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Jesse Itzler on the Magic of 100-Mile Ultramarathons: Mindset, Entrepreneurship, & More05 Sep 202400:46:11

Imagine a running festival combined with a retreat plus a race thrown in there: That's Jesse Itzler's Runningman.

Jesse Itzler is the founder of Runningman and All Day Running Co., a serial entrepreneur, an author, an endurance sports enthusiast, and a 100-mile ultra marathoner.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • Translating running's discipline and consistency into other areas of life

  • Sharing the values of health and wellness with children

  • Jesse's approach to long-term running planning

  • Finding the sweet spot of having a plan while being flexible

  • The parallels of 100-mile races and running a business

  • What you'll find at Runningman: a track, sauna, cold plunges, yoga, expert sessions, and community

  • If Jesse could ask David Roche, course record holder at Leadville, any question, what would it be?

Send this episode to a friend you'd love to go to Runningman with (and use code JASON for 10% off passes).

Links & Resources from the Show: Thank you Previnex!

After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen.

Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need.

Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids.

Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do.

Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex!

Thank you to 2Before!

We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles.

So, if you want to try to boost your performance and immune system, use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com.

Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running!

 

Team USA Coach Paul Greer on the Pillars of Development for Youth & Master’s Runners29 Aug 202400:59:51

How do we develop new runners, young runners, and master's runners, into great runners?

Paul Greer is a professor of Health and Exercise Science at San Diego City College, coach of the San Diego Track Club, and the 2016 and 2024 Team USA Men’s Junior Cross Country coach.

With about 40 years of coaching experience, Paul has a lot of wisdom to share for runners from youth to master's levels. His athletes include hundreds of Boston qualifiers, several top age-group competitors, and a handful of Olympic qualifiers.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • Reasons for the lack of adult cross-country races
  • Resources and sponsorships for track and field vs. cross-country running

  • Differences in developing new runners versus experienced and master's runners

  • Consistent training and effective long runs without overtraining

  • Pool running for injury prevention and fitness through injury

  • Early warning signs of injuries and how to prevent them

  • Tips for dynamic warm-ups and post-run stretching and recovery

  • Training adjustments for older and master's runners

  • The need for individualized training plans, rest days, and noticing stress load

 

Remember to put your name in the drawing by August 30th for the chance to win running products we love. Enter our 10 million download giveaway here! 

Links & Resources from the Show: Thank you to Previnex!

After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen.

Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need.

Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids.

Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do.

Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex!

Thank you DrinkLMNT!

A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best. 

DrinkLMNT's products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff.

Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.





Healthy Knees Masterclass: Knee Health Myths & Injury Prevention with Dr. Howard Luks27 Jun 202400:46:21

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 variety
  • Functional strength training that mimics life activities
  • Assessing risk with knee pain or swelling, and whether you should stop running
  • The true cause of osteoarthritis
  • How running can actually help knee health and cartilage
  • Running types that put runners at higher risk for knee injury
  • Managing knee injuries through load management and smart exercises
  • Exercises to improve power and quickness for running on hills and trails
  • The effects of shoe choice and training surface

Next time somebody tells you that running will hurt your knees, send them this episode.

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you Previnex!

After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen.

Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need.

Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids.

Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do.

Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex!

Thank you AG1!

We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They’ve made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do.

For our listeners, they are offering a year’s worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop – the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today.

 

Author Matt Fitzgerald on How to Perfect the Art and Skill of Pacing29 Sep 202200:56:57

The art of pacing yourself correctly is the key to success in workouts and races. But like any other skill, it requires practice and understanding what it really means to “listen to your body.”

If you enjoy reading about running and training, then this week’s guest likely needs no introduction. Matt Fitzgerald is a prolific writer, having authored more than 30 books on endurance training and sports. He has immersed himself in the endurance world and is constantly at the forefront of communicating ways to make your training more effective and productive.

Despite our shared last name, Matt is not a relative. But in addition to his writing, he is also a fellow coach and 2:39 marathoner. Matt’s most recent book, On Pace, seeks to help runners learn the art of pacing to get the most out of their training and racing. 

Matt and I discuss many of the essential elements of pacing that he further addresses in his book, including:

  • Pacing as the art of finding your limit
  • Three key elements of pacing
  • How GPS devices can both help and hinder your ability to pace yourself
  • The simple and effective method of using perceived effort
  • How experience and practice are essential to improve your pacing
  • The importance of pace planning and evaluation for training and racing
  • Why the road to pacing mastery is filled with mistakes  - just don’t make them twice!

Enjoy this in-depth conversation on pace with my friend and colleague, Matt Fitzgerald!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you SOAR!

I’m thrilled to introduce our newest sponsor, SOAR!  This London-based brand makes high-performance running apparel that I’ve been loving over the last 5 months. If you watch our YouTube videos, you’ll have seen me rocking a ridiculously short pair of blue 1” split leg shorts. 

I have been inseparable from my 1” split leg SOAR shorts and my SOAR painter’s hat this summer. And for good reason: their gear is elite-level. They have technically-groundbreaking wet and cold weather gear that’s guided by a “function-first” mentality. The result is just amazing apparel that is comfortable, light, and just effective and helping you train. 

SOAR is at the forefront of design innovation with ergonomic designs, cutting edge fabrics, and continuously updated clothing that just keeps getting better. See for yourself at SOAR Running and make sure you use the code SRUN15  to save 15% off your order until the end of October.

Thank you Elemental Labs!

A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.

Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.

There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. 

266. Should You Get a Running Coach? Tips and Q&A with Coach Bertrand “B” Newson22 Sep 202201:06:35

Runners of all levels can benefit from coaching, but it’s important to find the right match to get the most out of your relationship. If you’re looking for a coach or considering getting certified as one, you’ll benefit from learning more about both sides of the coaching experience.

This week’s guest on the podcast is a fellow coach and my roommate from a recent running retreat, Bertrand Newson. “Coach B” (as he is most often referred to) came to running later in life, leaving a long career in the hospitality industry fueled by his love of running. 

Coach B is a Road Runners Club of America certified coach, co-host of the Race Mob podcast, and on the Board of Directors at the 80/20 Endurance Foundation, which seeks to promote diversity in coaching. He is not only an outstanding coach and a prolific competitor, but he is also a master at bringing people together. Coach B’s love of running and community led him to become the founder of Too Legit Fitness, a Bay Area group with more than 700 members.

Whether you’re looking for a coach or thinking about becoming one yourself, Coach B and I discuss a variety of topics that can help you on your journey, including:

  • How Coach B’s unique background benefits his coaching
  • Various types of coaching certifications and their benefits
  • What makes a runner coachable
  • Why coaching is both an art and a science, and the role of intuition in coaching
  • The importance of relatability and other qualities athletes should look for in a coach

This is both a thoughtful and pragmatic discussion you won't want to miss!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you SOAR!

I’m thrilled to introduce our newest sponsor, SOAR!  This London-based brand makes high-performance running apparel that I’ve been loving over the last 5 months. If you watch our YouTube videos, you’ll have seen me rocking a ridiculously short pair of blue 1” split leg shorts. 

I have been inseparable from my 1” split leg SOAR shorts and my SOAR painter’s hat this summer. And for good reason: their gear is elite-level. They have technically-groundbreaking wet and cold weather gear that’s guided by a “function-first” mentality. The result is just amazing apparel that is comfortable, light, and just effective and helping you train. 

SOAR is at the forefront of design innovation with ergonomic designs, cutting edge fabrics, and continuously updated clothing that just keeps getting better. See for yourself at SOAR Running and make sure you use the code SRUN15  to save 15% off your order until the end of October.

Thank you Long Run Coffee!

I have a big announcement! We’ve partnered with Long Run Coffee to develop the first-ever Strength Running Roast. The Strength Running Roast is designed for performance: it’s electrolyte-infused coffee that can be ordered as light, medium, or dark roast. It's also free from sugar, additives, flavorings, and dyes. 

Earlier this year, Tom - the founder of Long Run Coffee - got in touch and sent me a bag of their coffee. I was skeptical at first (would electrolytes added to coffee affect the taste?) but my hesitation was misplaced. This stuff is delicious! This was an easy partnership for me because I love coffee. Caffeine is actually the safest, most studied, and legal performance enhancing drug on the market. 

Partnering with another small business like Strength Running was a no-brainer for me. I love supporting the small businesses that keep this sport moving forward.

If you're not running stimulated, you’re running slower. Order your bag.

265. Dr. Asher Henry on How to Assess and Prevent Posterior Chain Injuries15 Sep 202200:56:30

As a runner, keeping your posterior chain strong and functional is the key to healthy running.

The muscles that make up the posterior chain comprise the entire back side of your body. Runners will primarily focus on the lower portion of that chain, which includes the glutes, the hamstrings, and the calves.

Dr. Asher Henry is a runner, coach, and physical therapist who loves to help runners get and stay healthy! She is also a certified strength and conditioning coach and a 4 time All-American and top 5 finisher at the USA Trail Half Marathon and 10k Championships.

Asher was a co-coach with me on a recent Endeavorun Running retreat, and her knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm for what she does is contagious. We discuss all the essentials of the posterior chain and its importance in your running, including:

  • Common issues associated with dysfunction in the posterior chain
  • How taking care of your muscles allows your connective tissues to do their job
  • Why drills and plyometrics can be great but you need to be strong enough to handle them
  • Methods of testing and continued assessment  to determine your problem areas
  • Using isolated strength to improve weak areas before working larger muscle groups
  • How to avoid building dysfunction on top of strength to aid injury prevention

Enjoy my conversation with Dr. Asher Henry!

Thank you Elemental Labs!

A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.

Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.

There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. 

Thank You Athletic Greens!

Thank you to our sponsor, Athletic Greens! They are a health and wellness company that makes AG1. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. Athletic Greens has made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable.

For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out Athletic Greens to redeem your offer today.

