Cream City Pacers: Recent Episodes
Cream City Pacers
We are here to bring you inspiring stories and talk to the Pacers who are making an impact in the world whether that’s professional athletes, political figures, CEOs, authors and running leaders. Hosted by your favorite runners, Alex Moehn and Apostoli Evreniadis, new shows drop every Friday morning.
Mary Callen has been inspiring runners in Milwaukee for years whether it be through her 162 marathons or coaching for Girls on the Run. Though 162 marathons in a lifetime would be enough reason to have Mary on the show, it becomes immeasurably more impressive when you add that Mary is blind and has to rely on a partner to guide her along the way. Listen in as she shares how it was to lose her longtime life and running partner, Paul, in 2018, and continue to run on in spite of numerous other adversities and obstacles, all with her signature positive attitude and nonstop belief in herself and God.
Heather Deaton, Wealth Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, joins us this week for a wide-ranging conversion about coming back from injury, how to confidently look at your long-term financial wealth, and the impact the State Fair has on our community. Late last summer, Heather went on crutches after discovering she had a stress fracture in her hip. After months of recovery and surgery, Heather is still working her way back to running. Join us as we learn about Heather's mind shift change throughout her road to recovery.
Rick Ruvin, Partner at Falk Ruvin Gallagher Real Estate, joins us to explain how combining meditation and running is the way to start living with intention. As a business owner, mentor, and father we learn how Rick puts the R.E.A.L in Realestate through his leadership style of Reflect, Embrace, and Allow yourself to feel and Let go. Join us as we explore these themes of meditation, gratefulness and daily routines, and how they allow us to live more purposeful and fulfilling lives.
Jill Sommers, a certified performance coach, joins us to discuss how to achieve transformation in sport and life. With more than 30 years of experience, Jill coaches high performers to achieve their ultimate success in life, sport, relationships, and financial freedom. Listen in as we learn how to start building habits and make a positive mindset change that will give you the courage to start living your life with passion.
Joe Vitrano, Wauwatosa East cross country and track coach, joins us this week to talk about the lessons he learned from coaching for over 30 years. Joe has had the opportunity to make an impact on thousands of students and athletes over the years. We take a trip down memory lane to discover what makes student-athletes successful, and the greatest takeaways any runner can apply to their life and running careers.
Lucas Florsheim, WIAA State Cross Country Champion and collegiate athlete, joins us this week to talk about what it's been like navigating his freshman year as a collegiate runner during COVID. Coming off his win at state in the fall of 2019, Lucas missed out on his senior year of track because of the pandemic, which led him to focus on his transition to college. Lucas attends Pomona College in Los Angeles, but, as school is currently remote, he has only met his coach a few times and has had the freedom to train in Oregon and start racing in North Carolina. Join us as we explore Lucas's journey.
Mary Bolich, creative writer and Milwaukee running legend, joins us this week. Mary has competitively run since college but really started hitting her stride after graduation. Since then, she has run over 100 marathons and has finished first place more times than we can count. Mary is not only an accomplished runner but she has also spread the joy of running with her family and through her involvement in the Badgerland Striders.
This week we are joined by new runner, Charonne Ganiere, President, Executive Director, and Founder of OneHope27, a non-profit that provides hope and support to those involved in foster care. Charonne "walks the walk", as she is not only an adopted mother of 3 children (along with 2 biological children), but she is also a foster parent herself (watch her and her family on the 88NINE - Radio Milwaukee documentary "At the Threshold"). In our interview, we talk about her life story, her new love for running, and the foster care system in Milwaukee. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did.
This week, we are flipping the mic. CCP host, Alex Moehn, had the opportunity to be on "Money Sense" Radio Show, powered by Ellenbecker Investment Group, early this year and today we are sharing that episode. Alex joined Heather Deaton to talk about starting the podcast, how running can be used to keep your body healthy, expand your social circle and connect you to organizations to reach your charitable giving goals.
We all have something we need to let go of. Whether that thing is a race goal, relationship, or career aim, letting go is never easy. Brian Frain - author, husband to Annie Weiss (FKT holder on the Ice Age Trail), and coach, joins us to say that often, letting go is necessary before achieving our life goals. In 2018 while crewing Annie's FKT attempt, Brian documented the journey in his book See You at the Terminus. We dive deep into why he wrote the book, the lessons learned, and what he wants you to take away from Annie's journey.
What does inspiring the next generation of women look like? Tina Jones, the Executive Director of Girls on the Run, joins us to talk about how Girls on the Run enhances girls’ social, psychological, and physical skills and behaviors so they can successfully navigate life experiences. Locally, the organization has been around since 2007 and currently serves over 2,000 girls per year at over 130 sites. The program is in seven counties including Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Washington, Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth. Tina shares how she got involved with Girls on the Run, her favorite memories, and what we can all learn about ourselves from the program.
If you ran 11 miles a day, how much of Milwaukee could you explore from your front door? Bill Hutchinson, also known as MKEJogWalker on Instagram, joins us to talk about how he has explored 40% of Milwaukee's city streets by simply running. That is a ton of streets, in a ton of neighborhoods, across our entire city. Bill has seen it all and captured it all on his Instagram and Strava pages. We dive into what Bill has learned from his adventures, what he loves to take pictures of, and how he brings a whole new level of fun to running.
Also: Enter our Koss Headphones Giveaway! Visit creamcitypacers.com/koss to enter.
