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Explore every episode of the podcast Run to the Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide to Running

Dive into the complete episode list for Run to the Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide to Running. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
The #1 Easy Pace Mistake That Wrecks Your Fall Marathon Training24 Jun 202600:38:03

Welcome back to Run to the Top! After a year-long break, we're back with a new format, a new permanent co-host in Coach Sara, and a lineup of new segments designed to make this show more interactive and more useful for your training.

Most runners start fall marathon training by adding miles. The intention is right, but the execution goes wrong immediately: their "easy" runs land in the gray zone, which means every mile costs more recovery than it should.

A study of 119,000 marathon runners found that the fastest finishers weren't training harder. They were running easier, more often.

Today's show covers:

  • Why we've been away and what's new with the show
  • What easy pace actually means, with real numbers and a 3-test diagnostic you can use today
  • The science behind why slow running builds a bigger aerobic engine than moderate running
  • 5 specific costs of running your easy days too fast, and how the damage compounds over a training cycle
  • A coaching case study: fixing a masters runner whose easy pace was 30 seconds off marathon goal pace

If you're kicking off a fall marathon cycle right now, this is the single most impactful adjustment you can make in week 1. Get this right and the next 16 weeks go better. Get it wrong and you'll spend the cycle fighting fatigue you created on day one.

Connect, Comment, Community This week's show brought to you by: Blueprint Longevity Mix

Fighting the effects of aging is something I've become more and more passionate about as I push closer to 50. Whether it's improving recovery or maintaining energy levels so I can play with my kids, I am always on the lookout for ways to feel better.

That's why I started taking Blueprint's Longevity Mix a few months ago. The founder is Bryan Johnson, the tech entrepreneur who is constantly experimenting on himself to fight the effects of aging. While some of the things he does may be a little crazy, I appreciate his science-first, research-backed approach.

Most importantly, he's not just trusting the studies, but testing everything himself and tracking biomarkers, publishing the data publicly, and refining everything based on the results.

It's specifically formulated with scientifically-backed ingredients shown to support energy, cognitive performance, mood, focus, sleep, cellular resilience, and healthy aging. Science-backed, precision-dosed, no BS.

For a limited time only, new customers get 20% off + free shipping at blueprint.bryanjohnson.com by using code RTTT at checkout.

MAS Edge Creatine Gummies

If you've been on the fence about creatine, or you tried powder before and dealt with stomach issues, this is worth a look. Creatine is one of the most well-researched supplements out there. It improves muscle recovery, supports bone mineral density, and recent research shows real benefits for endurance athletes, not just sprinters and lifters.

The challenge is getting enough through diet alone — you'd need to eat about 2 pounds of raw beef every day. MAS Edge created a creatine gummy with micronized creatine monohydrate, formulated for endurance athletes. No powder, no stomach issues, just 3 to 5 grams a day consistently.

Head to masedge.com/creatine to check it out.

Learning From Injury Setbacks to Run Smarter & Faster25 Jun 202501:13:19

Pretty much every runner deals with injury setbacks. The silver lining is that the recovery process can teach many important lessons.

Coach Andie Cozzarelli joins us on the show to chat about her own injury setbacks and what you can learn from the recovery process.

This is a special episode because after 13 amazing years, this will be the last episode of Run to the Top. If you're a longtime listener, thank you for your support and we look forward to bringing you more great training content through the RunnersConnect blog and newsletter.

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Ketone-IQ

You may have read a lot the last few years about the benefits of ketones for endurance performance, such as mitochondrial efficiency and glycogen sparing.

Your body uses ketones for energy typically during fasting, long periods of exercise, or when you don't have as many carbohydrates.

The problem is that you typically need to severely reduce your carbohydrate intake in order to take advantage of them, which is difficult to sustain, even for the most dedicated runner.

But, thanks to Ketone-IQ you quickly deliver ketones to your bloodstream, putting you into ketosis within minutes without the need to fast, restrict calories or carbs, or exercise away your glycogen stores.

And the academic literature on the effectiveness of ketones for running performance is overwhelming. 

For example, a 2021 study demonstrated that the ingestion of ketones improved mitochondrial efficiency by 7% and 2019 study concluded that using ketones significantly enhanced endurance performance while minimizing overtraining.

If you want to see more of the research, head to ketone.com/RTTT

Plus, for a limited time you can save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ by going ketone.com/RTTT. That's K-E-T-O-N-E dot com slash RTTT.

MAS NAD+ for Runners

Did you know that by Age 40, your NAD+ levels can be half of what they were at 20? And they only go downhill from there.

This is important because lower NAD+ levels have been shown in research to impact some of the hallmarks of aging such as reduced muscle strength, lower mitochondrial performance and overall energy.

But, just because NAD+ levels decline with age doesn't mean you have to accept it.

NAD+ from MAS Edge is a groundbreaking formula that can increase your NAD+ levels by 67%.

Their unique formula enhances absorption by 71% and increases uptake and utilization in the body by 167% compared to generic NAD+ supplements.

This means you can slow muscle loss, improve recovery, increase your energy levels, and fight aging at the cellular level.

You can check out the results yourself at masedge.com/nad. Plus, runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.

If you're ready to fight all the typical signs of aging and feel a decade younger, this is no-brainer.

Don't Screw up the Easy Stuff: Recovery Runs, Strength Training, Nutrition and More23 Apr 202500:53:14

Just about every runner has made the mistake of going too fast on a recovery run and paid the price. There's a lot of things that we know we should do as runners and still get them wrong. 

Coach Jeff brings his years of coaching experience to the show to share why runners make these 5 easy to fix mistakes:

  • Overdoing recovery runs
  • Ineffective strength training
  • Rationalizing not having enough time
  • Running through injury
  • Eating the wrong fuel before and after training

You might think this list looks basic, and you'd be right. Even veteran runners screw up the easy stuff sometimes and fixing them can help you to make massive performance gains.

Marathon training is hard, so don't screw up the easy stuff. 

Training Pace Calculator: https://runnersconnect.net/long-and-easy-run-pace/

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

MAS Iron

Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races. 

Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance.

The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize.

In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed.

But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance.

By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market.

In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%.

Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron.

Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.

Previnex Joint Health Plus

Joint Health Plus from Previnex is clinically proven to reduce joint pain, joint stiffness,and improve joint flexibility in 7-10 days. 

In fact, it is clinically proven to be up to 5 times more beneficial than glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination.

I saw immediate results when I started using Joint Health Plus and that's why I reached out to Previnex to see if we could put together an offer for you guys.

If you're suffering from joint pain or simply want to get a jump start on protecting your joint health as you get older, head to runnersconnect.net/joint and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order.

How to train for the Boston Marathon15 Dec 202300:52:27

Earlier in September we released a Boston Marathon special about qualifying for this iconic race. In today's show, we're giving you our expert tips on how to train for the Boston Marathon or any other marathon you might have planned this spring.

As this episode airs, we're now about 4 months out from the Boston marathon which is the perfect time to start your training in order to make sure you're in the best shape possible for race day. Boston is a challenging course with lots of hills. If you managed to qualify, you'll want to make sure you're prepared for the specific challenges of this race. And, if you're running a different race, then these same training strategies will give you the preparation to tackle just about any marathon course with confidence.

In today's show we'll be covering training topics including:

  • Why this is the perfect time to start your spring marathon training
  • How to incorporate hill training into your plan
  • How to manage tough weather conditions in training and on race day
  • And we'll break down how your plan might change at different stages of training

Strength Workouts for the Boston Marathon

Key Workouts for Boston

How to Incorporate Hills in Training

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Oladance

Looking for a perfect Christmas gift? Oladance Wearable Stereo is your top pick! Get superior sound and maximum comfort while staying aware of your surroundings for a safe outdoor run.

The unique open-ear-design of Oladance allows you to listen to your favorite music when running, yet still hear your surroundings to keep you safe. 

What surprised me is that, unlike bone conduction headphones, their open-ear-design and multi-support design mean your ears will never get tired or fatigued, even after 2 hours or more of listening. 

Also, the dynamic driver the earbuds uses is 3x bigger than most headphones, which allows them to deliver superior sound. The 19-hour long-lasting battery can last for your whole day usage. The multipoint connectivity can allow you to seamlessly switch between devices and satisfy your multi-tasking demand.

Just visit oladance.com/RunnersConnect and use the code RTTT to get 20% off on oladance OWS2. Grab yourself the best Christmas gift now!

Lagoon

Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery.

Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more.

And the data on sleep improvement isn't only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.  

If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top

Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that's perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you'll also save 15% off your purchase. 

Building Community For Larger-Bodied Runners13 Dec 202300:53:35

Martinus Evans' doctor told him that he needed to lose weight, but also that he couldn't run. Martinus felt otherwise. He said he was going to start training for a marathon. The rest is history. 

Over the past few years, Martinus wrote a book called the "Slow AF Run Club", has built an impressive like-minded running community that supports non-traditional runners in larger bodies and has appeared on podcasts like this one and major events across the running world to share his message and vision for growing the running community. In this episode, we talk about:

  • his entry point into the running community and what kept him inspired in the early days
  • why running is not necessarily a weight loss journey for larger-bodied runners
  • whether the running community is becoming less intimidating to enter into
  • advice for runners struggling with doubt and insecurity when it comes to their athletic abilities
  • how to cope with the pressure to be faster and achieve personal bests
  • lessons learned from building a running community for slower runners

No matter your perspective on the running community, I think you will find this to be an interesting and thought-provoking conversation!

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

BiOptimizers

Beat the stress of the holiday season with stress guardian from BiOptimizers. It's packed with a blend of 14 adaptogenic herbs that help to regulate your stress response naturally. 

With daily use, Stress Guardian becomes your personal shield against seasonal tension, enhancing both your mental and physical well-being. 

To get a head start on your holiday stress, visit stressguardian.com/runtothetop and use promo code RUN10 for 10% off your first order. 

BIOptimizers is so confident in their products that they offer a risk-free 365-day money-back guarantee.

Land Rover

You're up for any challenge that comes your way. The Defender 110 is, too. 

The iconic vehicle has been reimagined for twenty-first century adventure, and its unparalleled off-road ability, as well as its robust interior, are invaluable whether you're headed towards uncharted territory, or just a weekend of exploration. 

The Defender 110 tackles challenging surroundings with absolute confidence. The SUV conveys strength outside and in, featuring peerless technology like an intuitive driver display and an award-winning infotainment system to keep you connected no matter where the journey takes you. 

Adventure is unique to everyone, and so is the Defender. Choose from the two-door Defender 90, the four-door Defender 110, or the larger Defender 130 with the ability to seat up to 8 passengers — you'll find uncompromising performance in all three. 

Pack up and go even further with the Defender 110. Learn more at LandroverUSA.com/defender

LMNT

Did you know that you're likely to sweat as much, if not more, in the winter than in the summer?

That's because we often wear such warm clothes to start our runs, which leads to more sweating towards the end. Plus, the sweat gets absorbed by our clothes, so it's harder to notice. But, taking in fluids during or after runs in the winter isn't as easy as it is in the summer.

That's why I love the chocolate medley LMNT. If you're looking for the most effectively dosed electrolyte drink for runners, check out LMNT. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance and you can get a free sample pack by going to drinkLMNT.com/runnersconnect

The biggest running mistakes from our expert coaching team08 Dec 202301:03:57

It takes a lot of hard work and talent to become a professional runner or coach but even the best of us make mistakes. In this episode, our expert team from RunnersConnect are sharing their biggest running mistakes so you can learn to avoid making the same ones.