 

264. How to Engineer a Comeback from Injury, Illness, or a Failed Race (with Matt Chittim)08 Sep 202201:24:53

We all face obstacles in our running, whether it’s illness, injury, or a race that doesn’t live up to our expectations. Learning how to navigate each of these challenges in a positive way is key to moving forward with our training.

Our guest today is Matt Chittim, a certified running coach and the voice behind the Rambling Runner Podcast. He's also the cofounder of Relay, a premium content membership that features contributors like Kara Goucher, Peter Bromka, and Zoe Rom.

Our conversation today focuses on how to make a comeback from the three most common obstacles that runners face: injuries, illness, and a poor goal race. Each has its own strategies that work well.

Thank You Athletic Greens!

Thank you to our sponsor, Athletic Greens! They are a health and wellness company that makes AG1. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. Athletic Greens has made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable.

For our listeners, they are offering a year’s worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop – the choice is yours. Check out Athletic Greens to redeem your offer today.

Thank you Ice Barrel!

Ice Barrel makes at-home barrels you can use for ice baths that don’t take up an entire room. And they’re lightweight enough that even I can carry it without help. There’s an easy drain system and it’s made in the United States from 100% recycled material.

Cryotherapy has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and reduce inflammation. It can reduce pain and blood flow to jump start the recovery process. Cold plunges are great for when you need extra recovery, like if you accidentally ran a lot longer or faster than planned. 

But the real reason I love a good cold plunge is because of the profound mental benefits. It’s been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, improve mood and brain function, and even 5 minutes gives you a great shot of dopamine afterward. If you can sit in an ice bath up to your shoulders, you won’t have any mental issues with racing a negative split and finishing strong!

Go to IceBarrel.com and use discount code strengthrunning for $125 off your barrel.

How to Optimize Strength Training for Running (Jason Gets Interviewed!)01 Sep 202201:04:51

Strength training requires planning and periodization, just like running. Learn how to optimize your strength routine to get the best possible benefits from your efforts!

This week’s episode features an interview from the Elevate Your Running Podcast, where the tables were turned and I was the guest. Our discussion focused on the topic of strength training for runners, including the importance of embracing strength training and the qualities of an effective training plan.

My conversation with Sara and Austin dives into the nitty gritty decisions we make around strength training, and how to fit it into run training in a way that’s beneficial and sustainable. We focus on:

  • Barriers that prevent runners from getting into weightlifting
  • Proactive ways to prevent injury with strength work
  • Similarities and differences in strength training for a 5k runner and marathoner
  • The role of strength training in muscle activation
  • How to periodize weight training alongside your running
  • Minimizing the impact of DOMS on your training

Enjoy my discussion with Sara and Austin!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You Athletic Greens!

Thank you to our sponsor, Athletic Greens! They are a health and wellness company that makes AG1. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. Athletic Greens has made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable.

For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out Athletic Greens to redeem your offer today.

Thank you Elemental Labs!

A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.

Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.

There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. 

262. Reverse Engineering Efficient Running Form with Matt Minard DPT, CSCS25 Aug 202201:12:44

Running form is a hot topic that can often confuse runners. This week’s guest offers actionable advice to help you discover your own best form to improve your running and stay healthy.

Dr. Matt Minard runs the popular Learn 2 Run account on Instagram to help runners stay healthy, strong and improve their running technique. He is a physical therapist, orthopedic clinical specialist, and certified strength and conditioning specialist. 

Matt’s experience with physical therapy as a high school athlete helped him discover a love for the profession, and as both a runner and physical therapist he is dedicated to helping athletes stay healthy and strong.

Matt and I explore a variety of topics related to form to give you practical advice you can apply to your own running, including:

  • Matt’s general philosophy on running form
  • How a tennis ball necklace might help you improve your technique
  • The complexities of posture and how to improve it
  • What makes a GOOD forward lean in running
  • How to run without jumping
  • The most helpful cues for runners working on their form

This conversation is full of practical advice you can apply immediately to your own running - enjoy!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you Ice Barrel!

Ice Barrel makes at-home barrels you can use for ice baths that don’t take up an entire room. And they’re lightweight enough that even I can carry it without help. There’s an easy drain system and it’s made in the United States from 100% recycled material.

Cryotherapy has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and reduce inflammation. It can reduce pain and blood flow to jump start the recovery process. Cold plunges are great for when you need extra recovery, like if you accidentally ran a lot longer or faster than planned. 

But the real reason I love a good cold plunge is because of the profound mental benefits. It’s been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, improve mood and brain function, and even 5 minutes gives you a great shot of dopamine afterward. If you can sit in an ice bath up to your shoulders, you won't have any mental issues with racing a negative split and finishing strong!

Go to IceBarrel.com and use discount code strengthrunning for $125 off your barrel.

Thank you Ωmega Sports!

Are you looking for a running store that has decades of experience?

OMEGA SPORTS has more than four decades of running specific experience helping customers run more, move more, play more and live more. Go to omegasports.com and make sure to sign up for their faster mega rewards where you get $5 rewards on every $50 you spend and a huge 10% savings that you can use for all of your running gear.

At OMEGA SPORTS, your savings are faster and go further - just like you. Learn more about them and see their wide selection at omegasports.com.

261. 5x National Champ Eoin Everard on Neuromuscular vs. Aerobic Runners, Muscle Activation, and Master’s Training18 Aug 202201:12:52

There are broad elements of training that all runners need to work on in order to improve. But if you tailor your workouts to your unique physiology, you can continue to get stronger through your master’s years and beyond.

A master’s runner himself (by European standards), this week’s podcast guest is Eoin Everard.

He is a physiotherapist with a PhD in Biomechanics. He’s also a sub-4 minute miler, a sub-14 minute 5k runner, and a five-time Irish National Champion in the 1500 and 3000m. As an elite runner and chartered physiotherapist, Eoin brings an incredible amount of knowledge and experience to the athletes he works with. 

Having faced his own struggles with injuries over the years, Eoin has learned how to change his approach to training to get the most from his body while also staying healthy. Since becoming a European Master’s athlete, he has focused less on exact splits and more on running by effort.

Eoin and I dig deep into a variety of training related topics, including:

  • His unique insights on training and how to stay healthy
  • The differences between neuromuscular-type runners and aerobic oriented runners, also known as finding your superpower
  • Developing workouts that play to your unique strengths
  • How to stay healthy as a master’s runner
  • The importance of strength training and specific activation work
  • Why strides are the best thing since sliced bread!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you Elemental Labs!

A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.

Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.

There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. 

Thank you Ice Barrel!

Ice Barrel makes at-home barrels you can use for ice baths that don’t take up an entire room. And they’re lightweight enough that even I can carry it without help. There’s an easy drain system and it’s made in the United States from 100% recycled material.

Cryotherapy has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and reduce inflammation. It can reduce pain and blood flow to jump start the recovery process. Cold plunges are great for when you need extra recovery, like if you accidentally ran a lot longer or faster than planned. 

But the real reason I love a good cold plunge is because of the profound mental benefits. It’s been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, improve mood and brain function, and even 5 minutes gives you a great shot of dopamine afterward. If you can sit in an ice bath up to your shoulders, you won't have any mental issues with racing a negative split and finishing strong!

Go to IceBarrel.com and use discount code strengthrunning for $125 off your barrel.

260. 3 Proven Ways to Build Endurance (Least to Most Risky!)11 Aug 202200:28:22

While endurance may not be the sexiest word when it comes to better running, it is certainly the most essential.

Endurance is a broad term that applies to every aspect of your running, whether you are looking to run longer, faster, or both! But in order to build endurance, you first need to start with consistency. While there is no magic bullet to running faster, consistency in training is about as close as it gets.  

In this episode of the podcast I’ll go in depth about each of the three strategies you can use to improve your endurance. While the second and third options each carry slightly more risk since they involve faster or longer, sustained efforts, they can all be safe, useful training tools when applied correctly:

  • Lowest risk option: Run higher mileage, especially at an easy/recovery effort. You can also supplement with aerobic cross-training to increase volume.
  • Moderate risk: Make your long runs longer, eventually adding some pace-specific work.
  • Higher risk: Aerobic workouts, such as lactate threshold runs, and half-marathon and marathon pace efforts. 

No matter where you're at in your journey as a runner, you can always continue to build your endurance.  Enjoy this episode that offers strategies for everyone!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you Impossible Sleep!

We’re also supported by Impossible Sleep, a new performance sleep drink to help high performers get the most out of their nightly rest. Impossible Sleep is a melatonin free sleep drink mix that provides deep recovery while gently lulling you to sleep. It only has two ingredients, with magnesium to promote muscle recovery and deep sleep, and L-theanine for a subtle calming effect that helps you wind down at the end of the day.

High achieving runners have to prioritize their sleep - it’s like a performance enhancing drug that allows us to absorb our training, improve, and race faster. The Impossible Sleep drink helps you optimize your bedtime routine so you can get as much deep recovery as possible.

When you consider that studies have shown that sleep loss can lead to glucose imbalances, increased anxiety, and your risk of getting sick, it’s a no-brainer to get as much high quality sleep as you can. Learn more about Impossible Sleep drink and be sure to use code Jason20 to save 20% on your first subscription order.

Thank You SAYSKY!

SAYSKY is a running apparel brand from Copenhagen with a unique, urban, minimalist vibe that I love. See all of their amazing gear at saysky.us.

Their mission is to elevate the apparel scene of running and nurse the next generation of athletes who love this sport, but also have a laid back mindset. Their products include long sleeve shirts, to t-shirts, half-tights, and full-length tights, base layers, sports bras, singlets, shorts… you name it.

But it’s not just their selection and style that speaks to me, they also carry environmentally responsible products. Look for the ‘Responsible’ logo and you can rest assured that that product is made from at least 40% recycled material, biodegradable, organic, or with natural fibers that are processed responsibility. This year, at least 50% of their products will be labeled responsible and they hope to be at 75% by 2025.