This week we take a break from our usual interview format and we talk about YOU, our listeners. We read through letters from many people chronicling what accomplishments they are proud of, whether running related or not. 2020 was a crazy year, but we made it through, and we couldn't ask for better listeners and guests. Thank you and Happy 2021. | Big thanks to this week's sponsor, Koss Headphones. Go wireless on your runs with the Wireless FitClips. These wireless Bluetooth headphones are sweat-resistant and perfect for any distance. We’ve been rocking them during our runs and can’t go without them. Use code CCP20 at checkout to get 20% off your entire order on koss.com. | Enter our Koss Headphones Giveaway! Visit creamcitypacers.com/koss to enter.
Can one event entirely change your perspective on life? Jack Coyne, Filmmaker and YouTuber, joins us this week to talk about how losing his father in 2019 was one of those life-changing events that has given him a newfound perspective on life and focus on work. From working with top YouTuber, Casey Neistat, to starting his own YouTube channel, creating films is what Jack loves to do. We learn that running is at the heart of this and the activity that grounds him and fosters his forward movement in work and life.
Thanks to this week's sponsor, Performance Running Outfitters. As winter settles in, stock up on all your winter running needs from trail shoes, running jackets, buffs, wool socks, and more. Use promo code CCP10 at checkout to get 10% off your entire order on performancerunning.com or in stores at one of their five locations in the Milwaukee region.
"Long time listener and first-time caller" Mandela Barnes, Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin, joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about the impact urban development has on our communities, how FEAR MKE got him into running, and what he’s learned from being Lieutenant Governor. Bonus info, we discover that the pandemic has turned Mandela into a bird watcher and that 2020 will be his highest mileage year ever!
Thanks to this week's sponsor, Performance Running Outfitters. Get the perfect holiday gift for the running companion in your life. Use promo code CCP10 at checkout to get 10% off your entire order on performancerunning.com or in stores at one of their five locations in the Milwaukee region.
There is no better feeling than when life is goodr and today we all get to experience that. Stephen Lease, Co-Founder & CEO of goodr, joins us to talk about how he started the company, and we learn how overcoming fear and taking care of your mental health can be freeing.
In 2015, goodr was started to create running sunglasses for people who think running is fun. Since then the company has revolutionized the eyewear industry for runners. Voted best running gear in 2016 and 2018 by Runners World, they are known for their fun, flashy and affordable sunglasses. goodr likes to play by their own rules and that is the same principle Stephen applies to running his business.
Thanks to this week's sponsor, Koss Headphones. Go wireless on your runs with the Wireless FitClips. These wireless Bluetooth headphones are sweat-resistant and perfect for any distance. We’ve been rocking them during our runs and can’t go without them. Use code CCP20 at checkout to get 20% off your entire order on koss.com.
Stringing together a 16-week training program to run a marathon is one thing, but stringing together 80,000 words to craft the perfect running novel is another. Paul Maurer, the author of The Unforgiving Line, joins us this week to let us go inside his mind and learn how he wrote his latest novel. The story is about two track runners that are generations apart and from vastly different lives, but share the same drive and love of running. The best part is it takes place right here in Wisconsin. This wide-ranging conversation takes us down the path of understanding how Paul’s life shaped this book, how he develops characters and what goes into creating some of the most relatable running scenes. As Paul puts it, “if you put the running aspect aside, I hope you find salvation and peace in your life after reading this book.”
2020 has been a crazy year and for Mayor Dennis McBride it's been the only way he has known being the Mayor of Wauwatosa. From being elected in April during a pandemic election to recently handling the Mayfair Mall shooting, Dennis's run as mayor has been quite unique. However, running is nothing new to Dennis. He has won events such as the 1972 state championship track & field at Tosa East and twice won the Mayfair Marathon, the predecessor to the Lakefront Marathon.
Dennis shares with us how he has handled leading during these times. As you can guess, exercise is at the core. We learn that mental self-discipline is a key factor for his success. Tune in this week to hear Dennis detail races, his time growing up in Milwaukee, being the mayor of Tosa, how important our parks system is to our community, how he receives inspiration from Lincoln and Kennedy, and more.
And as always make sure you sign up for our Weekly Newsletter and listen to our Pre-Race Pump-Up Song Spotify playlist which contains all of our past guests' answers to one of our rapid-fire questions.
Ever think about running the entire 1,200 miles of the Ice Age Trail? Earlier this summer, North Face-sponsored athlete Coree Woltering did just that while setting the Fastest Known Time on the trail at 21 days 13 hours and 35 minutes. If this sounds familiar, it's because past guest and friend of the pod, Annie Weiss, had set the previous record. Listen as Coree shares how Annie actually joined alongside him and his crew to help him beat her record!
Additionally, Coree rolled his ankle in the first few days of his run. For most people that would lead to throwing in the towel, but he did not let it stop him from moving forward. As is often the case with successful people, a lot of the failures along the way to glory have been omitted. However, this is not the case with Coree in this interview. We get a chance to hear how a true elite athlete deals with roadblocks, failures, and self-doubt.
And as always Alex and Apostoli talk about the latest in the running world or running in their world. PLUS they have some great news to share (Hint: Alex has been promising this for a while). Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.creamcitypacers.com/newsletter to get news about our current and past guests, updates in the running world, and cool featured content from YOU, our listeners.
Imagine interviewing running greats like Galen Rupp, Shalane Flanagan, Jared Ward and Des Linden. Now imagine being 19 years old and overseas at the Olympics: Usain Bolt is standing in front of you and you get to ask the first question at the press conference. Chris Chavez made all that and more a reality, while also elevating CITIUS Mag, the magazine he founded, into one of the internet's hottest destinations for running news.