Training for a big goal can be overwhelming but RunnersConnect is built on the idea of community and of bringing runners together to learn from each other to progress as athletes. We've all had bad workouts or messed up fuelling in a race or long run. Our coaches are no exception, so as they share their own biggest training mistakes we hope you'll learn lots while maybe even getting a laugh or two.

I'm excited to hear from the RC team so with that I'll hand it off to Cory to introduce our panel for the day.

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Dri Seats

If you're tired of sweaty, smelly and stained seats after your runs then you have to check out the car seat covers made specifically for runners from driseats.

DriSeats waterproof seat covers are designed specifically for runners. Unlike towels, they are 100% waterproof and easily fit over your entire seat so you don't have any missed spots.

Plus, they are super easy to slide over your seat so it's ready in seconds and they are machine washable so they are easy to clean and be ready for your next run.

You can head to driseats.com and use code RC20 to get 20% off first order

Lagoon

Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery.

Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more.

And the data on sleep improvement isn't only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.  

If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top 

Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that's perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you'll also save 15% off your purchase. 

Running With Creative Endurance06 Dec 202300:48:46

Are you feeling the burnout from your runs? Ready to harness effective strategies for enduring creativity and commitment to your running? 

Lately, I've been feeling and thinking all of this and that's what inspired me to reach out to Mike Schnaidt, a seasoned designer and marathon runner whose recent book, "Creative Endurance" outlines a series of ideas and methods you can deploy to reignite or keep your imagination, spirit, and sense of innovation or breakthrough flowing. 

If you haven't read the book yet, this conversation is designed to have a similar effect - equipping you with mindset tools to help power you through any challenging situation in your running journey.

Specifically, Mike and I talk about:

  • the inspiration behind "Creative Endurance" and what led him to write a book that in parts reflects on the intersection of creativity and endurance sports?
  • the connection between physical activity and creative thinking and how exactly endurance sports foster creativity
  • stories and insights from high-profile people that illustrate the power of creativity in athletic breakthroughs 
  • practical tips and exercises from the book that listeners can implement to boost their creativity in running

And much more. Think of "Creative Endurance" as a unique guide to achieving your running goals and thriving in your running journey without compromising your well-being. 

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Timeline

Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. 

Mitopure comes in powder form to mix into your favorite smoothie or softgels to make them easy to take. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. 

Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

BiOptimizers

Beat the stress of the holiday season with stress guardian from BiOptimizers. It's packed with a blend of 14 adaptogenic herbs that help to regulate your stress response naturally. 

With daily use, Stress Guardian becomes your personal shield against seasonal tension, enhancing both your mental and physical well-being. 

To get a head start on your holiday stress, visit stressguardian.com/runtothetop and use promo code RUN10 for 10% off your first order. 

BIOptimizers is so confident in their products that they offer a risk-free 365-day money-back guarantee.

Land Rover

You're up for any challenge that comes your way. The Defender 110 is, too. 

The iconic vehicle has been reimagined for twenty-first century adventure, and its unparalleled off-road ability, as well as its robust interior, are invaluable whether you're headed towards uncharted territory, or just a weekend of exploration. 

The Defender 110 tackles challenging surroundings with absolute confidence. The SUV conveys strength outside and in, featuring peerless technology like an intuitive driver display and an award-winning infotainment system to keep you connected no matter where the journey takes you. 

Adventure is unique to everyone, and so is the Defender. Choose from the two-door Defender 90, the four-door Defender 110, or the larger Defender 130 with the ability to seat up to 8 passengers — you'll find uncompromising performance in all three. 

Pack up and go even further with the Defender 110. Learn more at LandroverUSA.com/defender

Running on a Budget: 5 Ways to Save01 Dec 202300:22:28

With budgets tight around the holidays, Coach Michael shares 5 of his best tips to help you save on your running. 

You'll learn how to…

  • Make your own gels
  • Save on your running shoes
  • Meal prep that actually works
  • Find and save on races
  • Train smarter on a budget.
Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Red Tonik

Adding a red's super food supplement to your diet is not only a great way to round out your nutrition and ensure you have a sufficient intake of red-pigmented plants and the types of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in them, but also a way to boost nitric oxide levels, which have been shown to benefit endurance performance.

But, most reds supplements list dozens of ingredients that don't have any evidence to support them or under dose the ones that do using proprietary blends.

Red Tonik is different.

They list the exact dosages of every ingredient and only include those with actual scientific evidence that support their effectiveness. 

Because of this, their reds tonik is the absolute best reds supplement for runners. The research shows you'll improve endurance, recovery, and overall health.

Check out the research yourself at runnersconnect.net/reds. They even have a 365 day money back guarantee if you try them and don't feel a difference in your training.

Land Rover

You're up for any challenge that comes your way. The Defender 110 is, too. 

The iconic vehicle has been reimagined for twenty-first century adventure, and its unparalleled off-road ability, as well as its robust interior, are invaluable whether you're headed towards uncharted territory, or just a weekend of exploration. 

The Defender 110 tackles challenging surroundings with absolute confidence. The SUV conveys strength outside and in, featuring peerless technology like an intuitive driver display and an award-winning infotainment system to keep you connected no matter where the journey takes you. 

Adventure is unique to everyone, and so is the Defender. Choose from the two-door Defender 90, the four-door Defender 110, or the larger Defender 130 with the ability to seat up to 8 passengers — you'll find uncompromising performance in all three. 

Pack up and go even further with the Defender 110. Learn more at LandroverUSA.com/defender

Separating fact from fiction in the nutritional supplement space29 Nov 202300:55:00

Nutritional supplementation can play an important role in any runner's lifestyle, but it's oftentimes hard to separate fact from fiction when determining what to use, why to use it, and how much you should be taking.

Here to make sense of some of our questions in this space is David Block from Previnex. From his career-long exposure to the supplement and wellness spaces, David shares insights on how certain supplements contribute to health and longevity. 

Specifically, we explore

  • the concept of clinically differentiated supplements and what's required to set new standards in a previously predatory industry
  • the truths about loose supplement regulations and the necessity of these supplements in our diets
  • how to interpret supplement labeling and understand product quality and integrity 
  • what commitment to uncompromised supplement creation, specializing in joint, immune, and gut health looks like 
  • other valuable insights into optimizing overall health beyond just supplement consumption. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a holistic approach to well-being.

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

LMNT

Did you know that you're likely to sweat as much, if not more, in the winter than in the summer?

That's because we often wear such warm clothes to start our runs, which leads to more sweating towards the end. Plus, the sweat gets absorbed by our clothes, so it's harder to notice.

Now, you already know that when you sweat, you lose electrolytes, which are essential for your body's best performance. But you've also been told that too much salt is bad for you, so it can get confusing to know what to do.

The truth is that athletes, healthy eaters, and heavy sweaters all need more sodium and just about everyone needs more potassium in their diet and we don't need a bunch of sugar and artificial junk along the way. 

Element is the hydration solution designed with athletes and everyone who sweats in mind. Element comes in lots of salty flavors that even the saltiest sweaters will love, such as citrus, raspberry, and orange. It even comes unflavored for those who prefer the clean, salty taste.

That's why we recommend all runners check out Element this winter. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial.

Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.

To claim this exclusive deal you must go to drinkLMNT.com/runnersconnect

Land Rover

You're up for any challenge that comes your way. The Defender 110 is, too. 

The iconic vehicle has been reimagined for twenty-first century adventure, and its unparalleled off-road ability, as well as its robust interior, are invaluable whether you're headed towards uncharted territory, or just a weekend of exploration. 

The Defender 110 tackles challenging surroundings with absolute confidence. The SUV conveys strength outside and in, featuring peerless technology like an intuitive driver display and an award-winning infotainment system to keep you connected no matter where the journey takes you. 

Adventure is unique to everyone, and so is the Defender. Choose from the two-door Defender 90, the four-door Defender 110, or the larger Defender 130 with the ability to seat up to 8 passengers — you'll find uncompromising performance in all three. 

Pack up and go even further with the Defender 110. Learn more at LandroverUSA.com/defender

RC Spotlight - Smashing age barriers with Kumar Rao24 Nov 202300:36:37

Welcome to a special edition of the Run to the Top podcast where we're turning the tables and hearing from athletes like you who are accomplishing incredible things with their running! We're calling it RC spotlight and today's episode is all about a runner with an incredible story defying age and expectations. 

His name is Kumar Rao and competing in the 70+ age category, he's been smashing records in everything from the 5k up to the marathon. Over the course of this episode you'll hear from Kumar and his coach Alex Ostberg about these amazing accomplishments including:

  • How Kumar trains to perform at a high level as a masters athlete
  • The lessons he has learned while preparing for these races
  • What inspired Kumar to pick up running including his future goals in the sport
  • And we'll even chat about what other runners can learn from his amazing story
Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Lagoon

One of the best gifts you can give yourself or any runner you know this holiday season is the gift of better sleep.

Just like running in the proper footwear, countless research studies have shown that pillow selection can have a dramatic impact on sleep quality.

Studies have shown that selecting a pillow based on your sleep position can dramatically improved sleep quality and reduced spinal pain.

Additionally, pillow firmness and height also had positive impacts on sleep quality when adjusted for sleep position and the subject's height.

That's why we love the pillows designed by Lagoon.

Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery.

And right now they have an amazing set of Black Friday deals. You can save $20 on any pillow, or bundle and save 25% off a performance pack or save a whopping $120 if you purchase two pillows (one for you and one for your running spouse or friend).

Just head to lagoonsleep.com/top to check out al the awesome deals.

DriSeats

Another awesome gift to yourself or the running friend in your life are driseats seat covers, especially if you run a lot of trails or drive to a lot of your runs.

DriSeats waterproof seat covers are designed specifically for runners because they keep snow, mud, and sweat off your seats and unlike towels, they are 100% waterproof and easily fit over your entire seat so you don't have any missed spots.

Driseats covers will fit any bucket seat; from Trucks and SUVs to compact cars and on leather, vinyl, and fabric seats.

If you're tired of dirty, wet and stained seats after your runs, these are a must have.

To make this even more of a no-brainer, their current black Friday deal is buy one and get one 50% off – perfect so you can get one for you and your favorite running passenger.

Just head to driseats.com to take advantage of this deal.

RunnersConnect

And finally, don't miss out on the chance to gift yourself a new personal best in 2024 now that our custom 16-week training plans are 30% off.

We can write the plan for any race distance, write them in miles or kilometers, and you can start the plan anytime – so you can purchase now and use for any spring or fall race.

Just head to runnersconnect.net/black to check out all the details and save 30% for the next few days.

Unveiling Truth In Running Nutrition: The examine.com story22 Nov 202301:01:00

Without a doubt, in some ways, it's getting increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction in the health, nutrition, and supplementation spaces. But there are reputable resources out there for folks like us to turn to and we're featuring one of them on the show today. 

Sol Orwell is the founder of Examine.com, a powerful resource on the internet for evidence-based nutrition and supplements information. He joins the Run To The Top Podcast to share stories about his personal path to co-founding Examine.com and its dedication to scientific integrity in the health and wellness scene. 

Specifically, we discuss:

— his battles against health misinformation
— debunked supplement claims
— current challenges in the health information arena
— what sets Examine.com's commitment to unbiased research apart within the industry 
— how Examine.com stays updated with evolving research and their impact on public health decisions.