Get yourself some stylish, environmentally responsible, and incredibly high quality gear at saysky.us

Running and Lifting: How Elizabeth Does Both As a Sub-3 Marathoner04 Aug 202201:18:08

Listeners know I'm a relentless advocate of strength training, whether you're doing bodyweight exercises at home or lifting heavy in the gym.

But some runners take strength training to a level above and beyond the rest of us - and find great success along the way.

This week’s podcast features a fellow running coach and one of my private coaching clients, Elizabeth Corkum. Elizabeth - who goes by the nickname Corky - is a 2:58 marathoner and 5-day per week weightlifter.

Coach Corky has multiple coaching certifications, including USA Track and Field, Road Runners Club of America, and the Lydiard Foundation. She is also a certified personal trainer and specialist in sports nutrition. 

Your path may or may not look exactly like hers, but you can learn a lot from her journey and our discussion, including:

  • How Elizabeth incorporates her extensive strength work into her race training
  • The unexpected path she took to reach her sub 3 hour marathon goal
  • How you can go all in and have fun at the same time
  • The importance of being patient and trusting the path you're on
  • Why every training cycle will help you get somewhere new, even if it’s not what you planned

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you Elemental Labs!

A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.

Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.

There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. 

Thank you Impossible Sleep!

We’re also supported by Impossible Sleep, a new performance sleep drink to help high performers get the most out of their nightly rest. Impossible Sleep is a melatonin free sleep drink mix that provides deep recovery while gently lulling you to sleep. It only has two ingredients, with magnesium to promote muscle recovery and deep sleep, and L-theanine for a subtle calming effect that helps you wind down at the end of the day.

High achieving runners have to prioritize their sleep - it’s like a performance enhancing drug that allows us to absorb our training, improve, and race faster. The Impossible Sleep drink helps you optimize your bedtime routine so you can get as much deep recovery as possible.

When you consider that studies have shown that sleep loss can lead to glucose imbalances, increased anxiety, and your risk of getting sick, it’s a no-brainer to get as much high quality sleep as you can. Learn more about Impossible Sleep drink and be sure to use code Jason20 to save 20% on your first subscription order.

258. Professor of Kinesiology Kim Dawson on Managing Pre-Race Anxiety28 Jul 202201:01:10

Kim Dawson is a professor of kinesiology at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, ON, Canada. Her extensive education and research in psychomotor behaviour and exercise science gives her a deep understanding of the issues that affect performance. She has worked with elite athletes, Olympians and professional sport organizations for over 10 years.

This episode is all about managing emotions like stress, pre-race anxiety, and nervousness, so you can transform them into ambition for a great run.

Don't miss even more ideas on how to build mental skills at strengthrunning.com/brain/.

Thank you Athletic Greens!

One scoop of AG1 gives me 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients including a greens superfood blend, probiotics, prebiotics, adaptogens, and more. AG1 helps me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet - because I know I don’t eat perfectly - and gives me a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. 

But what I love about AG1 is that it changes. Over the last decade, they’ve made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and more rigorous with 3rd party testing.

Go to athleticgreens.com/jason to see the great offer they’ve put together for podcast listeners: you’ll get a year’s worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop if you want to make AG1 a part of your regular healthy lifestyle. Go to athleticgreens.com/jason to sign up today.

Thank you IMPOSSIBLE Sleep!

We’re also supported by IMPOSSIBLE SLEEP, a new performance sleep drink to help high performers get the most out of their nightly rest. Impossible Sleep is a melatonin free sleep drink mix that provides deep recovery while gently lulling you to sleep. Learn more about it at impossible.co/jason/ and be sure to use code Jason20 to save 20% on your first subscription order. 

The product is very simple - it only has two ingredients with magnesium to promote muscle recovery and deep sleep, and L-theanine for a subtle calming effect that helps you wind down at the end of the day. If you’re like me, you don’t have problems pushing your limits, but you may struggle to fall asleep at the end of the day. But high achieving runners have to prioritize their sleep - it’s like a performance enhancing drug that allows us to absorb our training, improve, and race faster. IMPOSSIBLE Sleep helps you optimize your bedtime routine so you can get as much deep recovery as possible. And when you consider that studies have shown that sleep loss can lead to glucose imbalances, increased anxiety, and your risk of getting sick, it’s a no brainer to get as much high quality sleep as you can.

Now you can get 20% off your first subscription order at impossible.co/jason/ with code jason20. That’s 20% off your first subscription order at impossible.co/jason/ and don’t forget to use code jason20 at checkout.

Zone 2 Myths, Heart Rate vs. Effort, Heat Training, and Zone 3 with Brady Holmer20 Jun 202401:15:07

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 is constantly fluctuating: zones aren’t static
  • RPE (rating of perceived exertion) is a valuable metric for runners
  • The 80/20 rule of running: 80% lower intensity and 20% higher
  • Benefits and nuance of Zone 2, Zone 3, and Zone 4
  • Zone 3 training is complicated, but not pointless
  • When to ignore heart rate during runs
  • Maintaining intensity during hot weather
  • Running in summer heat leading to higher heart rates and increased cardiovascular drift
  • Heat acclimation and its benefits for runners (and also cooler weather benefits)
  • Bike intervals for adaptations and injury prevention
  • Finding optimal running paces

You know that friend you have who won’t stop talking about Zone 2? Send them this episode now.

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you DrinkLMNT!
A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best. 

DrinkLMNT’s products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff.

Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.

Thank you to 2Before!

We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles. 

So, if you want to try to boost your performance and immune system, use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com.

Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running!

Thank you MOBO Board!

Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly!

Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength.

I was recently at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com.

257. Get to Know Jason: An Interview with Strength Running’s Jason Fitzgerald21 Jul 202201:07:13

Jason Fitzgerald is the driving force behind Strength Running's website, video channel, and podcast, but you may not know as much about his life behind the scenes. Today Jason gets interviewed about his history, advice for runners and entrepreneurs, his current aspirations, and more!

Jason's friend and fellow coach, Sara Manderscheid, agreed to spend some time talking with him about who he is behind the microphone.

Sara is a running coach and Boston qualifier with more than 15 years of competitive experience. She hosts the Elevate Your Running Podcast and Elevate Your Running camps held in Boulder, Colorado. After Jason spoke at one of her recent camps, several campers requested to learn more about him personally. So Sara and Jason sat down to discuss his history with running, how Strength Running came to be, and many of his favorite things related to the sport.

Sara talks in depth with Jason about his career, his personal life, and of course all things running, including:

  • Mindsets and mantras
  • Favorite race distances
  • What he craves after a long run
  • Past training failures and what he wished he’d learned sooner
  • Favorite types of podcast topics
  • Advice for runners and entrepreneurs
  • His preference for super short shorts!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you Elemental Labs!

A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.

Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.

There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. 

Thank You Athletic Greens!

Thank you to our sponsor, Athletic Greens! They are a health and wellness company that makes AG1. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. Athletic Greens has made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable.

For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out Athletic Greens to redeem your offer today.

256. How to Be Adaptable and Flexible with Your Training with Coach Ryan Banta14 Jul 202201:09:22

Living through the recent pandemic has made us acutely aware of the need to adapt to changing circumstances. We can only control the controllables, and there are very few of them!

This week’s podcast guest has had an enormous impact on the world of high school coaching. Mr. Ryan Banta is a coach with more than 20 years of experience and the author of The Sprinter’s Compendium. At the high school level, Ryan has produced 135 All-State medalists, including 10 state champions and 15 runners-up. He also coached this year’s state championship team.

A major factor in Ryan’s success comes from his ability to help others embrace the twists and turns of the training process. He is a master at reframing setbacks and teaching his runners that success comes from being adaptable. Ryan’s knowledge and experience applies to runners of all levels and with goals at any distance.

Ryan’s breadth and depth of knowledge make for a fascinating conversation on so many aspects of adaptability, including

  • Why training plans always get changed
  • How to remain flexible, while still pushing yourself forward
  • Why it’s so hard to change your plan even when your plan needs to change
  • Our favorite forms of cross-training for runners
  • Specific changes you can make to your training based on the setback you’re experiencing
  • Practical, every day training modifications for distance runners

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You Athletic Greens!

Thank you to our sponsor, Athletic Greens! They are a health and wellness company that makes AG1. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. Athletic Greens has made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable.

For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out Athletic Greens to redeem your offer today.

Thank you Gnarly Nutrition!

What an amazing brand name! But Gnarly Nutrition don’t just sound great, they make amazing nutrition products to help athletes like you optimize their diet, fuel smarter, and reach new heights in training. Their chocolate whey protein powder blows my mind - it’s the tastiest protein powder I’ve ever had. I mix it with almond milk and it’s just amazing how creamy and sweet it tastes. 

Gnarly is a trusted supplier of nutrition products to athletes because all of their protein powders, pre-workout supplements, amino acids, and fuel are all NSF-certified. That means you can trust everything from Gnarly to be safe, clean, and free of any banned substances. ​​They comply with strict standards and procedures during every stage of the product’s development, including unplanned on-site inspections, to ensure you know exactly what you’re putting in your body.

Fuel better and recover smarter so that you can do more of what you love: running. Go to gognarly.com and be sure to use code GNARLY20 to save 20% sitewide on your entire order.

255. How Ali Feller Got Hooked on Running, Podcasting, and Runners (like you!)07 Jul 202201:02:07

Ali Feller has become a beacon of enthusiasm for the sport of running and its passionate, supportive community. Her podcast, Ali on the Run, is one of the most popular running podcasts out there, with hundreds of episodes and countless fans.

On her long-running podcast, Ali has had conversations with many of the sport’s most recognized runners. She is also continuing to work to make listeners more familiar with guests whose stories we don’t get to hear enough about.

Ali is a marathoner, a TedX Speaker, and a race announcer for New York Road Runners and Millennium Running.  She is also a freelance writer and editor whose work has appeared in numerous publications including Runner’s World, Self, Fitness and Women’s Running.  But most importantly, Ali is a blast to talk to about anything related to running and beyond!

