RC Spotlight – How the whole Leyva family caught the running bug with Arthur, Christine, Flint, and Aristotle

Guest [00:00:00]: I always feel like there's a comfort knowing that, you know, I have someone on my side who understands and just loves running as much as as I do and can share the highs and lows that our sport brings. God.

Cory Nagler [00:00:12]: Welcome to another edition of RC spotlight. On today's show, we're featuring an entire family of runners who absolutely love the sport. The clip you heard comes from Arthur, who joined us with his wife, Christine, and 2 kids, Flint and Aristotle, to tell you about how the whole family has caught the running bug, and made it a part of their routine to race and train together. In fact, Arthur and Christine are so passionate about running that they even got a local coach to officiate their wedding. Arthur and Christine first met through a local running group in Austin, Texas. Since then, they've become more and more obsessed with improving their times, and now the whole family shares that goal. I was fortunate enough to follow their journey to the Boston Marathon earlier this month, where where they crushed it in some challenging hot conditions. Unfortunately, we needed their responses before this episode, but I checked in afterward and can report that despite some chafing, Christine learned from her previous experience at Boston by taking in £5 of electrolytes to avoid cramping and finish in a very strong 428.

Cory Nagler [00:01:12]: Meanwhile, Arthur paced their eldest son, Flint, to a PR of 3302 in the 5 k that weekend. He even mentioned they bumped into legendary runner, Amby Burfoot, at the finish, who encouraged him to keep working hard on getting into the marathon. During the show, we'll cover fun stories from their family, including how Arthur learned to trust the running advice of his would be wife, how running has helped to bring them closer together as a family, and what they've learned through their mutual love of running. We have 4 exciting athletes to cover in this episode, so let's get into it. Hello, runners, and welcome to the Run to the Top podcast, where our goal is making you a better runner with each and every episode. I'm your showrunner, Corey Nagler. And I'm not an elite runner, but together, we'll explore new strategies and topics to take your running to the next level. This podcast is created and produced by the expert team of coaches at runnersconnect.net, where you can find the best running information on the Internet as well as training plans to fit every runner and every budget.

Cory Nagler [00:02:19]: Welcome, RC, to a very cool episode of RC Spotlight, where we are not just featuring 1 athlete, but a whole family of runners. And I have with me today Haley, who has worked with some of these athletes, and let me know a little bit about them. Hayley, thank you for joining me.

Coach Hayley [00:02:40]: Yeah. It's great to be on this, spotlight episode. My first, RC spotlight episode. And, yeah, Arthur Arthur and Christine, they're great. So I'm really excited to chat today.

Cory Nagler [00:02:52]: Yeah. I I can definitely say from my correspondence, I think they are phenomenal both as runners and as people. Super fun to message with. I'm curious, when did you first learn about their story or or first start working with them through RC?

Coach Hayley [00:03:06]: Yeah. I think it was maybe a couple of months ago. And before that, I'd sort of I think I'd kinda interacted with them both individually and the penny never dropped that they were they were actually a husband and wife. And when I realized, I was just really excited because, you know, it's it's kind of what running is to me. It's like to be able to do it with family, and I have a very similar, kind of relationship with my husband where we share running. So I was just really excited that we had a husband and wife couple at Runners Connect.

Cory Nagler [00:03:44]: Yeah. That that's super cool that you have kind of that similar experience being able to to run with your husband as well. And, of course, Arthur and Christine have have done a lot of running together, but also with their kids as well who have gotten in on the fun. And, we'll get to that some more, but I wanna start as we often do with letting them tell you a little bit about themselves. So, let's hand it over to Arthur and Christine, who are going to tell you how they first started running, and ultimately dating and then married. So, Arthur and Christine, I'll hand it over to you.

Guest 2 [00:04:14]: I started running in middle school and high school in track, but I wasn't very good. I was mostly a jumper. We were, like, division c team. But then in my first job after college, a colleague signed up for a team in training, and I thought, oh, well, if she can do it, maybe I can do it. And I made some great friends in team in training, had an amazing experience, Honolulu marathon, fell in love with marathoning. And I still see and run with some of those friends from team in training even though it's been 24 years.

Guest [00:04:41]: With myself, I I never really considered myself an athlete or athletic. And then out of the blue in 2005, Navy Buddy had asked, hey. You wanna run a marathon? And so we did. We ran the 2006, San Diego marathon. I knew nothing about training at the time. And because we ran it so long, like, 6 hours is such a humbling experience. But I wanted to do another and beat my previous time. And so since then, just running has been an integral part of my life, It's not only by providing a healthy habit, but also, you know, how I met Christine, you know, how I met my future wife.

