which was Pittsburgh in 2022.

Yeah. 2022. Um,

I was so fortunate enough that Dick's Sporting Goods [00:38:00] had reached out for, they were doing something with the Pittsburgh Marathon, and it was Erin Azar, Ms. Space Cadet. Uh, and Alicia used to coach Erin, and they had spoke, they needed one more person on the team. And she's like, you know, Nicole's already doing this race.

Like, let's just ask her. And I thought it was a spam, like a scam email. And I messaged Erin and she's like, no, this is real. I'm like. What the fuck Dick's Sporting Goods like, and on my account, like TikTok, it wasn't very big, maybe like 20 or 30,000. And Instagram was like, I remember I wasn't even at 2000.

I remember it and I was like, this doesn't seem right. Like I'm too small. Like I didn't, felt like I belonged there. And I was like hella, hella, um, hella good from Instagram. Like he was on the team. Latoya Snell was on the team. Uh, Kelly Roberts, like there was huge names and I was like, guys, what am I doing here?

And like they had all run marathons and, and, and whatever. And that was like, I think the moment of like, I realized that I do [00:39:00] deserve to be here even though I was the smallest account and whatever. And I remember running the race and they all did the half. And, 'cause I was already signed up for the fool and we split off and they all waited for me at the finish.

Alicia came back to mile 22 'cause I was like crying. I was like, I need you. So she came back to get me. But everyone waited and there was people in the race wearing below average running headbands. And I remember thinking like how crazy it was that for my first marathon I was partnered with an amazing company, with my coach, with me, some of these other huge names in the running community and people are wearing my fucking merchandise in the middle of the race.

And I was like, I can't do this. This is too much. For one day.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Oh my. That's very, that's a lot of

Nicole Linn: It was a lot. I cried a lot and I don't cry. Like, I was like, I can't do this. So it was like, and and in that moment it was like, really like you've done something. So

Ally Brettnacher: God. That has to feel so cool.

Nicole Linn: It

really cool. It was really cool.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. What, do you remember the first time you saw [00:40:00] somebody like wearing something or like when somebody first like recognized you at a race who was like, oh my gosh, are you

Nicole Linn: Yeah.

I don't remember. Like someone wearing, I remember like, 'cause I did, I wear this brand junk Headbands a lot. I love their headbands. I have since I used to do CrossFit and I like ordered, you can order customs from them. And I like, people paid me through Venmo and I mailed it out like

little and I met, people would send me pictures, which was really cool.

Like, but I never saw it in person. But I remember it was the Fort Lauderdale half marathon in 2022 and we were at the turnaround point and someone said, oh my God, are you Nicole Lynn? And I was like, not prepared. And no one had ever recognized me before. And I had Ellie and my cousin Lauren, who are like my pacers for any race I'm trying to go fast for.

And I'm, it was my, I'm now friends with her. Her name's Rein and I remember it and it. I needed it. Like in that moment, it like gave me the extra boost and it was so cool. And I was [00:41:00] like, whoa. Like, what do you mean? And then we found each other after the race, like we talked and now like, like I've seen her, 'cause she's south Florida as well, a handful of times.

And like, we, we communicate frequently. I was like, how cool is that? Like, what do you mean?

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, that is that. So I guess how do you prepare yourself

for that? That's just like, yeah.

Nicole Linn: every time it still happens, I'm like, you wanna talk to me? Why? Like, 'cause I, I, I just think of myself as Nicole Lynn. Like, I really don't think of like, I'm an influencer. I don't like that word. It makes

Ally Brettnacher: I don't either. I know. I hated even saying it. Like, it's like,

yeah,

Nicole Linn: Thank you. And I don't like the word content creator either. It's just like, I'm just doing the videos,

Ally Brettnacher: yeah. I don't like any of it, frankly, but I wanna do it. It's like a weird

thing,

Nicole Linn: It's like a, it's like a it,

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

It's like I don't wanna be an influencer content creator, I just wanna be like myself.

So, Yeah. Which you've done. Yeah. Such a good job of doing

so. Okay. And so then you had your own, like your own account and started to grow, grow a [00:42:00] community.

At what point were you like, okay, this needs to be like a thing that we do not just in South Florida, but other places?

Nicole Linn: I don't really remember when I decided to do it. I think Bar had just turned three then is when I started, because I had gone to run clubs. I mean, I had gone to run clubs in high school and I was always left in the back, which is like, it's fine. And I remember, like, I'd went to a few in Miami and it was the same thing.

I was left in the back again. Okay. And.

And

It sucks a little bit because you go there to make friends. So I just remember thinking, that like if I was to do this, I would make sure no one is alone. And like, if you're the, like some people do like to run alone, that's fine. but if you're like the last runner, like, we're gonna go back for you.

Like, I remember finishing so many and like they're already stretching or like half leaving and I'm like,

guys, like you can wait. I'm sorry. And I'm like, if you're leading the run club, how irresponsible of you, even though I signed a waiver to leave one of your attendees [00:43:00] like that. Like that's not, that's a day.

How do you know I didn't get kidnapped. I didn't break an ankle. That's a dangerous thing. And just humanity, helping humanity.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

Nicole Linn: So, and it stems back to like high school, cross country. Our coaches had always made, if you finish the workout and other runners were still going, you either started to jog back or walk back to go bring them in.

Every single time. So I don't remember how many runs I ever finished alone because one of my faster teammates always came back for me. Always. And it was so nice. And it's like the best feeling that they wanna see you finish. They wanna see you succeed. Even though I'm not scoring points for the team at all, but they still want me to improve.

And so like with Bar Run club, it's, anytime I finish the run, it's hottest balls outside. You think I wanna run more? No. But I go ahead and I bring in the runners because I know how it feels to be left to feel like you've were forgotten. And it's horrible. Like, and I want, I want you just to feel good about moving your body.

I'm gonna come get you.

