Tough Runs Don't Last

Graham and Michelle took part in the Arkansas 20K in Benton on Saturday, but in very different roles. Graham has a busy running schedule between now and December 6. Your two hosts talk a little about their goals next year, but with Halloween being on Friday, M&G discuss the Ed Gein series on Netflix (and similar shows), and Graham explains why he likes Halloween II while simultaneously admitting it's a bad movie.

Michelle gets her calf surgerated on and limps her way around Booneville while Graham ran the Bearcat Half Marathon on Saturday. After his easy sub-2-hour half on Saturday in Logan County, Graham came home to pace the Spooky Sprint Half Marathon in North Little Rock on Sunday. Learn more about that, Graham's bowel movements, and what your hosts have to say about the World Marathon Majors on the 50th episode of the TRDL podcast!

Michelle and Graham recap their runs from the Stampede 10K in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and the Great 5K Pumpkin Run in their hometown (Lonoke, Arkansas). Did they surpass their goal times? Michelle gets ready to have surgery on her calf while Graham gears up for a very busy running schedule. Also, tree bushes. What are they and are they worth keeping? Graham explains which ones serve a purpose and which ones don't (examples are included).

Michelle and Graham are back to preview their upcoming 10K race in Fort Smith, Arkansas, next weekend. Graham explains why he is cursed by the 10K race distance and what he and Michelle can expect on the Stampede course next Saturday. Michelle and Graham go to their hometown the following weekend (in two weeks) to run The Great 5K Pumpkin Run in Lonoke. It's the start of what will be a very busy fall running schedule for your favorite running podcast hosts. Also, Michelle has Covid, so give her some love for playing hurt this week (hosting despite her...

Graham recaps the hardest race he's ever participated in, the Scorchin' Squirrel 20-mile trail run in Little Rock, Arkansas. He gives kudos to his running vest, and the trail race volunteers for allowing him and his brother Ben to finish strong ... well, finish. Graham calls Michelle after his last two long runs, the most recent of which was a smidge scary. Lastly, Michelle and Graham discuss their goals going into the ARK 5K Classic on Saturday (August 30) in North Little Rock.

WE'RE BACK!!! After a 5-week hiatus, your fav running podcast hosts return with a recap of the Watermelon 5K in Hope, Arkansas. Are the watermelons that good? Graham finishes with school (for now) as Michelle preps for her third year of law school. Graham plans to return to training full-time, but still needs to order a water vest for his upcoming 20-mile trail run next Saturday, which is the Scorchin' Squirrel Trail Race in Little Rock.

Michelle and Graham discuss all things current in their lives. With Graham back in school for another month, he explains how he plans to find the time to squeeze runs into his busy schedule. Michelle teases her attempt at a half marathon without training. Check the vlog to see how that went. She also has a unique way of watering (or milking) the maters in her garden. Your hosts briefly discuss ultrarunning, and what's next on their race schedules. This will be the final podcast episode until August 10. We'll see y'all again then and, as always, happy running!

Graham and Michelle ran a 1-mile race in the SoMa (South Main Street) area of Little Rock on Friday night. Listen to their recap of the race itself and their experience with it, watching the elites run, and some of the funny things people will post to their Strava activities. Stay tuned for next week's vlog, where Michelle attempts a half marathon with no training. It'll appear on this YouTube channel next Sunday. Very entertaining stuff that you don't want to miss ("Hi, ducks! Hi, gooses!").

Michelle and Graham discuss their performance at the Arkansas Runner 2-Mile race in Benton, Arkansas yesterday (Saturday, June 14, 2025), score the Italian ice they had afterwards, and even discuss what goes through their heads during a live race.

Michelle and Graham take a weekend trip to Memphis to eat the best BBQ, chicken, and run a half marathon at Shelby Farms. Well, Graham ran it in his usual pacing time slot for Beast Pacing, while Michelle vlogged the highlights from the weekend. The weather and temperature were perfect this (Sunday) morning. Graham got to run by a herd of Bison, pace some younger runners that wanted to conquer a half marathon, and he even helped a young fella find his mom during the race. Michelle and Graham spent most of Saturday at the Memphis Zoo, before fueling...