Guest [00:05:14]: So we met in, 2008, in our running group. It was called Al Shippa Fools back then, but, now it's known as ATX runners. And so the first marathon we kinda ran together was in Mesa Falls, Idaho. And then during that race, we had called the same finish time, but we had started separately. And Christine had caught up to me at mile 8, and then we ran together till about mile 14, I guess, 15. And then Christine, had warned me at that time. She was like, we're going too fast. And I was like, no.

Guest [00:05:43]: No. I feel good. You know? I'm gonna go I'm going to go ahead. And then I did, and I blew up at around mile 19, and, Christine passed me going up the I wanna say I was walking up that hill, and she just went right by me. And then that's when I was like, man, you know, Christine, she takes her training seriously, and, you know, I should probably listen to her more.

Guest 2 [00:06:04]: Yeah. Our relationship was really bred in our running group, and all of our best memories are from our workouts together or hanging out with our running group or going to races. We even asked our assistant coach to officiate our wedding, and he flew to Hawaii to marry us on the beach. And he hosted our only wedding reception, which was attended by our coach and his wife and some other officers of the team and nobody else. And then, you know, most of our friends are from running. Sometimes I I wonder if if both of us didn't run, if we'd have anything to talk about besides maybe the kids.

Cory Nagler [00:06:38]: Such a super cool story from Arthur and Christine, and I love the way that, running really has the power to bring people together.

Coach Hayley [00:06:45]: Yeah. Definitely. Yeah. It it is so cool because it reminds me of how me and my husband met, also through running, and we sort of shared a running group, and we had kinda shared friends and shared experiences with running. And, yeah, I think it is just so cool because running is such a a unique thing and that sometimes you feel like the only people who get you and get certain aspects of it are other runners. And to have your husband, kinda share that with you and understand what you're going through. You know, there's so many, like, highs and lows in running. And, to someone who isn't a runner, they they sometimes just don't understand how, you know, how running a winning race or p being in a race, how it feels, or, going from that to being stuck with an injury that takes you out for 6 weeks, or DNF ing a race that you've worked really hard for, non runners just don't get how important those things are.

Coach Hayley [00:07:47]: And I think having having a husband and a family that that do understand why those things matter so much to you, it's just, like, everything really. I think, we, we joke at my running club that I'm like a matchmaker because I've I've kinda helped so many running couples get together. And I just I think I must just kinda go on about, you know, it's really cool to have a husband who you can do well, maybe I don't go on about it, but, like, sort of demonstrate it through what we do. Kinda, I guess, sell the idea of having a partner who runs. So, yeah, I have, I have match made a couple of, a few running couples at my own running club, and I think that's just because I I want other people to experience this, you know, this experience of being a running couple and having a running family.

Cory Nagler [00:08:42]: Yeah. And and I was going to ask exactly about that piece, about how important, connections are in the running space, but I think you said it beautifully. So I'm curious though, you you mentioned a lot how important this is to you, and and even matchmaking, and trying to share that with others. As you listen to Arthur and Christine's story, how do you find it compares to your own? Or or do you find yourself drawing some of those conclusions and and comparisons?

Coach Hayley [00:09:07]: Yeah. I think it's really similar. First off, I love how they had kind of a running themed wedding, because I, last year, had a running themed wedding. Most of the people who came to it were runners. So we did, like, guided trail runs, in this, like, beautiful trail running area. And then we me and my husband had a running honeymoon as well. So just to be able to share those kind of major life events and life experiences with your husband in a way that also includes your favorite sport is so special, I think. And the other thing that resonated with me is how they they say, if if they didn't share running, they don't think they'd have much to talk about.

Coach Hayley [00:09:52]: And I do feel like that a bit with my husband because we have apart from running, we have very different interests. So that really kind of rang a bell with me too.

Cory Nagler [00:10:05]: Yeah. Yeah. I think, that line definitely stood out to me as well. And, you know, I I don't necessarily, I I don't have a a marriage or running a honeymoon that I've been through, but I know with a lot of my running friends, you have that same feeling where it's it's something that brings you together. And, you know, whether it's a long car ride or a run, it's easy to just talk about what your favorite shoes are, your favorite type of workout, and, easy way to make connections for sure.

Coach Hayley [00:10:31]: Yeah. Definitely. I think, what you say about friends is is so true as well because, in my life, it's not just my husband that I share running with because my mum and dad run and my sister runs. So after we'll kinda go on a group run, and it's so fun, and that's how it's kind of always been for me. So I don't know much different, but I do appreciate that that's just such a special thing because it's almost like running and training don't have to be something that you squeeze in when you go to visit your family, which could make you feel a bit guilty that you weren't spending time with them. But, you know, you've got a race coming up, you've got to get your training in. But, when I kinda go see my family or when they come here, we'll often organize a family run where we we don't necessarily all run the same pace. Sometimes we do.

