Pivotal Running Podcast: Recent Episodes
Pivotal Running
Greg Darbyshire, Chris Gruenhagen, and Marty Wennblom discuss important topics, inspiring stories, and extraordinary performances in upper Midwest running. Three Jackrabbits from two countries who continue to follow and support the running community.
Episode 15 Season 2- Today we have the honor and privilege to speak with Erik Sowinski (AKA the Running Metronome). Erik grew up in Waukesha, WI where he was Wisconsin State 800m champion at Waukesha West High School. He went on to become 5x All American at University of Iowa and start one of the most consistent professional track careers in American History.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2022 US Indoor 800m 5th, 2020 Olympic Trials Qualifier, 2020 US Indoor 800 4th, 2018 US Outdoor 800m Bronze, 2018 US Indoor 800m Bronze, 2017 US Outdoor 4th, 2017 US Indoor 600m Champion, 2016 Olympic Trials 5th, 2016 World Indoor 800m Bronze, 2016 US Indoor 800m Silver Medalist, 2015 US Outdoor 800m Silver Medalist, 2014 US Outdoor 800m Bronze Medalist, 2014 US Indoor 800m Champion, 2013 US Indoor 800m Champion, 2013 Indoor 600m American Record, 2012 Olympic Trials 800m Qualifier, 2012 800m NCAA Runner-Up, 5x All-American, University of Iowa 800m School Record Holder, 4x800 Indoor World Record Team Member, DMR Indoor World Record Team Member
Black Hills State University Hall of Fame runner Nikki McDaniel shares her inspiring journey from walking on the Cross Country team to becoming a National Champion in the marathon. Don't miss this inspiring story that will help you chase your own goals and dreams.
Legendary Dick Beardsley talks with Paul Danger, Marty Wennblom and legendary South Dakota State University Coach Scott Underwood about running and life. Dick is one of the world’s most extraordinary, well respected, and compelling motivational / inspirational keynote speakers. Dick's inspirational international best selling autobiography Staying the Course, A Runners Toughest Race and the subject of the best selling book Duel in the Sun: The Story of Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, and America's Greatest Marathon.
Wonderful chat with Jackrabbit running legend Chase Cayo. Chase exemplifies everything that is right in running and his character made a tremendous impact to South Dakota State's running culture. Chase’s leadership helped the Jackrabbits collectively rise to the top of the Midwest Region through his inspiring pursuit of excellence.
South Dakota Running Legend Mike Dunlap. Mike was the South Dakota State A cross country champion in 1974 and went on to become four year varsity runner at SDSU from 1975-78.
After College, Mike signed a professional contract with the Brooks running team, qualified for two Olympic marathon trials in 1980 and 1984 and holds a marathon PR of 2:18:26.
Mike has managed outpatient Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation programs for the last 32 years and has received his MS in Exercise Physiology and ACSM certifications as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist and as a Preventive/Restorative Program Director.
Growing up in Center Point, Iowa, Joshua ran four Cross Country and three track seasons at Drake University. After completing his undergraduate degree he came to South Dakota State University to complete his Masters degree in Sociology and his last season of track eligibility. In his final indoor and outdoor track seasons as a Jackrabbit he became the first person to break 8:00 mins for 3K meters on South Dakota soil, won the prestigious Drake Relays Steeplechase and also set the SDSU 5K outdoor School Record of 13:42.
Wonderful chat with Nick Burrow (SDSU Jackrabbit) who won two NCAA DII National Titles (Indoor Mile and XC Team) and earned six All-American honors in both indoor and outdoor T&F. Nick resides in Christchurch, New Zealand where he develops leaders of character at the New Zealand Institute of Sport.
Luke is Head Cross Country and Assistant Track and Field coach for the Sioux Falls Lincoln Patriots. Luke (Lincoln Alum 2013) ran collegiately at both Lipscomb and Liberty Universities. After completing his studies he returned to further develop and sustain Sioux Falls Lincoln’s winning culture. His direct leadership has resulted in leading the Boys & Girls Cross Country Teams to an impressive seven team combined state championships from 2014-2020.
Wonderful chat with U.S. Army Officer and Combat Veteran Kelly Calway. Kelly ran for the North Carolina State University cross country and track & field teams from 2003-2006 while also balancing the demands of Army ROTC. Kelly was awarded the 2009 Army Athlete of the Year, won 2013 Marine Corps Marathon and qualified three times for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Inspiring story for all to enjoy!
Garrett talks about running in Minnesota, Stanford University and the navigating the Professional Running World.
Great conversation with Everett Smulders who is making big headlines in the Athletics World both individually and collectively with his Old Miss and WesFly Squads. Great chatting and hearing his inspiring story!
Great chat with three legendary Jackrabbits who talk about Summit Indoor Champs and takes us through the 2017 Summit Indoor Mile and 2019 NCAA Regional Steeplechase races.
We sit down with Paul Danger to have a chat about HS, College and what has changed in the running landscape.
Greg Darbyshire, Chris Gruenhagen, and Marty Wennblom chat about the present, past and future running community.
Chris and Marty chat with Trent Lusignan about his running journey from discovering his passion for running. Trent talks about his Minnesota High School running days and the big transition to running at South Dakota State University where he earned two All-American awards at the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships. Trent talks about running professionally for the Hanson-Brooks Team and qualifying for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.