Episode 109 features one of our own local runners here in New Hampshire.  Blake Tyler (00:31:00), a social justice organizer and runner, shares his experiences and journey in this podcast episode. The conversation covers topics such as childhood snacks, running clubs, COVID-19, and the joy of making friends through running. He also discusses his involvement in the Greater Manchester Running Club and his role as El Presidente. The conversation touches on the impact of COVID-19 on running races and the sense of community that running brings. The conversation covers various topics related to running, including different types of races, pacing strategies, and personal experiences. The speakers discuss their preferences for race formats, such as mass starts and rolling starts. They also share stories about their own races, including funny moments and challenges with pacing. The conversation veers off into other topics, such as Halloween costumes and Taylor Swift concerts. Overall, the conversation is lighthearted and entertaining. In this part of the conversation, Blake dives more into his role as the President of the Greater Manchester Running Club (GMRC). He explains how he became the president and the open social structure of the club. He also discusses the perks of being a member, such as free singlets and buffs, discounts at local businesses, and access to demos and events. Blake emphasizes that GMRC is a community-based club that welcomes runners of all paces. He also mentions his upcoming races, including a half marathon in Argentina and the Mount Washington Road Race.  He also reflects on his past marathon experiences, including the challenging Marine Corps Marathon. Blake emphasizes the mental health benefits of running and the joy it brings him. He also discusses the importance of staying true to the fun and enjoyment of running, rather than letting it become a chore or job. In this final part of the conversation, Blake discusses the mental clarity he gains from yoga and the physical benefits it has had on his running. He also talks about his decision to give up drinking and the positive impact it has had on his life. Blake emphasizes the importance of practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the Code Brown commandments and Blake's song recommendation for the podcast playlist.During the Tros, Eric and Erika discuss Erika's recent 50K race and their plans for the podcast. They also answer questions from listeners and talk about upcoming races. Erika shares her experience of the race, including the challenging terrain and her fueling strategy. They also discuss the possibility of starting a book club and the benefits of using Canva for podcast graphics. The episode ends with a shoutout to a new patron and a discussion about future race plans. In this conversation, Knute and Erika discuss various topics including Erika's mom running her first half marathon, their upcoming races, and their summer break plans. They also give shoutouts to their Patreon supporter and the Boston Bulldogs running group. The conversation is light-hearted and filled with banter.Greater Manchester Running ClubStrava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com