Coach Hayley [00:11:18]: I'm quite chilled about my easy runs. But, yeah. It's not like I feel I have to choose. Do I get my run-in, or do I get my family time in? Because the two things are the same. I think that's such a special thing, Whether that is with my husband or whether it's with my sister, who I actually live near now. So I get to do loads of runs with, which is really cool. Or my mom and dad, just making running like a family affair is kinda so cool.

Cory Nagler [00:11:48]: Yeah. That that's a very cool experience, and I, I can totally relate to that, that level of understanding when you're running yourself. I I find myself fortunate even if, my partner doesn't do a ton of running that, she is very understanding of, all the craziness that goes into training. So, you know, that much easier to find if, if you're set up, I guess, by Haley and you, already have that partner who runs.

Coach Hayley [00:12:12]: Uh-huh. Yeah.

Cory Nagler [00:12:13]: I'm, I'm curious as like, listening to their story, I thought it was very funny, how Arthur talks about when they're running together in this race, and, ultimately, he he speeds up too early and pays the price for it later. So I I I wanna get it your thoughts as somebody who isn't a running couple yourself, what the biggest takeaway is here. And is it to start your race conservatively? Or is it that the wife is always right?

Coach Hayley [00:12:44]: Both. I think it's both. I've definitely had similar experiences to this because well, similar in a way in that, when I first started going out with my husband, he did not train that much. He doesn't have quite the same like obsessive runner mindset that I have. And his training was a little bit more like sporadic. And because he didn't run as much, when we did this, we did this kind of weekend challenge where you do a race on each day, like Friday, Saturday, Sunday. And, usually, he's he was so far ahead of me even at that time. But because he wasn't used to doing much running, he just didn't have that kinda capacity to do, like, 3 consecutive days of racing.

Coach Hayley [00:13:26]: So by the 3rd day, I, I was basically catching him up and, like, very nearly beat him, which is, like, really, really rare because his marathon time is, like, 20 minutes quicker than mine. But just because he he didn't do the mileage that I did, he didn't have the legs to run 3 races in a row like that. And, and similar to, to Christine, I had kind of said to him, right, you know, you don't run that much. You, you should probably take it easy on the 1st day, but he never listened to me and kind of, pushed to his limits on that first race. And then each day kind of gradually slower, and I got closer and closer until that last day when I really nearly caught him, which was fun, and shows that you should listen to your wife and start conservatively. But I I've sadly trained him into being better now because I make him come running with me all the time and I've gotten him more into running. So now I've never had that chance to get him close, getting closer to him because, he trains kind of just as much now. So, sadly that won't probably happen again.

Cory Nagler [00:14:32]: I love that. I guess both are important takeaways.

Coach Hayley [00:14:35]: Yeah. Exactly.

Cory Nagler [00:14:37]: Okay. Cool. I do want to, now go back to Arthur and Christine again. We heard from them earlier about a little that story of how they first met. But I'm now gonna hear their thoughts on how running actually helps to bring their family together. So let's pass it back over.

Guest 2 [00:14:53]: Running together gives Arthur and me much needed connecting time to catch up on things we haven't gotten a chance to talk about that week, and I always feel really grateful that we had that time. This past year, when we decided we both wanna try to qualify for Boston, supporting each other through that training block was great. We'd get up super early in the mornings together, have the techno music blasting, geek you out over stats and workouts. And when both qualified, it was incredible to get to share this with each other, that we both wanted so badly. But then it became this double edged sword, when I got accepted to Boston and Arthur didn't because of the, the buffer, Boston became something we couldn't talk about in house where I felt I couldn't really celebrate, and Arthur felt he couldn't really grieve.

Guest [00:15:42]: But I I feel now that some time has passed. You know, we're in a good good spot regarding with what what had happened, and I'm really excited to go to Boston and support Christine. And then even our older son, Flint, he's been telling all his friends that he's running Boston. 5 k. And, you know, as a family, all of our trips have been built around running races, and the boys, you know, they're pretty much expert marathon spectators. Know, they know how to jump out of the car, ring the cowbells, and jump right back into the car for, you know, that next spot that we need to see whoever's running the race. And our youngest son, Aristotle, you know, he just ran his first 5 k, this past February, and, really, all of us training him up for it has brought us closer together. So this fall, Christine and I wanna enjoy, Chicago together, you know, take it all in.

Guest [00:16:27]: So we're gonna train, pretty moderately over the summer. It's tough anyways because in Austin, the heat's brutal. And then after that, I wanna reassess and think about trying again for Boston. And Christine's been super supportive. You know, when I got the news that I wouldn't be able to run Boston this year, she was already online looking for a race that I could try and requalify. So even though, this past March, the last marathon I did didn't go as expected, you know, I always feel like there's a comfort knowing that, you know, I have someone on my side who understands and just loves running as much as as I do and can share the highs and lows that our sport brings. God.