And much more! Tune in to understand the resources you have at your disposal to make informed decisions about the nutrition and supplements you consume to fuel your running journey. 

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

TIMELINE

Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better. 

Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria. 

Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle.

Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. 

Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers. 

Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to…

  • Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise
  • Reduce inflammation 
  • Significantly improve sleep quality
  • Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training.

When you're looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium. 

Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it's made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough.

For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top  listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop  and use the code run10 and you'll save an additional 10% on any purchase. 

Oladance

Seeking superior sound quality and comfort while staying aware during your outdoor runs? Look no further than Oladance OWS headphones!

During the Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales from November 17th to 30th, Oladance is offering an incredible up to 25% off on its OWS Series headphones!

The OWS Pro, the cutting-edge 2023 model, brings both style and adaptability, perfect for both outdoor workouts and your daily office grind. The OWS2 offers the best bang for your buck with its extended battery life. Need something budget-friendly? The OWS1 is your go-to choice.

If you've been thinking about a new pair of headphones or have wanted to try some that allow you to listen while still being aware of your surroundings, now is the time.

Head to oladance.com/RTTT to take advantage of up to 25% off during the black Friday sale.

The plan between the plan: Answering the question of what the heck to do after your goal race is completed17 Nov 202301:09:58

If you just finished a goal race you might be thinking what the heck do I do now? Well, let's talk about the plan between the plan.

In a previous episode we aired two weeks ago, coach Michael gave us 5 great ways you can maximize your training between races. Now that you know "WHY" your training in this period is so important, we're going to build on those lessons with "HOW" to train so you can maximize all of the benefits we discussed. This is the plan between the plan.

Finishing your race doesn't have to mean ditching training until the next race approaches. The period between your training blocks is the perfect time to give your mind and body a rest while building an aerobic base to set yourself up for success before the next hard stretch of training. 

In today's show, we'll guide you in crafting the perfect plan between the plan with topics including:

  • How long should you wait after a goal race to start training again?
  • What volume and frequency of runs is right for you between training blocks?
  • How to identify your weaknesses and then adjust your training to become a better runner
  • How group training or a bootcamp can help to set you up for success
  • And lots of other advice for getting yourself prepared to crush your next big race

RC bootcamp details: runnersconnect.net/focus/

Drill for building speed: youtu.be/KDs2mo_y7Bg

How to recover from a marathon: runnersconnect.net/how-to-recover-after-a-marathon/

Advice for dealing with running injuries: runnersconnect.net/running-injuries/

General running nutrition advice: runnersconnect.net/nutrition-for-runners/

RC bootcamp details: runnersconnect.net/focus/

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This week's show brought to you by:

Oladance

Seeking superior sound quality and comfort while staying aware during your outdoor runs? Look no further than Oladance OWS headphones!

During the Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales from November 17th to 30th, Oladance is offering an incredible up to 25% off on its OWS Series headphones!

The OWS Pro, the cutting-edge 2023 model, brings both style and adaptability, perfect for both outdoor workouts and your daily office grind. The OWS2 offers the best bang for your buck with its extended battery life. Need something budget-friendly? The OWS1 is your go-to choice.

If you've been thinking about a new pair of headphones or have wanted to try some that allow you to listen while still being aware of your surroundings, now is the time.

Head to oladance.com/RTTT to take advantage of up to 25% off during the black Friday sale.

Lagoon

Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery.

Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more.

And the data on sleep improvement isn't only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.  

If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top 

Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that's perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you'll also save 15% off your purchase. 

Avoid Injury with Active Isolated Flexibility: An Interview with Phil Wharton15 Nov 202300:29:05

One of the more controversial topics in running (other than the debate over footwear choices) is the importance of flexibility.

Coaches, experts, and runners disagree over the role flexibility plays in preventing injury or boosting performance and how to improve it. 

However, part of this disagreement lies in a misunderstanding of what defines flexibility and stretching.

So, on today's show we're going to interview a pioneer in the world of flexibility, Phil Wharton.

Phil is going to explain more in-depth…

  • The concept of active flexibility
  • How it's different from traditional stretching
  • And how and when to best implement it in your training to stay injury-free.

Take out your notebooks and pencils for this one, it's a masterclass in pre and post run injury prevention.

Wharton Health - whartonhealth.com/whartonhealthlibrary

Active Stretching for Runners - runnersconnect.net/ais-downloads/

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This week's show brought to you by:

BiOptmizers

As you know, one of the main sponsors of this podcast is BiOptimizers.
 
We love their commitment to research, the highest quality ingredients, and effective dosages across all of their supplements.
 
That's why I am excited that this year they are extending their Black Friday sale throughout the whole month of November.
 
If you're already a fan, now is the time to stock up and, if you haven't tried them yet, here's your chance to lock in a huge discount. Plus, they back up their products with a rock-solid 365-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked.
 
Trust me when I say this – you won't find a better Black Friday deal anywhere else, not even on the mighty Amazon.
 
We all have those never-ending Black Friday wishlists, but this year, I challenge you to put your health at the top of that list.
 
You can find all the details at bioptimizers.com/runtothetop and enter code RUN10 at checkout.
 
Don't miss out on this MEGA deal throughout the month of November.

LMNT

Did you know that you're likely to sweat as much, if not more, in the winter than in the summer?

That's because we often wear such warm clothes to start our runs, which leads to more sweating towards the end. Plus, the sweat gets absorbed by our clothes, so it's harder to notice.

Now, you already know that when you sweat, you lose electrolytes, which are essential for your body's best performance. But you've also been told that too much salt is bad for you, so it can get confusing to know what to do.

The truth is that athletes, healthy eaters, and heavy sweaters all need more sodium and just about everyone needs more potassium in their diet and we don't need a bunch of sugar and artificial junk along the way. 

LMNT is the hydration solution designed with athletes and everyone who sweats in mind. Element comes in lots of salty flavors that even the saltiest sweaters will love, such as citrus, raspberry, and orange. It even comes unflavored for those who prefer the clean, salty taste.

That's why we recommend all runners check out LMNT this winter. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial.

Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.

To claim this exclusive deal you must go to drinkLMNT.com/runnersconnect

Time to Shine: How to Perform Your Best in Any Weather Conditions on Race Day16 Apr 202501:11:31

There's an ongoing debate whether it's harder to run in the heat or the cold; that's a trick question because the answer is whatever you're less prepared for.

Racing season is here and we want to help you prepare for any condition with topics like:

  • How much temperature affects running performance 
  • What is the impact of weather conditions like wind and rain
  • Is there such a thing as perfect running weather 
  • How to prepare for the potential conditions of your goal race
  • How to dress for any weather you might encounter during a race

There's nothing better than a cool and clear day with no wind but the truth is that this doesn't happen very often. We're joined by coach Andie on the show to talk about what you can do to get the best result possible in any weather.

Temperature calculator

How running in the cold impacts performance

Impact of running in the wind

 

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This week's show brought to you by:

MAS Iron

Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races. 

Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance.

The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize.

In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed.

But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance.

By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market.

In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%.

Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.

Pique

We've done quite a few podcast episodes on the performance benefits of caffeine.

But, if you're like many runners I know, pre-run coffee often leaves you with jitters or stomach issues.

That's why I was so excited when I found Nandaka by Pique—the ultimate coffee alternative designed to power your runs, your training, and your recovery.

So, what makes Nandaka different?

Most so-called "coffee alternatives" don't actually provide functional energy. But Nandaka is built for endurance 

Unlike coffee, which spikes your energy and leaves you crashing mid-run, Nandaka fuels you with steady, sustained endurance—no spikes, no crashes, just clean energy that lasts. 

Nandaka provides its caffeine from fermented probiotic teas, which provide a slow-release caffeine that prevents jitters and gives you sustained release for those long runs workouts. 

It also contains cordyceps mushrooms, which help boost VO2 max, delivering more oxygen to your muscles for better endurance 

Plus, the probiotic teas mean no digestive distress like you often get with coffee. 

If you're tired of running on fumes—or worse, running on coffee crashes—it's time to make the switch. 

Right now, Pique is offering 20% off for life AND a free Starter Kit with your first purchase. 

Go to Piquelife.com/run and start running on real energy today. 

Your legs, your lungs, and your PRs will thank you

How to be faster and healthier as a female runner10 Nov 202301:03:55

Running is very inclusive and just about anybody can participate with not much more than a decent pair of running shoes. This doesn't mean that we all have the same experience though and today's show will be all about special considerations for female athletes.

In this episode, coaches Andie and Hayley do an amazing job of breaking down how female athletes can perform their best. Whatever your age or lifestyle, they'll be diving into how you can stay healthy, happy, and fit as a female runner. This is a pretty broad topic so we'll be covering everything from:

  • How to train around the menstrual cycle
  • Specific fueling needs for female athletes
  • Why fasted runs may not be recommended 
  • Why losing your period can be a warning sign for runners and what to do if this happens to you
  • And many more topics I'm confident you'll relate to if you're a female runner 

We think you'll find this topic super interesting whether you're a female runner yourself or not so stay tuned for expert tips on successful training as a female athlete.

Resources from Dr. Stacy Sims: drstacysims.com
Nutrition information from Kylee Van Horne: flynutrition.org/about/
Resources for RED-S and nutrition from Renee McGregor: reneemcgregor.com

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This week's show brought to you by:

Dri Seats

If you're tired of sweaty, smelly and stained seats after your runs then you have to check out the car seat covers made specifically for runners from driseats.

DriSeats waterproof seat covers are designed specifically for runners. Unlike towels, they are 100% waterproof and easily fit over your entire seat so you don't have any missed spots.

Plus, they are super easy to slide over your seat so it's ready in seconds and they are machine washable so they are easy to clean and be ready for your next run.

You can head to driseats.com and use code RC20 to get 20% off first order

Nutrisense

Nutrisense is a small device that you put on the back of your arm that then provides real time feedback on how your body responds to the foods that you're eating, your exercise, stress and even your sleep.   

With Nutrisense you're not shooting in the dark. Nutrisense helps you track your data, understand your glucose trends, and see your macronutrient breakdown for each meal. The app also gives you an overall score for each meal based on your body's response.

Honestly, I recommend everyone try Nutrisense. When you use it for a month it will open your eyes in profound ways to how your food, your exercise, everything you are doing is affecting you.  

You can get all of this today. Nutrisense has a special offer for our listeners. Go to Nutrisense.com/rttp and use code RTTP to save $30 off your first month plus get a free month of nutritionist support.   

Be sure to tell them you learned about Nutrisense on the Run To The Top podcast. 

Visit Nutrisense.com/RTTP and use the code RTTP to start decoding your body's messages, and pave the way for a healthier life!

The Why and How to Increase Your Mileage Safely08 Nov 202300:26:21

For many runners, increasing their mileage is a goal that's difficult to do when gearing up for a race due to the need to focus on workouts and all that goes into proper race specific training.

Thus, the time between races is an awesome opportunity to work on increasing your mileage.

Today, we're joined by Ryan Warrenburg, one of the coaches at On Zap Endurance, an elite marathon group based in North Carolina. 

He's an expert in aerobic development for runners of all ages and ability levels, so today he's going to talk with you about…

  • The benefits of increasing your mileage and why it's the biggest limiter for most adult runners.
  • How to increase your mileage safely and effectively and reap the benefits.
  • Plus tips and tricks to make running more miles easier. 
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This week's show brought to you by:

TIMELINE

Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better. 

Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria. 

Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle.

Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. 

Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers. 

Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to…

  • Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise
  • Reduce inflammation 
  • Significantly improve sleep quality
  • Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training.

When you're looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium. 

Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it's made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough.

For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top  listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop  and use the code run10 and you'll save an additional 10% on any purchase. 

5 Ways to Maximize Your Training Between Races03 Nov 202300:25:45

Don't let your hard earned fitness go to waste!

Coach Michael gives you 5 ways to approach your training between races so you start your next training cycle even stronger than before.

Running Fitness Bootcamps - runnersconnect.net/FOCUS/

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This week's show brought to you by:

Previnex

Joint Health Plus from Previnex is clinically proven to reduce joint pain, joint stiffness,and improve joint flexibility in 7-10 days. 

In fact, it is clinically proven to be up to 5 times more beneficial than glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination.

I saw immediate results when I started using Joint Health Plus and that's why I reached out to Previnex to see if we could put together an offer for you guys.

If you're suffering from joint pain or simply want to get a jump start on protecting your joint health as you get older, head to runnersconnect.net/joint and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order.

Nutrisense

Nutrisense is a small device that you put on the back of your arm that then provides real time feedback on how your body responds to the foods that you're eating, your exercise, stress and even your sleep.   

With Nutrisense you're not shooting in the dark.  Nutrisense helps you track your data, understand your glucose trends, and see your macronutrient breakdown for each meal. The app also gives you an overall score for each meal based on your body's response.

You can get all of this today. Nutrisense has a special offer for our listeners.  Go to Nutrisense.com/rttp and use code RTTP to save $30 off your first month plus get a free month of nutritionist support.   

Macros for Runners: Everything you need to know01 Nov 202300:46:57

The importance of proper nutrition during intense periods of training can't be overlooked. 

While most runners spend most of their time focusing on their workouts, recovering from these hard efforts is often more important than the training itself. 

The best way to do this is by supplying your body with the correct nutrients at the correct times before, during and after your training.

And this all starts with understanding macronutrients - what they are, what each macronutrient is best at, and when to best include them in your diet.

So, today we're going to be talking with our very own Coach Jeff Gaudette about everything macronutrients. You're going to learn…

  • The best times to include each macronutrient in your diet
  • The optimal macronutrient ratio for runners based on your goals
  • How to best hit your macronutrient targets
  • Plus much, much more.

Calculate how many calories you burn each day so you can better target your nutrition needs with our Calorie Calculator

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This week's show brought to you by:

NuNee

Struggling with Runners Knee? NuNee is an innovative new product designed specifically to treat Runner's Knee. In fact, independent clinical research has shown that NuNee helped 9 of 10 runners start running again, immediately, without knee pain.

Unlike other knee sleeves and supports that use compression, NuNee's unique design relieves the pressure on your patella (knee cap), which provides immediate relief and aids your recovery.

To learn more head to runnersconnect.net/NuNee. And to make it easy, the discount code RTTT50 will automatically be applied so you'll save 50%. Even better, they offer a full money-back guarantee if you don't experience immediate relief.

LMNT 

Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery. 

That's why we recommend all runners check out Element this summer. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial.

Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.  

To get this special offer and make sure you're hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

How to make solo runs more fun27 Oct 202300:53:10

Runners are often divided on whether they prefer the solitude of running alone or the sense of community that comes with running in a group. Whatever your preference, most of us have found ourselves needing to head out the door alone at some point. Maybe you've had to sneak in a quick run before your next meeting or maybe you couldn't find someone at the same pace for a workout. Luckily, there are a lot of strategies runners can use to make the most of these solo adventures.

On today's show, we'll talk about why these runs may actually be beneficial for your running and how to make them more enjoyable if you struggle to get excited about training without a group. Over the course of the next hour or so, we'll cover topics including:

  • How solo runs can make you a better runner
  • Tips to stay engaged when running alone
  • And we'll even hear from you, the RC community, on your favorite strategies to keep these runs fun

Footpath Mapping Tool: footpathapp.com
Strava: strava.com

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This week's show brought to you by:

MetPro

Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro's team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals. 

Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle. 

MetPro's coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they're empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs.

Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt

ARMRA

If you're looking for the best way to strengthen your immune system and improve recovery during your taper or as the seasons change, you need to check out ARMRA Colostrum. 

ARMRA Colostrum is a superfood concentrate of bovine colostrum that harnesses over 400 living, bioactive nutrients that rebuild the barriers of your body and fuel cellular health

In fact, Colostrum has been shown in scientific literature to strengthen immunity, enhance nutrient absorption, improve fitness endurance and decrease recovery time.

The literature speaks for itself and adding ARMRA has one of the best additions to my post-workout nutrition. 

You can check out all the research for yourself at tryarmra.com/RTTT.  Plus, to make it easier for you to personal experience the benefits, we've worked out a deal where you can save 15% off your first order. 

Just head to tryarmra.com/RTTT to see the research yourself and get 15% off your first order.

From Race Announcer to Cancer Survivor: Inspiring Fitness and Fulfilling Dreams - A Conversation with Fitz Koehler25 Oct 202300:54:49

Join us on this episode as we delve into the remarkable journey of Fitz Koehler, a renowned race announcer for iconic events like the Los Angeles Marathon and Big Sur Marathon, fitness instructor, and author.

Discover how her boundless energy and enthusiasm engages runners of all ages and backgrounds, making their times in this sport an unforgettable experience. Specifically, listen in to learn about:

  • her personal cancer journey and how it led to the creation of her inspiring books series: Cancer Comeback 
  • the key lessons and moments that fueled her running motivation during challenging times, and the specific breakthroughs that kept her moving forward.
  • the powerful role of media in shaping attitudes toward fitness and health, and why making fitness accessible to a wide audience through various channels is essential. 
  • the heartwarming story behind the Morning Mile initiative, aimed at promoting physical activity among school children.
  • valuable tips for making running a sustainable and enjoyable part of life, regardless of your current fitness level.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that will motivate you to pursue your own dreams and create a life you love.

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This week's show brought to you by:

TimeLine Nutrition

Timeline Nutrition has developed a groundbreaking product called Mitopure that revitalizes your mitochondria, which create energy in nearly every cell in your body Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

BiOptimizers

Today's episode is sponsored by Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers. Their industry-leading magnesium supplement helps you sleep better and reduce stress. For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top listeners, go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop and use the code Run10 to save 10%.

AG1

If you're someone who struggles to get in all the fruit and veggies you need, or who wants to get more consistent but always falls off, or you end up finding tons of fruits and veggies gone bad in the fridge, AG1 will make it simple and delicious. If you want to try them out and get a special bonus of 5 travel packs and a year's supply of vitamin D, head to athleticgreens.com/rttt.

Underrated or Overrated: Recovery Strategies20 Oct 202300:52:01

Nailing your workouts and getting consistent mileage is key to improving as a runner, but in order to absorb this training and avoid injury you need to make sure you're prioritizing recovery. 

The period between runs is when your muscles and tissues can repair themselves so that you're ready for your next session 

Recovery is a broad topic that includes anything from complete rest to stretching and even light exercise. There are lots of options out there and the list is growing with brands coming out with new tools and gadgets to help speed up the recovery process. That's why we're bringing you a recovery edition of our underrated/overrated format to tell you which recovery topics are going to deliver results.

We're going to explore the benefits of tons of recovery options to answer questions such as:

  • Is doing nothing a good recovery strategy?
  • Do you need to cool down after your workout?
  • Which recovery tech actually works?
  • And we'll discuss what other strategies you can use to speed up the recovery process

So let's get into it, with underrated and overrated recovery topics!

Foam rolling routine for runners: youtube.com/live/td81rzxXQV4?si=iv5aHtZPWLjb67KH&t=414

3-minute active warmup: youtu.be/i6rWCPZNHxQ

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This week's show brought to you by:

MetPro

Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro's team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals. 

Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle. 

MetPro's coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they're empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs.

Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt

Previnex

Joint Health Plus from Previnex is clinically proven to reduce joint pain, joint stiffness,and improve joint flexibility in 7-10 days. 

In fact, it is clinically proven to be up to 5 times more beneficial than glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination.

I saw immediate results when I started using Joint Health Plus and that's why I reached out to Previnex to see if we could put together an offer for you guys.

If you're suffering from joint pain or simply want to get a jump start on protecting your joint health as you get older, head to runnersconnect.net/joint and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order.

How To Be A Resilient Runner18 Oct 202300:55:02

On this episode of the Run To The Top Podcast we are talking with Andrejs Birjukovs, a certified coach and multisport athlete whose latest book, "The Resilient Athlete", ultimately argues that the true source of strength for any athlete who values performance and improvement isn't talent, or commitment, or experience - it's resilience. 

Under the umbrella of this appreciation for resilient running, I ask Andrejs about:

  • how the hero's journey applies to running
  • how you measure resilience in running
  • why it's not possible to live long-term with a competitive mindset
  • how we can consistently hit flow states in running
  • what emotional fitness looks like
  • the 3 pillars for energy and vitality in running

And way more! Tune in for a fascinating conversation about the role that resilience plays in running.

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

BiOptimizers

Today's episode is sponsored by Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers. Their industry-leading magnesium supplement helps you sleep better and reduce stress. For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top listeners, go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop and use the code Run10 to save 10%.

LMNT 

LMNT is loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial.

Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.  

To get this special offer and make sure you're hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

Becoming a Master Runner: Secrets to Getting Faster with Age13 Oct 202300:58:08

While conventional wisdom suggests runners may peak as early as in their 20s, many amateur and elite runners alike are running their best well into their 30s, 40s, and beyond. 

Some of these high-performing athletes may not even start running until later in life but manage to perform at incredible levels. 

These athletes are proof that you can find success at any age and today's show is going to explore how runners of all ages and experience levels can find success at running.

This one is for any runners out there, whether you're a competitive high-school athlete or retired and just taking up running for the first time. We'll go deep into what leads to long-term success in the sport with topics including:

  • Is there a peak age for running?
  • How age affects running, including the ways your training should change over time
  • Tips for masters athletes to perform their best
  • Can you run fast while taking up running at a later age?

And most importantly, we'll cover how you can maximize your potential no matter where you are in your running journey. So let's get into it!

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

MetPro

Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro's team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals. 

Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle. 

MetPro's coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they're empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs.

Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt

NuNee

Struggling with Runners Knee? NuNee is an innovative new product designed specifically to treat Runner's Knee. In fact, independent clinical research has shown that NuNee helped 9 of 10 runners start running again, immediately, without knee pain.

Unlike other knee sleeves and supports that use compression, NuNee's unique design relieves the pressure on your patella (knee cap), which provides immediate relief and aids your recovery.

To learn more head to runnersconnect.net/NuNee. And to make it easy, the discount code RTTT50 will automatically be applied so you'll save 50%. Even better, they offer a full money-back guarantee if you don't experience immediate relief.

The Story of the Greatest Marathon in Olympic History and the Women Who Made It Happen11 Oct 202300:51:59

"Long Run To Glory" chronicles the remarkable morning of August 5, 1984, when four legendary marathoners, Joan Benoit, Grete Waitz, Ingrid Kristiansen, and Rosa Mota, converged for the historic Women's Olympic Marathon in Los Angeles. 

These women had already shattered records and dominated the running scene for half a decade, revolutionizing the sport in the process. Their journeys, rivalries, and the inaugural Women's Olympic Marathon are vividly depicted in this gripping account of athletic prowess and determination.