Ally Brettnacher: Right. Yeah, it is pretty sad. I've gotten the feedback. I've never been part of a run club, which is actually kind of [00:44:00] weird. People are like, what do you mean you love running? I'm like, well, I was a solo runner when I was training for my first marathon, and I just ran by myself and, and then, you know, now in this stage of life, I can't be like, or I mean I could, but like it's, you know, during the night like weeknights, I can't be like, oh, uh, gonna go have fun and party. You know, my husband finish finishes his corporate job and I'm like, Hey, I'm gonna go uh, drink with some running friends.

How's that? Doesn't work. So, yeah. So that's partially why it just hasn't really worked.

But anyway, you know, we have a few clubs here. and you know, they're, some of them don't really embrace everybody in all paces. And I think people will say, oh, a lot of people or clubs will say that they, any anybody's welcome all pace is welcome. And they always say that. 'cause I feel like they feel like they have to say that, but then the action doesn't follow up with, with that.

And I think that's really unfortunate.

Nicole Linn: And it's, I'm so big on you do not have to make an all paces run club. Like some people, Miami has so many run clubs, so many and [00:45:00] a handful of them are like strictly like, you need to be running this pace. And they say it. Well, they do now. They used to not. They'll say it and which I appreciate and a lot of people will go do their speed workouts with these people.

I'm like, I love that. That's great. But don't say this is for everyone if you don't have a walking group like you need to because sometimes like I go to my own run club and I really don't feel well like, and I'm like, I don't wanna run today. I just wanna walk and don't. I'm all, you don't have to make it inclusive.

I really don't care. But don't say it and then leave me in the

Ally Brettnacher: right.

Nicole Linn: That's not nice because

Ally Brettnacher: It's called, yeah. False advertising.

Nicole Linn: you're a liar.

Ally Brettnacher: Liar.

Lies. Yeah. We just had a local gym, uh, start a walking club I saw on the internet, which I loved. I'm like, okay, good. Yeah. You, you're like, this is what it is. We're a walking club. That's what we do here, and yeah, I, I, I really like that. I bet you some of that has been because of you, like you've influenced the running clubs to own up to what they

Nicole Linn: Yeah. I, [00:46:00] it's so interesting because when I made bar run club, I felt like it wasn't super saturated with the slower runner, run club. And maybe, maybe I just didn't see it, and I'm not, I'm not saying this was my idea, like it's not because there's a gajillion ideas out there, but now I see it everywhere.

And you know what? I freaking love it because there's a place for everybody. Like, if you don't like my run club, okay, tell me why. So I can improve. But if you don't like it, there is another slow run club that you might love. And you know what? I don't care. I just want you to go move, feel good about yourself, like making healthy choices.

That's all that

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah,

Nicole Linn: So I think that's awesome that there is so many now.

Ally Brettnacher: yeah. Agreed. Like play that on repeat.

I'm just gonna like play that clip over and over again for people. So it's like, come on. yeah. So yeah, 'cause I just feel like when we were in Vegas, when you had the shakeout run, I was chatting with a few people and they were telling me about their experiences at various run clubs and why they're part of bar run club and I thought that was really cool 'cause it's like.

[00:47:00] You did something that a lot of people were looking for clearly because now it's like everybody's trying to be able to support anybody and you're like, wait, wait, wait. You don't need to like support everybody all the time. You need to just own what you do well and do it.

Nicole Linn: Yeah. Yeah. Don't try to do too much. It never works out well for

you. You just end up crashing out.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Yeah. I feel like running stores in particular are guilty of, of being like, everybody's welcome because they're just trying to sell more. Um, and they're trying to make their running club big so they can sell more, and it's like you've lost the

Nicole Linn: they're doing the, I know, just a lot of clubs in general,

quantity over quality,

Ally Brettnacher: Right?

Nicole Linn: and it's

never

the best mentality.

never

Ally Brettnacher: best way. okay, so where did you, and maybe tell me a little bit about some of your, like your key people in your circle, if you will, like Ellie and Lauren that you pace with, like, and how that ended up start. Like where did you start the run club just in Miami at first, or did you start.

start

Multiple

loca. started. Okay, so let me, we'll go run club [00:48:00] first 'cause that's easier.

This is a quick break to remind you that Finish Lines and Milestones is part of the Sandy Boy Productions Podcast Network. if you like this show, even if you're new or you've been listening for a while, there are other shows in the Sandy Boy Productions Podcast Network. That are running shows you might like.

There's, I'll have another with Lindsay Hein. It's been around for almost a decade, and Lindsay interviews Olympians and Pro Runners. There's the Trail Network podcast that's more for the ultra running scene. Then there's also Miles With Moms, which is a podcast for moms who run by moms who run. So if you are looking for more content, I know there's a lot out there, but if you're looking for more great podcasts to add into your rotation.

be sure

to check out these shows. And thank you so much to Sandy Boy Production's founder Lindsay Hein for having me and this show as part of the network. Now back to the show.

Ally Brettnacher: tell me a little bit about some of your, like your key people in your circle, if you will, like Ellie and Lauren that you pace with, like, and how that ended up start. Like where did you [00:49:00] start the run club just in Miami at first, or did you start.

start

Multiple

loca. started. Okay, so let me, we'll go run club first 'cause that's easier. So Run Club started in Miami and then we went to Dallas. So March was Miami, and then we launched

Dallas

Nicole Linn: April 23.

Ally Brettnacher: Okay. And what launched Dallas. Why Dallas?

Nicole Linn: um, we had, so I have ambassadors across the country and we had the biggest demand in Dallas from there.

So the ambassadors at that time, we put it on there. I flew out to Dallas, which that was weird. I was like, I'm doing a business trip, like for myself. Like,

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

Nicole Linn: I can't, like, I, you know, you can like reimburse your like corporate job. No. Like it was myself and I was. Like, this is my own money. Um, but so we did that and then we went to LA in May and we had three at first LA we haven't done in a while.

LA's a very, it's like Miami. It's very hard. There's so many clubs. and then, so over the last two, two and a half years, I guess as we've added ambassadors, I don't just put a run club because someone wants it. [00:50:00] There has to be the need and demand for it. And like the ambassador in that city, has to want to do it because I'm like, I need you to be passionate about it.