He joins us to talk about how he started covering running while at Marquette University, how joining a top NYC running group propelled his performance to the next level, and how one of his stories made it on the daily cover of Sports Illustrated.
Also, this week we introduce our Email Newsletter. Read up on local running news and updates from past guests and listeners like you. Want to sign up? Sign up on our websiteor, even better, send us something that you'd like see on next week's newsletter.
And as always,
Keep on running.
Yes, you read that right: that's over 2,555 days! For many of us, skipping a run is easy to do, but what happens when you have decided to run every day? And what happens when life throws you the worst possible curveball a parent can get? Enjoy our wide-ranging conversation with Tracy Johnson, President and CEO of Commercial Association of Realtors of Wisconsin, philanthropist, radio-show host and mother of two. Also, the boys catch up on their running and discuss some exciting news in the lives of some or our past guests. https://www.creamcitypacers.com/tracy-johnson
Sean Gavigan, the owner of PrimeTime Timing, one of the largest track and field timing companies in the US, joins us to talk about running a race events company during a pandemic. Sean and his team do events from the WIAA Championships to the Drake Relays, SEC Championships and more. We dig into how PrimeTime Timing is changing the way live sports are consumed and what the future of race events may look like.
Matt Thull, Owner of Thunderdome Running, joins us to talk about living and breathing running as a coach over the past 10 years. After providing us a 16 week training program for the 2020 Lakefront Marathon, we dive deep into his training programs, how different levels of runners handle failure, what you can do to take your running to the next level, and much more.
Ben Schneider, Director of Sales Training & Development and leader of the Diversity and Inclusion Team at Badger Liquor, joins us to talk about a topic that everyone can relate to, mental health. While taking care of yourself is one of the most important things, it’s also one of the easiest to ignore. Ben shares his own mental health journey and gives us his three keys to living a healthy life.
Jeremy Fojut, Cofounder of NEWaukee, tech-startup entrepreneur, podcaster, and more, joins us to talk about why he got into running this year, how he uses it as a tool to ideate, and how he has been rediscovering Milwaukee by running through all our parks. Also, Jeremy details his new rivalry with Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes. Thunderdome Running Update: Officially it's our last running segment for the year with Thunderdome Running. Alex recaps his marathon and Apostoli has some ground breaking news about his next big challenge.
Patrick Bieser, recurring guest of the pod and leader of the Milwaukee Running Group (OMG), joins us to celebrate marathon weekend. We go down memory lane to talk about our past marathons and catch up on other current events like the Fall 50 and OMG reopening their Saturday runs. Also, Patrick shares some much needed advice to Alex as he heads into marathon weekend.
Thunderdome Running Update: Apostoli introduces our running segment one last time, as our training with Matt at Thunderdome running comes to an end.
Apostoli and Alex take over this week's episode to talk about how social media is overtaking their lives! The boys recently watched The Social Dilemma on Netflix and talk about their takeaways and what they are doing to take back their free time.
Thunderdome Running Update: Alex is coming off a monster weekend with a 20-mile day as he heads into two weeks of tapering before the virtual Lakefront Marathon.
Nïa Obötette, author of the new children’s book “I am a Triathlete”, joins us to talk about what it’s like to love and participate in a sport dominated by people of another gender and race. Hear how important it is to be the role model for children of color as they learn that limits are a construct of our mind. Also, Nïa shares her story of a long bike ride she took with her father that, in his youth, would have been deemed dangerous (and even suicidal). Thunderdome Running Update: Alex and Apostoli talk about their upcoming marathon (gulp) plans and Alex gives us a full tech review on the massage gun. Purchase I am a Triathlete here Thank you as always for listening and helping grow Cream City Pacers by sharing our posts, commenting on them, and leaving us a 5-star review on iTunes.
Go pour yourself a cup of coffee and tune into our interview with Matt McClutchy, the owner of Anodyne Coffee Roasters and 4th place finisher at the Cream City Pacers and FEAR MKE #MKERun4Justice. Matt shares with us how he started Anodyne and where it has grown to today, which includes pizza. We also geek out about coffee and learn why running has always been an important part of Matt's life.
Thunderdome Running Update: Alex is officially back to running after crushing an 18 mile run over the weekend. Apostoli tells us how, after our interview with Jill Karofsky, he was inspired to (finally) run his #MKERun4Justice race and what he ended up finding in downtown Milwaukee.
It was an honor (no pun intended) to host Jill Karofsky, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice, to talk about #AlwaysRunning during her campaign, what it was like winning the seat, being sworn into office during her first 100 mile race, and finding time for everything.
Thunderdome Running Update: Apostoli announces he is a 5k guy and Alex details how Christina ran a marathon while they were on vacation at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Was she inspired by Greg Borowski's marathon story from last week's episode? Did you run an impromptu marathon too after listening to the show? Send us your story!
And as always, we begin our episode with our intro song being remixed with inspiration taken from our guest’s favorite Pump-Up Song. Can you recognize it before hearing the answer by Jill? Listen to the end to find out what it is along with all her other answers to our Rapid-Fire Questions.
Greg Borowski joins us to talk about the Bay View Running Group and running the 2020 Milwaukee Marathon solo. We also talk about what it is like to have seen, first-hand, the change in news media from paper to digital, as well as the challenges of running the news during a national pandemic, the Democratic National Convention, Kenosha unrest, elections, and more. Thunderdome Running Update: Alex and Apostoli catch up on their shenanigans from the week and talk about how marathon training is going. Alex claims that running has lost its fun and is looking for ways to bring it back. Maybe his trip to Ohio will help? And as always, we begin our episode with our intro song being remixed with inspiration taken from our guest’s favorite Pump-Up Song. Can you recognize it before hearing the answer by Greg. Listen to the end to find out what it is along with all his other answers to our Rapid-Fire Questions.
