At Run Tri Mag, we’re all about motivating endurance athletes to push boundaries and discover joy in the journey, but sometimes it’s refreshing to focus less on paces and mileage and more on the fun side of life. In a recent Fiery Embers podcast episode, host Jason Bahamundi sits down with biomedical engineer and marathon runner Tom Smoot to chat about running, food, and hilarious pop culture references. This post captures the essence of that episode—where the laughs are plenty, and the topics are anything but typical endurance sports fare.
Pizza, Laughter, and NYC’s Best Spots
The conversation begins with something we can all appreciate—pizza. Tom’s surprising preference for cauliflower pizza topped with pineapple and bacon kicks off a fun debate, with Jason chiming in to recommend some of his favorite spots in New York City, including Tivola in Hell’s Kitchen. From there, the episode meanders through a hilarious and lighthearted chat on everything from post-race hot dogs to ice cream donuts at Holy Cream. For those who love food as much as they love running, this conversation offers plenty of takeaways for your next post-race meal.
Running with Music and Fun
For Tom, music is a key part of marathon prep. As he gears up for the Marine Corps marathon, he shares how he creates a new playlist for each marathon he runs. If you’re the kind of runner who finds motivation through the beat of a good song, you’ll find inspiration in Tom’s approach to building the perfect playlist. His engineering background sneaks into the conversation too, with a humorous comparison of his lab work to scenes from The Big Bang Theory, adding a fun twist to what could have been a serious topic.
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Post-Race Feasts and NYC Routes
One of the highlights of this episode is Tom’s discussion of his favorite post-race meals. Whether it’s a hot dog near his high school or crab cakes in Baltimore, Tom’s appreciation for a good meal after a race is something many endurance athletes can relate to. He even contemplates stepping into the world of triathlons, bringing in a fresh perspective for those considering expanding their endurance horizons.
The conversation eventually circles back to running, with Tom describing his favorite routes through New York City and sharing his frustration with construction that affects some of his go-to paths. It’s a relatable moment for anyone who has had to detour their favorite path due to city changes.
Rapid-Fire Fun: Absurd Questions and Honest Answers
To wrap things up, Jason dives into a rapid-fire question segment that had both him and Tom in stitches. From Tom’s love for apple cider over pumpkin spice to his surprising fondness for circus peanuts, the quick-fire answers add an extra layer of fun to the episode. If you’re looking for a podcast episode that will leave you laughing, this segment is one you won’t want to miss.
Inspiration Through Laughter
The Fiery Embers podcast episode with Tom Smoot is a great reminder that endurance sports aren’t always about chasing the next PR—they’re also about enjoying the process, connecting with others, and finding joy outside of the grind. Whether you’re training for your next marathon or simply looking for a fun listen, this episode offers inspiration, laughter, and a bit of motivation to keep going, no matter where your endurance journey takes you.
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