As a fellow podcaster, Ali and I could talk endlessly about all things running.  Our conversation today will give you some insight into Ali’s background and her passion for the sport, including:

  • The way that running brings us closer to the elites than almost any other sport
  • How running provides the opportunity for limitless storytelling
  • Why word of mouth matters so much when it comes to spreading a love for the sport
  • How Ali’s competitive dance background prepared her for the ups and downs of training and racing
  • The infinite opportunities to find joy in running by doing it whatever way you love most
  • How Ali’s podcast discussions help humanize elite runners and make their stories so relatable

Enjoy my enthusiastic discussion with Ali!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you Elemental Labs!

A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.

Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.

There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. 

Thank you Gnarly Nutrition!

What an amazing brand name! But Gnarly Nutrition don’t just sound great, they make amazing nutrition products to help athletes like you optimize their diet, fuel smarter, and reach new heights in training. Their chocolate whey protein powder blows my mind - it’s the tastiest protein powder I’ve ever had. I mix it with almond milk and it’s just amazing how creamy and sweet it tastes. 

Gnarly is a trusted supplier of nutrition products to athletes because all of their protein powders, pre-workout supplements, amino acids, and fuel are all NSF-certified. That means you can trust everything from Gnarly to be safe, clean, and free of any banned substances. ​​They comply with strict standards and procedures during every stage of the product’s development, including unplanned on-site inspections, to ensure you know exactly what you’re putting in your body.

Fuel better and recover smarter so that you can do more of what you love: running. Go to gognarly.com and be sure to use code GNARLY20 to save 20% sitewide on your entire order.

254. Running Imbalances: How to Prevent & Treat Asymmetries with Dr. Sarah Ceschin30 Jun 202200:57:53

Running is essentially a series of one-legged hops repeated over and over again. The repetitive nature of running can exacerbate imbalances in any part of our body.  While many mild asymmetries are normal and not necessarily cause for concern, others can make you more injury prone.  

This week’s guest helps runners deal with all types of imbalances. Dr. Sarah Ceschin is a physical therapist from Boulder, Colorado, who I had the pleasure of meeting in person at a recent group run. Sarah works with a variety of athletes, particularly runners and climbers. 

If you ever find yourself in need of a physical therapist, try to seek out one who is familiar with treating runners! As a runner herself, Sarah understands the demands of running and helps runners stay healthy and strong. As a physical therapist, she deals with athlete imbalances on a daily basis and is a tremendous resource to learn how to address them.

In our discussion, we dive deep into the topic of asymmetries and imbalances, including:

  • How to define an imbalance, and where you may find unexpected imbalances in your body
  • Why some imbalances are normal and shouldn’t make you worry
  • How more pronounced imbalances may increase your risk of overuse injuries 
  • The unexpected asymmetries you may discover in trail running
  • How fatigue accentuates imbalances: picture mile 26 of a marathon!
  • The importance of strength work to minimize the impact of imbalances

If you're looking to maximize your strength and durability, you'll enjoy my conversation with Sarah!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

 

Thank you Gnarly Nutrition!

What an amazing brand name! But they don’t just sound great, they make amazing nutrition products to help athletes like you optimize their diet, fuel smarter, and reach new heights in training. Their chocolate whey protein powder blows my mind - it’s the tastiest protein powder I’ve ever had. I mix it with almond milk and it’s just amazing how creamy and sweet it tastes. 

Gnarly is a trusted supplier of nutrition products to athletes because all of their protein powders, pre-workout supplements, amino acids, and fuel are all NSF-certified. That means you can trust everything from Gnarly to be safe, clean, and free of any banned substances. ​​They comply with strict standards and procedures during every stage of the product’s development, including unplanned on-site inspections, to ensure you know exactly what you’re putting in your body.

Fuel better and recover smarter so that you can do more of what you love: running. Go to gognarly.com and be sure to use code GNARLY20 to save 20% sitewide on your entire order.

253. Pregnant & Postpartum Running with Dr. Rachel Selman DPT, CSCS23 Jun 202201:12:39

Misconceptions and misunderstandings abound when it comes to running while pregnant and postpartum. With the research constantly evolving it can be tough to keep up, but patience in the recovery process will ultimately pay off in the long term.

Dr. Rachel Selman is a physical therapist based in Georgia who specializes in pregnant and postpartum athletes. She is also a mom and a runner.

Rachel is certified as both a Strength and Conditioning Specialist as well as a Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner. She is a wealth of information for new and expecting moms who are trying to figure out how their running will be affected by pregnancy and childbirth.

She talks in depth about what to expect during each of the trimesters of pregnancy, and the best way to help your body heal and get strong again after giving birth.

We discuss a number of important topics for pregnant and postpartum women, including:

  • The importance of core strength leading into pregnancy
  • Focusing on maintaining rather than building fitness while pregnant
  • Learning to run by rate of perceived exertion (RPE) to guide your activity level
  • What we’ve learned in the past few years about running during all three trimesters of pregnancy
  • Red flags to watch out for when you are running while pregnant
  • How it can benefit your body to take up to 12 weeks before you start running again

If you're a new or expecting mom, you won't want to miss my conversation with Rachel.

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thank you Elemental Labs!

A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.

Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.

There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. 

Everything You Need to Know About Marathon Fueling with Holley Samuel MEd, RD, CPT16 Jun 202201:11:47

Holley Samuel is a Registered Dietitian who also happens to be a Boston Marathon Qualifier. She has a Master’s in Health Education and is a Certified Personal Trainer, and also happens to own a cookie company. Clearly, she knows how to maintain a balance when eating for both joy and health!

Holley and I explore the ins and outs of marathon nutrition, including carb-loading before the race, your pre-race breakfast, mid-race fueling, and eating for recovery. 

Holley and I tackle a wide variety of marathon nutrition questions:

  • Is carb loading important? What’s the right way to go about it?
  • What factors impact the amount of carbohydrates we can store? (It might not be what you think)
  • How many grams of carbohydrates do you need? And what’s the best way to get them in?
  • How do you practice carb loading in training?
  • What’s the best way to fuel on race day? Is it ok to rely on what the race offers?
  • How can you improve recovery with both mid- and post-race nutrition?

No matter what your level of expertise, Holley shares her wisdom in a practical and accessible way for everyone.

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thank you REVEL Race Series!

We’re also supported this week by REVEL Race Series. REVEL races are an incredibly fast, downhill, and scenic series of marathons and half marathons that take place in a variety of beautiful U.S. locations. Their next race takes runners from the canyons of the Wasatch Mountains to the foothills of Salt Lake City, Utah on September 10th for the 10-year anniversary of REVEL Big Cottonwood. 

Featuring a speedy downhill course and amazing mountain views, this race will be sure to help you set your PR and finally hit that Boston Qualifying time as it is the fastest marathon and half marathon in the state of Utah. In fact, it has more than 5,200 feet of elevation loss that can help propel you to a shiny new PR!

REVEL in speed. REVEL in beauty. REVEL in Big Cottonwood. Register at REVEL. And don’t wait - there’s a price increase on July 13th so I hope you take advantage of that and the benefits of running with gravity.

251. How 2x Olympian Kara Goucher Handles Expectations, Pressure, and Pre-Race Anxiety09 Jun 202200:48:52
This week’s guest on the podcast needs no introduction. As one of America’s most dominant female runners, Kara Goucher earned a spot on the Olympic team in the 10,000 meters in 2008, and the marathon in 2012. She was second in the 10,000 meters at the World Championships in Osaka and placed third in both the Boston and New York City marathons.

Kara has retired from competitive running but remains an active presence as an athlete advisor for Oiselle and Altra.  She is a sports analyst and broadcaster for NBC Sports, and had an opportunity to be on the other side of the camera as a color commentator at the Tokyo Olympics.

Competitive from a young age when she would regularly beat all the boys, Kara has learned how to handle pressure and expectations throughout her career. Although Kara dealt with pressure at an elite level, that feeling is something all runners can relate to.

Whether it’s the expectations you set for yourself, feeling pressure from other individuals, or comparing your accomplishments with other runners, the burden of pressure can be overwhelming when you aren’t able to manage it. But nervousness and pre-race jitters can also mean that you are invested in what you are about to do. When you learn how to channel that adrenaline to help instead of hurt, you can use pressure to your benefit.

Kara and I cover a lot of ground on the podcast this week, including:

  • The pros and cons of feeling pressure, and how to manage it to get the best from yourself
  • The value of personal mantras
  • How that feeling of pressure has evolved for Kara over the course of her career
  • Kara’s intense preparation for broadcasting races, and her goals as a commentator
  • What makes a good race for Kara as a runner and as an an analyst
  • And perhaps most importantly, if and when she’s starting a podcast with Des Linden!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thank you Tanri Outdoors!

Thank you to a previous sponsor who has rejoined us, Tanri Outdoors! They're offering 10% off your order with code JASON at checkout.

Tanri makes all-natural mineral sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer that protects you from both types of UV rays. Tanri is made by runners, for runners! All of their products are reef-safe and never tested on animals. 

If you spend a fair amount of time outdoors, you know the importance of applying sun protection. I have had to make it a habit myself, living in the mile high city of Denver. Using Tanri products is easy and effective, so I hope you'll give them a try.

Mineral sunscreens like the ones from Tanri typically work better than chemical sunscreens as they protect you from both types of UV rays. And none of their products have phthalates, parabens, or artificial fragrances.

Tanri also gives back 1% of their proceeds to help protect our National Parks. That's a win for you and for our planet! Browse all of their sun care products and use code "JASON" to save 10% on your order.

250. Mountain Runner Kelly Halpin on One-Hour Warm-ups and Well-Rounded Athleticism02 Jun 202200:42:59

No matter how much you love running, all runners should strive to be athletes for success and longevity in the sport. Being well-rounded in pursuit of your goals can make you strong and fit for the long haul, both mentally and physically.

