A to Z Running - podcast cover

A to Z Running

A to Z Runningatozrunning.com
Andi and Zach--runners, coaches, and founders of atozrunning.com --dive into distance running from every angle. Training tips and racing recommendations? Staying healthy or recovering from injury? Stories of successes or tales of tragedies? It's all here!
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Episodes

Workouts Don't Mean a Thing

This week on AtoZrunning: Runners are always talking about our workouts, good, bad, or otherwise. Do they tell us anything meaningful, though? We’ll tackle this one. We answer a listener question about returning from surgery. In the world of running, NCAA ran indoor conferences, and we’ve got the highlights. Dennis Young interviewed 16 of the 26 last place finishers from the US Olympic Trials marathons, and the stories are astonishing. And the Japanese marathon debut just got crazy. For training...

Feb 27, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 5Ep. 231

Olympic Trials Battles w/ Nathan Martin

This week on AtoZrunning: Olympic trials top 10 finisher Nathan Martin joins the show again to relay his amazing experience at the trials as well as recent journey leading him to it. We answer a listener question about VO2max and heart rate. In the world of running, USA and British indoor championships were impressive. Records continue falling. And another record-breaker is down for the count amidst scandal. For training, coaching, and other services, visit https://atozrunning.com/coaching...

Feb 20, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 5Ep. 230

Don't Achieve Goals. Find Purpose!

This week on AtoZrunning: In further reflection on the topic of goals and finding meaning, we share a compelling lesson from author, speaker, and coach John O’Sullivan’s Every Moment Matters. Also, we answer a listener question about the camaraderie or lack of at the Olympic Trials Marathon. In the world of running, indoor track is exploding, and records dropped like lead sinkers at Millrose Games. Not to be outdone, there were great performances in France, as well. And in a tragic turn, the mar...

Feb 13, 20241 hr 10 minSeason 5Ep. 229

Olympic Trials Marathon

This week on AtoZrunning: We share both the results of and the experience participating in the US Olympic Trials Marathon We also answer a listener question about shoe drops and knee pain In the world of running, the trials races were filled with upsets, heartbreak, and unexpected moments. And indoor track action has been a thrill, including national records and near misses For resources and details, visit https://atozrunning.com/episode228 For training, coaching, and other services, visit https...

Feb 06, 20241 hr 20 minSeason 5Ep. 228

Face Change Like a Pro w/ Robert Downs

This week on AtoZrunning: Under Armour pro runner Robert Downs joins the show to talk about rethinking change and obstacles We answer listener questions about max heart rate as well as splitting runs between indoors and outdoors In the world of running, last year’s freshman phenom Addy Wiley has big news that involves Adidas Nico Young has done it, and he might just be convincing the doubters And the upcoming 2024 Olympics boast some fascinating statistics that we want to share For resources and...

Jan 30, 20241 hr 11 minSeason 5Ep. 227

Action: Respond, Get Help, & Simplify

This week on AtoZrunning: We finish our examination of change and Brad Stulberg’s book by sharing practical actions, including how to practice responses and what it looks like to ask for help, among others We also answer a couple listener questions about hard efforts on the treadmill and how to warmup well In the world of running, the US cross country championships included some exciting results That American record we recently mentioned? I just went down again. Stick around to find out which An...

Jan 23, 20241 hrSeason 5Ep. 226

Identity: Who I Am & How to Keep It

Today on AtoZrunning: What does identity have to do with change? A lot, according to Brad Stulberg, and we examine how he breaks it down in the second section of his book. How do carbon super shoes respond to cold temperatures? We will answer a listener question about that very thing. In the world of running, the Houston Half Marathon saw a new record from an unexpected source, an absurdly fast road race raised eyebrows, and records are falling on the track as well For resources and details, vis...

Jan 16, 20241 hr 11 minSeason 5Ep. 225

Mindset: Expectations Change Reality

Today on AtoZrunning: We continue our series on change by examining mindset, the first section of Brad Stulberg’s book Also, we answer a listener’s question about when to lift weights In the world of running, world 800m champ Donovan Brazier is back in the news, we’ll share why Dubai Marathon was fast and surprising in both the men’s and women’s races And Outside Mag has some success tips for winter training based on Strava data For resources and details, visit https://atozrunning.com/episode224...

Jan 09, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 5Ep. 224

The Beginning of Change

Today on AtoZrunning: We kickoff a new series on change, examining Brad Stulberg’s newest book Master of Change and how we might apply those principles to this new year with its new goals We also answer a listener question about the mental side of running In the world of running, 2023 ended with a nice bang for Beatrice Chebet and a new world record And we take some time to remember what we believe to be the top 10 moments from the world of running in 2023 For resources and details, visit https:...

Jan 02, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 5Ep. 223

Ingredients for Success w/ Willy Fink

Today on AtoZrunning: For this special release episode, we interview Under Armour pro runner Willy Fink to talk about the ingredients for success for runners. Fink shares both his experiences as a professional athlete and insights for runners of all levels.