This week we welcome back Scott Stauske, the Race Director for the Lakefront Marathon and friend of the pod. Listen as we get the behind-the-scenes scoop of what it is like to try and save a USA Top 35 marathon during a global pandemic and how they came up with some genius ways to make the virtual version of the race a fun event for the whole family.
Thunderdome Running Update: Alex and Apostoli catch up on their shenanigans from the week and talk about how marathon training is going. Apostoli shares his story about running in the crazy smoky conditions of Bay Area, California.
And as always, we begin our episode with our intro song being remixed as inspired by our guest’s favorite Pump-Up Song. Can you recognize it before hearing the answer by Scott? (If you’ve heard Scott’s original episode you will know it’s “Yago”).
Episode Details: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/scott-stauske-wrd
Lucia Munoz,Northeastern Mexican Runner, Spanish teacher, restaurant owner of The Laughing Taco and board member of Girls on the Run of SE WI, joins us to talk about training for the virtual New York City Marathon, running a restaurant during the pandemic and what it means to be a part of Girls on the Run. Also, we learn how Laughing Taco got its name. Hint: it's running-related.
Thunderdome Running Update: Apostoli heads out to the West Coast for some runs and relaxation, while Alex turns running into a contact sport. Lastly, the boys break down their long together from the weekend.
Episode Details: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/lucia-munoz
Jon Noll, ultra runner, joins us to talk about how after running for 51 hours and covering 212.5 miles he was the last person standing during the Quarantine Backyard Ultra back in July. If you are unfamiliar with the backyard ultra concept, you have to run 4.167 miles every hour until there is only one person standing (running). Bonus points, because Jon did the entire race on his treadmill.
Also this week, Papa John’s pizza makes its way back into the show since our love affair for it back on our Valentine's Day episode. Thunderdome Running Update: Apostoli is officially back to running this week and Alex soared through some tough workouts with the recent cool temps. Episode Details: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/jon-noll
Kayla Sell, the Mastermind behind The Striders Virtual Challenges joins us to talk about how the Badgerland Striders are keeping members motivated and connected since day one of the pandemic with their virtual challenges (@16:25). Also this week, Alex shares his story about encountering killer bees on his run during his weekend up north. We hear from Hannah Seneczko on what running the #mkerun4justice meant for her and we give multiple reminders that T-Shirt pick up is still happening at Mimosa in Brookfield.
This week we are joined by runner, pastor of Southbrook Church, Inner-City activist, Police Chaplain, and all-around kind human being, Jonathan Misirian. Listen as we discuss how one can actively take a stance in this divided world by understanding all sides at the same time by following the “5 L’s” principle.
Also we discuss Lakefront Marathon’s Cancelation, MKE’s 50K World Record Attempt, our Lakefront Marathon training (?) and the wrap up of our “MKE Run 4 Justice” Virtual race that we hosted with our friends at FEAR MKE.
Phaedra Christou (@21:48) of the FrontRunners Milwaukee joins us for a colorful conversation about her journey into running with her running group, which is largely made up of the LGBTQ community. Listen as we discuss complex topics like inequality, leadership, and the latest exciting news for our country. Also, Phaedra tells that the one song you need to listen to on your next run is "Thank You for the Music" by ABBA. Plus, we give you the latest scoop on what Milwaukee's Mask Mandate means when you are running. BONUS: listen for a guest surprise appearance from our friend Patrick Bieser, leader of Milwaukee Running Group.
This week’s updates include details about our #Mkerun4justice 8.46K which is now LIVE, our week’s running hiccups, and other running- and non-running banter. A lot of fun banter, so banter away with us.
We are joined by our friend Ranell Washington from Social X and FEAR MKE, our partners in ourvVirtual 8.46K Race "MKE Run for Justice" to raise funds to bring awareness in the fight against racial and social injustice. Listen to Ranell talk about running and how we can all work towards a better future. Registration closes Monday, July 6: https://raceroster.com/events/2020/32542/mke-run-4-justice.
Tune in this week as Alex and Apostoli announce the details of their virtual 8.46K race-collaboration with FEAR MKE to benefit Urban Underground. Also listen as they catch up on their Lakefront Marathon training and talk about the importance of track workouts.
Listen as Alex and Apostoli talk about how training is going (or not), previewing CCP's partnership with FEAR MKE on the 8.46K virtual race in honor of George Floyd and to benefit local charity. Also, we cap the episode with a live appearance at the 2020 Wisconsin Podathon.
Tune in and hear us talk about our upcoming marathon training starting next week, Alex's recent obstacle, base mileage and what it should mean.
Listen as we catch up on our running updates and as we announce our first ever race in honor of George Floyd and to 100% support local causes. Also we talk about embarking on our new marathon journey.
Listen as Alex sits down with Cream City local John Dewitt, who just recently participated in his second US Olympic Trials. They talk about what it's like to be around the greats, running in Milwaukee, and, of course, their mutual love for Taylor Swift.
This week, the boys break down how they beat Molly Seidel at the #SlowMileChallenge, discuss their race strategy for the Boston Marathon and they discuss what’s up with the Hanson Marathon Method. Show Details: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/we-beat-an-olympian
How slow can you run a mile? In a world where people are always going after PRs, we are challenging you to do the opposite. How slow will you run?
