Do Hard Things

The Pole Runner: A Veteran’s Marathon with a Telephone Pole for Mental Wellness

Send us a textThe Pole Runner: A Veteran’s Marathon for Mental WellnessIn this episode of Do Hard Things, we sit down with Michael Pickings, a 42-year-old Navy veteran whose story is a powerful testament to resilience, mental toughness, and transformation. From excelling as a long-distance runner in high school to serving as an FMF corpsman in the Navy, Michael has lived a life defined by endurance, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of growth.But Michael’s journey hasn’t been without its struggles. Battling bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and insomnia, he has faced some of life’s darkest moments. With the unwavering support of his wife, Sherconja, and their six children, Michael has fought to rebuild his life—turning to faith, exercise, and self-reflection as his anchors.Through his experiences, he has become a mental health advocate, using his platform to inspire others to carry their burdens with courage. As the founder of Dragonz MMA, he has helped others push past their limits. More recently, he’s taken up pole running, a deeply symbolic practice where he physically carries the weight of his burdens, proving that no load is too heavy when approached with resilience.In This Episode, We Cover:Michael’s journey from high school track star to Navy corpsmanThe mental health battles he has faced and how he overcame themHow his wife and family played a critical role in his healing processThe story behind pole running and its significance in his transformationHis mission to inspire others through fitness, faith, and self-disciplineConnect with Michael Pickings:TikTok: @thepolerunnerFacebook: #thepolerunnerFacebook Reels: Michael PickingsYouTube: The Log RunnerJoin the Movement:If you found this episode inspiring, share it with someone who needs to hear Michael’s story. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Do Hard Things for more powerful stories of resilience and mental toughness.Join the Do Hard Things Nation Official Coaching Page: Do Hard Things NationJoin the Do Hard Things Nation Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/developgritdohardthingsGet Do Hard Things Swag/Join an Event/Get Running Coaching:https://www.dohardthingsnation.com#DoHardThings #ThePoleRunner #MentalToughness #Resilience #VeteranMindsetWelcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place. On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. Join the Do Hard Things Nation Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/developgritdohardthingsGet Do Hard Things Swag/Join an Event/Get Running Coaching: https://www.dohardthingsnation.com

Running in Winter Survival Tips: Treadmills suck, Do These 4 Strategies Instead

Send us a textIn today’s episode, I’m sharing my 4 Winter Weather Running Tips to keep you motivated and moving:Mindset is Key: Embrace the challenge and stay positive.Warm-Up First: Start warm to avoid the shock of the cold.Dress in Layers: Find what works and keep experimenting.Have Fun: Forget pace—focus on effort and enjoy the beauty of winter.What’s your go-to winter running tip?If you found this helpful, rate the show on Spotify, subscribe on YouTube, and share it with a running buddy!www.dohardthingsnation.com #dohardthingsWelcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place. On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. Join the Do Hard Things Nation Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/developgritdohardthingsGet Do Hard Things Swag/Join an Event/Get Running Coaching: https://www.dohardthingsnation.com

The Art of Defensive Awareness for Runners and Cyclists with Alan Earl

Send us a textLearn strategies to stay safe in an unpredictable world with former high-threat environment protector Alan Earl. During our in-depth discussion, we equip you with the tools to enhance your situational awareness, adopt a criminal's mindset for self-protection, and navigate potential dangers with confidence. For runners, cyclists, and everyday individuals, we offer practical tactics and principles to avoid becoming an easy target, changing the way you move through the world with a vigilant yet calm approach.From sharing tips on planning safe routes to strategies for evading threats, this episode is full of actionable tips. Listen closely as we dissect the importance of being proactive in the face of danger, emphasizing survival over victory when encountering violent situations. Our conversation provides a roadmap for runners and cyclists to maintain their passion for outdoor workouts while minimizing risks. Alan Earl is in his 30th year in law enforcement and is currently serving as a Team Leader for the U.S. Army Military Police School, Protective Services Branch, where he has instructed since 2002. He is also the founder of Defensive Applications, LLC which has the mission of providing personal safety training to professionals and citizens from all walks of life. Mr. Earl believes the same tactics and principles used to protect our countries’ leaders can be implemented in our lives to make you and your family safer.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefensiveApplications?mibextid=2JQ9ocwww.defensiveapplications.org Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place. On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. Join the Do Hard Things Nation Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/developgritdohardthingsGet Do Hard Things Swag/Join an Event/Get Running Coaching: https://www.dohardthingsnation.com

Spring Clean Your Running: 5 Tips to Refresh

Send us a textAfter slogging through the long, cold months of winter, there’s this collective itch we all start to feel – an itch for change, for warmth, and for shedding the old to make way for the new. And what better time to "spring clean" our running routines than now?It’s not just about getting back out there in shorts and soaking up the sun (though let’s be honest, that’s a pretty fantastic part of it). It’s about taking a moment to pause, reflect, and redirect our energies where they’re most needed. Whether you’re gearing up for the spring race season or simply looking to inject some new life into your runs, now is the perfect time to reset and refocus.Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place. On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. Join the Do Hard Things Nation Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/developgritdohardthingsGet Do Hard Things Swag/Join an Event/Get Running Coaching: https://www.dohardthingsnation.com

Travel Fitness Unpacked: 5 Tips to Maintain The Pace

Send us a textEver wondered how to maintain your fitness mojo when you're crisscrossing time zones or stuck in a hotel room? Angie and Jay pull back the curtain on keeping your workout routine on point, no matter where your travels take you. We kick off with a candid reflection on our own fitness journeys.  Plus, we highlight the undeniable link between fitness, self-care, and self-esteem, illustrating why investing in your well-being is the ultimate power move for your body and mind. Tune in and transform travel downtime into a fitness upswing with us as your guides.Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place. On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. Join the Do Hard Things Nation Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/developgritdohardthingsGet Do Hard Things Swag/Join an Event/Get Running Coaching: https://www.dohardthingsnation.com