207 | Alex Baker | Ketchup to Cancer | Super Bowl Prep Prediction and Six Star's Football Knowledge

In this episode of the On the Runs podcast, hosts Eric and Erika welcome Alex Baker (11:00), a father who turned his grief from losing his wife to cancer into a mission to raise awareness and funds for cancer research through running. The conversation explores themes of loss, resilience, and the importance of community support. Alex shares his journey of self-discovery as a single dad, the humor he finds in hardship, and the motivation behind his running endeavors. The episode also touches on the excitement of Super Bowl week, blending personal stories with lighthearted banter. In this engaging conversation, Alex Baker shares his transformative journey from a grieving father to a passionate runner and fundraiser for cancer research. He discusses the challenges of balancing parenthood and fitness, the unexpected love story that blossomed during a family outing, and the importance of setting goals. Alex reflects on his marathon experiences, the power of community, and the impact of sharing personal stories. He emphasizes the significance of charity runs and the need for inclusivity in the running community, while also highlighting the legacy of his late wife, Amanda. The conversation concludes with Alex's aspirations for future races and the motivation behind his fundraising efforts.

Chapters

00:00 Intro
11:27 Meet Alex Baker: A Journey of Loss and Resilience
17:03 The Ketchup Conundrum: A Unique Fundraising Approach
20:03 Facing Cancer: Alex's Personal Story
26:00 Navigating the Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
33:49 Rediscovering Self After Loss
40:27 The Journey to Health and Fitness
48:44 Navigating Grief and New Relationships
56:55 Fundraising for a Cause
01:01:41 Experiences in Major Marathons
01:02:47 Marathon Experiences: City vs. Course
01:15:07 Legacy and Personal Growth
01:18:44 The Impact of St. Jude's
01:24:41 Hot Takes on Running and Charity
01:29:21 Outro
01:32:29 Football Trivia
01:38:06 Wrapping Up

Takeaways

Alex Baker lost his wife to cancer and turned his grief into action.
He started running marathons to raise money for cancer research.
The importance of humor and positivity in difficult times.
Navigating parenthood as a single dad after loss.
The impact of cancer on family dynamics and personal health.
Finding motivation to take care of oneself after a loved one's passing.
The significance of community support in times of hardship.
Using personal experiences to inspire others facing similar challenges.
The role of humor in coping with grief and loss.
The journey of self-discovery after a major life change. Everything was about convenience in parenting.
Finding time for fitness is crucial for well-being.
Walking 500 miles was a transformative experience.
Unexpected connections can lead to beautiful relationships.
Setting goals helps maintain momentum in life.
Running can strengthen relationships and create shared experiences.
Marathon experiences can be both challenging and rewarding.
Fundraising for cancer research can make a significant impact.
Building a brand around a cause can raise awareness and funds.
Inclusivity in the running community is essential for growth.

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