Listen as this week we talk about getting tired of the same old shoes, the state's reopening, beating Kipchoge in a 5K, and #irunwithmaud. Learn More: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/someone-needs-a-new-pair-of-shoes
Tune in as Alex and Apostoli discuss CCP's 1-Year Anniversary by discussing the Trilogy Celebration episodes launched last week. Also, hear them talk about their personal running week, all here in the great running city of Milwaukee. Learn More: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/still-celebrating
This week the boys catch up by discussing how running has made their lives healthier and drop 6 science-backed ways running can improve your health. Also, Apostoli is officially back to running…for now. Learn More: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/running-for-your-health
Our three-part celebration series comes to an end. To celebrate one year of the podcast, we caught up with some of our past guests.
In part 3 of 3, we end with:
(3:40) Roy Pirrung tells us how his Six Days in the Dome race went last year and how that has been impacting his running. Roy and I also got to catch up at a race either this year and we hear what else Roy has been up to
(18:55) Annie Weiss tells us how she has been working on building speed on the road and gives us a look at her race plans for 2020. Annie also released her own podcast. She spills the details during our convo.
(36:10) Tim Cigelske - AKA the Beer Runner tells us about his ups and downs with running since our live episode at PodFest MKE, from running the Disney Marathon and winning beer for a year to coming back from injury in the past few months. We also geek out over the Peloton app.
(50:10)George Herrera details how his first bike race went this year, his adventurous race plan for 200 and how Sugar and Flour is transitioning during these times.
(1:01:40) And finally, to end the series, we catch up with Dr. Adel Korkor. During our episode with Adel, he was getting ready to open up registration for his Five Fifty Fifty race series. Since then, the race has transitioned to a virtual race. We talk about that and how he’s encouraging people to stay active and healthy both physically and mentally during these times. You can register for the virtual race at http://fivefiftyfifty.com.
Learn More: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/one-year-celebration-part-3
Welcome back to our three-part celebration series. To celebrate one year of the podcast, we caught up with some of our past guests.
In part 2, we catch up with:
(3:15) Scott Stauske recaps the 2019 Lakefront Marathon and what’s in the works for this year’s race.
(17:52) Michael Lovell gives us an update on how running is going for him with the Marquette campus shut down. Plus, we finally learn his favorite pre-race pump-up song.
(27:44) Manuel Merkt updates us on how his first marathon went last year and his future race plans.
(38:22) David Luy joined us for our first live episode at the Lakefront Marathon Expo. At the time David was battling injury and did not race. We talk about how he’s back at it and reconnecting with running a whole new way.
(51:15) Lastly, I caught up with Jenny Zwagerman who was also on our panel at the Lakefront Marathon Expo. Jenny recaps her race, talks about her training plan, and about her current run streak.
Learn More: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/one-year-celebration-part-2
Welcome to our three-part celebration series. To celebrate one year of the podcast, we caught up with some of our past guests. In part 1, we talk with our first five guests:
(2:25) Patrick Bieser gives us the scoop on what's new with the Milwaukee Running Group and how his running has been going.
(15:53) Jess Hoepner tells us how Performance Running Outfitters is transitioning during this time and Jess gives us the details on her run streak. (23:30) Tenia Fisher recaps her race season last year, how being inducted into the UWM hall of fame was and how FEAR is kicking off 2020 virtually. (36:50) Arun Sarkar gives us all the details about battling injury while still trying to toe the start line at Western States. We also learn what he’s been up to since. (1:02:10) Lastly, Dr. Michael Gordon was planning on running Boston this April, but he just rebooked his trip for September for the new race date. He's still running and has a lot planned this year if restrictions get lifted.
Learn More: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/one-year-celebration-part-1
Tune in on this real-time stream of us talking Earth Day and how it relates to local races, businesses, charities, and running in Milwaukee in general. Listen as we also share some of your favorite nature routes in Cream City. Learn More: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/earth-day-in-milwaukee
This week Alex and Apostoli celebrate one year of the Cream City Pacers. We discuss how we got started and our favorite memories. Plus, Apostoli tells us how his last run turned into a bike ride.
Thank you so much for the support over the past year. You are the best listeners in the world and we appreciate you being with us on every episode. Cheers to year two. Learn More: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/417-its-a-celebration
The internet of running is buzzing right now about two things this week, the "slipstream" and the closure of 40 state parks, forests and recreational areas. Alex and Apostoli break down everything you need to know about these topics. Plus, we kick off the show celebrating our upcoming one-year anniversary of CCP. Learn More: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/410-staying-out-of-the-slipstream
In episode 17, we sit down with Milwaukee running legend, Richard Dodd. Richard goes way back when it comes to running in Milwaukee. He was there in 1977 when the Badgerland Striders formed their name. This episode covers many topics because when you have been running in Milwaukee that long and you are on a Milwaukee running podcast there is A LOT TO TALK ABOUT.
For Richard, his story starts when he found running at Whitnall High School setting school records and quickly qualifying for the Boston Marathon at the age of 18. Being a Life Time Member of the Badgerland Striders, Richard and his brother started the Firecracker Four, which is still running today. Richard and his twin brother set the state record in the 50k, clocking a time together of 2:59:56. He earned the Wisconsin state coach of the year for cross country and most recently co-founded Ethan’s Run Against Addiction. Richard shares these stories and many more on this episode.
Join us this week as we announce the winners to our social contest, discuss what music gets us and our guests pumped up for runs and how to stay active with local running groups, gyms, and more while social distancing. Learn more: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/43-how-to-keep-active-during-covid-19
Join us as we talk about running in the age of Social Distancing, Olympics 2021, and how all of us are staying active. Learn more: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/327-social-distancing-on-the-oak-leaf-trail
This week on the rundown, we record remotely! We talk about the impact of the Coronavirus, and how to stay active and healthy during these times.