This week’s guest on the podcast is a mountain runner, climber, hiker and snowboarder. Kelly Halpin has a passion for exploring remote wilderness, often on her own. 

Kelly’s incredibly diverse background has shaped her into the athlete she is today. She has the distinction of earning 14 FKTs (Fastest Known Times) on routes throughout Wyoming, Montana, Utah and California. Most of them have been unsupported - meaning she did them with no assistance and carried everything she needed with her -  sometimes for multiple days.

Kelly is also a prolific artist who uses her talent as an illustrator to encourage others to explore the outdoors. As a professional runner with so many unique interests, Kelly brings a unique perspective to athletes in a variety of sports. 

Kelly and I touch on a number of topics that runners and other athletes can relate to, including:

  • Kelly’s breadth and depth as an athlete
  • How she balances her love for so many competitive sports
  • Advice for parents who want to expose their kids to a variety of outdoor adventures
  • How Kelly transitioned her love for the outdoors into a full time career
  • The way her athletic lifestyle influences her art.
  • The details behind Kelly’s extensive warmup routine

Enjoy my unique and dynamic conversation with Kelly!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thank you Spartan Race Series!

You’ve probably heard of Spartan Races - but you probably don’t know that they offer such a wide variety of types of races. From short to long-distance obstacle courses - and even ultra distances, to trail races, stadium races, and even city races in major metropolitan areas. 

What I love about obstacle course races is that they are a great diagnostic tool to help you pinpoint what area of your fitness is lacking. Do you have a general aerobic deficiency? Do you struggle with upper body strength? Can you handle the stop and start nature of OCR’s? Do you have the mobility to perform the obstacles? 

Signing up for a race that challenges you in a different way can help you find out more about yourself as an athlete. Ever since I tried my first obstacle course race in 2012, I’ve loved these events. They are demanding and require you to be a well-rounded athlete, something that I wholeheartedly endorse here on this podcast. Go to spartan.com to find a local race near you. If you’re in Colorado, I hope to see you on June 12th at the Colorado Springs Spartan Race.

249. Ultramarathoner Krissy Moehl on the Value of Adventures, Training Logs, and Reflection26 May 202200:53:04

This week’s guest on the podcast, Krissy Moehl, is an elite ultramarathoner and coach who has had unique longevity in the sport and is helping her athletes to do the same. Krissy has completed hundreds of challenging races and has more than 50 first place female finishes, along with several overall wins.

For both herself and the athletes Krissy coaches, reflection is an important part of the process. Reflection allows us to see where we’ve been, know how to move forward, and can give us more confidence to reach daunting goals.

Training is one piece of the complex and busy lives most of us lead, and training doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We often check one box and move onto the next thing, without giving each moment or activity a little bit of quality time for reflection.  

Krissy and I discuss a wide range of topics, including:

  • Her recent 200 mile adventure with friends on the Arizona Trail
  • How she balances coaching, running, race directing, and settling into her new home
  • What has changed in ultrarunning and training since her first book came out in 2015, and how the new edition reflects that
  • The importance of a training log for runners and coaches alike
  • The most important question you should ask yourself after each run
  • Krissy’s upcoming plans and adventures

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thank you Spartan Race Series!

You’ve probably heard of Spartan Races - but you probably don’t know that they offer such a wide variety of types of races. From short to long-distance obstacle courses - and even ultra distances, to trail races, stadium races, and even city races in major metropolitan areas. 

What I love about obstacle course races is that they are a great diagnostic tool to help you pinpoint what area of your fitness is lacking. Do you have a general aerobic deficiency? Do you struggle with upper body strength? Can you handle the stop and start nature of OCR’s? Do you have the mobility to perform the obstacles? 

Signing up for a race that challenges you in a different way can help you find out more about yourself as an athlete. Ever since I tried my first obstacle course race in 2012, I’ve loved these events. They are demanding and require you to be a well-rounded athlete, something that I wholeheartedly endorse here on this podcast. Go to spartan.com to find a local race near you. If you’re in Colorado, I hope to see you on June 12th at the Colorado Springs Spartan Race.

248. Running Form Best Practices and Gait Analysis with Dr. Anh Bui, DPT, CSCS19 May 202200:55:55

Dr. Anh Bui is both a runner and an expert on running form and gait analysis. She competed in cross country and track at UC San Diego and her interest in physiology and biomechanics, in addition to helping injured runners, led her to become a physical therapist.

Anh completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Columbia University. She also furthered her education with a focus on advanced orthopedics, women’s health, and management of the running athlete. In her work at Columbia’s RunLab Clinic, Anh performed gait evaluations and provided individualized plans to high level runners.

As a physical therapist, a certified strength coach, a USATF certified running coach (and a competitive runner!), Anh is able to provide a variety of tools to help runners get healthy and remain injury free.

Some of the subjects we discuss in depth include:

  • Guiding principles when it comes to form
  • The best way to think about cadence
  • How and when to apply a forward lean technique 
  • Is a midfoot strike optimal for all runners?
  • Who can benefit from gait analysis?
  • Form cues

You're bound to learn some new and useful advice on running form and gait in my discussion with Anh!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thank you Spartan Race!

You’ve probably heard of Spartan Races - but you probably don’t know that they offer such a wide variety of types of races. From short to long-distance obstacle courses - and even ultra distances, to trail races, stadium races, and even city races in major metropolitan areas. 

What I love about obstacle course races is that they are a great diagnostic tool to help you pinpoint what area of your fitness is lacking. Do you have a general aerobic deficiency? Do you struggle with upper body strength? Can you handle the stop and start nature of OCR’s? Do you have the mobility to perform the obstacles? 

Signing up for a race that challenges you in a different way can help you find out more about yourself as an athlete. Ever since I tried my first obstacle course race in 2012, I’ve loved these events. They are demanding and require you to be a well-rounded athlete, something that I wholeheartedly endorse here on this podcast. Go to spartan.com to find a local race near you. If you’re in Colorado, I hope to see you on June 12th at the Colorado Springs Spartan Race.

Nike Running’s Global Head Coach Chris Bennett on Good Coaching, Community, & More13 Jun 202401:08:48

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 multifaceted nature of coaching (it's not just creating workouts).
  • Don't overcomplicate running; it can be simple and accessible.
  • How runners' motivations have shifted from performance-driven to stress relief and mental wellness.
  • How all runners can explore the sport beyond just competition and time.
  • The growth of running and its perception as a competitive sport.
  • You need more than just time goals.
  • Common obstacles to consistent and effective running training.
  • Adjusting training plans based on the athlete's needs and self-awareness.
  • Don't rely on a coach entirely; listen to your body and mind-- and speak up!
  • Self-sabotaging by "doing" too much without enough recovery.
  • Running with the legendary Joan Benoit Samson.

Send this episode to anyone who could use more play and exploration in their running goals.

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you Previnex!

After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen.

Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need.

Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids.

Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do.

Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex!

Thanks to The Performance Training Journal!

The Performance Training Journal is now available on Amazon and debuted as the #4 new release in the running category. Since I started running in 1998, I’ve kept a hardcopy training journal. Holding a tangible log, writing in it daily, and reflecting on the ups and downs of running is a surefire way to improve. 

This hardcopy training journal helps you focus on the training metrics that matter, prioritizes a long-term outlook so you don’t take any shortcuts, and maintains your motivation with strategic self-praise. With a no-frills, functional design, the Performance Training Journal includes coaching advice on racing, injury prevention, strength training, and more. It will guide you through race scheduling, how to plan your race morning, the best workouts for endurance runners, and encourage you to track your personal bests over time. 

You have the space to make this journal your own whether you're a new runner or a professional, a trail or road runner, or a mid-distance specialist or ultra marathoner.⁣ So don't just track your running, learn from it with the Performance Training Journal! Check it out today on Amazon.

 

247. Football Player to 2:52 Marathoner: How Brent Ran 48 Minutes Faster Over 26.2 Miles12 May 202201:00:41

If you didn't start running from a young age, can you still get really fast?

Yes! Today's guest is Brent, a member of our Team Strength Running group, and he’s a prime example of how a commitment to consistent training and improvement can help you achieve some impressive, speedy goals.

Nine years ago Brent ran his first marathon in 3:40, and by fine-tuning his training over the years he took more than 48 minutes off that time on the challenging Boston course this past April.

Brent and I discuss all aspects of his training and over the years, including:

  • The path he took to becoming a runner
  • The lessons he learned from racing about pacing and strategy
  • How he implemented structured workouts to get faster
  • HIs big “levers” in training, including speed work during long runs
  • The importance of learning how to shift gears in training
  • How challenging workouts gave him mental and physical strength to draw on during races

If you’re looking to achieve ambitious goals in your running, you’ll be inspired by this episode!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thank you Tanri Outdoors!

Thank you to a previous sponsor who has rejoined us, Tanri Outdoors! They're offering 10% off your order with code JASON at checkout.

Tanri makes all-natural mineral sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer that protects you from both types of UV rays. Tanri is made by runners, for runners! All of their products are reef-safe and never tested on animals. 

If you spend a fair amount of time outdoors, you know the importance of applying sun protection. I have had to make it a habit myself, living in the mile high city of Denver. Using Tanri products is easy and effective, so I hope you'll give them a try.

Mineral sunscreens like the ones from Tanri typically work better than chemical sunscreens as they protect you from both types of UV rays. And none of their products have phthalates, parabens, or artificial fragrances.

Tanri also gives back 1% of their proceeds to help protect our National Parks. That's a win for you and for our planet! Browse all of their sun care products and use code "JASON" to save 10% on your order.

246. The Big Stress Fracture Episode with Dr. Emily Kraus05 May 202200:59:32

Stress fractures are an injury feared most by runners. And with good reason - they require extensive time off for healing and recovery.  By understanding common risk factors, you can stay healthy and prevent this distressing diagnosis.

