Run from the Norm

Run from the Norm- Episode 14: Alex Mimlitz is Inspiring a Community through Authenticity, Servant Leadership, and Hard Work

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Run from the Norm podcast as we sit down with Alex Mimlitz, owner of Fleet Feet Meridian and Fleet Feet Nampa. In this engaging conversation, Alex shares his journey from growing up in Elmhurst, Illinois, to becoming a community leader in the running industry. Discover how a childhood rejection led him to find confidence and community through running, and how these experiences have influenced his business philosophy today.
Explore the importance of local specialty stores in fostering running communities and the unique challenges faced by Fleet Feet as it strives to create a supportive environment for runners of all levels. Learn about Winter Warriors, the Boise Front Trail Runs, and the Tree City Track Club, and how these initiatives are connecting and inspiring runners throughout the Treasure Valley.
With themes of servant leadership and authenticity, this episode is not only a story of personal growth but also a testament to the power of community in transforming lives. Tune in and be inspired to Run from the Norm!

Run from the Norm - Episode 13: Chasing New Horizons: Dan Button's Journey from Trail to Skyrunning

In this inspiring episode of the Run From The Norm podcast, host Jayk Reynolds welcomes back Dan Button, a passionate runner whose journey took an unexpected turn. Originally focused on the 2025 World Trail Running Championships, Dan found himself competing in the 2024 World Skyrunning Championships as part of Team USA. Listen as Dan shares the thrilling experience of tackling the unique challenges of skyrunning, from navigating off-trail scrambles to competing against world-class athletes.
Jayk and Dan also discuss the foundation of Tree City Track Club, a new running organization dedicated to building a stronger community through running. The club's mission is to help individuals become better runners and, in turn, better people. The conversation highlights Dan's commitment to service, adventure, and community building, supported by his wife Sumner, a competitive athlete herself.
Tune in for a conversation filled with motivation, insights into the world of skyrunning, and the transformative power of community-focused running. Join Jayk and Dan as they encourage listeners to embrace life's twists and turns with an open mind and a spirit of adventure.

Run from the Norm - Episode 12: Ryan Anderson's Adventure Time: Extreme Runs, Wild Tales, and a Family's Fight for Survival

I'm joined by my longtime friend and adventure partner, Ryan Anderson.
Known for his unique approach to outdoor adventures, Ryan takes us into his inspiring running journey, remarkable weight loss story, and the deeply emotional battle his family faced during his daughter Hannah's life-threatening medical emergency.
Get ready for an episode filled with adventure, resilience, and heart.
Tune in, enjoy the conversation, and run from the norm!

Run from the Norm - Episode 11: From Marathons to Mountain Peaks, Austin Black and the Adventurer's Journey

Join us as we chat with Austin Black, an intrepid adventurer who transitioned from hiking to running marathons and beyond. This episode explores his early influences, like his grandfather's century bike rides, and how those experiences shaped his love for the outdoors.
Discover Austin's journey through various endurance challenges, from his first half-marathon to ultra-marathons, and the lessons learned along the way. We delve into his approach to cross-training which include biking, skiing, and climbing, and how they keep him injury-free and ready for his next big adventure.
We also touch on his professional life as a radar systems engineer and how he balances a high-tech career with his passion for outdoor exploration. Whether you're a runner, an adventurer, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode will get you motivated to head outside in search of your next great adventure!

Run from the Norm - Episode 10: Mike Shuman on Doing Hard Things and Running Through Adversity

Welcome to another episode of the Run From The Norm podcast, where we celebrate extraordinary individuals who turn the outdoors into their personal playground. In this episode we have an inspiring story to share with you, featuring Mike Shuman, owner of Shu's Idaho Running Company.
Mike's journey is one of perseverance and resilience. With the unwavering support of his wife, Kit, and the strength of his faith, Mike has overcome numerous adversities. From growing up in a military family and moving around the country, to battling cancer and enduring a stroke, his experiences are truly inspiring.
Join us as Mike shares his remarkable story, filled with moving moments, personal triumphs, and the importance of never giving up. It's a deeply touching conversation that highlights the power of faith, community, and the human spirit.
We hope you enjoy this episode and find inspiration in Mike's journey. Thank you for listening, and remember to keep moving forward, and Run from the Norm.