If you don't, I'm not gonna make you do it. Like, it's not for everyone. It's, it's stressful. And some people love it, some people hate it. I'm always like, if you don't like it anymore, just tell me. This is supposed to add your life. It's not supposed to take away or add any stress. Uh, it's supposed to be very chill.

So it's kind of like there is no business plan for the run clubs. It happens as it happens, which I personally feel like that's why it's successful because I'm not trying to force it if it's not there. I'm not trying to grow it if it's not there. if a city has to stop temporarily for whatever reason, that stops, I'm not gonna continue to push it when it's struggling.

The ambassador doesn't want, like,

Yeah.

I'm not stupid, I might be dumb. I'm not stupid, like, right. Um, so the run club's, like, it's, it's tricky because it's so relaxed

as for my key individuals who help me so much with like run clubs in the company. So Ellie, Ellie Hanson now, [00:51:00] 'cause she's married, we actually met on TikTok.

I think she commented, it was like two weeks after I made my first video. And I had a bunny. I have one bunny now, but I used to have two. And I put a video of my bunny in there and she commented and said, I think we're the same person I run and also have a bunny. And if you're an adult, there's a bunny rider.

It's a very specific niche of people. I love bunnies. And So I went to her page and she has a l Rabbit, she's, her name's Harper. She's brown and white. She's so fucking cute. I love this bunny. And so I was like, oh my God. Well I have to follow her. So then we started talking about our rabbits for like a while and we had never met in person.

She flew down to Fort Lauderdale, paced me for a pr. that race that that girl recognized me. She spent the night at my house and I was like, that seems irresponsible of us. It worked out great. she ran my first marathon with me, like literally like internet friends, two best friends. And then this past, almost one year ago, their anniversary is July 20th.

[00:52:00] I was the maid of honor in her wedding last year, and she's one of my made of honors in my wedding. Like we are, we are the same person, just we live different states.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

Nicole Linn: Uh, she's in Savannah, Georgia.

Yeah. So she has helped just like out of the kindness of her heart. 'cause like Barr is technically a startup.

Even now, it's still a startup. I don't know when you, like, don't become a start. Like, when do I graduate?

Ally Brettnacher: I don't know.

Nicole Linn: I don't know.

Ally Brettnacher: Whenever you want, Nicole. That's when, whenever you wanna say, I'm not a startup anymore

Nicole Linn: I don't know. There's, I have so many questions anyways, so she would help just with so many things. And for a long time I had a really hard time delegating tasks of anything, of even just like emails. And I was like, no, I can do it. I can do it. And then it hit a point where I, I really couldn't do it. And so she now is in charge of all the run clubs, doing all the graphics for run clubs.

She like has a bar email that she'll respond to brands and companies like, she's technically like VP of the company, which is [00:53:00] like crazy. It's, she's unpaid at the moment too, which like, I hate. and I like told her, I was like, you'll be the first one I pay. But like I do like.

She

Like there is, like, I do give her things

the

best that I can, but she truly, like, from the kindness of her heart, does it because she believes in it.

She loves to help the runners, and she's like, I just believe in bars so much that I'm gonna do this until you tell me to stop. And I was like, but you don't find people like that very

often. And it is like, I'm so lucky. She's so selfless. She's awesome. my cousin Lauren, she's my cousin, so like, she's gotta do it. She's also one of my pacers at every race. So every marathon, all three of them, she's been with me. Any race I've prd, she's been with me. and just like my biggest support, I don't remember a day without Lauren, like she's older than me, so she, from the day I was born, I've been with Lauren. and then my parents would be the other two really big people.

it's so funny, my mom used to buy my running shoes. Like I'd get the new pair of shoes every season for cross country. And then when I trained for these races, she's like, I'll buy you a [00:54:00] pair of shoes. And now like, I haven't had to buy shoes in so long, which is

like, so crazy to say. And I was like, mom, remember like, the way you supported me was you would buy my shoes.

And now like me and my dad are the same size, so I'm able to give him a lot of my shoes.

Ally Brettnacher: Oh, that's

really

nice

Nicole Linn: big feet. but so like, that's so cool to see. And my dad used to own a business as well, so he's helped me with a lot of things, like point me in the right direction of attorneys, accountants, like all these extra people that you need just so you like, don't end up in federal prison.

cause like I really don't wanna go there. I don't think it would be good. And, just like helping, like before we printed real t-shirts, my mom would be with me with the cricket helping me

do it, and we made a bike. you know, they're at every single race. My dad's been at 17 halves. He's ran three of 'em with me and all three marathons.

Never missed a race. They drive me to the races 'cause I get like too stressed driving on race day. They, like, my dad always has post run Dr. Pepper for me. Like my parents like will do anything for bar, any, obviously anything for me as well. [00:55:00] But, and then like, the biggest thing, and I, I'm so lucky, like, I am so incredibly lucky when I trademarked below average running because someone tried to copy it and I said, Hey, don't take my idea.

Create your own. That's

Ally Brettnacher: Like think of something unique.

Nicole Linn: yeah. I said, I'm sorry you are not creative. But that pissed me off. Like, I don't like people taking ideas, so I decided to trademark it and. I mean, I was like two years outta grad school. Like I didn't have money. I still don't have money. I still got a shit ton of student loans, but so like, I wanted to trademark this.

It's very expensive to trademark things like with an attorney and, and whatever great investment. And my dad was the one who, like, he, he's like, I believe in below average running and I believe in you so much. this is my investment into your company.

So like he's seen the money back. Like, I was like, I will

pay you back, whatever.

But it was so, so incredibly lucky that I was able to have that support because it's very hard to do these things without like, taking out a loan. And it's scary when you have student loans. You have other things like to worry about. [00:56:00] So yeah. And then my ambassadors across the country are so incredibly, like they love it so much and they are some of the most kind and selfless individuals I've ever met.

