In this episode, former Division I athlete and licensed mental health therapist Emily Perrin flips the script on "mental toughness" and dives deep into the richer, more holistic concept of resilience. Emily helps us understand how resilience—rooted in childhood development, support, and self-compassion—offers a more complete set of tools for athletes navigating the mental and emotional ups and downs of training and racing. We explore how grounding techniques, body-based feedback, and s...
Aug 29, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Running Explained podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Matt Chittim, coach and host of The Rambling Runner Podcast, about the incredible potential that runners have, no matter when they start. Matt and I dive into how age doesn't have to limit your running goals and why consistent training—what we call "training age"—is so crucial to reaching your full potential. We also get real about the fact that progress in running isn't always linear; there w...
Aug 24, 2024•49 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast This week we are diving into HYBRID TRAINING for endurance runners with exercise physiologist and hybrid athlete Dr. Alyssa Olenick (@doclyssfitness)! Hybrid training isn't just about picking between strength or endurance – it's about embracing BOTH for both health and performance goals. Dr. Olenick breaks down the interference effect, explains the shifting application of training intensity, and goes through hybrid training in the off-season all the way through your pre-race taper PLUS m...
Aug 22, 2024•2 hr 32 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast LET'S TALK ABOUT "ZONE 2"!! Dr. Lisa Mitro rejoins the show to share her Zone 2 running journey, and we talk all about the importance of this intensity zone for runners, what it is, how to find it, and so much more!! What IS "Zone 2"? What are we ACTUALLY trying to achieve here? How easy running can help prevent injury Embracing slowing down (& how to convince runners it's OK to slow down!) Common running form issues on easy runs Using heart rate to define your ea...
Aug 22, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast This one is for my sober and sober-curious runners out there!! Luc Zoratto's journey into running and sobriety is a tale of community, empowerment, and self-discovery. After being in the "sober closet" for 5 years, he decided to share his sobriety journey publicly on LinkedIn after hitting a major milestone: qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Today, we're talking about quitting drinking, the personal nature of sobriety, and of course, the messy, hard work that comes with pushi...
Aug 22, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast Get ready to level up how your body MOVES! In this episode, biomechanical expert Jay Dicharry dives deep into the art and science of running with the second edition of his book, Running Rewired (seriously, go buy it), breaking down why movement quality is the secret sauce to staying injury-free and improving your form. Jay explains why mobility, stability, strength, and power aren't just buzzwords—they're the building blocks of skilled movement. He also shares his thoughts on the importa...
Aug 15, 2024•1 hr•Ep 29•Transcript available on Metacast Does it sometimes feel like there is an actual barrier preventing you from achieving a goal? In this episode, Coach Elisabeth sits down with sports psychologist/mental performance coach (and, of course, endurance athlete enthusiast) Ashley Eckermann, to explore how our thoughts control our outcomes and WHY we run into these mental blocks! From cultivating belief in oneself, to visualization exercises, to self-talk, Ashley provides strategies for handling common mental blocks like struggling with...
Aug 09, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep 28•Transcript available on Metacast DUN-DUN-DA-DUN the Olympics are here! Coach Nick Klastava lends his analysis to this episode looking the major battle in the men's 1500m, the superstars in the women's 1500m, Sifan Hassan's decision to TRIPLE with the 5000m, 10000m, & marathon, and the battle of the Marathon GOATs: Kipchoge vs. Bekele. Who will come out on top??
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 27•Transcript available on Metacast VROOM VROOM, BABY! Caffeine is THE most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world, and it's one of the most commonly available ergogenic aids (i.e. substances that can improve athletic performance). In this episode we talk about the research behind caffeine and its effect on endurance performance, "fast" and "slow" metabolizers, dosing, timing, the placebo effect, caffeine's effect on heart rate, and more! Coach Elisabeth is the Founder and Head Coach at Run...
Jul 18, 2024•52 min•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast "Why am I GAINING weight in marathon training?? I'm running so much!" This week Holley Samuel, RD, returns to the pod for a conversation about weight loss, weight gain, 'weight anxiety', performance, health, and so much more! KEY HIGHLIGHTS Reasons for Weight Gain During Marathon Training Shifting the Focus from Appearance to Performance and Health Embracing Body Changes Throughout Different Stages of Life Challenging the Moralistic View of Weight Inclusivity and Health in ...
