Kick back for a less structured conversation with my friend Jonathan Levitt, focusing on the big and small real-life issues affecting runners. Jon is a runner, cyclist, and host of For The Long Run Podcast. I like to joke that Jon is the Mayor of Boulder because of his ridiculous network of every single runner who lives within 100 miles. We share a lot of miles on the Boulder trails together and have great, rambling conversations about the running industry and our personal training, like this on...
Aug 15, 2024•53 min•Ep. 364
In today's running culture, people can't stop talking about Zone 2 running. But what about Zone 3? John Davis is an author, running coach, former collegiate runner, and an expert in human performance with a focus on biomechanics. He ran at Carleton College before getting a PhD in biomechanics at Indiana University's School of Public Health, focusing on running injuries. In this episode, we talk about: The underutilized value of Zone 3 running Why zones aren't as clear as many people make them ou...
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 363
Most runners have heard of plyometrics, but are they using these exercises effectively to prevent injury and boost performance? Dr. Gaby Go is a Doctorate of Physical Therapy who ran Division 1 Track and Field for the University of Maryland, College Park, and who qualified for the Boston Marathon in her debut marathon. Today, Gaby’s sharing a lot of knowledge around plyometrics for runners with us. In this episode, Gaby and I talk about: The basics of plyos: what they are, who they're for, and w...
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 362
Have we put Zone 2 running on an undeserved pedestal? A recent episode with Brady Holmer dug into Zone 2 as it relates to heat training. One listener named Nadine emailed me some great questions to follow up on the Zone 2 conversation. Like many of you, easy running has gotten confusing for Nadine because of so much of the advice on the internet to never go faster than Zone 2 and the value of very slow running. But Nadine was feeling better at slightly faster paces! I figured it'd be more helpfu...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 361
Hoping to get faster at the marathon and reach a personal best? So is Nick Jordan, a member of Team Strength Running. Nick joined this coaching program in order to most effectively use his time and effort to get the best possible chance of reaching a marathon personal best. We talked about what he can do in the remaining months to stack the deck in his favor. Team Strength Running is a program that includes ongoing coaching directly from me, access to a team of other runners just like you, a lib...
Jul 18, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 360
Sugar cravings, salt content, underfueling, post-race beers… Runners get a lot of conflicting nutrition information, so we’re asking your questions to a registered dietitian! Alex Larson is a Minnesota-based registered dietitian and Ironman triathlete who’s worked with thousands of athletes in more than fifteen countries. I get a lot of questions from endurance runners about nutrition, so we collected your questions for Alex to answer. In this episode, Alex answers these running nutrition questi...
Jul 11, 2024•58 min•Ep. 359
Whether you love the mile or you want to continue running into your 40's or beyond, you'll be inspired by this Masters runner. Mario Fraioli is a Bay Area-based running coach who works with a number of Olympic Trials-level marathoners, top ultrarunners, and competitive age-group athletes. He’s one of the most competitive Master’s runners in the USA, having run the 2023 Boston Marathon in 2:34 and with his recent 3rd place finisher at the 2024 National Masters Road Mile. In this episode, Mario an...
Jul 04, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 358
As a runner, it's almost guaranteed that somebody has told you, "Running is bad for your knees!" Spoiler alert: It's not. Dr. Howard Luks has the education and experience to prove it. Howard spent more than 20 years as the Chief of Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy at New York Medical College, specializing in athlete care. As a board certified orthopedic surgeon, he focuses on a variety of joints but focuses on knee health. In this episode, Howard and I talk about: Squats for knee health: form and...
Jun 27, 2024•46 min•Ep. 357
Brady Holmer knows a lot about running and a lot about science: a perfect combo for a conversation on the show. Brady is a lifelong endurance athlete who competed in cross country and track at the collegiate level. He currently works as a science writer and researcher, holding a Master’s degree in human performance. He also recently ran his PR in the marathon: a 2:37. In this episode, Brady and I talk about: The flexibility of heart rate zones and their impact on training adaptations Physiology ...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 356
Chris Bennett is the Nike Running Global Head Coach and Senior Director Nike Global Running. Translation: Chris is an absolute powerhouse of a coach and runner. I got to chat with Chris about his role at Nike, how runners approach the sport from a variety of angles, what often prevents us from achieving our goals, his message to every runner in the world if he had the opportunity to speak to the global running population, and so much more. In this episode, Chris and I talk about: The multifacete...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 355
Brooke Torres is an ultra runner who couldn’t understand why running shoes were so uncomfortable. So, she started a running shoe company to fix that problem. Hilma Running Shoes makes shoes specifically for the needs of women’s feet, which are uniquely shaped and not just a smaller version of men’s feet (since as you'll hear, that doesn't work). In this episode, Brooke and I talk about: Women's foot shape and its impact on running shoe design How poor-fit shoes can lead to injury and discomfort ...
