Road vs. Trails: Debating which Sport has the Better Athletes
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 • Duration 01:10:17
Running has the power to create a strong sense of community, but when it comes to road running and trail running they have very little in common aside from putting one foot in front of the other. These sports require different skills and come with their own set of challenges. This is part of what makes them so much fun. While we love both of these sports, we thought it would be fun to debate who are the better athletes: road runners or trail runners?
You typically need more all-out speed to excel on the roads and it takes some time to callus your legs to the impact of racing on hard pavement. This doesn’t mean it’s any easier than trail running though, which takes a lot of agility navigating different terrains and precision to fuel for more time on your feet. There’s no easy way to answer who are the better athletes so RC coach Hayley Munn joins the show to help settle this question.
We can’t promise we’ll follow any formal debate rules but we can promise a fun conversation that will including topics like:
What skills separate road runners from trail runners?
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
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
Race Day Simulation: How and Why to Mimic the Conditions of your Race in Training
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 • Duration 01:08:35
If you’re preparing for a fall marathon or other endurance race, then now is the perfect time to start practicing your race day. As the temperatures cool and you hit your peak training, the fatigue in your legs will help to simulate the feeling of racing without actually running the full race distance. It’s super important to mimic the conditions of your goal event to prepare for the challenges of race day. This can help with building confidence because you’ll know you’re ready for the big day or you’ll know what you still need to work on. There’s a lot of variables to consider, so we’re doing our best to cover them all.
Everything from how fast you start your race to what time you want to wake up can be practiced ahead of time and you’ll likely feel better prepared if you do. Coach Andie has years of experience helping athletes conquer races of all kinds and joins the show to share how you can feel as prepared as possible. During the show we’ll cover everything you need to simulate your race including:
How practicing your race conditions can improve performance?
How much of your training should be done at goal race pace?
Do you need to practice the time you plan to wake up for your race?
How can you simulate your fueling without aid stations?
How much should you train with the shoes you plan to race in ahead of time?
Even if you’ve been running for years, every race brings different challenges that you can prepare for. We know race day is fast approaching, so let’s get into what you can do to prepare for race day.
The RC Team Previews the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials
Friday, June 21, 2024 • Duration 01:16:42
The U.S. Olympic Team Trials brings together the best American track athletes to compete for national titles and a spot on the Olympic team. The RC team is here to preview every track event at this meet including how to watch it and some of the top storylines, along with our predictions.
This is another panel-style chat where we won’t be holding back on the bold predictions or controversial opinions. If you’re looking forward to the summer olympics this is the perfect opportunity to get the inside scoop on the American team. We’ll highlight everything you need to know including:
How athletes can qualify for the summer olympics in Paris
Scheduling for key track races and how to watch them
How to Fit Strength Training Together with Running to Improve your Performance
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 • Duration 55:08
Most runners know that doing at least some strength training is beneficial but figuring out how to fit this into a training schedule can be difficult. On today’s show, coach Andie joins us to cover the “how” and “why” of fitting strength work into your training schedule so you can get all of the performance benefits without feeling like you’re compromising your runs.
We get that most of you listening love to run and probably spend a lot of time getting in your easy runs and workouts. That’s why we’re focusing on strength work as a complement to run training and not something you need to choose between. In fact, proper strengthening can dramatically lower your risk of injury to help you run longer and healthier. Nailing the timing and frequency of these workouts will help you progress in the sport even without changes to your running. You also don’t need to spend a lot of time to see these benefits. The key though, is doing the right kind of training for your running goals.
During the show, we’ll help you find this perfect balance between strength work and running with topics such as:
The benefits incorporating regular strength training into your routine
The muscle groups and exercises that are most important for long-distance running
Determining the right timing and frequency of strength training for your goals
Whether it’s better to strength train before or after running
How to adjust your strength work as you get closer to goal races
It can be such a challenge to strike this perfect balance and I’m excited to share this conversation with you on how to fit strength work together with your running.
You’ve probably heard of the classic game “Would you rather” but we’re giving it a running-themed twist by focusing on topics related to the marathon. There’s a lot that can happen throughout a marathon and you’ll hear our thoughts on many of them from race day struggles to performance breakthroughs.
