761. Rad Lopez, Peloton Instructor & Marathoner

"I do everything that I do as if I literally, truly love it."

Rad Lopez grew up in the Bronx. He was raised by a single mom who "didn't have much," but who made magic happen for her children every day. Rad used to work at a gym in the Bronx — cleaning toilets, towels, and locker rooms, not coaching or training — and would look out at the runners on New York City Marathon day. He said one day, that would be him. Spoiler: check! Today, Rad Lopez is a Peloton instructor and Nike-sponsored athlete who made his 26.2-mile debut last year at the Chicago Marathon. He was intrigued enough that he ran his second marathon, the New York City Marathon, one month later. This weekend, Rad will run the TCS New York City Marathon for the second time. In this episode, he talks about how training has gone, about his "victim vs. underdog" mentality, and about why you should do things scared.

FOLLOW RAD @radichell

SPONSORS:

• VOLVO CARS: New sponsor alert! Click here to get an exclusive offer on a Volvo purchase or lease. (I'm completely obsessed with the XC90!)
• Sidekick: Click here to get 15% off any recovery tool.

In this episode:

• "How did today's run go, Rad?" (2:25)
• Rad recaps his day at the Bronx 10 Mile (3:50)
• Rad's take on the running community (6:25)
• Why Rad wanted to run this year's TCS New York City Marathon (8:35)
• What Rad's marathon training has been like (11:00)
• Rad's history with the NYC Marathon (13:30)
• How Rad became a runner (19:00)
• Why Rad wanted to run his first marathon (21:45)
• Rad remembers his first marathon finish line (32:00)
• Rad's goals for this year's NYC Marathon (35:10)
• What Rad's childhood was like (42:45)
• Where Young Rad found inspiration, and the difference between a victim mentality and an underdog mentality (50:00)
• How Rad got the Peloton job (55:45)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!