Joining us is Dr. Emily Kraus. She is the Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford Children’s Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation sports medicine. She researches bone stress injuries at Stanford's Healthy Runner Project, which is focused on bone stress injury prevention in collegiate distance runners.

Emily is an expert on running injuries, stress fractures, and RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport). In addition to her research, she performs gait analysis at the Stanford Run Safe Injury Prevention Program and serves as a medical advisor for the Adaptive Sports Injury Prevention Program. 

Emily’s passion for working with runners stems from her own love of running. She has completed multiple marathons including Boston, as well as a 50km ultramarathon. With a recent marathon PR of 2:50, Emily is both incredibly knowledgeable and fast!

During the podcast Emily and I discuss all aspects of stress fractures, including:

  • The difference between stress reactions and stress fractures, and the most effective way to diagnose a bone injury
  • Risk factors for bone injuries, including those that are running-specific and diet-related
  • What is RED-S, who is at risk, and how it relates to stress fractures
  • The treatment and recovery process for bone injuries
  • Prevention strategies to avoid stress fractures

This episode is a must for all runners who want to learn more about bone injuries and how to prevent them!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thank you Spartan Race Series!

You’ve probably heard of Spartan Races - but you probably don’t know that they offer such a wide variety of types of races. From short to long-distance obstacle courses - and even ultra distances, to trail races, stadium races, and even city races in major metropolitan areas. 

What I love about obstacle course races is that they are a great diagnostic tool to help you pinpoint what area of your fitness is lacking. Do you have a general aerobic deficiency? Do you struggle with upper body strength? Can you handle the stop and start nature of OCR’s? Do you have the mobility to perform the obstacles? 

Signing up for a race that challenges you in a different way can help you find out more about yourself as an athlete. Ever since I tried my first obstacle course race in 2012, I’ve loved these events. They are demanding and require you to be a well-rounded athlete, something that I wholeheartedly endorse here on this podcast. Go to spartan.com to find a local race near you. If you’re in Colorado, I hope to see you on June 12th at the Colorado Springs Spartan Race.

Running Explained’s Elisabeth Scott on Pacing, Easy Runs, Zone 2, and More28 Apr 202201:10:34

Elisabeth Scott has coaching certifications from RRCA, USATF, and UESCA. She's also the host of the enormously popular Running Explained podcast.

In this episode, we take listener questions! We're answering Questions from Jason's Instagram page on pacing, intensity, zones, distribution of effort over time, and more.

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thank You Athletic Greens!

Thank you to our sponsor, Athletic Greens! They are a health and wellness company that makes AG1. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. Athletic Greens has made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable.

For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out Athletic Greens to redeem your offer today.

Recovery 101: The 5 Best Ways to Recover From Hard Running21 Apr 202200:24:34

Without recovery, all those long runs, workouts, and training won't help you become a faster runner. We improve when we rest, so let's make sure we're recovering the right way!

In this episode, Jason shares 5 of the most effective recovery methods - so you can focus on what matters and ignore the hype.

Resources from the show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thank you Therabody!

If you want sound recovery, a big part of that is circulation. One of the reasons why massage feels so good after a hard effort is because of circulation: it brings fresh, oxygenated blood to your legs. The RecoveryAir by Therabody does that without needing someone to give you a massage. Plus, you can do it on the couch while you watch Netflix.

What I love about the RecoveryAir Jetboots is that the pressure travels from your feet up to your heart and this graduated approach is more effective. The compression goes beyond your normal blood pressure while also monitoring it to prevent over-constriction. My personal preference is to use the boots the day after a hard day so I’m not giving my legs more than they can handle.

Sit back, relax and recover. Go to Therabody.com/Jason to get your Therabody RecoveryAir today!

243. How to Build Real-World Mental Toughness (a behind the scenes coaching call)14 Apr 202201:08:09

Training your brain to handle the difficult moments in workouts and races is an essential skill for runners. If you’re new to the mental training, this coaching call will help you learn the practical ways to develop and implement these techniques.

Joining us is Patrick, a member of our Team Strength Running coaching program. Patrick began running a decade ago to improve his health, and discovered his love for the marathon.  

Patrick is a 3:39 marathoner who wants to improve his mental toughness along with his race times. Patrick wants to improve the disconnect between body and mind that slows us down in the painful, late stages of a race where we all struggle.

We discuss:

  • Finding ways to get out of your comfort zone on a regular basis
  • Racing shorter distances more regularly to improve marathon confidence
  • Practicing using vivid mental imagery to prepare for the tough patches of a race

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

242. Dr. Noel Brick on How to Think When Running Gets Difficult07 Apr 202201:02:57

Dr. Noel Brick is a lecturer and researcher in sport and exercise physiology who focuses on attentional focus and cognitive strategies in endurance performance.

You’re likely to know an athlete he has had an impact on: marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge. Kipchoge is known for his serene smile in the most grueling moments of the marathon, a technique to reduce the perception of effort that Dr. Brick discovered.

Noel is the co-author of The Genius of Athletes has run more than 30 marathons and ultra-marathons, including the Marathon des Sables and the Irish 24-hour Championships.

We discuss:

  • The differences in thinking between competitive and recreational runners
  • The pros and cons of racing with a GPS watch
  • Why using a pacesetter in a race may benefit you
  • The value of self-talk and using the strategy of “chunking”
  • The importance of developing a personalized toolkit with a range of strategies

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thank You Athletic Greens!

Thank you to our sponsor, Athletic Greens! They are a health and wellness company that makes AG1. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. Athletic Greens has made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable.

For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out Athletic Greens to redeem your offer today.

241. Molly Huddle on the Ultimate Road Map for Female Distance Runners31 Mar 202200:46:47

Molly Huddle is a two time Olympian and one of the greatest American distance runners in history. She is the current American record holder in the 10k and has set national records in the 20k and half marathon. She represented the United States in the 2012 London Olympics in the 5k, and set the American 10k record in 2016 in Rio. Molly has also found success at the marathon distance, earning a 3rd place finish in her debut marathon in NYC.

This week, Molly is here to discuss her passion for the women’s running community and the completion of her book with coauthor Sara Slattery called How She Did It: Stories, Advice, and Secrets to Success from 50 Legendary Distance Runners.

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thank you Therabody!

If you want sound recovery, a big part of that is circulation. One of the reasons why massage feels so good after a hard effort is because of circulation: it brings fresh, oxygenated blood to your legs. The RecoveryAir by Therabody does that without needing someone to give you a massage. Plus, you can do it on the couch while you watch Netflix.

What I love about the RecoveryAir Jetboots is that the pressure travels from your feet up to your heart and this graduated approach is more effective. The compression goes beyond your normal blood pressure while also monitoring it to prevent over-constriction. My personal preference is to use the boots the day after a hard day so I’m not giving my legs more than they can handle.

Sit back, relax and recover. Go to Therabody.com/Jason to get your Therabody RecoveryAir today!

Strength vs. Power: How to Strength Train So You Race Faster with Professor Andy Galpin24 Mar 202200:54:06

Andy Galpin, PhD has been an assistant professor at California State University Fullerton for more than a decade. He formerly won a Division 3 national football championship while earning his exercise science degree at Linfield College. He then got his Master’s in Human Movement Sciences and his PhD in human bioenergetics. He serves on many advisory boards in the area of human performance, wrote the 2017 book Unplugged, and is a sought after speaker and high performance coach.

In this conversation, we’re focusing on

  • the principles that influence the strength workouts of endurance runners
  • how we can train power during our strength sessions
  • common mistakes in this area
  • how to lessen the risk of injuries during power-oriented training
  • his favorite at-home pieces of equipment

This episode is also brought to you by our newest training program, Bodyweight Power! I’ve partnered with Dr. Victoria Sekely - who’s a certified strength coach, running coach, and physical therapist - to bring you the only bodyweight strength program that prioritizes power, all possible in the comfort of your own home. We’re celebrating with launch week bonuses, so see all the details before this Friday night at strengthrunning.com/bodyweight-power/

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

239. Collegiate Strength Coach Angelo Gingerelli on Resistance Training for Endurance Runners17 Mar 202200:57:05

Resistance training should not be considered cross-training for runners - it’s essential!

Seton Hall Strength and Conditioning Coach Angelo Gingerelli has worked in the field for two decades and has extensive experience working with kids, collegiate athletes, and pro athletes.

Angelo’s work in the strength and conditioning field, combined with his personal experience as a runner, gives him a unique perspective on how best to integrate the two. His recent book Finish Strong helps runners address common weaknesses and build a foundation of general and specific strength.

Angelo also digs into a variety of topics we don’t often think about in our typical run training, including:

  • The evolution of Functional Movement Screening and how to apply movement assessments to your running
  • Common movement dysfunctions for runners and other sport-specific athletes
  • The six essential foundational exercises for greater strength and athleticism
  • How we can learn from college athletes that there is no off season, just strategic downtime from your primary sport
  • What are anti-rotation exercises and how do they benefit runners?

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thanks ROLL Recovery! 

ROLL Recovery is a Boulder, Colorado company that makes innovative massage and recovery tools that are so good, many are FDA-approved medical devices. They’ve consulted physical therapists and elite athletes to make the highest quality recovery products I’ve ever seen and their unique design makes them not only easy to use but so effective. 

I have the R8 Plus, the R3 foot roller, and my favorite foam roller - the R4Body Roller. Thank you ROLL Recovery for these unique tools! I’m using them almost every day and I feel like my muscles are more supple and ready for running. See for yourself at rollrecovery.com. You can also listen to an interview with their cofounder, pro runner Adriana Nelson, in episode 236.

238. Movement Expert Kate Galliet on How to Prevent Your Next Big Injury10 Mar 202201:05:26

What runner doesn’t aspire to become unbreakable? It’s never too late to learn how to listen to your body to make yourself a healthier, more durable athlete!

Our guest is an expert on how to understand and speak your body’s language. Kate Galliett is a movement specialist and coach who has worked with a wide variety of athletes to help them become unbreakable. 