Ally Brettnacher: I, I love it so if somebody's listening and they're like, well, you've described my ideal run club and I wanna be an ambassador. What does that process look like,

Nicole Linn: So we open applications honestly here soon, probably in the next like couple weeks. and it's kind of, it's crazy. Like every year we have like 500 plus people

Ally Brettnacher: Nicole?

Nicole Linn: It's a lot. And then, you know, we read them all. So that's like a lot. Um, this is a great problem to have. Like, I'm not complaining. so, and typically there's only a handful of spots, like less than 10.

I, I'm not kidding. Because again, I don't wanna just add to add, like, if of those 500, if no application is screaming to me, there's won't be any added. So there's no set number and there's no like minimum or max. So so we'll open the applications, put a lot of effort into it because we can tell when you really don't care.

Like [00:57:00] it's, it's not a hard

application. Yeah,

It's like you gotta, you know, spruce it up a little bit. And anyways. Yeah, please try and don't use chat. GPT,

like do that.

Ally Brettnacher: shit. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Get outta here.

Nicole Linn: And so, um, something like that. And then like, well you're an ambassador and you're kind of like, more like I'll add like for merchandise purposes.

I'm like, you know, what do you think about this? Like, would you buy this? Do you like this? Like

that

Ally Brettnacher: nice to have.

Nicole Linn: other opinions because I'm looking at things one or two ways and I've been in that space, like I need different, and that's like, so great with architecture. Like when you're stuck on a design, it's not working.

You need to step back and you need to ask someone else. 'cause they're gonna look at it different ways. So it's the same way I do it is like, give me your ideas. There's no bad ideas, only things that'll either spark something else, so we'll resolve it.

So there's a lot of like behind the scenes that you help with.

and then like when I feel ready and you feel ready that you wanna do the run club and there's the need, we'll start to discuss it.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. That's

Nicole Linn: it's, and it's [00:58:00] not like a strict timeline, it's just when it feels right.

Ally Brettnacher: Well, I, I love that mentality because you think about, it would be so easy for you to just like, throw up a ton of like, ambassadors and, and quote unquote run club. Like, and to be able to tell brands be like, well, well I have 3000 ambassadors and we are in a hundred cities. Because obviously brands would be like, Ooh, that's more, you know, but I think you would be doing yourself and the members a disservice by doing that, to your point.

So I think I applaud you for that 'cause it'd be easy to get wrapped up in it and just try to be as big as you can, as fast as you can. But that's not always the way,

Nicole Linn: it has not bit me in the ass yet,

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. So there you

Nicole Linn: I'm gonna keep doing it.

it.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. I wanna make sure we nerd out on some of the brands you work with at some point, but I don't wanna do that yet.

I wanna talk a little bit more about Vegas because we shared that experience and a little bit more about like the run club that I got to go to, but what made you end up signing up for the [00:59:00] Rock and Roll Vegas race?

Nicole Linn: I don't remember what I finally had the desire to try to pr my half. 'cause I do a lot of races, but I don't like to race very often because it's, it's a hard training block. It's very stressful, like in natural race and it's hard. It's really hard. And I, I like to run for fun. So I finally felt the urge of like, I, I think I wanna do this.

And my coach was like, jump on it, do it now. Like, 'cause you don't get that often. So, I, I won't race in Florida because it's too hot. So I was like, okay, gotta look elsewhere. And I obviously don't do great with elevation on a lot of hills because it's flat here. So I was like, okay, I need something flat.

Something's a little colder. And I don't know, maybe it was Lindsay, like our ambassador in Vegas who had said it and I did Nashville rock and roll. And rock and roll races are just so fun. They're so good. So I was like, you know what, Vegas and my fiance, one of his best friends lives in Vegas. And I was like, you know what, like, and I also was like, I don't, I'm not a Vegas person whatsoever.

Ally Brettnacher: either.

Nicole Linn: It's a, it's an interesting place, but like from [01:00:00] just an interesting standpoint, Vegas is crazy. Like it's so fun. And I was like, well, they're gonna shut the strip down and you just run on the strip. Like there's no cars, there's no obnoxious people like screaming at you. Well, like the fans and my parents, but for the most part it's not Vegas when you're doing this.

And it was a night race, which I thought was so cool.

So I said, screw it. Let's do Vegas. So then I did it, I think hands down my most fun race I've ever done in my life until mile

11. And that

really started to hurt me. But it was awesome. It was so much fun. I loved it.

I know. cause I, I agree. I've done it three times because yeah, the first year I did it, it was so hard because I tried to go really fast and, um, I peed my pants at mile 11, so it must be something at mile 11. It was the worst. I didn't know how to, like, I don't know how to fuel. Like during the day when you're like waiting around to do a race, how did you do that?

Ally Brettnacher: What did you guys do the day of?

Nicole Linn: well [01:01:00] so like leading up until it, I think it was like the six weeks before I moved all my long runs tonight, like Sunday night or Monday night, which I like doing it Monday night more 'cause like it was a workday. So it was like I would eat breakfast, I'd eat lunch. What is the latest time I'm eating lunch if my run is starting at 5:00 PM because I started at the race start time.

So I really had, 'cause my stomach is always a problem on race day. It was like, how much water am I drinking throughout the day? And obviously Vegas, I don't think I had much water 'cause I didn't sweat at all because it's not hot or humid

Ally Brettnacher: Oh man.

Nicole Linn: Allie, you

Ally Brettnacher: could not get enough water when I was in Vegas.

Nicole Linn: No, I literally, and like I didn't have to take as much salt like down here.

I take salt pills every 20 minutes. Like I

just trying, so I, I practiced all of it. So come race day, I said this is my breakfast, this is my lunch. And then I'll eat tortilla chips as a snack. Like it, I knew what to do,

Ally Brettnacher: yeah,

Nicole Linn: what really made the difference.

Ally Brettnacher: so smart. That's so smart. I should have practiced that. My coach, if my coach is listening, she'll be like, [01:02:00] well now we're gonna do that for

Nicole Linn: Yeah. '

Ally Brettnacher: cause

I'm signed up.