Graham gets a bit of a break before his next race, which is a trail race in Perryville, Arkansas, next Saturday. It's the Catsmacker (or Kittysmacker), and it'll be his second-ever trail race. After that, Graham's next three races will be pacing gigs, all of which will be the Hometown half marathon, the first of which will be in Memphis on June 1. Michelle and Graham will both be making the trip for that, and Michelle gives a list of things to do while visiting the BBQ and blues city. Lastly, Graham gives a brief preview of what's coming up...

Michelle & Graham start the show by discussing the 2025 Boston Marathon race they somehow forgot to talk about on the last episode; then, Graham recaps his double-pacing gig last weekend in Fayetteville and Little Rock. Lastly, he and Michelle talk about their experience at the Wildcat Extra Mile race in Searcy yesterday morning.

Graham can hardly get a word in on this episode, as Michelle talks his ear off (blatant sarcasm), but he is able to speak long enough to recap his experience with the Hogeye marathon weekend races last week. Graham got a PR in the half and finished first in his age group at Sunday's 10K, even though his trophy left with someone else. Graham also discusses his upcoming pacing gigs next weekend. That's right, plural. In other news, Graham and Michelle rewatch Napolean Dynamite and give their reviews of it, 20-plus years after its release. Special shout out to...

Michelle and Graham discuss what's next on their running schedules and inform the audience about one of the more unique running series in Arkansas: The Natural State Running Series.

On this 2-part episode, Graham talks about his back-to-back pacing weekend in northwest Arkansas, which included the Time to Paddy half marathon in Fayetteville on Saturday; then, the Fort Smith half marathon on Sunday.

Michelle and Graham recap the 2025 Spring Fling 5K in Cabot, Arkansas. One of your hosts likes hills and the other doesn't. They'll also discuss the next Grand Prix race the two of them will be doing, and Graham's weekend of pacing next weekend in northwest Arkansas. All that and then some on this episode of the Tough Runs Don't Last podcast, presented by Rhino Races! WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT (MOSTLY JOKING!!!)

Graham summarizes his experience running the 2025 Little Rock marathon, his first time running it as a pacer (his seventh LR marathon overall); then, Michelle and Graham recap their running of the Chase Race 2-mile in Conway, Arkansas, on Saturday.

Graham capped last week's Valentine's Day 5K in Russellville with a personal record (PR) in the Run the Line half marathon on Sunday morning in Texarkana. This is Graham's 37th official half marathon and the fifth time he's participated in the Run the Line half in Texarkana. Graham explains why he loves this race, the medals, and why it's always wet every year he's done it. RTL is the fourth race of the Arkansas Grand Prix series, and speaking of, Michelle has officially signed up as a participant in the 2025 Grand Prix. Hear her thoughts on signing up, her...

Graham starts the 2025 Grand Prix season with a busy schedule, pacing the Time Travel half marathon the day before the One Hour Track Run in Russellville, Arkansas. Graham ran with the 8:20/mile and under group during the track run. Did he hold his own against the elite runners there? He also got a PR at the River Trail 15K in North Little Rock on Saturday, besting last year's time by six minutes! After the race yesterday, Graham got together with his running club (and many others) for the 2024 Grand Prix awards ceremony. Up next for Graham: back to Russellville...

Graham and Michelle are back (to school, too) for another episode about running and life. They discuss treadmill running vs. outdoor running, and Graham gives us a preview of next weekend's events. He'll pace the Time Travel half marathon in North Little Rock, Arkansas, on Saturday; then, he'll travel to Russellville on Sunday for the One Hour Track Run, which is the first Grand Prix race of 2025. Also, both of your hosts are back in school, so listen to them talk about how they balance school, a full-time job and staying active. Bonus content: picks for Sunday's NFL playoff...

With some time off till his next weekend of racing and pacing, Graham reflects on the coldest race he's ever done (as a pacer), and why it only took him a few minutes to decide to do it again in 2025. Graham will also compete in the 2025 Arkansas Grand Prix race series, starting with the 1-hour track run, the day after his breezy Time Travel half marathon pacing gig in North Little Rock at the end of the month. Michelle and Graham also discuss whether or not they'd attempt to climb Mount Everest. Graham reflects on the time he got...