More Show Details: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/320-impact-of-the-coronavirus
Listen as we go deep on the subject of applying mindfulness practices in our lives to help us run better and live fuller. More episode details: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/313-mindfulness-meditation-and-running
We sit down with Dr. Adel Korkor, the man behind the Five Fifty Fifty Run/Walk Series for Mental Health which consists of a 5k in 50 states in 50 days. After retiring from 37-years as a physician, Dr Korkor has dedicated his retirement to raising awareness for mental health through his (and our) favorite hobby. Listen as he chronicles how he started running, how it saved his life and how it can save almost anyone's. https://www.creamcitypacers.com/adel-korkor
This week on the rundown, we recap the Olympic Marathon Trials and celebrate Wisconsin native, Molly Seidel's race and her road to Atlanta. Not only has running changed Molly's life, but it makes such an impact on everyone who runs. It's kind of the reason why a lot of us take up running and keep at it. Plus, the Cream City Pacers Social Contest is officially live.
Enter the Social Contest > https://kingsumo.com/g/tcgdmr/cream-city-pacers-social-contest
Website: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/306-celebrating-molly-seidel
This week on the rundown, Alex and Apostoli talk about the Olympic Marathon Trials, which include a handful of local runners and more than a dozen Wisconsin runners. This year features the largest group in trials history with over 700 runners. Who will represent the USA at the 2020 Summer Games?
More episode details: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/228-road-to-atlanta
This week we talk about battling fear and boredom during runs. How devastating it can be to your wellbeing when you push off running. What the Olympic Trials has in store for a few local runners. We wrap up with talk about the Tokyo Marathon being canceled.
In celebration of Valentine's Day, we are talking about the heart. From a romantic running adventure to heart rate training, we have a 'heart'y episode for you this week. BIG UPDATE ALERT, Apostoli is officially back to running. Also, Alex will be speaking about the Cream City Pacer's podcast on the East Town Coffee Connection panel on Thursday, Feb 20th at the Marcus Performing Art Center.
More episode details: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/214-heart-shaped-pizza
Sarah Hauer is a journalist at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the mastermind behind her weekly newsletter Be MKE. Sarah joins us today to talk about overcoming adversity after injury. We have all experienced a running injury that sets us back a few weeks before we are back at it. For Sarah, this wasn’t the case. She was just 10 days away from completing a year-long run streak leading up to her birthday when she got hit by a car. Listen as she goes in detail on what it was like to go from having a run streak to being hit and being out of running for two years.
This week we talk about that one thing we can't run without. There were a bunch of great listener submissions, so stick around until the end to hear those. To cap off the show, we created a list of the top five things we can't run without. How many of them are on your list? Also, we learn that Apostoli went to Yosemite over the weekend, but sadly still isn't back to running.
More episode details: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/27-five-things-we-cant-run-without
This week we talk about the new carbon fiber plate technology in shoes. What is it? Why is it important to know? What will happen during the 2020 summer Olympics? Tune in to find out. Lastly, we look at the early February race schedule. What did we notice? There are four races on the weekend of Feb 14. Which one are you running? Good luck to everyone running the John Dick 50k this weekend.
More episode details: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/131-would-you-pay-more-money-to-run-faster
George Herrera got his start at the Hyatt Hotel and made his way all the way up to Executive Chef. He got to meet some great people, like Barrack Obama, Gene Simmons, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Sean Penn, Jack Nicholson, Colin Powell, George W Bush, just to name a few. However, as glamorous as all this seems from the outside, George's story is another reminder of how we can never know the battles each person may be fighting within. Listen as he walks us through his ups, downs, and shares how running affected every part of his life.
This week we share our stories about persevering. Huge shout out and thank you to Jodi and Lucia for submitting their empowering stories. Also, we take a look at the race schedule for the end of the month and learn how to apply to become a Lakefront Marathon Ambassador.
Episode Details: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/124-perseverance
Welcome to the very first Cream City Pacer Weekly Rundown episode. This is your weekly source of Milwaukee running news. These will be dropping every Friday. We will use these to talk about what’s happening in the Milwaukee running scene on a real-time stream from what’s going on with upcoming races to relevant running topics.
This week we polled our listeners for their best accomplishments in 2019 and their running goals for 2020. Let's see where your goals align with your fellow runners.
Show Details: https://www.creamcitypacers.com/117-2020-goals
Welcome to our first episode of 2020! Though it’s 2020, we are starting off the year by releasing a live show we did back in November at Milwaukee’s newest podcast festival, PodFest MKE. During our live 20 minute slot, we had the chance to talk with Tim Cigelskw, a.k.a The Beer Runner. Tim is the Director of Integrated Content & Social Media at Marquette University. As well, he is an adjunct professor at Marquette. Tim is an active blogger and writer, with his latest released book titled The Creative Journey: A Timeless Approach to Discovery. He is the host of his own podcast, The Beer Runner Podcast. Not only is he an avid runner, but he has also created the persona The Beer Runner, someone equally devoted to fine beer appreciation and an active, healthy lifestyle. Enjoy episode 13, as Tim takes us on his journey of starting the Beer Runner and through the adventures on which it has taken him.
