Pod Cast Review - Running in the Center of the Universe

I don't remember how I stumbled onto the podcast Running in the Center of the Universe by Ashland Dave, but I'm glad that I did.  It quickly became one of my favorite podcasts and Dave became one of my running friends.  The start of Ashland Dave's podcast is unique and first time I heard the radio dial searching through stations, I looked down at my radio, wondering what the heck happened and then realized it was the start of his podcast.   A very cool start indeed.

Dave is an ultra runner and when I found his blog he had just run a marathon PR using a run/walk method of 25 minutes running and 5 minutes walking.  I was so inspired by this person who got a PR and was training for a 40 mile run and walked/ran.  Dave talks about whatever is on his mind, including race bandits, product reviews, his stinky shoes and of course his training. One of the things I like about Dave is he is so humble and down to earth.  He's an excellent runner and shares with his listeners his good days and bad days.   He's also very supportive of his fellow running friends and he'll often talk of their race reports and how great they did.  Many episodes are run with his 4 legged running partner, Blue.  Blue is pretty young and I have to laugh as Dave comments about some of the things his dog does.

Running in the Center of the Universe must have quite a following on Buckeye Outdoors, because it made it through 8 months worth of challenges where running podcasts compete based on the number of runners and their miles run.  Every couple weeks I would give Dave an update on the podcast standings whether he was looking for an update or not.

The Running in the Center of the Universe name came from a Former Mayor Richard Gillis (1977-1990) opening a speech saying "Isn't it a wonderful day in the Center of the Universe?"  The name stuck ever since so Ashland, Virginia is now also know as the Center of the Universe.  Dave couldn't think of calling his podcast anything else.


The pride that Dave has for his town is evident every time he mentions Ashland.  It is a small city of 7000 people and its the only true unincorporated town in the Richland Metro area.  In addition to the Victorian homes, the main street has old fashioned shops and a train even runs through the middle of town.  Oh, the name Ashland, Virginia was given by the train company so you know the town got its start strictly because of the railroad running through it.  I love it when during the podcast Dave mentions beating the train and you can hear the horn blowing in the background.  Once in awhile while he's recording the mailbag section you can hear it coming and he has to take a short break so the audio isn't all train.

According to Dave, one of the best parts about having a podcast  is receiving emails from runners around the world.  He's received emails from people on several different continents and now has many virtual friends.   He says its fun because everyone encounters the same challenges in distance running and getting to know people from other areas expands his appreciation for the sport.

Closing each show, Dave plays the Star Bangled Banner which is a classy ending to a classy podcast.  If you haven't had an opportunity to listen to the podcast Running in the Center of the Universe,stop by itunes or http://ashlanddave.podbean.com/ and download an episode and hear about his running, his dog Blue and listen to his daughter help with the podcast.