Guest 2 [00:17:00]: Arthur Arthur has been really supportive too through all of my many injuries and makes sure that I slow down and take care of myself in ice and encourages me that I'll get through them. And he also runs most of my recovery runs with me, especially when I need to get early miles and in the dark. I'm afraid to run alone, so he usually tailors his run to start with me in the dark. And then later when the sun comes up, he'll split off with his faster group, and I'll run with my pace group. You know, it's really hard to find someone who's gonna start at 5 in the morning with you, but Arthur always comes through.

Cory Nagler [00:17:34]: What an incredible story, and I I love how much Arthur and Christine really both help each other in achieving their goals and and picking each other up when when it gets tough. And, if you're listening to this and you run, you know that a lot of the time training can get very difficult. So, Haley, I I kinda wanna hear your thoughts on how being around other runners can provide support either in achieving your goals, or in bouncing back from failure when things don't always go your way?

Coach Hayley [00:18:00]: Yeah. I think just because they understand it and you know that they understand it. Like, they're not telling you they're not saying to you, why does it matter? Why are you so upset? They they understand why you feel down. Like, Christine would have understood why Arthur felt so down about not getting to Boston. And I think that's so important just to to have your your partner or your family or someone, a friend, understanding why that means so much to you. Because I think you might have non running friends or family who who who will say, oh, no. I'm really sorry that happened. I'm sorry you got injured, or I'm sorry you didn't qualify for that race.

Coach Hayley [00:18:43]: I'm sorry you d n f. But you kinda know that they don't quite get it, or they don't especially if they don't really have any sort of sport. They probably don't have something quite comparable, and you know that really they they probably don't quite understand. They might try their best to kind of be sympathetic and do what they can to help, but they really they probably can't understand it unless they do run as well I think or or have a sport that they're pretty serious about because these experiences we have with running are quite unique and that like I mean, really, running doesn't mean that much. You know? It's not life and death. It's not like it's not like something really serious has happened. But then at the same time, it's also really, really hard when things don't go to plan, and it does mean a lot. And it's kind of hard to to kind of have both those things, for someone to understand both those things that, yeah, it's just running, but also running means a lot.

Coach Hayley [00:19:42]: And I think, yeah, that's where the running partners, the running family comes in because they do understand it. And that's so important.

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Cory Nagler [00:21:43]: Yeah. And I I think it's it's so important in those lows, and when things don't go your way, and as we did here, Arthur, managed to hit the b q time and and still didn't quite get into the marathon just because the the cutoff below the the qualifying time was so significant this year. Yeah. But I also think it it really helps to have that kind of support through the highs, and when things go your way as well. I was fortunate enough to be participating in in Boston, very recently where, the family was also present. So Christine racing in the marathon, but then also, Arthur and their older son, Flint, participating in the 5 k. And, pleased to report, that, Christine said her race went quite well. She finished, I I think I saw in the results, a beta 428.

Cory Nagler [00:22:30]: I hope that I'm saying that right, but it was a super hot weekend on what's already a very hilly course. And she mentioned taking £5 of electrolytes and, really taking it easy to get through. And then on the 5 k side, it looks like, Flint and Arthur were able to keep very even splits, and and Flint's participating in the, under under 12 category. So, you know, still still fairly new to racing, an impressive performance to for him to split pretty even and finish close to 33 minutes. But just just to wrap it up with all of this, I think for it to be a whole experience with the whole family, I I I can only imagine it just helps that much more to to have other people there with you cheering you on and and to be able to share in in that same experience together. Haley, what what do you think about that other side of it? When things really go your way, How can it be helpful to have other other runners or other people who really understand the support to share it with or this sport rather?

Coach Hayley [00:23:31]: Yeah. I mean, I saw Christine's report race report on Rannus Connect today, and I think you're right. I think that was the time. And, yeah, she did so well because it was such a tough day. And nearly every race recap from Boston I read was, you know, the it was so tough. And I think just when you have such hot weather when you're not used to it, it just feels, like, awful. Like, even just a few hotter days in the UK, which is not a hot place for sure. It just feels running so much harder.

Coach Hayley [00:23:58]: So I really feel for everyone who did Boston. Yeah, Christine, that's cool about, about their son. I did not know that, actually. I didn't I didn't see that result. But, yeah, I think it's amazing when things go well to have the family there to celebrate with you. It just means so much that you can kinda do something together to celebrate. I mean, it's really hard the other way when one of you doesn't do so well and one of you does. But I think that almost can really help take the kinda sadness away from the one who didn't do so well.