Nicole Linn: it because a lot, even like Ellie was like, yeah, my stomach feels a little odd. And I said, well, thank God you're like a way better runner because that would take you out.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

yeah. and so the actual run club event we did, what was the name of that park? Now I forget. Sunset, maybe Sunset Park. I think that's right.

I dunno.

We're gonna go with that. You're like, I don't know, somebody told me where to be.

Um, it was so nice, right? Well it was so nice to be able to run, like do an actual like shakeout type of a run, not on the strip, because if you try to run on the strip in Vegas, well you don't really, because you're just going up and down stairs the whole time and dodging a ton of people.

And so it was nice to get out of Vegas proper and like run in a park. It was so beautiful. And I just re I remember everybody was so welcoming. I loved meeting your family. Like I got lost too at one point. And thank God I found you. I'd have been so sad. and it was just great. And it was like one of the first times I've ever been self-conscious about my own [01:03:00] pace, which is funny to say, right?

Because it's like, technically I'm probably more of an average runner. I'm probably right or around in the middle, um, versus below. And maybe, and people will be like, you're above that. And it's like, okay, well who cares? But the whole point, I just loved, I just loved everything about what you're doing. I'm like, I have to go.

And it was, it was so, so much fun. so I think we ran, what, two or three miles And it truly was like you, at the beginning you were like, okay, Lindsay's gonna take this pace. I'm gonna take this pace. Ellie's gonna take this pace and we're gonna include everybody and we're gonna do it. And we even like recruited some random guys in the parking lot that were, you know, gonna

Nicole Linn: I think that was my mom forced them to do it. Like I don't think she gave them a choice. I was like, mom, you like can't do that.

Ally Brettnacher: But yeah, it did. I actually chatted with them for a while.

It was funny. Yeah, it was like, okay, why not? yeah, so I would encourage anybody who like gets a chance to go to a bar run club or see you at an event that they, they go outta their way to do that. 'cause it was really fun. And you [01:04:00] introduced me to one of my most favorite.

Fuels now. So now, now we're gonna se we'll segue into nerding out a little bit because you work with some of my most favorite brands. So nos I had never heard of in my life until the Vegas event. The shakeout tell people about

Nicole Linn: Oh, man.

I, so I met nus, like the, the people who own the company in December of 24 at the Dallas Marathon. They're passing out samples, and I am running fuel's number one hater. I don't like gels. I'm a texture person. Like, I don't eat pudding. Jello, like I don't like peanut butter, any of that stuff. So gels are horrible.

and like, you know, like some of these gummies they like really are just hard to chew and you're like 10 miles in, you're like, I can't do this. So anyways, like nukes, they had samples. I said, well, I'll try it. I'll probably hate it. Oh my God, they were so good. I was like, these taste like sour patch kids.

And I'm like, I'm not, if you're listening to this, like, I'm not kidding when I say these are just as good as sour patches and like, they don't get stuck on your teeth. So the woman who founded it, like [01:05:00] she's also a marathon runner and she liked the gummies, but she didn't like how they get stuck on their teeth and they're hard to chew.

So she developed this so they go down so fast. My god, they're crack.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, they're good. I could, I could totally eat them just unrelated to running because they do taste like, I remember you're like, these taste, I'm like, yeah, right. Like, and then I tasted 'em. I'm like, okay, well I've actually only had the watermelon flavor. I haven't even changed because I feel like I shouldn't 'cause it's so good.

Nicole Linn: it is fun. If you mix three bags together and you

just have variety, I like to do that.

Ally Brettnacher: that's a, that's a pro move. So, yeah. So thank you for that. And I actually invited one of their founders to be on this podcast because I found nukes and I'm like, I love them so much. I need to hear more about the story 'cause that's so freaking cool.

Nicole Linn: And the name is the, their nickname for their dog. That's what like, that's why it's called nukes.

Ally Brettnacher: That's adorable. Oh my gosh. I'm so glad you told me that.

That's

amazing. Oh,

and then other brand that I love is FP Movement, which is Free People Movement. I am not a free people girly, like I don't buy [01:06:00] normal free people stuff, if that makes sense. Um, but I remember when I discovered FP movement, they opened a, a store in our, mall and I was like, oh God, I'm obsessed

with

this. And, in fact, that's this is, you know, a little free people movement. but how did you end up, you host a run club for them too,

don't you? So how did that come about?

Nicole Linn: I got really, really lucky. So I just did, I just celebrated two years of partnering with them, which is like crazy that that's, And I love them so much. I love their clothes so much. But, so my friend Laura down, um, in Miami who I met at Run Club, she actually used to be their runner and Laura now runs with Nike. And so FP needed somebody and LA said like Gabe, she's like, I got this friend Nicole, like, I think she'd be great.

And I, they emailed me and I said, what is it? Same thing with Dick's. I said,

this isn't real. And it was real. And so we talked and I said, okay, like, yeah, I'll do this. Like, why not? What a cool thing. And yeah, it's been great for two years. [01:07:00] I lead their runs once a once a month. I've done shakeouts with them for the Miami Marathon.

I. I had really great opportunities. I genuinely love their clothes. Like,

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

Nicole Linn: I can't complain.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. That's so cool. I love that. And they're so lucky to have you, somebody again, who is inclusive and aware of making sure, like everybody feels that to lead the, that, that's so cool. I swear you do it more than once a month. I, I see it all the time. Maybe that's by, that's probably by design.

Nicole Linn: Sometimes I, it's twice a month. It just depends if they're, like, they do special runs, but I feel I'm also always wearing fp like it's majority of my closet. So you also am just seeing that,

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Yeah. Um, well, and they sell it at Dick's now, which is

Nicole Linn: yeah. And you're always on sale a lot of times at Dick's.

Yeah,

Ally Brettnacher: It's really bad. I can't go into Dick's Sporting Goods because I will, like, spend all of my money.

Yeah. So, and then do you, you work with Hoka as well?

For shoes or

because they work with them. Okay. Yeah, that makes sense.

That makes sense. What is your, what shoe do you like to run in the [01:08:00] most?

