Laughing Through Miles With Karen | Fiery Embers Guest: Karen Hansen
Storytelling Beyond Splits and Stats
At Run Tri Bike, we love sharing stories that show endurance sports are about more than paces, mileage, and PRs. That’s exactly what you get in the latest episode of Fiery Embers, the funny running podcast hosted by Jason Bahamundi where stories and laughter lead the way.
This week, Jason chats with Karen Hansen, a runner, writer, civil rights nonprofit professional, and fiction editor who proves that endurance athletes are more than their training logs. From the moment Jason calls the podcast the “Seinfeld of running podcasts”, you know this episode is going to take you places you didn’t expect, sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartfelt, always entertaining.
Running, Writing, and Everyday Humor
Karen opens up about her passion for words and storytelling, which sparks a playful back-and-forth with Jason about phrasing, editing, and what it really means to “find your voice.” (Spoiler: Karen critiques, Jason cracks jokes.) It’s a perfect example of how authenticity is the secret ingredient in both writing and running.
Adventures From D.C. to Antarctica
The conversation then takes a turn toward running adventures. Karen shares her favorite races in Washington, D.C., before surprising Jason with her dream destination: running in Antarctica. Cue a hilarious tangent about outrunning horned frogs and what it takes to push boundaries as an endurance athlete.
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Music, Recovery, and Relatable Laughs
Jason challenges Karen with an endurance runner’s thought experiment: what single song would she listen to for four hours while running loops around the National Mall? Her choice (“Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush) is both fitting and inspiring.
From there, the two dive into post-run rituals, sweaty gear struggles, and the bliss of a hot shower. Every runner who’s peeled off soaked socks after a winter run will find themselves nodding (and chuckling) along.
Family, Community, and Connection
When Jason asks who she’d most like to run with, Karen gets personal, choosing her brother and sister. Her answer highlights the power of family and community in endurance sports. For Karen, it’s not just about miles; it’s about making memories and sharing the journey with loved ones.
Food Fight Friday Fun
No Fiery Embers episode is complete without Jason’s signature Food Fight Friday. Karen is asked to pick her go-to cherry-based foods at an aid station, sparking a practical, and slightly hilarious, conversation about fueling mid-race. Once again, food takes its rightful place as the fourth sport of endurance athletes.
Why This Episode Matters
Karen Hansen’s episode of Fiery Embers is a reminder that endurance sports are about joy, laughter, and connection. Whether you’re running through D.C., dreaming of Antarctica, or debating snack choices mid-race, what matters most is the community we build along the way.
So, if you’re ready to smile, laugh, and be reminded why we all lace up in the first place, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Listen now to Fiery Embers with Jason Bahamundi on the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network.
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