This is a fun and lighthearted conversation about training topics experienced runners will be familiar with themselves. Some of the questions we’ll ask include:
Would you rather…
Win a race or PR
Deal with chafing or cramping
Never get injured or always fuel your run perfectly
Underfuel or manage GI problems the whole race
We’d rather you enjoy hearing this episode so let’s get into it!
Athlete shout-outs:
Joel Mendez: For setting a HS record in the mile
Rob Watson: For running lifetime PRs in his 50s in the 5k, 8k, ½ Marathon, and Marathon
Leslie Pacini: For consistent training over years while balancing a tough and unpredictable work schedule
Nicholas Florio: For finally breaking the sub-4 mark in the marathon
Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro’s team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.
Finding Community in Running with Founder of A Running List Lauren Mantha
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 • Duration 41:41
Lauren Mantha is a local Toronto runner who created a simple solution to a common problem with her website, A Running List. What started as an Instagram post about the running clubs in her area has transformed into a full website mapping out running communities globally and their meeting times. Her mission is to make the sport more accessible to everyone by making this information more accessible.
Lauren only started running in 2023 to raise money for children’s hospitals but flash forward one year and her website has been featured in the Canadian Running News and helped many runners discover new running communities. Lauren sat down with us to discuss her journey in creating this website including topics such as:
Why running clubs are an important part of the running community
How an Instagram post about running clubs became a mapping tool for running clubs across the globe
How A Running List is helping to make running clubs more accessible
How runners can find running communities that suit them best
How to make joining a new running club less daunting
Lauren has a really cool story to share about A Running List. She is every bit as passionate about helping others as she is about running so I’m excited to share that story with you.
May RC Spotlight - How an “Average Runner” Can do Extraordinary Things with Hein Mynhardt
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 • Duration 01:02:35
Hein Mynhardt might consider himself an average runner, but his love for running is anything but ordinary. He joined us as this month’s feature athlete to share how running is about more than race results and how he’s maximizing fun with his running while still getting better in the sport.
Hein loves traveling and after finishing the Boston Marathon this year, he has races planned across the globe. He’s a fellow Canadian so I loved getting his thoughts on what he loves about training there and why it can be so great to get away on occasion. It can be easy to get so tied up in all of the latest running tech and training strategies that you lose sight of your “why” for running. Luckily, this world nomad is an expert at having fun and I’m excited to share his thoughts with you.
During the show, you’ll hear Hein answer questions including:
How to get fitter while still having fun
What it is Hein loves most about traveling and some of his favorite international races
What goal races Hein has planned for the rest of the year
And what advice he would give to other “average runners”
This episode is sure to get you excited about your next run or race, so let’s get into it!
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.
Safety Tips for Runners
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 • Duration 01:02:31
Running should be a safe sport for everyone who participates but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. This could happen for a variety of reasons including injuries, weather conditions, and even harassment. This is especially true for women and people of color who more frequently confront unsafe situations.
On today’s show, we’re joined by coaches Andie Cozzarelli and Hayley Jane to discuss what risks runners need to be aware of to stay safe and tips for dealing with or avoiding these dangers. We’ll hear their thoughts on how running can be made safer.
Some of the questions we’ll answer include:
What are the most common safety concerns runners face?
Why might female runners need to be especially careful when running alone?
How Andie and Hayley have handled unsafe situations in their own running?
What are some strategies runners can use to stay safe when running
Running can have incredible mental and physical benefits but it’s important to practice it safely. Even if you have never experienced safety concerns when running, these strategies will prepare you for dealing with them if they do. So let’s get into it!
We have some bittersweet news to share. Our host Finn Melanson is leaving the RC team but you’ll still hear a familiar voice as our current Showrunner, Cory Nagler, transitions to full-time host. We’ll also be transitioning to only one episode per week on Wednesdays to help focus on providing you with high-quality and valuable content.
In this transition episode of the Run to the Top Podcast, Finn takes on the other side of the interview as a special guest to say goodbye to the team and answer questions about his time with RunnersConnect. During the show, you’ll hear about what you can expect to come next for Finn and for the podcast.
Topics we’ll cover include:
Why Finn is stepping down, and what he’s most excited about with his new focus on trail running
How Finn first got started with the podcast and some of the most memorable moments from hosting the Run to the Top Podcast
The guests Finn is most hoping to interview in the future
What makes the running community such a welcoming space
We hope you enjoy this episode and look forward to bringing more great content going forward.
