Steve Runner Interview

   EnduranceSource.com

  Who is this guy Steve Runner?

Who is Steve Runner? And why are tens of thousands of people all over the world listening to him on their long-runs? EnduranceSource.com took some time out to speak with the man himself and find out these answers and more!

Steve Runner is the man behind what must be one of the most popular running podcasts on the planet – “Phedippidations”. For almost 3 years Steve has been religiously recording and sharing his running journey as he has progressed from an everyday runner, to a Boston Marathon finisher and a man with a mission to crack that sub 4Hr Marathon finish time! His podcasts are a chronicle of a normal 40’something man, who chooses to head out there and pound the pavements and trails, when others are still in bed. Steve (whos’ actually surname is “Walker”:) Broadcasts his show weekly with topics ranging from everyday running related questions, to just about anything you can think of.

Can you tell us a little bit about your Podcast "Phedippidations" and why you decided to start it in the first place?

 

Phedippidations is pretty much an audible equivalent of going out for a long run with a friend; the difference being that he does all the talking and you nod quietly to yourself either in agreement or disbelief. I'm just a regular guy, a dedicated runner who dreams of breaking four hours in a marathon. Derived from the original Athenian marathoner: Phedippides, along with the rambling conversations of a middle aged, middle of the pack runner: Phedippidations is a podcast that celebrates living your life to the top, recorded as I'm out training for my races, or actually running my races (including the Boston Marathon).

 

How would you describe the feeling of crossing your first Marathon finishing line?

 

I think Dr. George Sheehan, cardiologist, author, philosopher and fellow runner said it best when he wrote that crossing the finish line of your first marathon is like coming to understand a "peace beyond understanding". It is the accomplishment of something that you intuitively knew you could do, but might not have understood what that finish might have meant in your life. Finishing a marathon means that nothing in your life is impossible; that hard work most often yields success, and that you are forever changed for the better. It's a good feeling.

 

What have been some of the most enjoyable moments for you in your running career to date? 

 

I'd say running the Boston Marathon seven times was quite enjoyable, although my experienced weren't always the best. My current marathon PR set in Philadelphia last Autumn, with a 4:01:31 finish ranks as one of my greatest achievements, but also crushing defeats. Such races can be both agony and ecstasy for a runner. For the most part though, there comes a time in training, usually just before a taper period, where you know you're at your peak, and you feel comfortable within yourself: for me, those are the most enjoyable moments.

 

Do you have a specific goal which you are aiming for at the moment?

 

I really hope to run a marathon in under four hours. I have been plagued by injury and a slow degradation in my performance due to aging, but I'm a stubborn old New Englander...and I'm not wise enough to give up: I know I'll break four hours; I may not have speed, but I have determination and patience.

 

If you had 4 pieces of advice which you would offer to somebody embarking on their first marathon or shooting for a goal time, what would they be?

 

Advice number one:

Pay heed to the 10% rule. Never run more than 10% in the next week than you did in the previous week. Always start out slow, and build your mileage carefully. Don't give in to the dark side of "wanting to push yourself" past your perceived limits. Let your body adjust to the pounding, and develop your conditioning carefully.

Advice number two:

Keep a running log or journal. Aside from keeping you honest in your training, it will give you incentive to maintain your level of performance on the road, and act as a key piece of evidence for your next marathon, and the one after that. It doesn't matter if you use an online electronic log, or just a notebook: the key thing is to track your progress and keep a schedule.

Advice number three:

Train moderately and consistently. If you can run 16 to 20 miles (26 to 32 Km) then you can run a full marathon. It's more important to treat every run as equal and important, and to run with consistency. You need speedwork and hill training and the all important long run, but you need to do this weekly schedule with consistency and don't break yourself while you're in training by going overboard with too much distance.

Advice number four:

Rest is not your enemy. Weight lifters know this all too well, when we push ourselves hard our bodies need to recover, so rest days are important elements to your training: and they are NOT slacking off days!

 Steve Thanks a million for your time!

If you would like to tune in and check out Steves podcast, visit or search for “Phedippidations”  on iTunes. The podcast is completely free and is great company when racking up those long run miles!

Below is a very quick Video of Steve running the Boston Marathon - Fair play to you,Steve, thats a seriously tough course!