Dec 30, 202336 minSeason 5Ep. 222

Keep Growing w/ Sara Merritt

Today on AtoZrunning: We conclude our series examining training by effort with our final conversation, this time with Sara, and the most succinct and clear articulation of this approach to date! We also field a listener question about running in the cold and dark In the world of running, have you heard of the willpower marshmallow test? The Magness science digest included some poignant studies about emotions And the women’s 24hr world record was broken, but not by someone you’d expect! All this ...

Dec 26, 20231 hr 21 minSeason 5Ep. 221

This is Success & Satisfaction w/ Kyle & Laura

Today on AtoZrunning: Two more athletes talk about success and satisfaction and what it looks like to be comfortable in the mess and perform well And We answer a question about preparing for a 50k race In the world of running, new standalone 25k records were set in Kolkata Three Japanese men broke a national record in the same race And NIL deals are continuing to make news and getting ever more complicated For resources and details, visit https://atozrunning.com/episode220 For training, coaching...

Dec 19, 20231 hr 5 minSeason 5Ep. 220

Getting It Right w/ Ally, Laura, & Craig

Today on AtoZrunning: Ally, Craig, and Laura help us dig deeper into the challenges of effort-based training and racing, whether new runners only just getting started or long-time runners many years into it. Also, we field questions about race terrain times and proper long run duration In the world of running, the last high school cross country race, Foot Locker nationals, was exciting What happens when pro runners race in paradise? And we’ll give you two guesses which NCAA runner just turned pr...

Dec 12, 20231 hr 9 minSeason 5Ep. 219

Don't be greedy. Be patient! w/ Pete Mumbower

What does it take to be a patient rather than greedy runner? Pete has thoughts on that and more. Also, a question about long runs and fueling in training. In the world of running, the BU opener for indoor track more than lived up to its anticipation this year! Valencia Marathon was incredible, but not for the reasons you’re thinking. And Nike Cross Nationals had it all: slogging mud, fording small streams, and upset victories. Stick around for exciting news and a familiar name! For resources and...

Dec 05, 20231 hr 17 minSeason 5Ep. 218

When to Go & When to Rest w/ Steph Martin

Today on AtoZrunning: We continue the series on how to run by effort. This week’s guest shares insights like how she learned when to go and when to rest Also, we share thoughts about how to return from stress fractures In the world of running, Shanghai Marathon included some records Japanese teenagers are FAST! And there are some crazy events this weekend that you need to know about For resources and details, visit https://atozrunning.com/episode217 For training, coaching, and other services, vi...

Nov 28, 20231 hr 2 minSeason 5Ep. 217

How to Grow Intuition

Today on AtoZrunning: We keep talking about this idea of training by effort, and you’re likely wondering: does it actually work? And if so, how do you get there? We’ve got a great way to answer those questions as we kickoff a new series. We also answer a listener's question about returning from injury plans. In the world of running, all the talk right now is about NCAA cross country championships and the incredible dominance of Parker Valby! Also, surprise! Running boosts your lifespan! But by h...

Nov 22, 20231 hr 17 minSeason 5Ep. 216

Cross Country, Track, & Road Racing w/ Zach Panning

Today on AtoZrunning: Zach Panning is back on the show to unpack race prep and strategy for different types of races on the track, cross country, and on the roads. In the world of running, an unlikely candidate sets a 50 mile world record despite only barely dabbling in ultramarathons, How long do you think it would take someone to run across the USA? A week shorter than the last one, at least!, And baking soda is back on the menu for endurance athletes, but have they solved the GI issues? For r...

Nov 14, 202350 minSeason 5Ep. 215

Making Moves in the Marathon w/ Zach Panning

Today on AtoZrunning: We interview professional runner with Hansons Brooks Distance Project Zach Panning about his World Championships marathon experience and the race strategy decisions he made that led to a strong finish on a difficult day In running news, NYC marathon was both incredibly fast and incredibly slow, but exciting all around Spain crushed the 50k championships And the USATF road circuit wrapped up with the 5k, and the men’s race was almost cut short by a bus For resources and deta...

Nov 07, 20231 hr 5 minSeason 5Ep. 214

How to Hone Hydration w/ Meridith Cass

Today on AtoZrunning: We wrap up our Biosensor series by examining with Meridith Cass one of the most important aspects for runners: hydration In running news, NCAA cross country conference action was crazy, including some upsets, some predictable outcomes, and more! Big Dog’s backyard ultra saw the world’s best meet, and they did not disappoint How fast can 11 year olds run a 5k? Crazy fast! For resources and details, visit https://atozrunning.com/episode213 For training, coaching, and other se...