Jun 06, 2024•50 min•Ep. 354
Sally McRae is known worldwide for her mental fortitude and ability to push through extreme discomfort. As a professional mountain and ultra runner for Nike, Sally is a two-time Top 10 Western States finisher, the Badwater 135 Champion, Tarawera 100 Champion, Mozart 100 Champion and Moab 240 Champion. Sally is also an author, podcast host, business owner, and a strength and running coach. In this episode, Sally and I talk about: The pros of using a treadmill for distance training The whole body ...
May 30, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 353
We're switching it up a bit this week so you can listen to the episode of The Drop where I was the guest! The Drop is hosted by Thomas Neuberger, Meaghan Murray, and Robbie Reddinger. Robbie wasn’t on this episode, but I had a great time chatting with Thomas and Meaghan and thought you'd enjoy a listen. We talked about: Preventing injury while high mileage training with proper warm-ups and cool downs Problem-solving in running: motivation, plateaus, and improving performance How training for a m...
May 23, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 352
As a hybrid athlete, Eric Hinman has experienced both extremes of ultra endurance and anaerobic power. Based in Denver, Eric is a 5x Ironman, serial entrepreneur, and brand builder. At 43 years old, Eric's currently training for the Leadville 100-mile Mountain Bike Race, which he trains for every year. He’s also attempting to qualify for the 2024 CrossFit Games. He spent years before then training for long course triathlons. In this episode, Eric and I talk about: Moving to Colorado for better w...
May 16, 2024•55 min•Ep. 351
Get a sneak peak into what we do every month in our Team Strength Running coaching program. During these live calls, I'm on live video, taking any and all questions from the team's members. It's an opportunity for runners in the program to ask me anything about the many factors of strong, healthy running. Members get guidance on sticky running questions, problem solve training issues, and get the action steps they need to keep moving forward. If you’d like to attend our next live coach’s chat, y...
May 09, 2024•36 min•Ep. 350
When runners get hurt, it’s often a tissue health problem, like a tendon injury. Jay Dicharry is a physical therapist, author, entrepreneur, and faculty member at Oregon State University who knows a lot about tissue health for runners. He’s written some of my favorite books on running performance and injury prevention, including “Anatomy for Runners” and “Running Rewired.” Jay also hosts workshops for physical therapists. In this episode, Jay and I talk about: New research on tissue remodeling a...
May 02, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 349
Runners ask all the time: How should I fit strength training into my endurance goals, and how can I get as strong as possible with limited time? Holly Martin is a personal fitness trainer and run coach based in Nashville, TN who specializes in time-efficient circuit training and individually tailored run programs. Holly comes from a diverse background of professional ballet, ultramarathon running, and 10 years of experience in CrossFit. She’s finished many ultra marathons, including two 100 mile...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 348
The running world gets to watch in awe as elites set new records and perform incredible feats. But it’s not all rainbows and unicorns for these athletes. World record holders face injuries and challenges, too. Charlie Lawrence set the record in the 50-mile distance in 2023, clocking in at 4:48:21. That’s an unbelievable average of 5:46 per mile. Charlie also ran his marathon personal record of 2:16 while qualifying for the US Olympic Trials Marathon for the second time. In this episode, Charlie ...
Apr 18, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 347
The midstance phase of a running stride is a crucial element of running form, but many runners are ignoring it. If you have weaknesses, imbalances, or poor movement patterns, this is the part of the gait cycle that will show it. Chris Johnson, DPT is a Seattle-based physical therapist, performance coach, entrepreneur, and multiple time Kona IRONMAN qualifier who shares how midstance affects your running performance and how you can improve it. In this episode, Chris and I talk about: Midstance im...
Apr 11, 2024•55 min•Ep. 346
If you're starting to wonder whether your running form is helping or hurting your performance, we’re sharing two important tests that can help you better conceptualize how your body moves through space. Dr. Matthew Silver is a doctor of physical therapy, coach, cross country athlete, founder of Alpha Project Phyzio and Performance in Maryland, and author of the book "Built to Run." We spend a lot of time on foot strike, the problems associated with over-striding, and the many solutions for resol...