On this week's show, Graham and Michelle discuss what they've been up to lately (spoiler: not a lot), and talk about their experiences during the holidays, including running and (mostly) life/family stuff. They also do a quick review of the movie Boy Kills World, give a shout out to the Arkansas Razorbacks for winning the Liberty Bowl, and Graham officially signs up for the 2025 Grand Prix after saying over and over again that he wasn't going to participate. Happy New Year, y'all, from Michelle and Graham!

On the 2024 Christmas episode (by default), Graham recaps his first Grand Prix season, earning second place in his age group and becoming one of four Cabot Cruisers to finish with an Iron season. Michelle gets to relax after a long year of law school and work, and is still recovering from surgery. Speaking of surgery, your hosts' dogs happened to have the same type of surgery since our last episode, and both doggos got great news post-surgery! Graham talks about what's next for him, as far as running in 2024. Also, if you find a piece of mold on your...

Graham capped his 2024 Grand Prix season with the 3 Bridges Marathon in Little Rock, Arkansas, solidifying his Iron Runner status in the process. He attempted a sub-4 marathon time, but his stomach had other ideas. He and Michelle celebrated with Hobby Lobby, Wright's BBQ, and Christmas lights at the state capital. Graham tells the audience what's next for him, as far as his running goals are concerned. Michelle earns a spot in the playoffs of their fantasy football league, despite having a full schedule with work and law school. Special guest appearances by Ferpa and Radley (mostly Ferpa).

Michelle and Graham are back after a two-week layoff. While Michelle works to finish another semester of law school, Graham looks to finish 2024 strong with a goal of running a sub 4-hour marathon next weekend in Little Rock at the Jacob Wells 3 Bridges Marathon. Graham also ran Cabot's local Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, and he's already increased his pacing schedule for 2025. Go figure. He also discusses his long-term running goals and some of the various half marathon clubs he's a part of. Find out all that and more on this week's episode of the TRDL podcast, presented by...

Graham has been busy over the last couple of weeks. He recaps his first trail race experience at the Back 40 Trail Race in Bella Vista, Arkansas. He also updates us on how the Rhino Ultra is going, since his deadline for completion is next week, and recaps his experience at the Spa 10K race yesterday in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas. It was the 19th race (out of 20) in the 2024 Grand Prix race series. Michelle rides her bike, plays pickleball with some very good players, and feels the need to bench of her playable tight ends in fantasy football. Found...

Graham paced the City of Colleges half marathon in Conway, Arkansas, on Saturday. On paper, it was the best pace job he's ever done, but he'll explain why he feels he let some runners in his pace group down. While Michelle stays busy with law school, Graham continues to take part in the Rhino Ultra and prepares for his first trail race, which is Saturday in Bella Vista, Arkansas. He also shows off his new trail-running shoes (New Balance Hierro), and raves about his new Feetures trail-running socks! Lastly, Michelle and Graham give opposing reviews of the movie "Trap,"...

Graham and Michelle dress up for this Halloween episode of the TRDL podcast! Graham recaps his experience pacing the Spooky Sprint half marathon last weekend in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He followed that race with the Arkansas 20K in Benton yesterday (Saturday), and according to him, it was his best performance to date, as far as racing goes. Graham also tells us what's left on the calendar for him this race season, his busiest ever; then, he and Michelle talk Halloween-caliber movies. Michelle finally saw The Shining, and she and Graham grade Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Lastly, we find out how your favorite...

With the 2024 Chicago Marathon happening today, Graham talks about his experience running the same race in 2021. He also lets everyone know how the Rhino Ultra is going and talks about the Spooky Sprint half marathon he'll be pacing next weekend in Fayetteville, Arkansas, as well the next Grand Prix race he has at the end of the month. Lastly, Michelle lets the listeners know who's winning the fantasy football matchup between your two favorite running podcast hosts...

Michelle and Graham are back to recap their hometown race from last week. Michelle ran another 5K on Saturday. How'd she do? Is that Saturn or a UFO on her Children's Hospital 5K medal (it's Saturn)? How's the Rhino Ultra going for Graham? Michelle forces Graham to tell his horror story when attempting a Rhino Ultra run two weeks ago. Thankfully for him, a porta potty was sent (quite possibly from the Heavens above). Also, Graham and Michelle discuss how their fantasy football teams are doing this week. Next week, your favorite hosts play each other (fantasy football)! Stay...