In today's episode of Run To the Top, we are joined by the author of "Long Run To Glory", Stephen Lane to talk about:

  • the personality traits, reputations, running styles, and challenges faced by each of these four star marathoners
  • the historical and cultural aspects of women's long-distance running, specifically how Title IX shaped the landscape of women's participation in sports in the years leading up to the 1984 Olympic marathon
  • how this particular race influenced the world of marathon running and women's sports in general for years and decades to come

And much more! Tune in for a reflection on one of the most interesting and pivotal moments in long-distance running history. 

Long Run To Glory

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

TimeLine Nutrition

Timeline Nutrition has developed a groundbreaking product called Mitopure that revitalizes your mitochondria, which create energy in nearly every cell in your body Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

BiOptimizers

Today's episode is sponsored by Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers. Their industry-leading magnesium supplement helps you sleep better and reduce stress. For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top listeners, go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop and use the code Run10 to save 10%.

AG1

If you're someone who struggles to get in all the fruit and veggies you need, or who wants to get more consistent but always falls off, or you end up finding tons of fruits and veggies gone bad in the fridge, AG1 will make it simple and delicious. If you want to try them out and get a special bonus of 5 travel packs and a year's supply of vitamin D, head to athleticgreens.com/rttt.

From 2x Brain Surgery Survivor to 2x Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier: Molly Bookmyer09 Apr 202500:58:45

You may have never heard of Molly Bookmyer, but since overcoming two brain surgeries in 2015 she's quickly becoming one of the top US Women's Marathoners. 

Molly opened up about her health struggles and her path to elite running with questions like:

  • How Molly overcame the odds to run a 2:28 marathon after two brain surgeries
  • How she balances training as an elite with a full-time job
  • When Molly realized she had undiagnosed Celiac's disease and how discovering this has changed her fueling
  • What are Molly's goals for the 2025 London Marathon where she'll be toeing the line against some of the world's best marathon runners

Molly Bookmyer is currently a Oiselle sponsored athlete and two-time Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier with a 2:28 personal best after winning the 2024 Twin Cities Marathon.

Molly finally considers herself healthy after a long stretch of sickness and injury and will be a name to look out for when she toes the line at this year's London Marathon.

Molly Bookmyer 2024 Olympic trials athlete bio

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Qualia Senolytic

As a masters runner, I am always on the lookout to prevent (or at least slow down) many of the common performance declines that happen with age.

Qualia Senolytic is designed to selectively target and eliminate damaged or dysfunctional cells in the body, which are called senescent cells. 

By removing these cells, senolytics aim to rejuvenate tissues, reduce inflammation, and reverse some aspects of aging. 

Early research has shown senolytics can… 

  • Lead to a reduction in systemic inflammation
  • Improve vascular function by reducing senescent cell burden in the arteries.
  • Enhance muscle regeneration while also increasing exercise capacity and decreasing recovery time
  • Lead to significant improvements in joint health

Ready to resist aging at the cellular level? Try Qualia Senolytic and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% off any purchase.

MAS Iron

Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races. 

Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance.

The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize.

In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed.

But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance.

By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market.

In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%.

Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.

How Simple Challenges Improve Athlete Training06 Oct 202300:57:37

Running can be an isolating sport. It can also be a sport where we just barely get by with what we are doing. 

In an effort to bring our athletes together and hold each other accountable while also creating new and lasting habits, we started a series of monthly challenges. 

We focused on attainable challenges that focused more on feeling the benefits than being perfect. No better way to make a habit stick! 

On today's podcast we dig into:

  • How we set up these challenges
  • Some success stories
  • What we've learned and how you can create these for yourself!

Doing the little things or making time for strength can pay off, but we have to see it for ourselves sometimes. Tune-in and then let us know - would you be up for the challenge?

Connect, Comment, Community This week's show brought to you by:

ARMA

 

With fall weather and big races on the horizon, strengthening your immune system is critical to staying healthy and maximizing your performance.

 

ARMRA Colostrum is a superfood concentrate of bovine colostrum that harnesses over 400 living, bioactive nutrients that rebuild the barriers of your body and fuel cellular health

 

You can check out all the research for yourself at tryarmra.com/RTTT.  Plus, to make it easier for you to personally experience the benefits, we've worked out a deal where you can save 15% off your first order.

 

Previnex

 

The repetitive stress inflicted on your joints from running can slowly break down joint cartilage and reduce flexibility, which creates a vicious cycle of further breakdown and pain.

 

That's why I started researching how I could start to protect my joints as I got older and this lead me to Joint Health Plus from Previnex.

 

If you're suffering from joint pain or simply want to get a jump start on protecting your joint health as you get older, head to runnersconnect.net/joint and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order.

Eating When Rehabbing from an Injury04 Oct 202300:39:30

How should your diet change when injured?

Do you eat less to offset training less? Do you eat more to give your body extra nutrients to aid in the recovery process? What about antiinflammatory foods - do they help or hinder? And are there any supplements that can help? 

In today's episode, we're bringing you a never published episode we recorded with the late professor Kevin Tipton. 

Kevin was a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Metabolism in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at The University of Birmingham and an Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. 

Sadly, Kevin passed away last year but we still wanted to share this episode with you since it's so helpful and packed with valuable information all runners can use when they are injured.

Kevin's passion for his work, his dedication to science and research, and most importantly his compassion and caring for others shines through in this interview. 

We hope that you enjoy and walk away with some actionable advice so that food can be an asset and a source of pleasure—rather than a source of stress—during an already trying time.

You'll learn…

  • What supplements are scientifically proven to help facilitate recovery and maintain muscle mass during injury.
  • Some of the best foods to eat to deliver the vitamins and minerals you need to help with healing.
  • The types of foods to avoid
  • How to rebalance your macronutrient and calorie intake
Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

MetPro

Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro's team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals. 

Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle. 

MetPro's coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they're empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs.

Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt

LMNT 

Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery. 

That's why we recommend all runners check out Element this summer. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial.

Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.  

To get this special offer and make sure you're hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

 

Overcoming the post-race blues29 Sep 202300:58:34

The fall racing season is an exciting time for runners but if you've been training hard for a race, it can be tough to regain your motivation and excitement for the sport. In a phenomenon known as the post-race blues, runners can often find themselves feeling lost or even depressed in the days and weeks after racing. 

In today's show, we're shedding some light on this condition that affects runners of all levels from amateurs to trained elites. Runners spend long blocks of time preparing for races, commonly 12-16 weeks if you're training for a marathon. The build-up can create a lot of excitement that is suddenly missing afterward so it's no wonder the post-race blues cause some pretty strong emotions. You'll come away from this discussion learning all about what it is and how to cope if you or a fellow runner find yourself suffering from the post-race blues including topics such as:

  • What are the signs and symptoms of the post-race blues?
  • Strategies for managing these symptoms and rekindling your racing excitement
  • How to tell whether you need a break after racing and when to jump back into training
  • And we'll talk about how you can make the most of the period between training blocks

RC tips for overcoming the post-run blues: 7 Ways to Overcome the Runner Blues When You Are Struggling - Runners Connect

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Previnex

Joint Health Plus from Previnex is clinically proven to reduce joint pain, joint stiffness,and improve joint flexibility in 7-10 days. 

In fact, it is clinically proven to be up to 5 times more beneficial than glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination.

I saw immediate results when I started using Joint Health Plus and that's why I reached out to Previnex to see if we could put together an offer for you guys.

If you're suffering from joint pain or simply want to get a jump start on protecting your joint health as you get older, head to runnersconnect.net/joint and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order.

UCAN

If you're looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN.

Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels. 

By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run.

All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance.

Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT

 

Unlocking Your Running Potential Through Metabolic Profiling27 Sep 202300:58:10

In this episode of Run To The Top, MetPro Founder and Transformation Specialist Angelo Poli returns to talk about:

  • the importance of metabolic profiling for runners
  • why we all respond differently to diet and exercise
  • the reasoning behind compatibility profiles for working with a nutrition coach
  • baseline nutritional testing to understand why our bodies handle certain meal prepping and meal plans better than alternatives
  • what it means to have metabolic leverage and more. 

If you've ever been curious about working with a program like the ones MetPro offers or working with a Nutrition Coach for reasons similar to why you might work with a Running Coach, or you just want to learn more about the relationship between metabolism and running performance, this episode is for you!

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

NuNee

Don't let runner's knee keep you from your final weeks of training or your big race. An innovative new product called NuNee has been clinically proven to deliver immediate relief from runner's knee. 

Head to runnersconnect.net/nunee to learn more and receive your 20% discount at checkout.

Timeline

Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. 

Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

AG1

One scoop of AG1 contains 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals and whole food-sourced ingredients, including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, greens superfood blend and more.

If you want to try them out and get a special bonus of 5 travel packs and a year's supply of vitamin D, head to athleticgreens.com/rttt.

Underrated or Overrated: Racing Edition22 Sep 202300:45:12

Runners can get pretty competitive when it comes to race day, so it's no surprise that many runners also tend to have strong opinions about what helps to race faster. Today's show is bringing back a familiar format with another edition of underrated or overrated; this time focusing on racing topics.

If you're new to this format, our panel will be given a series of popular topics and tell you why they think each one is either overhyped or why you should be focusing on it if your goal is to progress as a runner. 

Today's Underrated or Overrated episode continues with the September focus on racing, covering why many popular racing topics are either underrated or overrated.

We'll be going over popular racing-themed running topics ranging from gear to beer, so keep listening to learn more.

Just to give you a taste of what's to come, a few topics we'll cover include:

  • Do you need a high-tech GPS watch to race well?
  • Is a negative split the best racing strategy?
  • Is there any better way to celebrate finishing a race than with the post-race beer
  • And tons more fun and informative topics!

So let's get into it, with underrated or overrated racing edition!

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Nutrisense

Nutrisense is a small device that you put on the back of your arm that then provides real time feedback on how your body responds to the foods that you're eating, your exercise, stress and even your sleep.   

With Nutrisense you're not shooting in the dark. Nutrisense helps you track your data, understand your glucose trends, and see your macronutrient breakdown for each meal. The app also gives you an overall score for each meal based on your body's response.

Honestly, I recommend everyone try Nutrisense. When you use it for a month it will open your eyes in profound ways to how your food, your exercise, everything you are doing is affecting you.  

You can get all of this today. Nutrisense has a special offer for our listeners. Go to Nutrisense.com/rttp and use code RTTP to save $30 off your first month plus get a free month of nutritionist support.   

Be sure to tell them you learned about Nutrisense on the Run To The Top podcast. 

Visit Nutrisense.com/RTTP and use the code RTTP to start decoding your body's messages, and pave the way for a healthier life!

ARMRA

If you're looking for the best way to strengthen your immune system and improve recovery during your taper or as the seasons change, you need to check out ARMRA Colostrum. 

ARMRA Colostrum is a superfood concentrate of bovine colostrum that harnesses over 400 living, bioactive nutrients that rebuild the barriers of your body and fuel cellular health

In fact, Colostrum has been shown in scientific literature to strengthen immunity, enhance nutrient absorption, improve fitness endurance and decrease recovery time. 

The literature speaks for itself and adding ARMRA has one of the best additions to my post-workout nutrition. 

You can check out all the research for yourself at tryarmra.com/RTTT. Plus, to make it easier for you to personal experience the benefits, we've worked out a deal where you can save 15% off your first order. 