Apr 04, 2024•50 min•Ep. 345
What makes the biggest impact when it comes to recovery strategies and tools for runners? Dr. Peter Tierney is a health and performance researcher, consultant, and coach who’s worked with many professional sports organizations to help athletes recover effectively from exercise. Peter’s “Big 5” recovery strategies are science-backed and possible for runners to add to their training and lifestyle. In this episode, Peter and I talk about: Recovery as part of a lifestyle, not just a post-exercise to...
Mar 28, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 344
Thomas Neuberger has probably worn more pairs of shoes than anybody else over the last 15 years (with maybe the exception of Runner’s World Director of Product Testing and Runner-in-Chief, Jeff Dengate). Thomas’ deep experience in the running shoe industry gives him an unparalleled perspective on the evolution of shoes, why some features are no longer available, and the future of running shoes. In this episode, Thomas and I talk about: The 2009 origin story of Believe in the Run, a top shoe revi...
Mar 21, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 343
Trail running doesn't always mean running an ultramarathon. From trail 5ks to marathons, there's a growing interest in middle distance trail events. Andy Wacker is making this space a more vibrant and welcoming community for runners. Andy Wacker is a professional runner who excels on the track, road, and trail. He is the 2019 world Mountain Running Champ, 2016 US Trail Half Marathon Champ, 2015 US Trail 50k Champion, and a two-time NCAA XC All-American. Andy seeks longevity in the sport and embr...
Mar 14, 2024•54 min•Ep. 342
The Boston Marathon is quickly approaching! Whether you’re racing Boston this spring or have it in your sights as a long term goal, this episode will help you learn all the ins and outs of this iconic event. Today’s guest on the podcast will be headed to Boston for the 19th time! Marc Pollina has run 26 marathons and has been a fixture at Boston as both a charity runner and a sub-3 hour qualifier. Marc’s new book, The Boston Marathon Handbook , offers an incredibly thorough look at the Boston Ma...
Mar 07, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 341
This week I decided to take you along on my conversation with my friend and fellow podcaster, Jon Levitt. Jon is a sub-3 marathoner and a Senior Sales Executive at InsideTracker . He also hosts the popular podcast, For the Long Run , where I was a guest on episode 264 . We usually have long meandering conversations on trail runs throughout Boulder, but this time we recorded it. While we start by discussing our current running troubles (and our efforts towards solving them), we ultimately focus a...
Feb 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 340
Ryan Whited is an elite climber, personal trainer and strength & conditioning coach who owns Paragon Athletics in Flagstaff, Arizona. Together with author and coach Matt Fitzgerald he has written Pain & Performance: A revolutionary new way to use training as treatment for pain and injury . His approach to pain is a novel one and requires you to think about it in a much different way than most of us currently do. Learning to use “training as treatment” and recognize the positive aspects of pain a...
Feb 22, 2024•48 min•Ep. 339
Andrea Pomaranski just completed the 2024 Olympic Trials marathon, finishing 27th of 117 finishers in a time of 2:34:35. Andrea ran shorter distances in college and set the American under-20 record in the steeplechase in 2001. Then 22 years later, she also set the American Master’s record in the 50k. Des Linden is currently the only woman who has recorded a faster 50k! Andrea has qualified three times for the Olympic Trials in the marathon, and finished 27th this year only 20 days after racing t...
Feb 15, 2024•57 min•Ep. 338
My guest on today’s episode in Dr. Caitlin Alexander. Caitlin is a physical therapist, a professional triathlete, and a certified triathlon and running coach. Three years ago she joined me on episode 179 to talk about long-term injuries, and now she is here to answer reader questions on injury reduction. Caitlin owns Hü Performance in downtown Boulder, Colorado. She works with a wide variety of athletes, from weekend warriors to competitive triathletes and elite runners. In addition to physical ...
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 337
In recent years, runners have come to accept that strength training is a necessity to stay healthy and perform optimally. Learn how to periodize your strength work into 3 distinct phases to take your training to the next level! As a physical therapist, Jimmy Picard specializes in treating endurance runners and mountain athletes to help them stay healthy. He is also a certified running coach and strength coach. Jimmy’s experience in competitive endurance sports combined with his expertise in PT a...
Feb 01, 2024•58 min•Ep. 336
Do you want to have a monster aerobic engine? No matter what your level of experience, you can learn how to build volume safely and implement intensity to get the most from your training miles. Zach Bitter was formerly the 100-mile world record holder, and is currently the American record holder in the 100-mile and 12-hour events. He's a four time national champion at the 50-mile, 100k and 100-mile distances between 2012 and 2021. Zach has won some of the country’s most competitive ultra races a...
Jan 25, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 335
