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Alison interviews ultra runner and author Josh Coleman about his book, Moving Forward: Running With Grief, which centers on his grief after his wife Erin’s death and the importance of community support for those grieving.
Josh explains he wrote the book to keep Erin’s legacy alive, capture who she was for those who never met her (including the trail running community), help process his own grief, and share how he grieved without prescribing a “right way” to others; he emphasizes that grief doesn’t end but is carried as you move forward.
They discuss Erin’s passion for theater and Broadway, how she and Josh supported each other’s different pursuits, and how Josh honors her through a Broadway playlist and by carrying Erin’s obituary card during races. Allison highlights a quote from the book about runners carrying “invisible memorials.”
Josh recounts his running background from childhood through marathons, qualifying attempts for Boston, and his transition to trail and ultra running after Erin’s passing in June 2022, including his first 50K (Sweat, Swat, & Swear) in May 2023 and his first 100-miler (Bighorn 100), where he drew strength from Erin’s tenacity.
He describes becoming more open about grief on the trails, which encourages others to share their own trauma and loss, and frames himself as an unexpected “grief advocate.”
Josh shares lessons from ultras—patience, relentless forward progress, not quitting unless injury requires it, breaking big challenges into aid-station segments, and the value of community encouragement, recovery, cross-training, and gear.
In closing, Josh advises people to start small, volunteer to get involved, and highlights that supporting grief is about showing up and being present rather than trying to fix someone’s pain.
Josh Coleman - https://www.facebook.com/joshpcoleman
Races Mentioned
Boston Marathon
New Jersey Marathon
Miami Marathon
Sweat, Swat, Swear 50k
Bighorn 100
Tahoe 200
Bigfoot 200
Moab 240
Leadville 100k
Black Canyon 50k
Chicago Marathon
Coca Dona 250
Old Ephraim 200
Shout Outs
Erin Coleman
Jan
Caleb Olson
Ann Trason
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