Laughter, Pancakes, and Marathon Dreams | Fiery Embers Guest: John Hudson

The focus is often on paces, distances, and goals. But sometimes, it’s important to step back and simply enjoy the journey—both on and off the course. In the latest episode of Fiery Embers, host Jason sits down with marathon and ultramarathon runner John Hudson for a fun and lively chat. This episode isn’t about the grind of training; instead, it’s all about laughter, pancakes and marathon dreams.

Finding Joy Beyond the Run

In this episode, John Hudson—who is preparing for the Chicago Marathon—shares his thoughts on the lighter side of life. From discussing his pancake-making hobby to ranking his favorite breakfast desserts (spoiler: pancakes do not come out on top), this conversation is a refreshing break from the intensity of race prep. It’s clear that even while training for major events like the Chicago Marathon, John believes in balancing the seriousness of running with moments of joy.

Jason keeps things light by asking John about his last meal choice before space travel—a Chipotle burrito with brisket, of course. This playful exchange shows that endurance athletes, while dedicated, can also have a lot of fun outside of their sport.

Travel Adventures and Swiss Chocolate

What if you had to travel for two weeks without changing clothes or showering? Both John and Jason dive into this absurd scenario with laughter, agreeing that the Swiss Alps would be their destination of choice. The discussion turns to the practical side of this hypothetical challenge, with mentions of mountain running, using snow to freshen up, and indulging in Swiss chocolate and coffee.

This section of the conversation offers a lighthearted reminder that even endurance athletes, who are used to pushing their limits, can dream of fun adventures and out-of-the-box scenarios. It’s this kind of creativity and humor that helps keep training exciting and enjoyable.

The Importance of Balance in Endurance Sports

While the episode may have its fair share of jokes and laughter, there’s a deeper message embedded in the discussion: the importance of balance. For athletes like John Hudson, success in endurance sports doesn’t come solely from focusing on mileage or pace. It’s about enjoying the process, finding humor in unexpected places, and making time for fun, even when you’re deep into training.

John’s reflections on his upcoming Chicago Marathon remind us all to find the joy in our endurance journeys. Whether you’re preparing for your first 5K or training for an ultramarathon, this episode of Fiery Embers will inspire you to take a step back and enjoy the ride—pancakes, burritos, and all.

Tune In for Laughter and Inspiration

If you’re an endurance athlete looking for a good laugh, this episode of Fiery Embers is for you. From ranking breakfast favorites to dreaming up travel adventures, this chat between Jason and John is a about more than just hitting your goals. It’s about laughter, pancakes and marathon dreams.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Run Tri Bike for more lighthearted yet inspiring stories from everyday athletes just like you.

Subscribe TO OUR NEWSLETTER