On this week's episode, Graham recaps his experience running the Stampede 10K in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Michelle and Graham both will take on the Great 5K Pumpkin Run in Lonoke next Saturday. Is Michelle prepared? Also, how's the Rhino Ultra going for Graham? Lastly, can Michelle and Graham remain undefeated in their fantasy football league???

On this week's episode, Graham lets us know how the Rhino Ultra is going. He started his first of 10 half marathons (within 10 weeks' time) earlier this week. Michelle reads more than she does anything else these days, as law school tests her mental health and well-being. Graham gears up for his 10K race in Fort Smith next weekend, and both Graham and Michelle wrap up September by taking part in their hometown Grand Prix state championship race, the Great 5K Pumpkin Run in Lonoke, Arkansas.

No races this weekend for Graham or Michelle, but we do check in on how their fantasy football teams are doing. Also, Michelle lets us know how her bread competition went at the local county fair. And Graham decides if he wants to go for a run or just keep watching football all day.

Graham runs his 15th Arkansas Grand Prix race of the season on Saturday in North Little Rock, and does well for not being in tip-top shape. Michelle gets a migraine, but it doesn't stop her from baking bread for the local (or far far away) county fair competition. Plus, Graham and Michelle had their fantasy football draft today. Listen to figure out how it went and what their team's names are!

Michelle played volleyball yesterday and gave her horse (Midnight) a bath Sunday morning, but has yet to get back on the bike. Graham got back to his training runs + did some mowing this week, but Thursdays have been challenging to run as of late. The ARK 5K is six days away. How does Graham feel going into it? Also, Ichabod likes her bed. Yes, Ichabod is a girl. All that and more on this week's episode of the Tough Runs Don't Last podcast, presented by Rhino Races (home of the Rhino Ultra).

What else is there to say? Well, plenty. Check it out and visit rhinoraces.com and come be part of the premier virtual running series today!

Graham and Michelle talk all about the last week of the 2024 Olympic Games, including the United States' dominance in the track & field events. They also discuss the Olympic records that were set in both the men's and women's marathon races, despite the grueling course. Graham ran the 14th race of the Arkansas Grand Prix series on Saturday in Hope. How did he do? All that and more on this week's episode of the Tough Runs Don't Last podcast, presented by Rhino Races, home of the one-of-a-kind Rhino Ultra!

Graham and Michelle are back after taking a few weeks off. They continue to discuss all things running and life, plus the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris! Graham talks about how to handle running/training in the heat this time of year, while Michelle is podcasting hurt (back problems). Graham will run his 14th race in the Arkansas Grand Prix series next weekend. He'll travel to Hope to run the annual Watermelon 5K, and on next week's show he'll rank how Hope's watermelons compare to Cave City's (considered by most Arkansans to be the best in the state). The Olympic...

On this week's show, Graham recaps his experience at the Brent Morrison Memorial No Runners Forgotten 8K in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Michelle gets back into her exercise routine despite not having the healthiest of weeks. Graham's cat Ichabod makes an appearance, and your hosts make their Little Rock Marathon theme predictions. All that and more on this week's episode of the Tough Runs Don't Last podcast, presented by Rhino Races! Visit rhinoraces.com and sign up for one or all five of their races today!

On this post-Independence Day episode, Graham and Michelle continue to talk all things life, with some running in between. Graham gets his butt kicked by the heat on July 4th, but finishes his training week strong. Michelle didn't have the same kind of active week, but did help Graham install his new TV. Kudos, Michelle! Graham previews his next Grand Prix race, which will be Saturday in Barling, Arkansas, and it's called the Brent Morrison Memorial No Runners Forgotten 8K.

On this week's show, Graham gets heckled by some local tweens during one of his training runs. Michelle rides her bike four-ish days in a row and makes bread that you can't make a traditional sandwich with. Will Graham get to mow today (possible inclement weather)? And your fav duo discusses weird & awesome cult classic movies, including The Crow and the remake of it, coming out later this year. Welcome back, Michelle!

