Podcast Summary: Kreatures Of Habit Podcast

Episode: No Turning Back | Monday Moments
Host: Michael Chernow
Date: September 8, 2025

Episode Overview

In this solo "Monday Moments" episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, host Michael Chernow steps away from the usual guest format to share a personal commitment and some reflective insights. Michael publicly announces his plan to run the 2025 New York City Marathon for Release Recovery Foundation, intertwining his story with a motivational challenge for listeners to set their own future fitness goals. The episode radiates authenticity and encouragement, focusing on the power of habits, public accountability, and giving back.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Power of Public Commitment

• Michael opens the episode by announcing that he’s pushing himself out of his comfort zone by publicly committing to running the 2025 NYC Marathon.
• He acknowledges the nerves that go along with saying a big goal out loud, stressing the significance of "No Turning Back" once a commitment is made.
  • Quote: “I'm going to say something out loud to you, put it out into the world, and what does that mean for me? No turning back.” [02:12]

2. Running For a Greater Cause

• Michael’s marathon entry is in partnership with the Release Recovery Foundation, which focuses on substance abuse awareness and prevention.
• He highlights how grateful he is to be aligned with an organization that shares his values and passion for recovery.
• Recollects his experience running the 2018 NYC Marathon, describing it as “one of the coolest, most fun, epic days” of his life.
  • Quote: “Running the 2018 New York City Marathon goes down as one of the coolest, most fun, epic days of my life, for sure.” [03:10]

3. Meaningful Memories and Personal Ties to NYC

• Michael shares childhood memories of spectating the marathon and handing out orange wedges on 87th Street and Second Avenue.
• This anecdote reinforces his personal connection to both the city and the event.
  • Quote: “I remember as a kid standing on the street, watching all the runners go by, handing them, like, orange wedges. I remember every year we used to do that on 87th street and Second Avenue. It was so much fun.” [03:26]

4. Training Approach and Mindset

• Michael commits to smart, cautious training with a coach to avoid injury. He shares his excitement, repeating how “fired up” he is to tackle the marathon.
• He deliberately resists sharing his target race time to keep the pressure off and focus on the experience rather than metrics.
  • Quote: “I'm not going to say a word about time. I have a number in my head, but I'm not going to put the pressure on myself... I just want to run the thing. I want to have a great time doing it.” [05:00]

5. Call to Action for Listeners: Setting Your Own Goal

• Michael encourages listeners to use his commitment as inspiration to set their own fitness-related target for late 2025 or early 2026.
• He suggests a variety of possible goals—from half or full marathons to bodybuilding competitions or Hyrox events.
• Emphasizes the value of having “a target to aim at.”
  • Quote: “If this inspires you, why not set some sort of a fitness goal for some time down the line... I always like having something out there to work towards, a target to aim at.” [00:10 & 06:20]

Most Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Announcing The Commitment:

  • “I'm going to say something out loud to you, put it out into the world and what does that mean for me? No turning back.” [02:12]

• Describing His 2018 Marathon Experience:

  • “Running the 2018 New York City Marathon goes down as one of the coolest, most fun, epic days of my life, for sure.” [03:10]

• Recounting Childhood Memories:

  • “As a kid standing on the street, watching all the runners go by, handing them, like, orange wedges... We used to do that on 87th street and Second Avenue. It was so much fun.” [03:26]

• Purposeful Training Perspective:

  • “I'm not going to say a word about time. I have a number in my head, but I'm not going to put the pressure on myself...” [05:00]

• Listener Challenge:

  • “Maybe let this—me committing to this and sharing it with you first—maybe commit to a fitness goal. Maybe it's a half marathon, maybe it's a 10k, maybe it's a marathon, maybe it's an ultra marathon...” [06:20]

Timestamps of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Motivational intro; value of fitness goals| | 02:12 | Michael commits publicly to NYC Marathon | | 03:10 | 2018 Marathon memory and NYC connection | | 05:00 | Training philosophy and race mindset | | 06:20 | Challenge to listeners: set your own goal |

Tone & Takeaways

Michael speaks with positivity, humility, and a dose of vulnerability, emphasizing the life-changing impact of public commitments and resilient habit-building. The episode is clear, motivational, and infused with gratitude for both personal growth and community.

Final words:
“Boom, I am doing it. I love you guys. I appreciate you guys. Until the next one… Peace.” [07:00]