Just head to tryarmra.com/RTTT to see the research yourself and get 15% off your first order.

Exploring the Latest Research in Fueling Strategies for Endurance Athletes20 Sep 202301:13:59


There's always a lot of interesting research being done in the field of exercise physiology. 

Here to translate some of the takeaways from the latest research specifically around energy expenditure and fueling strategies for endurance athletes is Patrick Davitt, a Professor of Exercise Physiology at Saint Joseph's University who specializes in energy metabolism and fitness testing with various populations, from sedentary individuals to elite professional athletes. 

Specifically, we discuss: 

  • what it means to be metabolically flexible and the benefits of this flexibility in a running context
  • takeaways from research on the low-carb/ketogenic dieting process for various types of runners
  • fueling with different carbohydrate beverages
  • the impact of pack weight and fatigue on energy expenditure and perception of effort/cognition in endurance athletes in running and hiking settings
  • the metabolic and physiological impacts of varied macronutrient combinations,

Not only is Professor Davitt passionate about his research, but he's also an avid runner himself having most recently completed the Eastern States 100 Miler in 2021 and brings a lot of excitement about the community to this conversation as well. Let's get into it!

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers. 

Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to…

  • Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise
  • Reduce inflammation 
  • Significantly improve sleep quality
  • Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training.

When you're looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium. 

Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it's made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough.

For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop  and use the code run10 and you'll save an additional 10% on any purchase. 

LMNT

Hydration and electrolytes are something we all seem to focus on for the summer, but start forgetting about once the fall weather starts to creep in.

However, maintaining electrolyte levels as the temps change and as you gear up for your big fall races is critical to your performance.

Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will help you maximize performance during your final big long runs and workouts, plus they aid in recovery so you can maximize the rebuilding process.

That's why we recommend all runners check out Element this fall. 

It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial.

Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. 

To get this special offer and make sure you're hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

How to run a personal best at any distance15 Sep 202301:05:08

Racing season is here and if you've been training hard for your next goal race in the fall, it's time to focus on translating that fitness into race day success, whatever that means for you. 

Today's show is all about how to PR at any distance. We're going to be giving you our best advice to make sure you get the best results possible come race day. There are a lot of factors that can influence your race results but we'll do our best to cover the biggest things you can control to maximize your chances at success over almost any distance. So whether you're training for a track 5k or a hilly ultra marathon, we've got you covered with expert tips from our coaching team at Runnersconnect!

Today's racing topics include:

  • How to taper for your goal race
  • Fueling and hydration strategies for different distances
  • How to deal with tough weather conditions and hilly courses
  • And everything else you need to perform your best!

Race day is fast approaching so let's get into it, with tips to PR at any distance!

Heat adjustment calculator: Temperature Calculator - Runners Connect

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Nutrisense

Nutrisense is a small device that you put on the back of your arm that then provides real time feedback on how your body responds to the foods that you're eating, your exercise, stress and even your sleep.   

With Nutrisense you're not shooting in the dark. Nutrisense helps you track your data, understand your glucose trends, and see your macronutrient breakdown for each meal. The app also gives you an overall score for each meal based on your body's response.

Honestly, I recommend everyone try Nutrisense. When you use it for a month it will open your eyes in profound ways to how your food, your exercise, everything you are doing is affecting you.  

You can get all of this today. Nutrisense has a special offer for our listeners. Go to Nutrisense.com/rttp and use code RTTP to save $30 off your first month plus get a free month of nutritionist support.   

Be sure to tell them you learned about Nutrisense on the Run To The Top podcast. 

Visit Nutrisense.com/RTTP and use the code RTTP to start decoding your body's messages, and pave the way for a healthier life!

UCAN

If you're looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN.

Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels. 

By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run.

All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance.

Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT

 

How To Run Into Your 80s and 90s13 Sep 202300:54:04

One of the universal interests of this audience, of course, is how we can stay injury-free longer, recover faster and stronger if and when we do get injured, and generally increase our health spans such that we can participate in and enjoy running for as long as possible. 

That's what today's episode is all about. Joining Run To The Top is Dr. Kevin Stone, who's new book "Play Forever" details a revolutionary approach to sports medicine that will put listeners in a position to thrive in our sport well into their 80s, 90s, and beyond. 

Specifically, we examine:

  • Why some people in their 80s and 90s remain competitive athletes while others struggle to walk up the stairs
  • How the musculoskeletal system can be repaired through certain cutting-edge therapies
  • Additional strategies for ow to come back from an injury to your sport better - fitter, faster, and stronger than before 
  • Case studies of athletes that illustrate outcomes from following all the latest research here

Play Forever: How to Recover From Injury and Thrive

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers. 

Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to…

  • Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise
  • Reduce inflammation 
  • Significantly improve sleep quality
  • Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training.

When you're looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium. 

Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it's made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough.

For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top  listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop  and use the code run10 and you'll save an additional 10% on any purchase. 

TIMELINE

Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better. 

Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria. 

Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle.

Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. 

Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

AG 1

Ask yourself - do you get enough green veggies each day?

I'll admit, I don't. It's tough to fit all of those greens in with an active and busy lifestyle.
But getting in your fruits + veggies is SO crucial as a distance runner for recovery, digestion, and optimal performance.

That's where Athletic Greens is a gamechanger. One scoop has 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, green superfood blend, and more.

That means fewer stomach issues, more focus and energy throughout the day (because the workday matters just as much as the morning run), and overall ... just feeling healthier.

Look, if you're struggling to get those fruits + veggies in - or if you keep buying them but they always go bad in the fridge - Athletic Greens will make getting those micronutrients simple and delicious.

Get 5 BONUS travel packs and a year's supply of Vitamin D when you order at drinkag1.com/RTTT. Get yours now!

How to find your perfect shoe for race day08 Sep 202300:54:17

Over the past few years we've seen massive changes in shoe technology with the growth of carbon-plated "supershoes" designed specifically to make you faster.

But, are super shoes worth it for you and, if so, which ones are the best for you? 

In today's show, Coach Hayley and Coach Alex are going to discuss how you can find the perfect pair of racing shoes to meet your specific goals and running style. We'll cover…

  • What should you look for in a race-day shoe?
  • To super shoe or not to super shoe and your other options
  • Do you need a separate pair of shoes for racing?
  • Some of our coaches' personal favorite shoes
  • And so much more!

If you have lofty racing goals you're going to want the best shoes to maximize performance, so let's get into it with a discussion on how to find your next perfect shoes for race day!

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Qualia Mind from NeuroHacker

Tired of Morning Fatigue After Your Workouts?

Qualia Mind is a natural neurotropic designed to improve daily mental performance, especially if you're a morning runner and struggle to focus at work after runs.

I noticed the difference in just days...to my focus, my mood, my memory and my willpower to GET. THINGS. DONE, especially on those days when morning training really has me feeling unmotivated.

Go to neurohacker.com/RTTT for $100 OFF, and use code RTTT for an extra 15% off 

Dri Seats

If you're tired of sweaty, smelly and stained seats after your runs then you have to check out the car seat covers made specifically for runners from driseats.

DriSeats waterproof seat covers are designed specifically for runners. Unlike towels, they are 100% waterproof and easily fit over your entire seat so you don't have any missed spots.

Plus, they are super easy to slide over your seat so it's ready in seconds and they are machine washable so they are easy to clean and be ready for your next run.

You can head to driseats.com and use code RC20 to get 20% off first order

Handling Anxiety on Race Day06 Sep 202300:33:13

Today we're talking with Dr. Simon Marshall, one of the leading experts when it comes psychology of exercise, about how to manage the anxiety and psychological stress well all face during races

These mental stresses can drastically impact our performance and, maybe even more importantly, sometimes make the act of racing itself so stressful that it stops becoming fun.

In today's episode, you'll learn the exact strategies you can put into practice today to overcome mental fatigue and stress during racing.

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers. 

Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to…

  • Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise
  • Reduce inflammation 
  • Significantly improve sleep quality
  • Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training.

When you're looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium. 

Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it's made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough.

For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top  listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop  and use the code run10 and you'll save an additional 10% on any purchase. 

LMNT 

Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery. 

That's why we recommend all runners check out Element this summer. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial.

Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.  

To get this special offer and make sure you're hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

Behind the Scenes at the Boston Marathon with Lauren Proshan, BAA Director of Operations & Production02 Apr 202501:06:26

Today, we're getting a behind the scenes look into the most iconic event on the marathon racing calendar: the Boston Marathon.

Lauren Proshan is the Chief of Race Operations & Production for the Boston Athletics Association (BAA) and joins us on the show to help answer questions including:

  • How many staff and volunteers it takes to put on a race for 30,000+ runners
  • Why the race starts later in the morning than most marathons
  • How to get to the startline on race day
  • How to avoid lines at the expo
  • Where to find places to go to the bathroom on race day
  • How to prepare for the unpredictable weather conditions in Boston
  • What else you can do to prepare for the Boston Marathon weekend

We're getting the inside scoop on what it takes to organize the entire marathon weekend including Lauren's best tips to help you prepare to throw down in Beantown.

Boston Marathon Website

BAA Official App

Boston Marathon Training Guide from Runners Connect

 

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Qualia Senolytic

As a masters runner, I am always on the lookout to prevent (or at least slow down) many of the common performance declines that happen with age.

Qualia Senolytic is designed to selectively target and eliminate damaged or dysfunctional cells in the body, which are called senescent cells. 

By removing these cells, senolytics aim to rejuvenate tissues, reduce inflammation, and reverse some aspects of aging. 

Early research has shown senolytics can… 

  • Lead to a reduction in systemic inflammation
  • Improve vascular function by reducing senescent cell burden in the arteries.
  • Enhance muscle regeneration while also increasing exercise capacity and decreasing recovery time
  • Lead to significant improvements in joint health

Ready to resist aging at the cellular level? Try Qualia Senolytic and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% off any purchase.

Pique

We've done quite a few podcast episodes on the performance benefits of caffeine.

But, if you're like many runners I know, pre-run coffee often leaves you with jitters or stomach issues.

That's why I was so excited when I found Nandaka by Pique—the ultimate coffee alternative designed to power your runs, your training, and your recovery.

So, what makes Nandaka different?

Most so-called "coffee alternatives" don't actually provide functional energy. But Nandaka is built for endurance 

Unlike coffee, which spikes your energy and leaves you crashing mid-run, Nandaka fuels you with steady, sustained endurance—no spikes, no crashes, just clean energy that lasts. 

Nandaka provides its caffeine from fermented probiotic teas, which provide a slow-release caffeine that prevents jitters and gives you sustained release for those long runs workouts. 

It also contains cordyceps mushrooms, which help boost VO2 max, delivering more oxygen to your muscles for better endurance 

Plus, the probiotic teas mean no digestive distress like you often get with coffee. 

If you're tired of running on fumes—or worse, running on coffee crashes—it's time to make the switch. 

Right now, Pique is offering 20% off for life AND a free Starter Kit with your first purchase. 

Go to Piquelife.com/run and start running on real energy today. 

Your legs, your lungs, and your PRs will thank you

How to qualify for the Boston Marathon01 Sep 202300:42:04

The fall racing season is fast approaching but September is also the deadline to register for the Boston Marathon, so on today's show we're covering everything you need to get to the start line of the world's oldest annual marathon!