6:00 - Tim tells his story about getting into running
8:30 - How the Beer Runner started
11:30 - Storytelling through the Beer Runner persona
12:30 - Tim gives the show some love <3
13:45 - Tim details his 3-year streak of drinking a beer and running
16:00 - Explanation of a Beer Mile
20:30 - Favorite breweries in Milwaukee
21:15 - Tim talks about PRing in multiple races in 2019
23:00 - Cream City Pacers rapid fire questions
“I went from nothing to something with running.” Annie Weiss is most notably known for setting the fastest-known time completing the Ice Age Trail, a 1,200-mile trek that stretches across the state of Wisconsin. She did it in just 21 days. Annie shares her story of getting into running and her journey through the Ice Age Trail.
In this show:
4:30 - Annie tells her story why she started running
10:00 - Annie explains making the transition from road racing to trails
13:30 - How Annie battled with depression after completing the Ice Age Trail
15:30 - Attempt one at the Ice Age Trail
20:00 - Ice Age Trail training plan
27:30 - Attempt two at the Ice Age Trail
50:00 - What races Annie completed in 2019
58:30 - Cream City Pacers rapid fire questions
In episode 11 we had the honor to have ultra marathoner, hall of fame runner, national record holder Roy Pirrung in the studio.
At the age of 71, Roy is still crushing the running game. But that wasn’t always the case as he will tell you for himself. From being a 2-pack-a-day habit, struggling for air just to walk up a flight of stairs, Roy has completely turned it around. He has completed over 1,100 races, finished more than 150 marathons and 215 ultra marathons AND has over 105,000-lifetime miles. He has broken over 70 American Records and has garnered 82 National Titles. He is a world masters champion and an age-group world record holder. He has competed internationally over 50 times, in 21 countries and gained entry to USA Track and Field Masters Hall of Fame. Roy is an absolute legend, but his good spirit spreads far behind running through the many ways he gives back to our communities.
Listen to all episodes on our website CreamCityPacers.com.
Follow us on Instagram @CreamCityPacers and on Facebook @Cream City Pacers
Welcome to our first live episode. On Saturday, Oct 5 we hosted a live episode at the Lakefront Marathon Expo. I was joined by an awesome panel of Lakefront marathon runners. We had a great conversation about training blocks, race strategy, marathon preparation and more. Plus, we ended with our Cream City Pacers' rapid-fire questions. Thank you to everyone that came out for our live show and to our panel for joining us. Congratulations to everyone who ran.
Panel:
- Sheila Wordell - Pace Team Captain
- Jenny Zwagerman - 2017 Female Winner & 3rd place this year
- David Luy - 2018 Overall Winner
- Duane Tate - Has run all 39 Lakefront Marathons
Stream all our episodes on creamcitypacers.com. Follow us on our Facebook or Instagram pages by searching @creamcitypacers.
Today’s episode is not going to follow the traditional path of a runner. This summer, I had the honor of sitting down with a man that is familiar being on camera. Vince Vitrano, TMJ4’s Live at daybreak anchor, joins us for episode #9. Vince runs mainly for a reason I can get behind, to not be fat. He states it in his Facebook profile. Vince runs nearly every day, but doesn't label himself as a runner. We have a thoughtful conversation about what running means to different people and why Vince has only ever run one race.
Fun fact, Vince is our first guest that is verified on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We talk about what it’s like being verified on social media and how Vince uses his social influence to give back to the community.
I am just dropping in to announce some exciting news. We will be hosting our first LIVE EPISODE on Saturday, OCT 5 at the Lakefront Marathon Expo. Grab a coffee, pick up your bib, bring some friends and join us for a running conversation with our panel of runners from this years race. We will discuss a wide variety of topics from the new course layout to race preparation and strategy.
Panel will include:
- Pace Team Captain - Sheila Wordell
- 2017 Female Winner - Jenny Zwagerman
- 2018 Female Winner - Kameron Burmeister
- 2018 Male and overall Winner - David Luy
Location: Lakefront Marathon Expo, located at the UW Milwaukee Student Union Ballroom.
When: 10:30am in the Course Talk Room (Look for signs at the expo directing you were to go)
For details head over to website creamcitypacers.com or you can find the details on our Facebook or Instagram pages by searching @creamcitypacers
From Germany to Milwaukee, Manuel Merkt navigated his way through a new country to become the President of Hermle USA. Manuel, Milwaukee’s newest 40 under 40 recipient, has been running for less than three years, but labels himself a runner and has been training to complete his first marathon. In this episode, Manuel talks about moving to Milwaukee, finding love, and his journey into running. If you are a runner, you will be able to relate to his running story and the reasons he stuck with it and continued to push his limits.
Michael Lovell, President of Marquette University, sits down with us to talk not only about his journey into running, but also his commitment to the Milwaukee community. President Lovell empowers students to dream up ideas like the 707 Innovation Hub and addresses generational trauma through Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee. We talk about many of these initiatives and also learn about the running side of President Lovell.
Mike has run an astonishing 34 marathons in 30 years and has also inspired students on campus to run their first marathons. He started the Lakefront Marathon University Challenge and has a running group at Marquette called Run with the President. Every year he participates in the Briggs and Al’s Run and if a student or faculty member beats him, they get a “I Leveled Lovell” tshirt. It is admirable to see how committed President Lovell is to our city -- and himself. We left incredibly inspired and I hope you leave feeling the same.
Scott Stauske, Lakefront Marathon’s race director, joins us to talk about how his unconventional running journey of completing triathlons before marathons led him to join the Badgerland Striders, Wisconsin’s largest running club. After joining and then volunteering for various Badgerland races such as the Lakefront Discovery Run and the kids I Can 26.2 It program, he became race director of Lakefront Marathon. Scott shares entertaining stories like how he wore a bathrobe for his first marathon to how he is now looking to make the Lakefront Marathon a national race.
