Running, Pizza, and FaceTime Fun | Fiery Embers Guest: Michael Brydges
Endurance sports aren’t always about grinding through miles and chasing PRs. Sometimes, running is about laughter, absurd conversations, and the fun of connecting over pizza, music, and mid-race FaceTime calls. That’s exactly what happened when Michael Brydges joined Jason Bahamundi on Fiery Embers, the podcast that brings humor to the endurance community.
NYC Food: Pizza vs. Bagels Debate
Michael didn’t hesitate when asked the ultimate New York City question—pizza or bagels? For him, the choice is clear: pizza. Specifically, L&B Spumoni Gardens, where the slices are legendary, and the Italian ice is the perfect post-run treat. He also shared his love for NYC’s Chinese restaurants, which serve up comfort food that fuels his marathon training better than any pre-race bagel.
A Culinary Tour of Japan
Michael took his foodie passion abroad, sharing stories of devouring bowls of Ichiran ramen in Japan. He even admitted to indulging in multiple servings before the Tokyo Marathon (because why not?). And when it came to wagyu beef, he compared the experience in Japan to the much pricier options in the U.S., proving that sometimes the best meal is worth crossing an ocean for.
The Ultimate Running Playlist Hack
What music keeps Michael going during marathons? A mix of video game soundtracks, rock, and EDM. But here’s his secret weapon: a playlist called Fast as F Boy. When he needs an extra push, he switches to this high-energy mix to crank up his pace. Could music be the key to shaving minutes off your race time? Michael seems to think so!
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Texting and FaceTiming Mid-Race?!
In one of the most entertaining segments of the episode, Michael shared his unique approach to staying motivated—texting and FaceTiming his family mid-marathon. Running at a 7-minute mile pace while sending messages might seem impossible to some, but for Michael, it’s all part of the fun. His family even has a signature phrase to keep him going: “Don’t be a b***.”*
Running Like Phoebe and Movie Favorites
The conversation took a pop-culture twist as Michael imagined what it would be like to run with Phoebe from Friends(flailing arms and all). He also shared his love for The Wolf of Wall Street—because every endurance athlete needs a little inspiration, even if it comes from Leonardo DiCaprio.
Follow Michael’s Running Adventures
Want more laughs and marathon motivation? You can find Michael sharing his journey on social media:
TikTok: @mikerunsmarathons
Instagram: @mikerunsmarathons
Threads: @mikerunsmarathons
Endurance Sports Should Be Fun
Michael’s episode on Fiery Embers is a reminder that endurance sports don’t have to be serious all the time. Whether you’re debating pizza vs. bagels, jamming to an epic playlist, or FaceTiming your way through 26.2 miles of running, the most important thing is to have fun.
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