Nicole Linn: Right now just 'cause like I have the somewhat partnership with Hoka. cause I, I truly think every brand has a good running shoe. You just had to find which one works for you. So I love the Hoka Bondi, like, or Bondi. I can say it. I love those. I love a high cushion shoe. I recently have the Rahi eights and I really like those.

'cause the Rahi before were kind of stiffer and I wasn't crazy about 'em. But these new ones I've been running on 'em. I really like those. I also, in Vegas, I ran in the Meno new Zens. I,

Ally Brettnacher: Oh, I've never run in a mino before.

Nicole Linn: okay. I, this shoe is great. Like it's fast. It's very light. Feels like a sock. I love it, but I only do it for faster things.

But I love that shoe. And then I also love, um, the new balanced fresh foam 10 eighties.

Ally Brettnacher: Oh yeah.

Nicole Linn: I will say like the 10 eighties to the Bondi, like they're a very similar shoe, which is why I think I like both, but.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, yeah, for sure. yeah, it's Bondi because it's Bondi Beach in Sydney I think is what it's named after. [01:09:00] Or I dunno if that's in Sydney, but it's over there in Australia somewhere. There you go.

The more you know.

Nicole Linn: you're over the place.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. And then you got to go, because you're in Miami, you got to go see a grand slam track me in person.

I saw that and I was instantly like, I need to hear about that experience.

Nicole Linn: That was awesome. So like Grand Slam was coming and it was like, it's so funny 'cause Miami's so big and Miami-Dade County is very big, but like, things will be on the border of Miami-Dade and Broward. Broward is like Fort Lauderdale, county. And this, this, this track was pretty far north, like borderline on the border.

But it was like, screw it. Like you're gonna see these top Olympians. Like, I'm never gonna see Gabby Thomas race. Are you joking? I'm gonna go do it. So I saw they were coming and tickets for like general admission. I wanna say were $18. And I said, my God, that's basically free. So me and Laura, we went on Saturday and Sunday well I went Saturday, I saw Gabby Thomas run the 200.

She won. I was like, I mean, [01:10:00] and you can't even, I can't even tell you I fast. These people are until you see them in person because they're all fast, so you can't see it. And we were joking. We're like, how long? How many meters do you think you could stay with them for?

Ally Brettnacher: Not

one, probably. I couldn't even get a full stride out.

Nicole Linn: no. And just insane. So, saw Gabby Thomas, I saw Sydney McLaughlin run as well, which was like, she's a world record holder.

Are you joking? Like, that's crazy. Nikki Hilt, I saw them run powerhouse. Like, it, it was just so inspiring. So we saw that all Saturday. I was like, well, we gotta come back on Sunday. So I bought another ticket for Sunday, went back and. And it was just like, I was like, I'll never, I guess Sydney had it run in Florida in like four or five years.

Like, I think she's very selective of where she races. Like, duh, why not? And it was just like, I, I literally was like, I saw the best in the world do this. And it was fricking awesome.

Ally Brettnacher: That's so cool.

Nicole Linn: yeah. If you [01:11:00] ever get the chance to go to like a pro track meet, like, I can't even tell you the, the adrenaline that was through my body watching these

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Yeah. I'm surprised. Well, I don't know. I don't wanna get in trouble for being like, I don't know what we do here in Indiana for track stuff, but we are like the amateur sports capital of the world. Indianapolis is, we've hosted so much, but since I've kind of been more into the running scene, if you will, like, I don't know of any big events that we've hosted, but.

We should host a Grand Slam track meet at some point. It'd be so great. And I need to get you up here because our marathon in November, it might be too cold for you though. 'cause some years we've had

some snow,

Nicole Linn: I'll wear a shirt. It's fine.

Ally Brettnacher: but it's so flat. So flat

pancake. Yeah. Easy, fast. I mean, that's kind of our claim to fame is we're like, we're the fastest non net downhill course for BQs.

So

anybody, for anybody. So for anybody who's, yeah, and anybody who's going fast or like, they're, they're fast. I mean, it's all relative. I

know. It's [01:12:00] like damnit, but Yeah. and for people who are listening and they're new, right?

What kind of advice would you give them? I mean. Especially like when it comes to a run club, what, what advice do you have for those people?

Nicole Linn: So my general advice, like if you're just starting out running or like you're coming back and used to run years ago when you were younger, is don't overcomplicate it. Don't try to fix your foot strike. Don't focus on how you're breathing. Like whatever feels right, just do it. Don't you know, don't overcomplicate it.

Don't, you don't have to have the new outfits. Like wear what you have. If you want the new outfit, get it. But like you have clothes, don't overcomplicate it for a run club. Do your research. Just like if you are a slower runner so you're not getting left behind. And if you're nervous, literally just message the run club.

most of 'em are on Instagram or Facebook. Just message them and ask like, like, Hey, I'm a slower runner. Full transparency. And if you decide not to go, they're never gonna see you. Who cares? Like. [01:13:00] Just ask the question. 'cause you never know until you ask.

And like maybe some of your best friends are there. And I always say run clubs and running in general, you never know who you're gonna meet. A best friend, a business partner, a romantic partner, your worst nemesis. I mean, you could meet anybody.

Ally Brettnacher: your worst nemesis.

The worst person in the

Nicole Linn: like, I mean it's possible. So like you just have to go and, but I totally get, being nervous and being nervous is totally fine.

And if you can find a friend you can drag with you, like bribe 'em with coffee or something. Like if you come with me like, but also just go alone. the best things in life happen when you just go do them. So

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. That's good advice in general. Just

Nicole Linn: by too, like if you embarrass yourself, like you most likely won't ever see those people against, like, it really doesn't matter.

Ally Brettnacher: and, and yeah. Nobody really cares anyway. Like nobody's gonna be like thinking about that over and over again for the rest of their life. They don't care about you.

Nicole Linn: no,

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, it's great. It's so freeing. You're like, they don't care. It's great. I can do what I want. Okay. That reminds me, speaking of meeting people, how did you meet your fiance?

Nicole Linn: Well [01:14:00] shoot. Um, so we, okay. I might have you cut this part.