Wade Lightheart from BiOptimizers joins the show to talk about his new book, “The Ultimate Nutrition Bible”.
We get into the 5 goals - your final weight loss journey, your lean muscle journey, achieving athletic dominance, maximizing your brain power, and maximizing your biospan before diving more deeply into the weight loss and dietary components.
Specifically in those spheres, we talk about key components like clearing emotional blocks, how to eliminate food toxins, how to choose the diet for your genetics, and how metabolic data shapes destinies.
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.
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.
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 LMNT. 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.
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!
Bace
CBD is perhaps one of the most innovative, and misunderstood, supplements in the endurance world right now.
The biggest advantage of CBD for a runner like you is the anti-inflammatory properties. CBD can help your muscles heal and recover faster. Additionally, CBD can help you sleep better, which also leads to better rest and improved recovery times.
What CBD will not do is make you high and it is non-toxic. It is even approved by the World Anti Doping Agency.
If you ever tried CBD before and found it to be too weak or strong, or you haven’t tried it yet because you’re not sure how to best start, then Bace Health’s Discovery Pack is a game changer.
The Discovery Pack leads you through a 7-day experience for you to find your perfect dose by slowly increasing from 10mg to 50mg. It’s the perfect way to dip your toes into CBD.
If you want to see just how much CBD can improve your recovery, now is the time to give it a try. Right now you can get half off the Discovery Pack, alongside a FREE sample of their balm. That’s 50% off, from $25 to just $12.50!
All you have to do is visit BaceHealth.com/RunnersConnect or enter the discount code ‘RunnersConnect’ at checkout to pick up your Discovery Pack and prioritize your recovery today.
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 LMNT. 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.
Flagstaff Retreat
Spots are starting to fill up fast for our 2024 summer running retreat in Flagstaff, AZ.
Our retreats are the perfect combination of spectacular running, hands-on coaching, informative and fun training lessons, and unforgettable memories with runners just like you!
Whether you’re looking for the chance to run along the grand canyon, experience some of the most picturesque trails in the US, or learn directly from our team of coaches and some of the foremost experts in strength, nutrition and biomechanics, our Flagstaff retreat is for you.
Now, keep in mind these retreats ARE NOT for elite runners. They are for runners like you who love running and just want to improve.
Most of our attendees are between 40 to 70 years young and range in ability from Boston Qualifiers to those who are just getting started.
To see all the accommodations, prices, photos, schedule and all other details, head to runnersconnect.net/flagstaff.
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
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.
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.
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 LMNT. 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.
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.
Lumen
Have you ever wondered exactly how many carbs you need to fuel your training or if it’s okay to train fasted?
Well, now you can get that exact data with Lumen, the world’s first handheld metabolic coach.
With Lumen, all you have to do is breathe into your Lumen first thing in the morning, and you’ll know what’s going on with your metabolism, including recommendations to improve your pre-and-post workout fueling for better performance and recovery.
What I love most is that Lumen explains what every data point and value means with in-depth videos so you always know what’s going on in your body and what changes you need to make to hit your goals.
Lumen is truly one of the most innovative devices on the market.
If you want to take the next step in improving your health, go to lumen.me and use RTTT to get $100 off your Lumen.
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.
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 LMNT. 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.
This week’s show brought to you by:
Mushroom Breakthrough
One of the most difficult things about training hard in the morning is the brain fog and mental fatigue that comes when you’re trying to get your work day going.
I am sure all you morning runners can relate to that feeling of not being able to focus and get motivated those first few hours at work.
That’s why I was excited when BIOptimizers released its one-of-a-kind product called Mushroom Breakthrough
It’s a powdered blend of 5 potent superfoods including 1.2 pounds of concentrated mushrooms, which have been shown in research to enhance memory, focus, processing speed, and more.
It’s the perfect way to not only boost recovery post-run, but improve mental clarity in the morning without taxing your adrenal system with caffeine.
You’ll notice the difference in concentration, focus and mood, especially on those days when morning training really has you feeling tired and unmotivated.
And the great thing about BIOptimizers is that you can try it risk-free with their 365-day money-back guarantee.
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.
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!
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.
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