For many, this April race is seen as the pinnacle of marathon running due to its difficult qualifying standards and notoriously tough hills. It's also recognized as an Abbot World marathon major with over 25,000 competitors each year. Whether you're targeting a trip to Boston this Spring or just want to learn more about what it takes to get there we've got you covered!

In today's show, we'll walk you through the entire process of getting to that start line from qualification to registration and race logistics. These topics will include:

  • What time do you need to qualify based on your age and gender
  • Tips and last-minute races for hitting the qualifying times
  • Key qualifying and registration deadlines
  • What to expect when you get there and more!

Let's get into it!

BAA website for marathon registration: baa.org/races/boston-marathon
BQ qualifying standards: baa.org/races/boston-marathon/qualify
FindMyMarathon tool for selecting races: findmymarathon.com

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

UCAN

If you're looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN.

Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels. 

By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run.

All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance.

Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT

ARMRA

If you're looking for the best way to strengthen your immune system and improve recovery during your taper or as the seasons change, you need to check out ARMRA Colostrum. 

ARMRA Colostrum is a superfood concentrate of bovine colostrum that harnesses over 400 living, bioactive nutrients that rebuild the barriers of your body and fuel cellular health

In fact, Colostrum has been shown in scientific literature to strengthen immunity, enhance nutrient absorption, improve fitness endurance and decrease recovery time. 

The literature speaks for itself and adding ARMRA has one of the best additions to my post-workout nutrition. 

You can check out all the research for yourself at tryarmra.com/RTTT.  Plus, to make it easier for you to personal experience the benefits, we've worked out a deal where you can save 15% off your first order. 

Just head to tryarmra.com/RTTT to see the research yourself and get 15% off your first order.

How to Use Visualization for Better Racing30 Aug 202300:35:22

If you're already pushing your physical training boundaries, it's possible that adding visualization to your regimen can help you squeeze out that extra one or two percent on race day?

Well, it's well-documented that most of the top athletes and runners in the world believe it helps.

So, today we're going to be talking about all things visualization with one of the premier experts in the world, Dr. Jerry Lynch.

Dr. Lynch received his doctorate in psychology from Penn State University, and has done extensive post-doctoral work in the area of philosophy, comparative religions, leadership development and performance enhancement. 

He is the author of twelve books that focus on coaching, leadership, spirituality of sport, warrior spirit, peak performance, and sports psychology.

If you've got a race coming up this fall, you'll love the practical tips you can use to better utilize visualization and take your mental game to the next level.

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

AG 1

Ask yourself - do you get enough green veggies each day?

I'll admit, I don't. It's tough to fit all of those greens in with an active and busy lifestyle.
But getting in your fruits + veggies is SO crucial as a distance runner for recovery, digestion, and optimal performance.

That's where Athletic Greens is a gamechanger. One scoop has 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, green superfood blend, and more.

That means fewer stomach issues, more focus and energy throughout the day (because the workday matters just as much as the morning run), and overall ... just feeling healthier.

Look, if you're struggling to get those fruits + veggies in - or if you keep buying them but they always go bad in the fridge - Athletic Greens will make getting those micronutrients simple and delicious.

Get 5 BONUS travel packs and a year's supply of Vitamin D when you order at athleticgreens.com/rttt. Get yours now!

TIMELINE

Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better. 

Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria. 

Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle.

Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. 

Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

The best workouts to crush your training goals25 Aug 202301:05:56

Nailing your workouts is key to a successful training block but it can be hard to know which workouts are most effective for your specific running goals. If you want to know when and why to run different types of workouts leading up to your next goal race you'll want to keep listening!

On today's show, our team takes a deep dive on the benefits of some common workouts including specific examples of how they can fit in your training plan. This way, you'll know exactly what training you need to take your running to the next level.

During this conversation, we'll cover workout topics including:

  • The most important workout types for runners with specific examples
  • What unique training benefits you can expect from each workout
  • When to schedule different types of runs into your training
  • And everything else you need to get the most out of your workouts

We work hard to progress as runners so let's get into it with advice for getting the most out of those tough workouts.

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

UCAN

If you're looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN.

Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels. 

By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run.

All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance.

Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT

Dri Seats

If you're tired of sweaty, smelly and stained seats after your runs then you have to check out the car seat covers made specifically for runners from driseats.

DriSeats waterproof seat covers are designed specifically for runners. Unlike towels, they are 100% waterproof and easily fit over your entire seat so you don't have any missed spots.

Plus, they are super easy to slide over your seat so it's ready in seconds and they are machine washable so they are easy to clean and be ready for your next run.

You can head to driseats.com and use code RC20 to get 20% off first order

Is this the "optimal" diet and supplement strategy for runners?23 Aug 202301:02:25

Is there an optimal diet for runners? Are certain supplements more appropriate and effective for runners than others out there on the market? 

These are some of the bigger, intriguing questions that we runners face dialing in our nutrition strategies for training and racing.

Here today to break down and answers these questions head on is Richard Rosenfeld, a Distinguished Professor of Otolaryngology at the State University of NY in Brooklyn, with over 350 peer-reviewed medical publications, 8 years as editor-in-chief of a major medical journal, and board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine among other significant credentials.

Specifically, we address:

  • What is means to engage in "clean eating"
  • Differences, pros, and cons between various diets such as plant-based and low-carb, high fat
  • The pros and cons of regular animal versus plant-sourced protein intake
  • The benefits of certain supplements such as caffeine, creatine, and vitamin e 

There's a lot of practical value in this conversation. Let's get into it!

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

LMNT 

Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery. 

That's why we recommend all runners check out Element this summer. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial.

Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.  

To get this special offer and make sure you're hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers. 

Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to…

  • Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise
  • Reduce inflammation 
  • Significantly improve sleep quality
  • Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training.

When you're looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium. 

Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it's made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough.

For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top  listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop  and use the code run10 and you'll save an additional 10% on any purchase. 

Preventing injuries before they happen18 Aug 202301:05:32

If you're a runner, chances are you've dealt with some form of running injury or know somebody who has. 

Whether you have specific training goals or simply love the act of putting one foot in front of the other, it can be extremely frustrating to have your progress derailed by an injury. 

As frustrating as it may be, these setbacks are incredibly common with studies showing up to 65% of runners will experience some kind of injury in a given year. 

But how amazing would it be if you could prevent injuries before they happen and avoid the never-ending cycle of going from one injury to the next? 

That's exactly what we'll be exploring in today's episode as we dive into what you can do to build resilience against injury. We're once again bringing on our expert coaches, this time to help you stay healthy and injury-free.

During today's show you'll learn about:

  • Why injuries happen
  • strategies to reduce your chances of becoming injured
  • How to tell an injury from a niggle 
  • And how to safely get back into training if you do find yourself injured 

We all know consistency is key to meeting your running goals. So if you've ever found yourself injured or simply want to improve your chances of staying healthy, this is the episode for you! 

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

NuNee

Struggling with Runners Knee? NuNee is an innovative new product designed specifically to treat Runner's Knee. In fact, independent clinical research has shown that NuNee helped 9 of 10 runners start running again, immediately, without knee pain.

Unlike other knee sleeves and supports that use compression, NuNee's unique design relieves the pressure on your patella (knee cap), which provides immediate relief and aids your recovery.

To learn more head to runnersconnect.net/NuNee. And to make it easy, the discount code RTTT50 will automatically be applied so you'll save 50%. Even better, they offer a full money-back guarantee if you don't experience immediate relief.

Winter Running Retreat

Spots are filling up fast for our winter running retreat in Orlando, Florida February 1st through the 4th. 

It's an awesome opportunity to get out of the cold for those that train in the northeast or midwest and the perfect training jumpstart for your big spring races like Boston, London and more.

Plus, this year will be extra special because our retreat will coincide with the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials being held in Orlando!

To see all the accommodations, prices, photos, schedule and all other details, head to runnersconnect.net/winter.

Overcoming Lack of Motivation in Training: With Mackenzie Havey16 Aug 202300:27:23

While we all start each training cycle rearing to go and extremely motivated for whatever training and life throws our way, the reality is we will all go through periods during training where we're just not motivated.

As an example, I know with some of the record heat this summer, it's just plain exhausting to always be battling even when you get your runs in before the sun is up.

There's no shortage of reasons we go through stints in our training when we just don't feel motivated to get out the door.

So, on today's show we're talking with author Mackenzie Havey. Mackenzie published an awesome book called "Mindful Running" so today we're going to learn from her…

  • How to overcome lack of motivation
  • Tips and tactics to relieve anxiety about performance
  • And the best ways to dispel negative thinking during training and racing

We're going to get in-depth about all these issues and the simple things you can implement in your daily training to conquer them.

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers. 

Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to…

  • Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise
  • Reduce inflammation 
  • Significantly improve sleep quality
  • Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training.

When you're looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium. 

Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it's made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough.

For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop  and use the code run10 and you'll save an additional 10% on any purchase. 

TIMELINE

Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better. 

Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria. 

Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle.

Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. 

Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

AG 1

Ask yourself - do you get enough green veggies each day?

I'll admit, I don't. It's tough to fit all of those greens in with an active and busy lifestyle.
But getting in your fruits + veggies is SO crucial as a distance runner for recovery, digestion, and optimal performance.

That's where Athletic Greens is a gamechanger. One scoop has 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, green superfood blend, and more.

That means fewer stomach issues, more focus and energy throughout the day (because the workday matters just as much as the morning run), and overall ... just feeling healthier.

Look, if you're struggling to get those fruits + veggies in - or if you keep buying them but they always go bad in the fridge - Athletic Greens will make getting those micronutrients simple and delicious.

Get 5 BONUS travel packs and a year's supply of Vitamin D when you order at athleticgreens.com/rttt. Get yours now!

Myth-busting commonly held running beliefs11 Aug 202300:57:13

It's not uncommon to hear conflicting information when it comes to training, nutrition, shoes and more. 

There's often a lot of misleading claims and it can be hard to tell what's right and what might not be.

So, in today's show, we'll go over some common beliefs in the running world to help sort out which have merit when it comes to your training. 

We're calling it truth vs myth and we'll be using the latest research and science to help you make sense of what's accurate and what's not.

To make this distinction we're once again turning to our expert group of RC coaches who will cover topics including:

  • Does more mileage make you a faster runner?
  • Can super shoes really increase efficiency?
  • Do you need to stretch before your runs?
  • Is it possible that smiling can increase running performance?
  • And many more popular claims

For tips on an effective pre-run warmup check out our RC article on Proper dynamic stretching routine for runners.

Video demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6rWCPZNHxQ

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

NuNee

Struggling with Runners Knee? NuNee is an innovative new product designed specifically to treat Runner's Knee. In fact, independent clinical research has shown that NuNee helped 9 of 10 runners start running again, immediately, without knee pain.

Unlike other knee sleeves and supports that use compression, NuNee's unique design relieves the pressure on your patella (knee cap), which provides immediate relief and aids your recovery.

To learn more head to runnersconnect.net/NuNee. And to make it easy, the discount code RTTT50 will automatically be applied so you'll save 50%. Even better, they offer a full money-back guarantee if you don't experience immediate relief.

Dri Seats

If you're tired of sweaty, smelly and stained seats after your runs then you have to check out the car seat covers made specifically for runners from driseats.

DriSeats waterproof seat covers are designed specifically for runners. Unlike towels, they are 100% waterproof and easily fit over your entire seat so you don't have any missed spots.

Plus, they are super easy to slide over your seat so it's ready in seconds and they are machine washable so they are easy to clean and be ready for your next run.