Oct 31, 20231 hr 11 minSeason 5Ep. 213

Where Intuition Meets Data w/ Meridith Cass

This week on AtoZrunning: Biosensor industry expert Meridith Cass joins us to discuss what we need to know about these technologies. In running news, Valencia half marathon was just as crazy as promised. Bowerman Track Club might be collapsing in real time. And Olympic rankings and quotas are officially released, and it’s fascinating. All this and more coming up on AtoZrunning! For resources and details, visit https://atozrunning.com/episode212 For training, coaching, and other services, visit h...

Oct 24, 20231 hr 9 minSeason 5Ep. 212

Biosensors are Changing the Game

This week on AtoZrunning: What’s going on in the biosensor industry? We kick off a multi-week series to address the technology and what it does and can do for runners. Is it a good thing for the sport? We’ll find out. In running news, Boston marathon champ Des Linden is getting a new heart. What’s that all about? Also, according to Runner’s World, breathing matters, but we’re probably doing it wrong, apparently And it’s about time to discuss cross country as we begin to enter championship season...

Oct 17, 20231 hr 4 minSeason 5Ep. 211

Start with Effort, End with Effort

This week on AtoZrunning: When should we run by effort, and when should we not? What does that even mean? Everyone says effort, but it’s never clear what it looks like. We can help with that! Is Eliud Kipchoge a thing of the past? Recent events are leading some to wonder. Do you know the name Sifan Hassan yet? If you listen here you probably do, but at this point, she probably needs to be a household name in running. And When you’re 90 years old, what new thing will you try? Dot Sowerby has a go...

Oct 10, 20231 hr 5 minSeason 5Ep. 210

Where do we start?

Today on AtoZrunning: Where do we start as runners? To kick off our 5th season, we address this question whether you’re a long-time runner or totally new to the sport. Also, close to 5,000 runners were informed mere hours before the start of their event that it was canceled. The world athletes held the first ever road-racing championships, and Hobbs Kessler’s post-race reaction was priceless. And this track meet went off the rails when they found out drug testers would be making an unexpected ap...

Oct 03, 20231 hr 3 minSeason 5Ep. 209

Efficiency, Nose Breathing, & Training Changes (Monthly Q & A)

This week, we answer listener questions about running efficiency and the connection to injury reduction, nose breathing, and how to change training during an existing season. After that, we share world of running updates about the crazy Berlin Marathon world record and the USATF racing circuit. For resources and details, visit https://atozrunning.com/episode208 For training, coaching, and other services, visit https://atozrunning.com/coaching...

Sep 26, 202348 minSeason 4Ep. 208

What makes us move?

This week, we examine motivation and the factors that make us want to do things, including the role of other people, our own perceptions, and more. After that, we share world of running updates about an incredible double-record and the Diamond League final, complete with world records, national records, and performances the like of which we’ve never seen before. For resources and details, visit https://atozrunning.com/episode207 For training, coaching, and other services, visit https://atozrunni...

Sep 19, 20231 hr 14 minSeason 4Ep. 207

How to Do Neuromuscular Training

This week, we deliver as promised a comprehensive 5-step approach to being better at running by developing neuromuscular control and efficiency. After that, we share world of running updates about the 5th Avenue Mile and two new world records on the track with a plethora of area and national records to follow. For resources and details, visit https://atozrunning.com/episode206 For training, coaching, and other services, visit https://atozrunning.com/coaching...

Sep 12, 20231 hr 4 minSeason 4Ep. 206

Why Neuromuscular Training is Essential

This week, we begin a discussion about neuromuscular training, what it is and why runners need to do more of it. After that, we share world of running updates about more diamond league action in Zurich and Xiamen, USA 20k champs, and bigtime mountain racing in Europe. For resources and details, visit https://atozrunning.com/episode205 For training, coaching, and other services, visit https://atozrunning.com/coaching...

Sep 05, 202355 minSeason 4Ep. 205

Marathon Tempos, Runner’s Knee, & Weighted Shoes (Monthly Q & A)

This week, we answer listener questions about when and how to do marathon tempos, how to rehabilitate runner’s knee, and whether runners should consider ankle weights or weighted shoes. After that, we discuss the complete world championships results and analysis. For resources and details, visit https://atozrunning.com/episode204 For training, coaching, and other services, visit https://atozrunning.com/coaching...

Aug 29, 20231 hr 31 minSeason 4Ep. 204

How much struggle is good?

This week, we take a look at struggle and finding the right balance of avoiding vs. embracing struggle to grow and find fulfillment. After that, we share world of running updates about the first weekend of world championships track, including the 10,000m finals, and the Falmouth Road Race. For resources and details, visit https://atozrunning.com/episode203 For training, coaching, and other services, visit https://atozrunning.com/coaching...

Aug 22, 20231 hr 18 minSeason 4Ep. 203

Fatigue & Mind Games

This week, we tackle the mental side of fatigue, what we know, and what we can do about it as runners. After that, we share world of running updates focused on our exclusive world championships preview. For resources and details, visit https://atozrunning.com/episode202 For training, coaching, and other services, visit https://atozrunning.com/coaching...

Aug 15, 20231 hr 20 minSeason 4Ep. 202
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