In this Track of The Ali G Show, host Allie G interviews Mike Beeman, a seasoned marathon runner and TikTok influencer known for his engaging content about running and community building. Mike shares his journey from a chubby kid in New Hampshire to a 48-time Boston Marathon finisher, discussing the evolution of running, the competitive spirit of the Boston Marathon, and the impact of social media on the running community. He emphasizes the importance of relatability in his content, especially regarding injuries and mental health, and reflects on the joy of connecting with fans and inspiring others through his journey. Mike Beeman shares his unique insights on running, including his personal scoring system known as Beeman Points, his experiences with marathon training, and the challenges he faced after a severe injury. He reflects on the evolution of his marathon mindset over the years, the impact of social media on the running community, and offers valuable advice for new runners. The discussion highlights the importance of patience, self-acceptance, and the joy of running without the pressure of competition.

Takeaways

Mike Beeman has completed the Boston Marathon 48 times, showcasing his dedication to running.

The evolution of running technology and community has changed significantly since Mike's first marathon in 1978.

Mike's journey into running began as a way to lose weight and improve his fitness.

The Boston Marathon has become more accessible, but the competition remains fierce.

Social media plays a crucial role in building community among runners.

Mike emphasizes the importance of being relatable and genuine in his TikTok content.

Injuries are a common struggle for runners, and Mike shares his recovery journey.

Celebrating achievements, like receiving awards, is an emotional experience for Mike.

Mike's goal is to inspire others to run and enjoy the journey, not just the finish line.

The fun side of running is highlighted through Mike's engaging TikTok videos and community interactions. Beeman Points help assess running conditions based on temperature and humidity.

Marathon training is as much about mental preparation as it is about physical training.

Injuries can be overcome with determination and the right support.

Running should be enjoyable, not just a race against time.

Social media can create a sense of community among runners.

Patience is key for new runners as their bodies adjust to the sport.

Comparison can detract from the joy of running.

Every runner has a unique story that contributes to the running community.

Approachability is important in building connections within the running world.

The experience of running a marathon is about more than just finishing times.

On Track 16 of the Allie G Show we're joined by AJ Schrag who just ran the Boston Marathon. AJ shares his inspiring journey from a personal fitness transformation to running the Boston Marathon. He discusses the importance of community in fitness, his role in building the Stanford Run Club, and his ambassadorship with Lululemon. AJ also explores the growing popularity of High Rocks, a unique fitness challenge that combines running and strength training. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes inclusivity in running and the significance of fundraising for the Boston Athletic Academy, a charity supporting inner-city youth. AJ's story is a testament to perseverance, community support, and the joy of running. In this conversation, Allie G and AJ Schrag discuss the journey leading up to the Boston Marathon, including the importance of community support in fundraising, the unique experience of the race, pre-race routines, emotional moments at the start line, and reflections on the challenging hills of the course. They also share their thoughts on celebrating accomplishments and the personal growth that comes with running marathons.

AJ's Instagram

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AJ Schrag and the Boston Marathon

00:34 Introduction to AJ Schrag and His Journey

02:48 AJ's Fitness Transformation and Motivation

04:57 Building the Stanford Run Club

10:47 The Role of Community in Running

14:48 Becoming a Lululemon Ambassador

17:50 Exploring High Rocks and Its Popularity

21:31 Disneyland vs Disney World: A Surprising Comparison

25:49 The Marathon Journey: From Toronto to New York

31:05 Running for a Cause: The Boston Athletic Academy

34:23 Race Day Rituals: Preparing for the Boston Marathon

42:23 The Unique Experience of Boston Marathon's Athlete's Village

43:13 Walking to the Start Line: Nerves and Gratitude

45:00 The Marathon Experience: Embracing the Journey

48:13 The Hills of Boston: A Runner's Perspective

57:12 The Final Stretch: Emotions at the Finish Line

01:01:55 Celebrating Achievements: Post-Race Reflections

Summary

In this track, Allie and her surprise hosts recap the Boston Marathon, sharing their experiences, challenges, and the overwhelming support from friends and family. They engage with their audience through an AMA format, answering questions and reflecting on the highs and lows of marathon running. The conversation highlights the importance of community, the emotional journey of running, and the joy of celebrating achievements post-race.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Energy Setting

01:44 Boston Marathon Recap and Reflections

04:41 Post-Race Feelings and Experiences

07:42 AMA Questions and Insights

10:43 Memorable Moments from the Race

13:43 Community Support and Personal Connections

15:26 Celebrating Achievements and Support

23:42 Reflections on the Boston Marathon Experience

33:01 The Power of Community and Connection

37:16 Celebrating Achievements and Friendships

39:49 Race Day Strategies and Experiences

45:26 Injury Management and Mental Resilience

50:58 The Importance of a Supportive Crew

54:51 Pre and Post-Race Rituals

56:52 Comparing World Major Marathons

59:05 The Boston Marathon Experience

01:02:27 Memorable Moments from the Weekend

01:06:32 The Importance of a Supportive Crew

01:10:24 Reflections on the Podcast and Future Plans

Takeaways

The energy of the Boston Marathon is unmatched.

Post-race pain is a badge of honor for runners.

Engaging with the audience through AMAs enhances connection.

Memorable moments often come from unexpected places during races.

Support from friends and family can make a significant difference.

Celebrating small victories is essential in running.

The camaraderie among runners is a powerful motivator.

Sharing experiences helps build a supportive community.

Runners often face mental challenges during long races.

The joy of finishing a marathon is worth the struggle.