Jul 11, 2024•51 min•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast HOW TO RUN BETTER IN THE HEAT: everything you need to know about heat acclimation/acclimatization, heat adaptation benefits, how long those benefits last, passive vs active heat training methods, cooling strategies, and hyperhydration! KEY TOPICS Differentiating Heat Acclimation and Heat Acclimatization Methods of Heat Training for Runners Benefits of Heat Acclimation for Runners Physiological Changes in Heat Acclimation Cooling Strategies for Hot Weather Performance Hyperhydration Strategies fo...
Jul 05, 2024•58 min•Ep 24•Transcript available on Metacast IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S JUST THE HEAT. But WHY do we slow down (sometimes a lot) in hot weather? Coach Elisabeth takes you through the science of hot weather endurance exercise and what's actually happening inside your body when you're going on that hot weather run Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 02:26 - Running in the Heat: Performance Impact 05:26 Thermoregulation: Maintaining Core Temperature 08:20 - Hydration: Importance and Individual Needs 14:03 - Exertional Heat Stro...
Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep 23•Transcript available on Metacast Is MOBILITY the secret sauce to your running?? In this episode, Dr. Matt Silver, DPT (@ alphaprojectphyzio ) dive into the science of mobility and tissue quality! We talk about how hip extension, ankle dorsiflexion, and thoracic mobility are KEY for not only performance but long-term running success, talk about tightness - when you need to stretch vs strengthen - AND learn the surprising importance of big toe mobility for that perfect push-off! Plus, Dr. Matt teaches how to use those lacrosse ba...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast DATA DATA EVERYWHERE! VO2max, heart rate, training status, body battery, sleep score, intensity zones, HRV, heat acclimation status, training readiness, cadence, ground contact time, vertical oscillation... HOW DO YOU SORT THROUGH IT ALL? Sports scientist Jonah Rosner, MS, CSCS, is here to help YOU understand 1) what's important and what's just noise, 2) how to accurately gather data, and 3) how to implement it in your training! We explore how to effectively use key data points such as d...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 21•Transcript available on Metacast "This is not an episode of The Running Explained Podcast" ;-) UPCOMING EPISODES INCLUDE: The Updated Running in the Heat Episode Binge Eating in Distance Runners Paris Olympics Preview Data-Driven Training for the Everyday Runner Why Do I Keep Getting Injured? Hydration & Dehydration
Jun 06, 2024•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast ONE-TAKE Q&A RETURNS!! Answering extra questions from a recent Instagram story Q&A, Coach Elisabeth takes on YOUR questions about running, training, racing, and more! Learn about... Tapering for a week-long running event Can you do TOO MUCH base-building?? Keeping HR low while trying to increase cadence Adding an extra day of cross-training late in marathon training Handling race week nerves Running in gusty winds Trying to race a 5k the week after a marathon - yay or nay? Age-graded run...
May 23, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep 19•Transcript available on Metacast We are often praised for the relentless pursuit of a goal, but what about when it's actually better for you to STOP chasing that goal? Coach and runner Claire Bartholic (@theplantedrunner) shares her own journey of what it cost her to finally achieve her coveted sub-3 marathon goal... and why she decided to step away from marathons altogether after crossing that finish line. KEY TAKEAWAYS! Chasing big running goals requires dedication, yes, but it's essential to assess whether the goal i...
May 09, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast Now that "warmer than normal" is the NEW "normal"... what do we need to know for our training and racing?? Hosts of the podcast Between Two Coaches, Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava are here to talk all about it! So your race was canceled because it's too hot... Prepping for hot weather races Avoiding self-blame & unrealistic expectations when the temps rise Heat acclimation tips Learning to run on effort and focus on execution ...and more!! Between Two Coaches is a week...
May 02, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast LET'S GET SOME ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS! In this UNEDITED, one-take episode, Coach Elisabeth goes through the leftover questions from a recent Instagram Story Q&A! Pre-written training plans & the Banana Republic pants analogy Workouts in off-seasons Post-half marathon recovery and the "reverse taper" Why are my easy runs getting slower in marathon training? Am I failing my easy run if its 75% easy/25% moderate? Upset tummy post-run Hilly race training Long run workouts &q...
Apr 18, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast DOUBLE THRESHOLD TRAINING is one of the recent "trends" in high-level endurance training, but is this something that YOU should be doing in your own training? Exercise physiologist Dr. Phil Batterson rejoins the show today to talk about this training framework and how it's ACTUALLY implemented (plus takeaways and guidance for the everyday runner and what they can do in their training to maximize their threshold workouts and overall training load!)
