Running By Feel Over Data: Riley Brady’s Journey to Western States, Nike, and Beyond

Riley Brady is headed back to Western States, this time with more experience and a solid Nike Trail contract in hand. They share how they race by feel, stay grounded when nausea hits, and balance racing for themselves with the expectations that come with being a sponsored athlete.

Why Riley Brady Races by Feel

Many pro runners rely on heart rate, pace charts, or performance metrics. But for Riley Brady, racing is an intuitive experience.

“I’ve never been someone who gets super into the data. I go by feel more than anything.”

This approach has helped Riley succeed in some of the toughest races on the calendar, from earning a golden ticket at Javelina to preparing for another Western States 100 attempt.

Learning Their Body’s Unique Fueling Needs

One standout detail in Riley’s training: they’re a low salt-loss athlete, which totally changes their fueling equation.

“I used to overdo sodium because I thought I had to match what others were doing. Now I know I can go lighter on electrolytes and focus more on carbs.”

They’ve learned through experience (and lab testing) how to manage nutrition through 100 milers, especially when nausea inevitably shows up.

The Mental Game of 100 Milers

When you’re deep into a race like Western States, Riley says it becomes less about split times and more about focus, presence, and managing discomfort.

“There’s this concept of collective effervescence… You’re out there for 15 to 20 hours with all these people chasing the same goal. There’s something magic about that.”

Even with nausea or heat, Riley keeps their cool by staying mentally engaged and breaking down the race one aid station at a time.

Big Marathon Goals on the Side

While ultra distances are Riley’s bread and butter, they’re also chasing a fast time at the California International Marathon (CIM).

Their goal? Sub-2:36.

“The training looks different, but I love having both types of goals on the calendar. It keeps me mentally fresh.”

This dual-track approach—ultras and road marathons—offers Riley the variety and challenge they crave.

Navigating Sponsorship With Authenticity

As a sponsored athlete with Nike Trail, Riley talks about how they navigate personal goals while also showing up for brand partnerships and expectations.

“It’s a balance. I’m lucky to have a sponsor that really supports who I am and lets me bring my full self to the table.”

They’re honest about the pressure of being in the spotlight but grounded in their values, especially as a visible nonbinary athlete in the sport.

What You’ll Learn Listening to This Episode:

• How Riley races by intuition instead of data

• What “collective effervescence” means in a 100-miler

• Why knowing your own fueling needs matters

• How they mentally reframe nausea and fatigue mid-race

• What it looks like to balance sponsor obligations with joy

Give this one a BIG OLE LISTEN. Find all the listening links below 👇

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About Jon Levitt and For The Long Run

Jon is a runner, cyclist, and podcast host from Boston, MA, who now lives in Boulder, CO. For The Long Run is aimed at exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated.

Follow Jon on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.