After getting her degree in Exercise Science, Kate earned multiple certifications as a personal trainer and in functional movement and mobility. She is an accomplished outdoorswoman who hikes, rock climbs, hunts and skis. Kate recently released her book, Becoming Unbreakable: How To Build A Body You Love To Live In, to help others learn how to take charge of their health and create a blueprint for change.

My discussion with Kate will leave you feeling empowered to take charge of your own body and stay healthy by understanding some simple concepts, including:

  • Why being tuned in to your body will prevent minor pain from becoming a major injury
  • The 6 pillars of a building a healthy body
  • Adopting a science mindset to view aches and pains as data, with less emotional attachment
  • The 4 zones of tissue tolerance and where you should be spending most of your training time
  • Learning your own quirks and curating what works for you

Don't miss our best advice on preventing injuries.

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thank You Athletic Greens!

Thank you to our sponsor, Athletic Greens! They are a health and wellness company that makes AG1. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. Athletic Greens has made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable.

For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out Athletic Greens to redeem your offer today.

Men’s vs. Women’s Feet: Why Hilma Running Shoes is Making Shoes for Just for Women06 Jun 202400:50:23

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 due to differences in foot geometry
  • Heels, high arches, and bunions: common foot problems in women
  • How women often choose to size up in order to find more width
  • Hilma's three different fits, with a 90% try-on success rate
  • The cost and time required for custom shoe creation (it's a lot)
  • Personalized shoe fitting for women, using data and quizzes to determine the best fit
  • Running shoes for various purposes and from urban walking to moderately technical trails
  • Helping women feel welcome in the outdoor industry

I'm normally reluctant to have running company CEO's on the podcast, since the episode could feel like a massive advertisement. But I confidently made an exception with this episode.

Hilma Running Shoes is a small company that is solving a very real need among women runners. If you don't know about Hilma yet, you should.

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you 2Before!

We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles. 

So, if you want to try to boost your performance and immune system, use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com.

Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running!

Thank you DrinkLMNT!

A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best. 

DrinkLMNT’s products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff.

Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.

237. Essential Ingredients In Your Running (and how to upgrade your training)03 Mar 202200:57:05

Do you want to boost your training? Instead of focusing on new fads or training hacks, getting back to basic training essentials can pay big dividends with your running!

The tables are turned this week as I get interviewed by Brodie Sharpe (this interview previously aired on The Run Smarter Podcast).  Our discussion focuses on essential elements of training, including the components that can help reduce your injury risk.

Brodie and I tackle a range of topics that impact both new and experienced runners. We discuss a may aspects of training and racing, including:

  • Why almost every runner will benefit from an individualized training plan
  • How we can look to the elites to understand how to focus on fundamentals, not fads
  • The most common mistakes that athletes make with their training
  • How to schedule your strength training
  • Taper strategies that work for a wide variety of race distances.

Time, experience, and professionals like Brodie have helped me become a better student of running, and taught me the essential components of staying healthy and consistent. I hope you can apply our discussion on training fundamentals to benefit your own running too!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

236. Pro Adriana Nelson Reflects on a Lifetime of Opportunity, Adversity, and Runningstre/24 Feb 202201:08:47

It’s easy to overcomplicate running, whether it’s our goals, our training, or our recovery. Pro Adriana Nelson teaches us why simplicity and dedicated focus are key to a life well run. 

Adriana went on to earn 6 long-distance national track titles for her home country of Romania, as well as a Romanian team gold at the 2004 World Half Marathon Championships with her teammates. She was second at the 2007 Chicago Marathon, and was the 2013 US half marathon champion.

Adriana’s background is unique and compelling because of her hard work and talent and what she has overcome. But that’s only part of the story. Adriana’s successful business venture - ROLL Recovery - was born out of her dedication to taking care of her body while competing at the highest level. She is just as devoted to the recovery process as she is to pushing her body in training.  

On this week’s podcast we'll discuss what makes Adriana’s perspective so unique, including:

  • The impressive mindset she has carried through her entire journey
  • How she prioritized recovery even as a newly elite runner with limited finances
  • Why it’s important to embrace where you are, even if that means running becomes one of life’s competing demands
  • How simplicity should be prioritized in recovery, including hydration, nutrition and sleep
  • Why her emphasis on recovery is more important than ever now that she has a young child
  • How she can still can run marathons in the 2:30s even on far less mileage

Whether she was running to get bread for her classmates as a 12 year old, or building the successful life she has today, Adriana’s story is an inspiring one you’re bound to enjoy.

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Training Essentials for Ultrarunning with Coach Jason Koop17 Feb 202201:15:58

Jason Koop is one of the most sought after ultramarathon coaches in the country, the author of the most comprehensive manual on ultra training that exists, and a 20-year veteran of the coaching world.

See his book, now in its second edition.

He’s personally run some of the most difficult ultras in the world from Badwater 135, Hardrock 100, the Leadville Trail 100, and the Western States Endurance Run.

We’re going to discuss why ultras are so different than any other distance race, how to best structure back to back long runs, the maximum distance you should aim for during training, how to get ready for mountainous races if you don’t have access to any hills, and a lot more.

More resources:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

234: Are You Making These 5 Training Errors that Cause Running Injuries?10 Feb 202200:28:23

What are major red flags that increase your injury risk from running?

In this episode, coach Jason Fitzgerald shares the 5 most serious training errors from his personal running career that led to most of his injuries. Since your training (how you structure your running) is the most important way to prevent injuries, these mistakes are important to avoid.

For more details on injury prevention, sign up here.

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

Thank You Athletic Greens!

Thank you to our sponsor, Athletic Greens! They are a health and wellness company that makes AG1. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. Athletic Greens has made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable.

For our listeners, they are offering a year’s worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop – the choice is yours. Check out Athletic Greens to redeem your offer today.

233. How to Set Massive PR’s in Your 40’s (a behind-the-scenes coaching call)03 Feb 202200:53:09
I’ve had the privilege of working with this week’s guest on the podcast for nearly four years. Thomas Shanabruch came to me as a gifted runner who was looking to push himself to the next level, while staying healthy as a master’s runner.

This is the story of the last few years and how he has notched PR after PR in a variety of distances from the 5k to the marathon (but his progression in the marathon is just stunning!).

Tom and I discuss a variety of factors that have contributed to his string of PRs, including:

  • Taking your your workouts AND your recovery seriously 
  • The importance of setting bold goals
  • Stepping out of your comfort zone, whether it’s in a 5k or in the weight room
  • How to make time for strength work, day in and day out
  • The importance of mindset - taking the training seriously without it becoming a burden

What’s next up for Tom? He’ll be running the Boston Marathon in 2022 and as well as the Berlin Marathon to complete the world marathon majors. Although most of us aren’t as fast as Tom, everyone can learn from his love of running and racing, and his continued commitment to improvement!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

How to Approach Your First Marathon (Jason Gets Interviewed!)27 Jan 202201:22:12

This episode is a little different! Jaxon Burton, a personal trainer and nutritionist from New Zealand who hosts the Vegan Body Coach podcast, interviews Jason about running your first marathon. He asked Jason to talk about the ins and outs of tackling your first go at 26.2 miles - from how to know when you’re ready, training must-do’s, common pitfalls to avoid, and suggestions for executing on race day.

Even if you’re not a first timer, I’m sure you’ll pick up on some valuable advice to better optimize your next marathon. This conversation originally appeared on the Vegan Body Coach Podcast. 

Related Resources:

Thank You InsideTracker!

Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor InsideTracker. Today, more than ever, it’s essential that we’re making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it.

InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals.

InsideTracker’s patented system will transform your body’s data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you’re running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance.

I’ve had my own blood drawn with InsideTracker several times and have been amazed at the valuable information that they provide. Not only are the results very detailed, but they also share guidance for how to improve any markers that are out of range.

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker offers a selection of plans that best suit your needs with a limited time 25% discount.

Thank You Athletic Greens!

Thank you to our newest sponsor, Athletic Greens! They are a health and wellness company that makes AG1. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. Athletic Greens has made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable.

For our listeners, they are offering a year’s worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop – the choice is yours. Check out Athletic Greens to redeem your offer today.

231. Dr. Victoria Sekely on Bodyweight Strength Training, Progression, Best Exercises, and More20 Jan 202200:58:58

You may recognize this week’s guest: Dr. Victoria Sekely is a running coach, certified strength and conditioning specialist, and doctor of physical therapy who joined me on episode 135.

Victoria was a varsity tennis player at Georgetown University before getting her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from NYU. As a runner herself, she knows that we want to spend our time on the roads and trails rather than in the gym. But her experience as a physical therapist has taught her the enormous value of building and maintaining a strength training habit, even for as little as 20 minutes, twice each week.

Victoria emphasizes how strength training teaches us something we rarely think about as a runner: control. Rather than trying to force changes to our running form, strength training gives us an opportunity to slow down, pay attention, and be more mindful of how our bodies are moving. With consistency, that can translate into more efficient, stronger running.

We discuss the ins and outs of bodyweight training and how it can help every runner, including:

  • The best time to start strength training and how to fit it into your schedule
  • The relationship between rehab and prehab
  • How to make your bodyweight routine progressive
  • Why bodyweight exercises make you a better athlete
  • The physical benefits of training mindfully 
  • Victoria’s top five exercises to build functional strength

Victoria's knowledge and humor make for an engaging and informative discussion!

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

230. Coach Jason Answers Your Questions: Side Stitches, Cadence, Off-Season, and More13 Jan 202200:46:13

This week’s episode tackles a variety of questions about the training process, including off-season planning, the concept of sandwiching, addressing cramps and side stitches, and more!

Drawing from Instagram and Twitter, Jason is directly answering your specific questions. We’re going to discuss the “sandwiching” concept, side stitches, optimal cadence, off-season training, muscle cramps, and more. Thank you to the athletes who submitted their questions. If you want to contribute in the future, make sure you connect with Jason on Instagram and Twitter.