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast Much is made of dedication and "no days off" in the running world... except, sometimes, you SHOULD skip a run or take the day off! Conversely, sometimes that little voice in your head can convince you that you shouldn't for your run today... when actually, it's in your best interest that you do! But how to figure out the difference? And why does it matter? --- Wondering how YOU should train? Wondering what types of runs & workouts YOU should do to reach your running goals? ...
Apr 04, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast Let's dive into VO2max! In this episode, Coach Elisabeth unravels the intricacies of VO2Max, its measurement, and its significance in endurance performance. How much do you ACTUALLY need to focus on VO2max? What VO2max measures, and the variations in ranges observed across different populations, spanning from beginners to elite athletes. The challenges associated with accurately assessing VO2Max, particularly through fitness wearables A comparison between VO2Max tests and other assessments (...
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast Your fitness isn't as fragile as you think it is!! Fitness loss is not as quick or significant as many people fear, and taking a few days or week off has essentially no impact on your fitness. And while detraining is a natural part of the training process and can be beneficial in certain contexts, taking long weeks or months off will definitely result in a detraining effect... but what does that timeline look like?
Mar 21, 2024•51 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast My guest this week is Dr. Kate Bochnewetch, and we are delving into the world of running and training while living with a chronic illness. Drawing from her own journey coping with chronic migraines, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and POTS, Kate sharess valuable insights into being a runner with chronic illness and how to navigate a "new normal" in goal-setting and training management. We explore the unique hurdles confronted by runners dealing with chronic illnesses, offering guidance on modi...
Mar 07, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast Let's talk about METABOLISM! No, running doesn't "break" your metabolism; no, your metabolism doesn't screech to a halt once you turn 40. Metabolism and nutrition researcher Dr. Stephanie Compton, PhD, RD, joins the show to discuss metabolism and its impact on our bodies. It's not just about burning calories; it also includes the biochemical processes that build and break down substances in our bodies. Learn about different macronutrient substrates and how our bodies ca...
Feb 29, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast LET'S DIVE INTO THE HALF MARATHON! This episode with Coach Elisabeth delves into half marathon training: uncover the secrets to conquering this popular race distance, armed with insights that focus on optimal performance. From building your aerobic endurance foundation to mastering targeted workouts like lactate threshold sessions, elevate your performance to new heights and set the stage for a fabulous half marathon journey! We cover the art of pacing, steering clear of race pace obsession,...
Feb 22, 2024•57 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast Let's run MORE!! Why? In this episode with Coach Elisabeth, we talk about how to increase running volume effectively and the importance of finding the right balance between volume and frequency, and the relationship between volume and speed. Practical tips for adding volume to your training week include adding another day of running and distributing volume increases throughout the week, plus the importance of easy effort running and the limitations of the 10% rule. She also highlights the va...
Feb 15, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast Eating to support your running can feel really overwhelming when you're ALSO being a partner, parent, employee, friend - ALL of the things you also are in your busy life! Sports dietitian Alex Larson, RD (@alexlarsonnutrition) and Coach Elisabeth cover topics such as post-workout breakfasts for busy mornings, easy fueling before and after workouts, simple ways to add carbs and other foods, tips for athletes with unpredictable schedules, understanding hunger and fullness cues, nutrition for t...
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever had a big goal race go SO CATASTROPHICALLY SIDEWAYS that you're plummeted into an existential crisis afterwards? Yeah, us too! In this episode with Dr. Victoria Sekely (@trainsmartunstrong) we discuss the pressure of setting goals, the impact of race disappointments, and the influence of others' opinions. PLUS, we talk about the challenges faced by women in running and the importance of living with uncertainty and being able to pivot. The conversation includes personal expe...
Feb 01, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast FOOTSTRIKE is often a hot topic among runners... but should it be? Does where you land matter? If so, WHY? Physical therapist & founder of Learn2Run Dr. Matt Minard, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, CSCS, Cert. MDT, returns to the show for a deep dive into all things foostrike! -What is footstrike? -What footstrike can and can't tell you -Why you might be thinking about footstrike all wrong -Heel striking vs midfoot or forefoot striking -Footstrike form cues: helpful or harmful? -What about sprinter...
Jan 25, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast 