You can head to driseats.com and use code RC20 to get 20% off first order

Fixing Runner's Knee: Everything You Need To Know09 Aug 202300:55:29

One of the most common setbacks in the running sphere is the onset of runner's knee. Perhaps, it's affected you at various points in the past, you're currently suffering from it at this moment, or you're worried that such an injury is right around the corner.

Do not worry! Joining us on the podcast today is Ben Shatto, a licensed Physical Therapist committed to helping proactive runners of all ages to understand how to safely self-treat and manage common musculoskeletal, neurological, and mobility related conditions in a timely manner so they can reach their optimal health.  

In this conversation dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and proactive avoidance of runner's knee, we discuss:

  • the common symptoms of runner's knee and how it's differentiated from other knee injuries
  • specific risk factors that make certain athlete prone to developing this condition
  • whether there are scenarios where you can continue training through runner's knee
  • specific exercises that can strengthen and stabilize the knee area to aid in recovery
  • the most effective treatment options for this condition 
  • the typical recovery timeline for runner's knee

And more! Listen to this episode to get the low down on runner's knee, what causes it, how it can be treated, and what you can do in training and lifestyle to reduce your risk for this injury and stay consistent with your running.

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

LMNT 

Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery. 

That's why we recommend all runners check out Element this summer. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial.

Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.  

To get this special offer and make sure you're hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers. 

Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to…

  • Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise
  • Reduce inflammation 
  • Significantly improve sleep quality
  • Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training.

When you're looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium. 

Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it's made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough.

For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop  and use the code run10 and you'll save an additional 10% on any purchase. 

 

You went to a running camp!? What the heck is that??04 Aug 202300:21:43

Have you heard about our in-person running retreats, but can't fit the travel, time off or budget to make it happen? Have been curious about going, but not sure exactly what they are or if it's a good fit for you?

Well, in today's podcast episode, Coach Jeff is going to detail his latest trip to Flagstaff, Arizona so you can get an inside look at what it's really like. Plus, he's going to discuss some of the lessons he personally took from the retreat.

You'll learn…

  • Why you shouldn't be afraid of altitude (and how to conquer it)
  • How to get over your fear of being slow or not "good enough"
  • Why lifting heavy is essential for Masters runners (even though most are scared of it)
  • Plus, more little lessons he learned throughout the long weekend.

This is really a unique inside look at our retreats and while I know most of you won't be able to attend one of our retreats, we're still eager to help you learn and get value from everything we do.

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

UCAN
If you're looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN.

Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels. 

By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run.

All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance.

Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT

Heal from the Amino Company

Heal from the Amino Company. Heal is an amino acid, whey and creatine based formulation designed to reduce recovery times and improve physical function after injuries by accelerating muscle repair while helping maintain a healthy inflammatory response. Check out the research here: aminoco.com/rttt

If you're looking for a nutritional advantage when it comes to recovering from your running injury or your daily training I recommend you give Heal a try.

If you're interested in learning  more and giving Heal a try, we've got a special offer for you where you can save 30% by using the code RC30. Just head to: aminoco.com/rttt and use the code RC30 at checkout to save 30%

Metabolic Efficiency Training: Is it the secret to burning fat as a fuel source more efficiently02 Aug 202300:44:49

If you've been a RunnersConnect fan for long enough, you know one of the main principles we believe in when it comes to marathon training is improving your body's ability to burn fat as a fuel source while running, especially while at marathon pace.

So, how exactly do we do this and what does some of the latest research say?

The research in question revolves around the two concepts of Nutrition Periodization and Metabolic Efficiency Training. Together they increase the body's ability to use fat as fuel during exercise and thus optimize both body composition and performance. 

Joining us in this episode is Bob Seebohar, the creator of these two concepts. He's going to help you learn…

  • What these two concepts are and why they are so critical to your running performance.
  • How to utilize them during your training and taper
  • And how tweak these concepts to improve body composition, and reduce GI issues

If you're racing a fall half or full, this is a must listen!

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Qualia Mind from NeuroHacker

Tired of Morning Fatigue After Your Workouts?

Qualia Mind is a natural neurotropic designed to improve daily mental performance, especially if you're a morning runner and struggle to focus at work after runs.

I noticed the difference in just days...to my focus, my mood, my memory and my willpower to GET. THINGS. DONE, especially on those days when morning training really has me feeling unmotivated. 

Go to neurohacker.com/RTTT for $100 OFF, and use code RTTT for an extra 15% off 

TIMELINE

Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better. 

Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria. 

Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle.

Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. 

Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

 

How to Master Running with Matt Fitzgerald26 Mar 202501:02:42

Matt Fitzgerald is the author of well-known books like 80/20 endurance and in his most recent book titled "Chasing Mastery", he provides 25 lessons to reach your full athletic potential.

During the episode, we discussed topics including:

  • What it means to achieve mastery of your sport
  • What are the habits of elite athletes that succeed in reaching their full potential
  • Why keeping your training fun and hard is key to staying motivated
  • How to top athletes succeed using very different training strategies
  • Why personal character matters when it comes to improving as an athlete
  • What Matt's personal pursuit of mastery has looked like as a non-elite runner and author

Matt makes it clear that mastering running has nothing to do with talent. Instead, he shows how anyone can become your best self as a person and athlete.

Chasing Mastery book purchase: https://8020books.com/product/chasing-mastery/

80/20 endurance coaching and training resources: https://www.8020endurance.com/8020-endurance-books-best-training-resources/

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

Lagoon

Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery.

Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more.

And the data on sleep improvement isn't only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.  

If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top

Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that's perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you'll also save 15% off your purchase. 

MAS Iron

Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races. 

Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance.

The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize.

In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed.

But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance.

By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market.

In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%.

Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.

Underrated vs Overrated: Nutrition Edition | Part 228 Jul 202300:52:16

Last week, our coaches Andie and Michael walked us through how runners should be thinking about using protein supplements and which of some commonly taken vitamins are beneficial for runners. If you have not already listened to that episode, you can find part 1 of our underrated vs overrated nutrition edition, released July 21st, on whatever platform you like to listen to your podcasts. There were a lot of great insights in that show and I highly recommend you give it a listen.

This week, Andie and Michael are back to finish off this conversation on underrated vs. overrated with topics including:

  • Can your morning cup of coffee improve running performance?
  • Do you need to take gels for your longer races?
  • Are fasted runs beneficial to your performance?
  • And so much more!

Let's get into it!

Timestamps:

  • Beetroot juice: 2:56
  • Beta-alanine: 8:10
  • Caffeine: 12:41
  • Gels & hydration mixes: 19:02
  • Fasted runs: 25:34
  • Carb loading: 33:23
  • Keto: 37:53
  • Final thoughts: 46:50 
Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

UCAN

If you're looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN.

Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels. 

By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run.

All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance.

Head to https://runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT

DriSeats

If you're tired of sweaty, smelly and stained seats after your runs then you have to check out the car seat covers made specifically for runners from driseats.

DriSeats waterproof seat covers are designed specifically for runners. Unlike towels, they are 100% waterproof and easily fit over your entire seat so you don't have any missed spots.

Plus, they are super easy to slide over your seat so it's ready in seconds and they are machine washable so they are easy to clean and be ready for your next run.

You can head to driseats.com and use code RC20 to get 20% off first order

Becoming A Sustainable Runner26 Jul 202300:56:18

Improving your mind, your body, and the impact your have on the running community and the greater environment around you - these are the topics of conversation in today's episode with Tina Muir and Zoe Rom.

Their upcoming book - Becoming A Sustainable Runner - serves as a practical guide for runners of all abilities and backgrounds who want to better support their own endurance journey, and extend those lessons into meaningful environmental action.

Specifically, we discuss:

  • strategies to strive toward ambitious running goals while fostering a healthy sense of self-worth
  • the spectrum between self-sabotage and self-acceptance in running and the ways to land in the camp of self-acceptance more frequently throughout our running careers?
  • accepting who you are while still entertaining ambitions for growth
  • the major takeaways they've discovered around reducing injury risk, strength training, and eating appropriately to be your best running self
  • their philosophy around imperfect environment activism
  • practical strategies for reducing our overall consumption and adopting a more sustainable lifestyle in the running community

Let's get into it!

Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

LMNT 

Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery. 

That's why we recommend all runners check out Element this summer. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial.

Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.  

To get this special offer and make sure you're hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers. 

Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to…

  • Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise
  • Reduce inflammation 
  • Significantly improve sleep quality
  • Improve aerobic exercise capacity when training.

When you're looking for a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is organic and has all 7 unique forms of magnesium. 

Our recommendation is Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers because it's made with the highest quality, organic magnesium and contains all 7 critical forms. Most other magnesium supplements are synthetic and only contain one or two forms of magnesium, which is simply not enough.

For an exclusive offer for Run to the Top  listeners go to magbreakthrough.com/runtothetop  and use the code run10 and you'll save an additional 10% on any purchase. 

Underrated vs Overrated: Nutrition Edition | Part 121 Jul 202300:56:03

When it comes to running performance, there are way too many variables to count and this can lead to some pretty strong opinions about what strategies work and which are a waste of your time. 

In today's show, we'll be tackling several controversial running topics and getting our expert coaches to weigh in on which are overrated or underrated. 

In this new format, our panel will be given a series of popular topics and tell you why they think each one is either overhyped or why you should be focusing on it if your goal is to progress as a runner. 

Today's discussion on overrated & underrated running topics will focus on fueling & nutrition. 

We'll be going over many nutrient types, training supplements, and fueling strategies so you know what to focus on for nailing down your personal nutrition. 

To help us make those tough decisions we've brought you two of our expert coaches, Andie and Michael, who will be on our panel for the day. 

In this episode you'll learn:

  • Do you need protein supplements as a runner and what are the best ways to meet your protein needs
  • Which vitamins matter most to runners
  • Are there nutritional products with performance-enhancing effects
  • Should you be following any specific types of diet
  • And we'll hear from our coaches on what you should be focusing on to get the most out of your training nutrition

We all need to eat so if you've ever wondered how your fueling can improve running performance this is the episode for you.

Let's get into it!

Timestamps:

  • Protein powder: 3:54
  • Protein snack: 10:53
  • Collagen: 16:08
  • Fish oil and omegas: 22:17
  • Vitamin D: 25:20
  • Multivatimins: 35:01
  • Iron: 40:04
Connect, Comment, Community

This week's show brought to you by:

NuNee

Struggling with Runners Knee? NuNee is an innovative new product designed specifically to treat Runner's Knee. In fact, independent clinical research has shown that NuNee helped 9 of 10 runners start running again, immediately, without knee pain.

Unlike other knee sleeves and supports that use compression, NuNee's unique design relieves the pressure on your patella (knee cap), which provides immediate relief and aids your recovery.

To learn more head to runnersconnect.net/NuNee. And to make it easy, the discount code RTTT50 will automatically be applied so you'll save 50%. Even better, they offer a full money-back guarantee if you don't experience immediate relief.

Perform from the Amino Company

Perform is an amino acid based formulation that I simply add to my water bottle during my run. It tastes great and is easy on my stomach.

Clinical studies have shown that Perform helps improve endurance, reduce fatigue, and increases muscle protein synthesis so you recover faster after the run. Check out the research here: https://aminoco.com/rttt

If you're interested in learning  more and giving Perform a try, we've got a special offer for you where you can save 30% by using the code RC30. Just head to: aminoco.com/rttt and use the code RC30 at checkout to save 30%

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