Coach Hayley [00:24:32]: Because then you I mean, from from my point of view, if I if I had a really bad race, but my husband still did amazingly, I'd feel a little better, I think, because I could still celebrate his performance. And there was still, which still feels like a in part, like, a little bit my performance, because I because I support him. And I think it's probably similar for a lot of running couples. But when you both do well, that's just amazing. Like, you know, if if multiple members of your family do well, it's even better. You can celebrate together. And I think those those highs and those celebrations, they feel even even better when you've got people to celebrate them with. I've definitely done races with with my mum in the past where we've both we've both had fantastic races and just kind of catching up after.

Coach Hayley [00:25:24]: And, and I obviously, well, only because she's older, but I obviously finished before her. And I'm just kind of waiting to find out how she she does. And that feeling when you find out she she'd done really well as as well was just amazing. Like, it just makes your own experiences feel even better.

Cory Nagler [00:25:42]: So I didn't know about this piece as well that your, your mom runs. Is she now getting into the trail stuff?

Coach Hayley [00:25:49]: Yeah. So she was very much road marathon, and she's really quick for her age. She was running kinda 3 10 when she was 50 something. You know? But, and now I've gone into trials. She does want to get started in the trials, but she's recently had a bit of a a a back problem, which has caused some kind of, she says it causes, like, some foot weakness. So she hasn't really wanted to go to trials yet because she thinks, like, with the foot weakness, there's gonna be a little bit of a risk of falls. So not yet, basically, but hopefully soon because because I've definitely made her want to get into it. And and she's kinda seen some of my races and and some of my pictures from my training runs, and I think I've sold trail running to her now as well.

Cory Nagler [00:26:33]: Yeah. Yeah. And I think the the injuries piece is also something that, that Christine talks about in terms of, like, you know, having to go through that as a runner as we often inevitably do, and then being able to to have somebody to to talk through with and and support that. So I'm I'm glad your mom's been able to kinda get back into it.

Coach Hayley [00:26:49]: Yeah. I think there's, like, a few sides to the injury thing because I think when one of you is able to, kinda, go out training and one of you is maybe, like, cross training in the gym, which is really dull or not even able to do anything, It's it's so hard in a way. Yeah. Really difficult. I know, you know, my mom probably does feel a bit like, oh, Hayley's doing this. I really want to want to do these races well or, and does make it a little bit hard from that perspective. But then there is two sides in it. The injury maybe feels a little bit less awful when you can still you can still work on being there for your partner or your family and helping them them in any way you can.

Coach Hayley [00:27:33]: It does take the edge off the the sadness about the injury a little bit as well. But then going back to, like, understanding how much it means, I think because I run as well as my mom, I've just I know how she feels having that injury, and I've really tried to find the best people to help her. You know, the best physios are now, the best sort of sports doctor. And I think that's only because I understand how she feels. I'm not just saying, oh, you know, just find another sport. You'll be okay. Like, it's not that bad. I'm saying, like, no.

Coach Hayley [00:28:09]: We need the push to find the person who can help you with this. And I think that's where having someone fighting your corner who is also a runner is just so great.

Cory Nagler [00:28:18]: Yeah. And I think when you kind of expand it from just being your own running to a family of 4, you're probably at any given time going to have at least one person who's running is going well and and others dealing with injury or or other setbacks. So I I think it's cool to be able to, lean on people both when things are going well and when they're not going well.

Coach Hayley [00:28:40]: Yeah. Definitely.

Cory Nagler [00:28:42]: Yeah. Okay. I am once again going to hand it back over to, the Liva family and and love hearing from their story. So in the last clip, we heard them talking about how the sport brings them together. I think though that there's also a lot that can be learned from the sport of running, and also was very curious about how the different members of their family might, might take on different lessons from the sport. So I'll play you a clip that they gave talking about their response to a question about what it is that they've actually learned from running.

Guest 2 [00:29:16]: I have seen our younger son, Aristotle, have some tough runs and lose his confidence, but then have a better run 2 days later and see that the ups and downs are all harder running and that you just have to keep on getting out there. And I was also really proud of him when he ran his first 5 k last month, and his friend was losing steam, and he wanted to walk. And Aristotle said, just run slower, but don't walk. Run as slow as you need to. I'll stay with you. But once you start walking, you're not gonna wanna run again, which is exactly what I told him in his training runs with me. So that was really sweet to hear that he internalized that and and repeated it to his friend.

Guest [00:29:55]: Yeah. And I've also noticed that our oldest son, Flint, you know, he's already using, the time together that we run, training for his 5 k, you know, just to talk about his day and what he's learning in school. You know? And I really find some joy knowing that, you know, he's already using running as a social connection. You know? And my hope is that he will use this in his later years.