BREAKING NEWS: Scott shares some big news about changes to the Lakefront Marathon this year, including course changes, a new finish line and a jumbotron that will be at Big Bay Park.
Dr Micheal Gordon joins us to share some of his unbelievable running stories from how Boston was his first marathon to having a rifle pointed at him in China when he was on a run. As an orthopedic surgeon in sports medicine, Dr Gordon is involved with the care of athletes of all levels. At one point Mike covered 100 sporting events a year. I’m not even sure I watch 100 sporting events in a year. It’s incredible to hear how dedicated Dr Gordon is his to his craft whether he’s working the side line for a Milwaukee Bucks or Marquette Golden Eagles game or helping runners as the physician advisor for the Badgerland Striders Running Club.
Ultra runner, Arun Sarkar, talks us through his journey to becoming an ultra runner. Arun has accomplished big things since he started running in 2012. Yeah that’s right: he has only been running for 7 years, but has run over 100 halves, marathons and ultras combined. It’s not often you know someone with the stories and willpower to just keep running, but Arun defies most of our expectations of what the human body can do. We learn how Arun got started running on Jan, 16 2012. He talks about a specific run that pushed his body and mind to go beyond his limits to show him he can accomplish whatever he puts his mind to. But sometimes life doesn’t happen the way we expect it. In Arun’s case, an injury in 2018 set him back to racing at the World Championships, but when a new opportunity came at him in 2019 he is trying to find a way to get to that start line.
Tenia Fisher of FEAR MKE and Social X is in the studio for episode 3. When it comes to running, it's been something Tenia has been excelling at since she was a kid. We kick off the first half of the show learning about Tenia's running journey, from being a state champ at Rufus King, to being named athlete of the year three years in a row at UW-Milwaukee. But every athlete has highs and lows. Tenia talks about going from training for Olympic qualifiers to her to fall-out with running and then ultimately how FEAR MKE brought running back into her life. As the Director of Health and Wellness at Social X and a Lead Captain of FEAR, Tenia is giving back to the sport and city that shaped her life by breaking down barriers in Milwaukee for runners of color.
In episode number two, we sit down with Jess Hoepner, the owner of Performance Running Outfitters, or better known as PRO. PRO is a Milwaukee based running store, but they are much more than that, they have grown their roots deep in Milwaukee and give back to the local running scene in so many ways.
We chat with Jess about her journey into running from her time as a student athlete to coaching and running marathons. We learn how Jess started PRO and a lucky break that helped propel her from selling crocs to name brand shoes. Since opening PRO in 2006, Jess and her husband Trae have expanded PRO to four locations in the greater Milwaukee area. Stick around for the Cream City Pacers rapid fire questions to hear Jess' favorite prerace pump up song.
Welcome to episode 1.
Most big running events have “designated runners” helping pace the race. This show focuses on the Pacers of Milwaukee. You You know, the people helping shape our city everyday. We will hear their stories, learn how they are impacting Milwaukee and the local running scene.
For this very first episode we sit down with Patrick Bieser, the fearless leader of the Original Milwaukee Running Group, or OMG for short. The reason I started running was because I got involved with OMG when my wife dragged me to the group back in 2014. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here on this show today, so it’s only fitting that we kick off episode one with Patrick. Patrick and I discuss all things OMG, from how Patrick got started with the group and what the group has come to be. Currently the group offers 14 different runs a week and hosts Milwaukee’s largest Beer Mile. We talk about all the different events OMG puts on throughout the year and you will quickly learn that they enjoy having fun outside of running too. If you are currently a member, then there was a good chance you already know, but if you are new, then Patrick hopes this inspires you to come out for a run.
Lastly, Patrick delivers his answers for the very first Cream City Pacers Rapid Fire Questions to end the show. Teaser his favorite post run food is chocolate milk.
Welcome to Cream City Pacers. This podcast is coming to you from the heart of Milwaukee, as the city’s exclusive running themed show. The theme is simple: we all run this city every day, but do we know the people who run it? I am your host Alex Moehn and I’m super excited to bring this podcast to you to connect the people and our city together. On this show, we will get to know the “Pacers” who are helping shape Milwaukee. We will hear their stories and talk about their personal journeys. We will learn about their failures and triumphs, and what they are doing to impact Milwaukee and the local running scene. I hope these interviews both inspire you and make you laugh-- hopefully we will all make a few new running friends along the way.
A little about myself: I am a fellow Milwaukeean and an avid runner, and I will be your host along this journey into our city. I have happily called Milwaukee my home for over the past decade. While I grew up in Wisconsin playing all your typical high school sports, running was not one of them. I actually didn’t start running until 2014 when I completed my first half marathon. In the past few years, I have run many halves, a few marathons and the majority of the local races, including a few beer miles. I would have never thought I'd label myself as a runner, but here I am five years later and I wouldn't have it any other way. I’ve met some incredible people, explored Milwaukee, and have seen what running really means to this city. My passion for running and love of this city has inspired me to bring you this show.
In our first episodes we will hear from local runners who are making a huge impact on this city. We will hear about how the Milwaukee Running Group is bringing runners together everyday, how FEAR MKE is growing the running community for people of color, and how one lucky break for Performance Running Outfitters helped springboard their store to sell more than just Crocs--yes, crocs like the ones your uncle wears with white socks.
Lastly, if you are not a runner, don’t tune out just yet. I hope these stories and interviews you will inspire you to take action with your own goals and aspirations, or just keep you around long enough to learn more about the people and this great city.
So next time you are out on your run, wave to the next person who passes by. It might just make their day. And, who knows??? maybe they are listening to this podcast too.