Run from the Norm - Episode 9: Coaching Legends - Tracy Harris’s Journey from Runner to Mentor

Howdy, friends! Welcome to the Run from the Norm podcast, where we celebrate the unique and passionate individuals who turn the outdoors into a playground, one run and one adventure at a time. I'm your host, Jayk Reynolds.
In this episode, we dive into the world of coaching, and it is my honor and privilege to share with you my conversation with one of the most successful high school track and cross-country coaches in the state, Tracy Harris. Here are a few interesting facts about Tracy: he has kept a personal training log every year since 1980, he started as a Division III athlete before becoming a successful D1 collegiate runner, which led to running professionally for global brands such as Reebok and Brooks. He became an assistant coach at Boise State University under legendary coach Ed Jacoby before eventually taking over as the head cross-country coach at Meridian High School, where he promptly won his first state track and cross-country championship in only his second year as the head coach. He continued his winning ways with additional state titles with Meridian before moving and taking the head coaching job at Mountain View High School, where he has accumulated a total of 15 track and cross-country state titles over the course of his amazing coaching career.
Throughout our discussion, Tracy shares his insights on the power of empathy, as well as some unique motivational tactics he has devised that challenge and inspire his student-athletes to truly learn what they're capable of accomplishing. We were joined by a good friend of the podcast, Sid Sullivan, as we recorded this conversation inside Bandana Running and Walking in downtown Boise, a store he co-founded with his brother Rich, so you will hear a little bit of noise in the background during our chat.
And with that, please enjoy this inspiring conversation with 15-time state-winning track and cross-country coach Tracy Harris. It's time to run from the known.

Run from the Norm - Episode 8: Rich Harris on living in the moment, running the fastest mile in America and 6th fastest in the world, and the story behind his signature yellow bandanna.

Rich “Richie” Harris never intended on being a runner. After an unexpected visit from Santa left him and his family snow skis under the tree as a boy, he thought his heart was on a ski slope in the mountains. Running was just something he started doing as an alternative to playing football in school. But once he connected with friend and runner Ken Caldwell, everything changed. Rich joined the track team and went from running a 4:23 mile in High School to traveling the world and running a personal best of 3:51.3 seconds, which at the time made him the faster miler in America, and the 6th fastest in the world. From the Crystal Palace in London to running behind the "Iron Curtain,” Rich always raced with his signature yellow bandanna on his head. After closing the book on his storied racing career, this bandanna became the namesake for one of Idaho's premier independent running retailers, Bandanna Running and Walking, which Rich stills owns and operates with his wife Shannon to this day.

Run from the Norm - Epsiode 7: Patti Gray-Bellan on embracing a lifetime of competitive sport, being a role model in Womens athletics, and the value of doing hard things.

Patti Gray-Bellan has the heart of a champion. With an impressive list of accomplishments both on and off the athletic field, she has never been afraid to push herself to the limit and see just what she is capable of achieving.
With a storied running career that includes being inducted into 3 different Halls of Fame(!), she shows no signs of slowing down as she continues to complete at the highest levels as a Masters level athlete for the Hoka Aggies running club.
But what's even more impressive is her desire to inspire others and make a difference in the world. Patti has been equally recognized for her efforts in education, choosing to embrace a life of service by giving back to the youth of a community that she loves so much. 
Humble, motivated, compassionate, and driven.. you can't help but be inspired after spending even a little bit of time with "positive" Patti Gray-Bellan.

Run from the Norm - Episode 6: Trevor Churchman on embracing empathy, life as an ER nurse, dealing with mental health head on, and running every day for 9 years!

I've known Trevor Churchman for decades, and he is one of the most kind hearted, empathic, and optimistic people I know.
Trevor is a family man, Veteran, ER nurse, and someone who absolutely loves getting outside for a great running adventure.
Oh yeah.. and he has run every single day for OVER 9 YEARS!!!
Please enjoy this extremely positive and uplifting conversation with my dude.. Trevor Churchman.

Run from the Norm - Episode 5: Dan Button on running the 7th fastest 50k in the nation and chasing a spot on the 2025 USTAF 50K World Championship team!

I met Dan face to face 5 minutes before we hit record and enjoyed the conversation immensely!
 
A few quick notes about Dan..
 
* 2:33 marathoner
* 2nd place @ Race to Robie Creek - 2017
* Ran a 3:03 50k at the 2021 Weiser River Trail Run (8th fastest 50k in the nation for the year)
* Competed in USA Mountain Trail Nationals (PB: 2017- 10th place overall)
* 2025 World Championship hopeful
* Co-Race Director for the Boise Front Trail Races
* Holds the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for full 23.5 mile point to point Boise Greenbelt run from Eagle to Lucky Peak in 2h36min for a 6:38 per mile average (and then kept running to 40 miles total)
 
You can watch Dan's video about the FKT (and more) on his YouTube channel under user name “MountainButtons.”