For Episode 56 we've got two-time Olympian and American Record holder in the 15k, Todd Williams. He is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and operates Monroe Jiu-Jitsu in Michigan. It's truly an honor to have Todd on the podcast. In this episode we chat about what we can do to prevent being attacked, how to be better be prepared, as well as, what to do when attacked. He also goes into some of the key safety tips for runners.
By now we have all probably learned and heard about what happened to Eliza Fletcher and many of us have done tribute runs in her honor. I really wanted to bring a subject matter expert in the conversation for us to learn from. So, take that with an open mind. What happened is heartbreaking and should have never occurred, but hopefully we can all do our part to keep each other safe when running on the roads and trails.
Todd Williams began his jiu-jitsu career training under Helio “Soneca” Moreira, a jiu-jitsu legend under Carlos Gracie Junior. He would continue his training and eventually earn his black belt under Luiz Palhares. He is a two-time USA Cross Country National Champion in 1991 and 1993. At the Olympic Games, he competed at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona in the 10,000m placing 10th overall with a time of 28:28:38. He then competed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Between the Olympic Games, Todd also represented Team USA at the World Championships in 1993 and 1995. 
He won the Gate River Run 15k in Jacksonville, FL five times, including in 1995, when he set a still-standing American Record with a time of 42:22, which equals roughly 4:34/mile for 9.3 miles.