Guest 3 [00:30:15]: Alright. So what I like about running is how you're not just sitting on the couch, being like a couch potato watching TV. You're just getting all that physical exercise and stretching your legs out. What I like about running is that you get to stretch your legs and, like, you get to feel the breeze for a while. And also there's so many beautiful sights you can see. Also, there's, you feel you kinda feel accomplished after a run and not just you can feel better in, running instead of sitting down all day.

Cory Nagler [00:30:53]: I think those were some great lessons from the sport, but I especially love for their 2 sons, Flint and Aristotle, some of the takeaways that they have. And in particular, how much they've really internalized the positive attitude and work ethic that their parents show. So curious, from your perspective, Haley, what do you think it is that makes Arthur and Christine such great role models for their kids, especially when it comes to the sport of running?

Coach Hayley [00:31:20]: Yeah. I think just had the way they show that that if you put in hard work and you do and you do the work, then you're gonna get the rewards, And it's gonna pay off, like, maybe not immediately, but, like, you will get there. And that doing that hard work is important. And, yeah, just I guess just how important it is to have something that you that means a lot to you and that you're passionate about as well. And yeah. It's great great to see how the, Flint and Aristotle have kind of, taken so much from what their parents do because I feel like I also got a lot out of my parents being they weren't necessarily runners when I was little. I kind of got them into that, but they were competitive in other sports. And just seeing, how much work they put into that and and how much passion they brought to it was just, like, so important and was the reason I started running and got so into running, which then gave me, like, a a lifelong sport that keeps me active and fit and and, like, healthy mentally and physically.

Coach Hayley [00:32:34]: And I'm sure that it's the same for Flynn and Aristotle, and they will probably, you know, get those same benefits as they as they grow up and hopefully get more into to running or or at least another sport.

Cory Nagler [00:32:50]: You know?

Coach Hayley [00:32:50]: I always think it's so important to have a sport, and it doesn't necessarily have to be running. Although, obviously, that's my my favorite one. But, I think just having a sport and some way of getting outside and getting active is so important, and it's such a great lesson to to pass on to kids.

Cory Nagler [00:33:07]: Yeah. And I, I really love, this mention of being able to hear about their day because of running and how excited Flint and Aristotle are about the sport. I obviously don't have kids of my own, but can imagine it's just hard to get them to speak about how it's going. So I I think that's very cool that they're they're so passionate that it's it's an easy way into the conversation.

Coach Hayley [00:33:27]: Yeah. Definitely. It must be so great to to have that shared passion with with your children. I don't yet have children either. But, yeah, it it must be really great. And I know that it was for me as a child is to remember you know, some of my best childhood memories are, like, going to races with my dad. And I think that's, like, one of the things that, you know, helped us bond because, like, a a dad relationship isn't, like, always the easiest one, but because we always had running, and I appreciated so much, he drove me all around the country for for track races and stuff. Like, I think that was so, so helpful in this kind of bonding and having a good relationship, like, then and and still now.

Coach Hayley [00:34:09]: Yeah. Like, I guess, I Yeah. I can totally understand how it is for for Flint and Aristotle. Because I felt that gave me such a good bond with my parents. Because it was, I mean, I was probably quite a grumpy teenager, but one of the few things that I, appreciate was how much time they gave up to to follow me on the bike, on training runs, or, to take me to my to my practices, or, like, to races. And that was probably the thing that I that kept me kind of friendly with them and because I I knew that they understood the importance to me and that they they were there for me with that.

Cory Nagler [00:34:52]: Yeah. And I think Arthur and Christine really practice what they preach. It's it's easy to tell your kids to to work hard, or to set lofty goals, but it's another to actually show them that when you do that, good things come. I know once again, you mentioned your mom runs. Did did either of your parents at the time when they were taking you to these practices, were they involved in the sport in any capacity, or were they just, supportive even without having that knowledge?

Coach Hayley [00:35:18]: So when I first started running, I was, like, 11, and my sister was, like, 9 or yeah. She was 9. So, at that time, neither of my parents ran. But, like, I think the reason that we wanted to go to running is because they had made us into such sporty kids already. Like, the weekend activity for us was going on a family bike ride or a family, like, long hike. And they were, like, proper bike rides and hikes. They were, like, long and hard. And there was no moaning allowed in it.

Coach Hayley [00:35:51]: And it sounds quite harsh, but it was actually so much fun. And they'd already kind of instilled in us that, like, get active, get outside in nature. And that was what we did. We didn't, like, go to the cinema or, like, I don't know, something like that. We we would go out on an active outdoor thing. So I think that helped. That was why me and my sister, because we went together when we started. I was like, oh, my sister, you have to you have to come along because I'm not going by myself to this to this training.