Ally Brettnacher: okay.

Nicole Linn: We met on Hinge,

Ally Brettnacher: it a one night stand,

Nicole Linn: Oh no, don't put that in there. So we met on Hinge, but if you asked my mom, we met at Publix in the bakery and she still doesn't know. And I was like, now, you know at the bridal shower when you play those games of like how the bride and groom met and it's like, how does Nicole's mom think they met? Because like, I didn't wanna tell her I was on dating apps when we be, because if we broke up, I didn't even tell her I was dating for like four months. 'cause I was like, if it doesn't work out, I don't want the follow-up conversation. yeah. So I just didn't tell her. And when I told her I was like, I'm not accepting further questions at this time.

Like, don't ask me anything.

Ally Brettnacher: Okay, so, so now she knows or she still

Nicole Linn: she said still doesn't know. I think

Ally Brettnacher: Okay.

Nicole Linn: shower during a game.

We started dating in 2021, so this was when Barr was new. And I didn't tell him, I did social media for like a while

Ally Brettnacher: that's funny too. Yeah. 'cause you're like, I don't need you to go watch those videos.

Nicole Linn: And I do, like, I really try to separate Barr [01:15:00] from like my life. 'cause if I do too much together, it's too stressful. So it's like I have running Nicole and then everything else Nicole, so.

yeah.

Ally Brettnacher: I feel that a little bit too. Although like running alley is pretty much my whole life 'cause I don't have a traditional day job like you Mm-hmm. of it. So it's just like everything that I do, um, which is, yeah, well it's better or worse, but I do still try to separate it so that my, like what I'll call normal friends, don't have to like see all my running videos.

'cause they'd be like, cool ally.

Nicole Linn: I know.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. My sister trolls me. That's,

Nicole Linn: That's okay.

Ally Brettnacher: know, it's okay. They are supposed to okay, so you met at Publix. That's hilarious. And then, when is your wedding? I feel like I should know this.

Nicole Linn: is February 22nd, 2026.

Ally Brettnacher: No, that's the Vegas race. Dammit.

Nicole Linn: I know, I know. Sorry.

Ally Brettnacher: celebrating you as I'm running around in

Nicole Linn: Yeah,

because like, I remember because we went to Vegas, like he came with me and I was like, should we just go to see Elvis and like, elope, like a year

before [01:16:00] we, we had no time, but I was like, I would've done it. I would've done it for the plot. 'cause it didn't, it doesn't matter at this point, like, I'm getting married, so I.

So it was like a fun way to celebrate like the one year out mark. So, and now we're like a little over seven months away.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Wow. That's exciting.

It's weird.

It's weird. Yeah. Yeah. Well, it's weird. I've been married 11 years now, so it's like,

what the hell?

Nicole Linn: I know. 'cause we've been together like for a little over four years and I was like, are you sure? Like, you know what I mean? Like, this is just, it's weird 'cause like I was sitting there and sometimes I overthink things, which is probably a problem. And I'm like, you just, you pick somebody who you really like and then you spend your whole life with them.

Which, yeah, that's what I want. But then I'm like, what an odd concept

when

Ally Brettnacher: is. Really?

Nicole Linn: you really think about it. It's weird.

Ally Brettnacher: it is. It is

interesting to think about.

Nicole Linn: in it though. Like, don't get me

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Yeah. I mean, right. I'm trying, I mean, I'm trying our, our darnedest to like, make it till we die. Right.

It's like, man, this shit [01:17:00] is not easy, especially with young kids. But, but yeah, I'm, I'm so lucky, to have a great partner who sneaks in behind me while I'm recording my podcast.

Um,

but, are you getting married? Is it safe to assume like you'll get married on the beach at Miami? Or like, what is, what is your

Nicole Linn: Um, well just like for safety purposes, like I don't wanna

disclose too much.

Ally Brettnacher: Good call.

Nicole Linn: Yeah.

Ally Brettnacher: You are a famous celebrity, Nicole. We do not want people crashing your

Nicole Linn: Uh, there's some weird people. There are some very weird people. We're getting married. We're getting married in Palm Beach County. Um, that's like where I grew up, so we're getting married somewhere in there. It is a beautiful venue.

It is not, I did not want a beach wedding. No. I love the beach. We got, we met on the beach, like on Miami Beach, not the actual sand, like in the buildings. And then he proposed on the beach and we always had like some of our best date nights on the actual sand. Um, but I was like, I never wanted to be sweating.

Your hair gets everywhere. And I was like, the ground is unstable. I want concrete. so we,

we,

Ally Brettnacher: I don't wanna sprain my [01:18:00] ankle

Nicole Linn: I don't wanna break my metatarsal again,

Ally Brettnacher: Exactly. Yeah.

Nicole Linn: but it's nice because the venue is like the reception ceremony. Everything is right there. So I

Ally Brettnacher: Awesome.

Nicole Linn: get dropped off and then I get I

Ally Brettnacher: get

married party. I mean, it's like kind of crazy.

Boom. Where are you? Honeymoon, honeymooning.

Nicole Linn: We're gonna go to Bali.

Ally Brettnacher: Oh, that sounds terrible. Yeah. Oh

Nicole Linn: Wait, terrible.

Ally Brettnacher: I was joking. I was

Nicole Linn: Oh, oh, I was like, what?

Really? They those?

Ally Brettnacher: Why?

It's supposed to be like the best place in the

Nicole Linn: Oh man. Well, 'cause we were saying we wanted to go somewhere that was like really inconvenient to get to and it's like a 22, 24 hour travel day. and I was like, well, you'd be so excited and we're not going right away. That stresses me out. Like I think we're aiming for May to do it. and it's really just like the flight is the most expensive cost and everything else is like very reasonable.

And I also was like, I mean, hopefully I only get married once. I wanna go all the way.

Ally Brettnacher: Right.