Graham goes it alone for this week's show (sorry for the lengthy break). He recaps his last race, the Benton 2-Miler, and explains why he's pleased with the outcome of that race, as opposed to the Andy Buschmann 4-Mile Classic earlier this month. Graham stays consistent with his training, and even counts yard work as a training day, and he explains why that's a good alternative in today's day and age. Graham also discusses his mental health struggles and how running has played a part in helping him through those struggles. All that and more on this week's episode...

On this week's show, Graham recaps his experience with the Andy Buschmann 4-Mile Classic in downtown Batesville, Arkansas. He'll explain why he loved the race and medal, and why he was OK getting humbled out there Saturday morning. Michelle has gone from crazy cat lady to the gal that makes bread now. She also lets the audience know which host caught the most fish during their fishing trip on Memorial Day weekend. Lastly, the two hosts discuss Eminem's new track "Houdini" and the music video that came with it. Special thanks to the show's sponsor, Rhino Races. Please visit...

On this week's show, Michelle and Graham discuss running, stationary cycling & much more. After a busy and stressful couple of weeks, Graham gets back on track with his training schedule in preparation for his upcoming Grand Prix race. Michelle stays indoors but gets her sweat on via her stationary bike. Graham dreams he moved to Germany. Michelle gives Graham a poor score when it comes to his yard (in his mind), and your hosts go in depth about Strava and other fitness apps, and their personal experience with the fitness watches they use (and have used). All that and...

Michelle and Graham are back after taking Mother's Day weekend off, and Graham recaps his Hometown Half Marathon pacing experience in Fayetteville, Arkansas last weekend. Graham admits to slacking on his training runs, but has made up for it (in his mind) by keeping the yards he mows freshly cut. Michelle also likes to admire her freshly-cut lawn, as long as she doesn't have to be the one do it. So basically, your favorite podcast hosts talk a little bit about running and a lot about life on this week's episode of the TRDL podcast!

On this week's show, Graham and Michelle recap the MacArthur Park 5K race they did in Little Rock on Friday. In that race, there was humidity, pizza, beer, hills & more! Graham then previews the race he'll be pacing next weekend in Fayetteville, Arkansas; then, your hosts close the show by talking about their current workout routines and future races! Guest appearance by Michelle's cat, FUPA!!! Why did she decide to name him that? You'll have to ask her. This show is proudly presented by Rhino Races. Visit rhinoraces.com and register for one of or all five of their...

On this week's show, Graham recaps his experience running the Hogeye half marathon and 10K in Springdale, Arkansas last weekend. He and Michelle also preview their upcoming 5K race Friday night at MacArthur Park in Little Rock. Graham talks about his weight training recommendations as he deals with a sore ankle, and your two hosts discuss whether or not pooping yourself during a marathon is worth a BQ.

On this week's show, Graham gives a recap of his 31st official half marathon on Sunday morning in North Little Rock. After he and Michelle marvel over the awesome spinner medal (from the Hometown Half Marathon), the two hosts preview tomorrow morning's Boston Marathon. Lastly, Graham ends the show with the worst race experience he's ever had. This isn't for those that are easily squeamish.

On this week's show, Graham and Michelle recap their experience at the Wildcat Extra Mile 1-mile race in Searcy, Arkansas on Saturday. After Graham talks about his ridiculously large but delicious pancakes he had for his post-race breakfast, he informs the listeners about the World Marathon Majors, including the Boston Marathon that takes place next Monday, April 15.

On this week's episode, Graham recaps the return of the Capital City Classic 10K in downtown Little Rock, where he got a PR! He and Michelle then preview their 1-mile race next weekend in Searcy, Arkansas, and close the show by having an open discussion about virtual races.

In this episode, Graham talks about his newly found love for pacing races and why he plans to do many more in the future. In the second half of the show, Graham and Michelle take a deep dive into the history making 2024 Barkley Marathons, and even discuss the history of the unique ultramarathon race itself.

In the debut episode of Tough Runs Don't Last, your hosts, Graham and Michelle, talk a little about themselves and dive into the March races they've done so far. Known for their massive and unique-themed medals, the Little Rock Marathon never disappoints. Michelle ran the half marathon while Graham ran the marathon. The two of them recap their experience running Little Rock and show off their massive dinosaur medals in the process. On March 16 (yesterday), your hosts participated in the local Cabot Spring Fling 5K, played disc golf, and also played in the mud. Lastly, Michelle and Graham close...