Here's where you can find some of the questions I tackle on this episode:

  • 3:03 - How should training plans vary for a road vs. a trail event?
  • 6:25 - How often should you "sandwich" your runs with strength training? (hint: every run!)
  • 13:48 - What you should do if the weather impacts your long run?
  • 19:36 - How do volume and intensity fit into your running workload? 
  • 26:30 - What inexpensive options are effective if you're trying to do more strength training?
  • 35:54 - What should an off-season look like to avoid losing too much fitness?

Enjoy this week's questions and answer session!

To get even more personal support from Jason, join Team Strength Running for live coaching sessions, a group of runners to support you, 30+ training plans, and more!

Thank You Athletic Greens!

Thank you to our newest sponsor, Athletic Greens! They are a health and wellness company that makes AG1. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. Athletic Greens has made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable.

For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out Athletic Greens to redeem your offer today.

229. Nutrition Science PhD Stephanie Howe on Marathon Fueling, Quick Meals, and Fad Diets06 Jan 202200:59:35

Stephanie Howe is a heavy hitter from the ultra-endurance world who holds a PhD in Nutrition and Exercise Science. As an elite trail and mountain runner, Stephanie has won the Western States 100-mile Endurance Run and holds the course records for the Bandera 100k and Lake Sonoma 50 miler.  

Stephanie's doctoral dissertation focused on the influence of exercise intensity on appetite in endurance-trained women. She is passionate about helping people learn how to fuel for competition and long-term health, and currently coaches runners and provides nutritional counseling.

Stephanie answers a variety of questions from Strength Running listeners on training and race nutrition, along with some of the controversial fad diets and nutrition strategies:

  • The ins and outs of marathon fueling - is it ever too late in the race to fuel?
  • How to use different types of fuels at various stages of longer races
  • A “pyramid” plan for ultra fueling
  • Should you still carb load before races?
  • How to simplify good nutrition for a busy family with mix and match meals
  • The benefits of using a nutritionist
  • Her take on the Keto diet, intermittent fasting, the carnivore diet, and bonk runs

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you Elemental Labs!

A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.

Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.

There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense.

They just released their first new flavor of 2021, their most requested flavor, watermelon salt. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. 

228. Broken to Healthy: How Ultrarunner Connor Meakin Overcame Years of Injury30 Dec 202100:49:44

Recovering from injuries is challenging when they keep you away from running for days or weeks. But injuries that linger for years require a special type of perspective and perseverance.

This week’s podcast guest received the kind of news you hope never to receive from a doctor - that you might never run again. 

Connor Meakin had been an elite athlete long before he took up ultrarunning. He was a member of the Canadian Men’s National Field Hockey Team for four years before completing a road marathon. He quickly discovered his love for the mountains and trails and seemed to have found his calling, winning multiple races in 2014.  

What began as a bad ankle sprain in 2014 quickly devolved into a much more serious injury. Connor tried to continue running and racing but the injury worsened and created new issues with his foot.

Soon, a radiologist told Connor he had one of the worst injuries he had ever seen. The doctor recommended he take up cycling and told him that he might never run again, especially in any sort of competitive fashion.

In the face of this grim news, most athletes would give up hope. But 5 years later, he's back to winning races!

Connor discusses a number of the strategies that did contribute to his recovery, including

  • Facing the reality of the severity of his injury
  • Finally resting
  • Cross-training 
  • Gait retraining
  • Digging into scientific research on rehabilitating injuries
  • Physical therapy

Whether you’re struggling physically or mentally with an injury, or just trying to avoid them altogether, you’ll find something in Connor’s journey that you can relate to.

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You Athletic Greens!

Thank you to our newest sponsor, Athletic Greens! They are a health and wellness company that makes AG1. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. Athletic Greens has made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable.

For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out Athletic Greens to redeem your offer today.

The Value of Challenges: Sally McRae on Seeking Out Adversity & Scary Goals30 May 202401:12:37

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 needs to be strong for endurance races, not just the muscles
  • How Sally structures strength training depending on the race season to build muscle and endurance
  • Mobility, stretching, and hip and glute work to combat the weakening effects of sedentary lifestyles
  • Training for 200-mile races, including eating and sleeping strategies, gear, and mental prep
  • The mental aspect of long distances can make or break a runner's performance
  • Power hiking and weight training for 200-mile ultra preparation
  • Mental muscles, believing in your potential, and focusing on the story you want to tell yourself
  • Sally's first experience with foot and heel blisters during the Cocodona 250
  • Training for the Western States Endurance Run

Listen to this episode to hear from one of the most hardcore and kindest runners you'll ever meet.

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you AG1!
We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They’ve made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do.

For our listeners, they are offering a year’s worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop – the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today.

Thank you MOBO Board!
Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly!

Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength.

I was recently at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com.

227. Elite Ultrarunner Geoff Burns, PhD on the Science of Super Shoes23 Dec 202101:19:42

Geoff Burns, PhD helps us understand the changes in regulations in running footwear, as the industry figures out how to handle the performance impact of carbon-plated “super shoes.” His understanding of the technology, from both a personal and professional perspective, is uniquely informative.

Geoff has competed at the highest levels of ultrarunning and was the 2016 US national champion at 100km, where he ran 6:30. He competed at the collegiate level for the University of Michigan, and went on to represent the USA over the 50km and 100km distances, and finished 5th at both the 2016 and 2018 IAU 100km World Championships.

Geoff also has degrees in biomedical engineering and kinesiology with a PhD from the University of Michigan. His research focuses on running, physiology, biomechanics, and sport performance. 

This week’s podcast delves into the science of super shoes, including what has made them such a useful tool for both elite and amateur runners and how you can use them to your own benefit. The episode is unique because all the questions that Geoff answers came directly from Jason's Twitter community.  

We discuss:

  • What types of runners will benefit most from these types of shoes?
  • At what distances are super shoes most beneficial?
  • Can (and should?) you still use an insert in shoes with carbon plates?
  • Do shoes with carbon plates increase your injury risk?
  • How should these types of shoes be used?  Every day?  For racing only?  Or something in between?
  • What is the longevity of these shoes?
  • What is the future of this technology?  How will these super shoes become even better?

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor InsideTracker. Today, more than ever, it's essential that we’re making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it.

InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals.

InsideTracker’s patented system will transform your body's data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you’re running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance.

I've had my own blood drawn with InsideTracker several times and have been amazed at the valuable information that they provide. Not only are the results very detailed, but they also share guidance for how to improve any markers that are out of range.

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker offers a selection of plans that best suit your needs with a limited time 25% discount.

Thank you Elemental Labs!

A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.

Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.

There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense.

They just released their first new flavor of 2021, their most requested flavor, watermelon salt. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. 

226. 2 x Olympian Nick Willis on What it Takes to Run a Sub-4 Mile for 19 Years Straight16 Dec 202100:45:39

Nick Willis exemplifies longevity not only in the competitive world of elite running, but even more so in an event that typically favors young, powerful runners.

He is the 2008 Olympic silver medalist and the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist in the 1500m. Nick’s PR of 3:29 established him as one of the fastest 1500m runners in history.

Nick also holds a unique record of being the most consistent miler in history. For the past 19 consecutive years, he has run a sub-4 minute mile. On January 1st at midnight, he’ll be attempting his 20th year of sub-4 miles at the Armory in New York City. 

In the podcast, we discuss many of the factors that have contributed to Nick’s success, including:

  • The importance of who you surround yourself with 
  • Putting in the focused work when it counts
  • How he focuses on injury prevention
  • Using less conventional cross-training as an outlet
  • Learning to respect your body and know what it can and cannot do, especially as you get older
  • A willingness to be patient and show up when it matters
  • Using strength as a primary resource when it comes to healing

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor InsideTracker. Today, more than ever, it's essential that we’re making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it.

InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals.

InsideTracker’s patented system will transform your body's data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you’re running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance.

I've had my own blood drawn with InsideTracker several times and have been amazed at the valuable information that they provide. Not only are the results very detailed, but they also share guidance for how to improve any markers that are out of range.

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker offers a selection of plans that best suit your needs with a limited time 25% discount.

225. Planning a 5k PR: A New Behind-the-Scenes Coaching Call with Coach Chris Robinson09 Dec 202100:54:44

This week's guest on the podcast has raced distances ranging from 5k to ultras. Although he's always been willing to put in the work, he has felt challenged by trying to create a successful training structure for himself.

Chris Robinson is a Team Strength Running member and the Cross Country Head Coach at Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. While his work as a coach has sometimes made his training take a backseat to that of his athletes, he’s setting some exciting new goals for 2022.  

Chris is 49 and set some speedy PRs several years ago, including a 1:37 half marathon and a sub-20 5k.  Looking ahead to 2022, he’s setting the goal of running a 5k every month to rebuild training consistency and focus on getting faster.

On this week’s podcast, we’ll take a closer look at Chris’ running background and talk about many aspects of his training:

  • What was his running like when he set his PR's, and how has it changed?
  • What does his current training look like? What are his recent race performances?
  • How can Chris structure his training to accomplish his goals?
  • What are the fundamental aspects of his training to help him stay healthy while getting faster?

If you'd like opportunities like this to come on the podcast, join our team!

Thank You InsideTracker!

Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor InsideTracker. Today, more than ever, it's essential that we’re making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it.

InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals.

InsideTracker’s patented system will transform your body's data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you’re running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance.

I've had my own blood drawn with InsideTracker several times and have been amazed at the valuable information that they provide. Not only are the results very detailed, but they also share guidance for how to improve any markers that are out of range.

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker offers a selection of plans that best suit your needs with a limited time 25% discount.

Thank you Elemental Labs!

A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.

Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.

There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense.

They just released their first new flavor of 2021, their most requested flavor, watermelon salt. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. 

© My Podcast Data