Coach Hayley [00:36:24]: But, yeah, that and the fact that I could see them being competitive in their own sports because my dad was was, quite a high level in cricket, A very English sport, I think. And also cycling and also karate. So he had quite a lot of sports and I could see how hard he worked and how, how free time for him was sport. And that was what he did in his spare time. If there was spare time, that wasn't work. It was sport, and that was how he relaxed. And I guess there was that kinda left me with no choice but to choose a sport. And they were so encouraging, like, you know, encouraging me to do all the sports.

Coach Hayley [00:37:05]: But once they saw how much I love running, they kinda let me step away from some of my other sports that I was doing at the time. But it but once me and my sister started running, they they would come to to training. My dad would bike along with, like, the the kids run because he was just a bit worried about where our coach was kind of sending us down these roads in the dark. So he was like, right. I'm coming on my bike. But, yeah, they got really involved. My dad even did, like, a coaching course. They got involved in all sorts of ways in the running club as well.

Coach Hayley [00:37:41]: So it almost felt like they were runners too, but they weren't until I was a little bit older, maybe like 14, 15, then they got into it too. And that was, like I think, because they saw what me and my sister were getting out of it, that they really wanted to join, which is funny, I suppose, because it's kind of the other way for Christine and Arthur. They're getting their, their children into it. But while my parents got me into sport, I got my parents into running.

Cory Nagler [00:38:09]: Yeah. It's it's a little the other way around, though. I am curious on this, this piece of kind of, you getting your parents into the running, how that applies to the the lessons, because I I did kind of get Earth and Christine to speak a little about what they what lessons they hope their kids will learn from it. But, I I bet there's probably a lot that they've learned as well from seeing, Flint and Aristotle's experience in the sport.

Coach Hayley [00:38:33]: Yeah. I bet. Like, I think sometimes there's things that you experience or that you you learn when you're invested in someone else's running that you perhaps don't notice in your own running? Maybe like a a particular mental attitude or or something they do. And then you might think, oh, I do that too, or, like, I can improve on that as well. Like, yeah. I think in running, like, you can learn so much from from, like, everyone, really. There's just things that you can't see in what you're doing yourself that you might see in the person you care about doing it. And then you can kind of apply that to your own training or racing.

Cory Nagler [00:39:17]: Yeah. Absolutely. In one of my favorite lessons that came up in the last clip that we shared is this idea that really both Flint and Aristotle spoke to, which is just getting out there, getting it done even when things are tough. You know, if if you put in the work, good things happen. So I guess really the question is, either related to this or anything anything, else related to Earth and Christine's story. Do you think there's other lessons that more mature runners, can can learn from this themselves, or from the experiences of Flint and Aristotle? Because I do think as young and as new as they are to the sport that, that there's a lot that can be learned from from those experiences.

Coach Hayley [00:40:02]: Yeah. Definitely. I love how they say just get out there. Just do it. You know? Because I think sometimes as an adult, you sort of think a bit too much about it, about the specifics of it. You know? The pace or exactly what you're gonna do. But a lot of times, the best thing you can do is just get out the door and and start really. If you sit there thinking about what particular workout you're gonna do or, oh, you've got 10 k on your schedule, but you don't think you can manage that, then, you probably might end up not doing it and just staying on the couch.

Coach Hayley [00:40:33]: But if you just get out there, like they say, which I think is so great, you know, get out there, see how you feel. If you can't do 10 k, then you'll do 5. You know, like, doing something is better than doing nothing. And you can usually do something. Like, with my mum's injury, she it's a funny one because I think it's not there's not really a case of that she can do any damage, but running is still horrific because she feels like her foot isn't really coordinating properly. And I said, well, if you if you don't feel you can manage 10 k, just get out there and see what you can manage. I think, yeah, like, sometimes you when you do get out there, you end up finding that you can manage more than you thought you could anyway and perhaps even the whole one that you originally had planned. I think you can get so caught up in, like, I have to do this today.

Coach Hayley [00:41:24]: This is what's on my schedule. But you might end up doing nothing at all. Whereas even just going out for a 10 minute run is is still something, and it's a lot better than nothing. And those 10 minutes all add up. So, yeah, I think that's a great message and everyone should should take a bit more of that approach. Because it is just running at the end of the day, and you get better by running. There's a lot of fancy different workouts and, like, different permutations on workouts and stuff. But at the end of the day, the best thing you can do to improve your running is just get out there and go for a run.

Cory Nagler [00:41:57]: Yeah. And it makes me think back to the the days when I used to participate in cross country as a kid. It's like you can overcomplicate it and think I have to do x mileage and x workout or wear the newest super shoes. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is just if you run and you put in the work to run, you're probably going to get better if, at least, when you're first starting out.

Coach Hayley [00:42:18]: Absolutely.