Nicole Linn: Someone's gonna take that outta context, like she's gonna get divorced. It's like, no, you need to learn to laugh a little bit in

Ally Brettnacher: [01:19:00] Yeah. Yeah. And if you took that outta context and you're hating, like, don't ever listen to this podcast again. Um, 'cause you are not my friend, I can't believe I have to ask you the end of the podcast questions

now. Okay. And they're pretty easy. Favorite running mantra and or song?

Nicole Linn: Oh, shoot. Okay. Well, I guess mantra, embrace the pace, which is bar's motto, is a good one. And I al the other one I like too is, the difference between wanting and achieving is discipline.

Ally Brettnacher: ooh,

Nicole Linn: that's my favorite. So like, when I, if I'm not in a training block, I do like, I skip more runs because it's more relaxed.

But like, when I am training and, and I want that pr in the half marathon, it's like, unless I am so utterly tired that rest is a better option or like, I really don't like, I'm sick. Um, like I won't skip a workout. Like, I will not, I might move it, but I'm very strict on like, if you want this pr, you have to put in the work.

There is no excuse. You have to discipline. [01:20:00] So, and like saying like, if I'm going training for my first marathon, it was like every day getting up, getting up, getting up. I never, I did not want to do it, but I wanted the marathon so badly,

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Yeah. That's such good advice. Well, and that's why I think about like chasing a Boston Marathon or chasing prs. It's like, yeah, you can't just, it just doesn't magically happen, and it doesn't happen overnight. I don't care who you follow on Instagram that says they just like took 45 minutes off their marathon time in a year.

It's like,

Nicole Linn: Yeah,

Ally Brettnacher: whew.

Nicole Linn: yeah. And you just gotta, you gotta keep working it. School, fitness, work, job, like it's with anything in life, if you see that goal at the end and that's what you wanna get, you're gonna have to bust your ass. And it may not be a three month

hard effort, it could be years of hard

Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm.

Nicole Linn: like,

gotta keep going.

Ally Brettnacher: And what about music? Do you listen to music

Nicole Linn: Um, sometimes, if I'm doing speed work, yes. Sometimes I raw dog my runs 'cause I'm so, like that's what in high school you never had music. Um, I do like [01:21:00] podcasts or audio books as well, but my favorite songs, especially when I feel like I'm dying, Rocky, not the traditional Rocky Balboa, da da da da that one, like, you know, when he is running the steps classic, specifically the songs from Rocky four when he is training to beat the the Russian, Ivan,

Ally Brettnacher: Okay.

Nicole Linn: soundtrack is like cracked me

because I listen,

Ally Brettnacher: know it if I heard it?

Nicole Linn: I don't know if I can play it for like copyright purposes when you post the podcast, but I'll send them to you.

But like specifically the scene when Rocky is being followed by, and I don't, maybe he's not Russian. Maybe it's the Soviet Union. I've seen them, I don't remember anyways, but the big guy who's taking steroids, his team is following Rocky to see how he's training to beat him. And like Rocky's running through like feets of snow and just like going, and then like they're trying to chase him in the car and he's running so fast that the car hits like a snow pile.

And he's like doing these sit ups in a barn. Like he's not using [01:22:00] any equipment, he's using what he has and like Ivan is getting shot up with steroids, training all the wires and everything. And then you know, Rocky wins. But the songs from that movie, like when I hear them, I just picture him like doing these sit sits and doing all these things and I'm like, if Sylvester Stallone could do it, me me too.

Ally Brettnacher: Then I can, I

like that a lot. Um, and then your next finish line or milestone, obviously we talked about the big milestone of bar turning five, which is huge. And you're getting married. That's another huge milestone coming up next year. but what's your next finish line? Are you registered for anything right now?

Nicole Linn: space Coast, end of November, but that one I do with my brother now every year. This is his third half.

Uh, yeah. And so we'll do that one together. I'll finish the whole four year mission to Mars, but that race, like I don't go for speed. I just go for vibes and for fun and I love it. I'll end up doing the Miami half, I think it's end of January because duh, like it's Miami.

I have to do it, [01:23:00] but I don't have any goals like set out that I want. Right? Like literally it's getting married is my focus.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

Nicole Linn: I am gonna do Chicago in 2026 because it falls on my 30th birthday.

And I said, what a great gift to yourself.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

so fun.

Oh, Nicole, like in contact with like the charity teams.

Nicole Linn: Like, she's like, get into the lottery

yeah. So, '

Ally Brettnacher: cause I would love to be there.

Um, that'll be my first major. I've never done one,

okay. Yeah, Chicago is the marathon I've done the most. It's a blast. You're gonna love it. There's nothing and then you're gonna be like, oh, the majors. I see why people are so

Nicole Linn: I know. I'm worried about that. So, yeah. Now I'm like, well, that's Well, yeah. Ugh, that's so exciting. Oh, well this has been so much fun. I can't thank you enough for agreeing to come on a podcast from a random girl you met on the internet and then in real life, which I feel like you know, a lot of my remote guests, most of 'em I've never met in person at all. So I feel lucky that we've had a chance to meet in real life.

Ally Brettnacher: So hopefully again, you celebrate [01:24:00] your first anniversary. It makes sense. Like your first anniversary after you get married should be in Vegas again. You

Nicole Linn: know, I do wanna do the race again. I don't wanna go fast again. Like I wanna, I wanna enjoy it a little bit more 'cause it,

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. It's it, yeah. Yeah. I, I don't blame you for that. I did the same this year. I was like, I'm just going out to do it. It's fun.

Nicole Linn: No, we will, we will cross paths again, whether it's to see Wicked part two

Ally Brettnacher: Oh my gosh. Yeah. Yes. Yep. For sure. Well, thank you and thank you to everybody who has listened and happy running the end.

Hooray.

Thank you so much for listening. If you enjoyed this episode of Finish Lines and Milestones from Sandy Boy Productions, please go share rate review, message me on Instagram. Let me know what you thought. I'm all A-L-L-Y-T, Brett, B-R-E-T-T. That's Allie t Brett underscore runs. I would love to hear from you and get some feedback, especially if you're new here.

I hope you loved the show and I really hope that I get to see you again next [01:25:00] week. Bye.