Cory Nagler [00:42:20]: Yeah. I will also say on a personal note, one thing that I have really taken away from their story is that, goals are flexible and meant to change, especially with Arthur's story of ultimately not getting into the Boston Marathon this year, but really devoting his attention to supporting Christine and and his kids with their running. You know, you we we heard about him kind of going on early morning runs in the dark, so Christine could get through it. And I know that Christine was going through some hamstring struggles, and I'm I'm sure it was helpful to have somebody supportive through that. And then ultimately him coming back and and, I I know it's a goal for Arthur to to get back to Boston later. So, that's on a personal note, something I've learned from their story. Just before we kinda start to close it off, Haley, are there any, any big lessons for yourself that you think you've taken away from their story?

Coach Hayley [00:43:13]: Yeah. I loved it. I think it was Aristotle doing the 5 k with his friends saying, just keep going. You can go slower. Just don't walk. Because I think, that's been really useful for me when I've been doing trail running. Because sometimes, you know, you get to a massive hill and you think, I just wanna walk. But most of the time, you can just keep going, but really slow it down.

Coach Hayley [00:43:38]: You can kinda keep running up that hill because I sometimes find, like, when you start walking, it's just quite a lot harder to get going again. And, of course, there are times when you should probably, you know, especially in an ultra or something, you should probably walk because, you you know, an ultra is a long way. But in a training run, I've really been trying to keep running up those hills recently, and I think, I really love that, what Aristotle said about just keeping, keeping moving. No matter how slow you're going, you just keep moving.

Cory Nagler [00:44:09]: I I think it's great. And it as much as Aristotle is not a professional running coach, I think that's a pretty great mantra to play in your head when things get tough. Just keep going. Even if you have to walk, keep moving.

Coach Hayley [00:44:20]: Yeah. Definitely.

Cory Nagler [00:44:22]: Yeah. Awesome. I've really enjoyed hearing about their story. Haley, thank you for joining me. And, we are actually going to end this, episode in a fun way, by hearing from each member of the family on who they think is the most competitive. But just before we transition over to that, Haley, once again, thank you so much for joining me and having this conversation.

Coach Hayley [00:44:46]: Yeah. I've really enjoyed this, and I enjoyed listening to more about and finding out more about Christine and Arthur. Thanks.

Cory Nagler [00:44:54]: Yeah. Absolutely. This was a lot of fun. And, let's roll it back and hear again from the whole family, Arthur, Christine, Aristotle, and Flint.

Guest 2 [00:45:05]: I hate to say it, but I think that I am probably the most competitive person in the family. When, when Aristotle ran his first 5 k last month and, we were telling some friends about it that, oh, we've been training him up. And, our friends were like, oh, you know, our son Henry was saying that he would like to run a a 5 k. We'll sign him up, and he'll run with Aristotle. And at for I was like, oh, yeah. Okay. Great. But I was, like, thinking, oh, no.

Guest 2 [00:45:37]: He he's gonna slow down. Here's Donald. He hasn't been training, and he's gonna ruin his average.

Guest [00:45:45]: So the most competitive person in our family, I'm gonna say it's Christine. And, you know, the one memory that comes to mind is, you know, we signed up for this turkey trot, and Christine's, you know, 5 months pregnant. You know, she's carrying Flint around as our first kid, and her her belly is pretty big. You know? And so we're moving along, and, you know, I'm staying with her. And she she's waddling up these hills, and, you know, there's people who are passing her. And she's, like, getting pretty pretty aggravated about this. And she looks at me and she's like, why are these people passing us? You need to pick up the pace.

Guest 3 [00:46:23]: I think the most competitive person in the family is probably Aristotle. Because once at Jester King, me and him were trying to get food to the table, and he was running or we were both running, and then he tried he was, like, pulling my shirt, and I was trying to wiggle out of that because I didn't want him to touch me. So, like, we were just going kinda going back and forth, and he was always, like, pushing me or something, but I was always trying to stay on track. Even though it wasn't a race, we were just getting stuff to the table. So I thought that was kind of competitive for him. I think the most competitive person in the family is Flynn because one time when we were running, I was in the front and then my friend tried to get in front of me. And then we were going back and forth trying to get in front of each other, and I think that was a sign of competitive.

Cory Nagler [00:47:33]: Thanks for listening to the Run to the Top podcast. I'm the showrunner at Runners Connect, where as always, our mission is to help you become a better runner with every episode. You can connect with me on Instagram at corey_nagler. Worth your strap up by searching Corey Nagler. And please consider connecting with the rest of our team at runnersconnect.net. If you're loving the show, you can help us reach more runners by leaving a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcast. Lastly, if you want bonus content, behind the scenes experiences the next show. But until then, happy running, everyone.