Runner's Tribe Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode Intro

 

In this episode, we have an inspiring conversation with professional runner Joe Klecker. If you're a runner or simply passionate about the sport of Track and Field, this episode is for you. 

 

Throughout our conversation, Joe shares valuable insights into the world of competitive running, from the importance of team culture to the mental and physical preparation required for top-level races.

 

During the first part of our conversation, Joe reflects on his journey as a runner, sharing how his upbringing in a running family shaped his passion for the sport. We delve into his training regimen, the challenges he's faced, and his approach to setting and achieving goals.

 

We also dive into the dynamics of team culture and the impact it has on performance. Joe discusses the significance of surrounding oneself with the right people and how a supportive team environment can elevate individual and collective success.

 

In the final part of our conversation, Joe opens up about his aspirations for the future, including his pursuit of making the Olympic team again. We explore the mental aspects of racing and the importance of holistic preparation beyond physical training.

 

So, whether you're a seasoned athlete or just lacing up your shoes for the first time, join us as we uncover the mindset and strategies behind elite-level running with Joe Klecker.

 

Episode Summary

 

In this episode, Joe Klecker opens up about his recent race, where he faced significant challenges due to injuries. He underscores the pivotal role of mindset and mental strength in conquering obstacles and reaching one's goals.

 

Delving into his family's deep-rooted involvement in running, Joe sheds light on the unwavering support they offer. He also touches upon the escalating competitiveness within the sport and the elevated standards athletes are held to.

 

The conversation extends to the importance of fast times in track and field as indicators of top-tier performance. Additionally, we explore the impact of storytelling in the sport, emphasizing the need to celebrate athletes' journeys to spark interest and engagement.

 

Joe shares insights into the tight-knit team culture within his training group, attributing much of their success to this cohesive environment. He pays tribute to his parents as his ultimate inspiration in running.

 

Looking ahead, Joe expresses his eagerness for future races, particularly the marathon, and discusses the rigorous mental and physical preparation essential for peak performance. Throughout the conversation, Joe's unwavering determination and focus on the upcoming Olympic trials shine through.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Fast times in track and field indicate a high level of performance and contribute to the sport's progress.
• Storytelling is crucial in generating interest and engagement in track and field, as it allows people to connect with athletes on a deeper level.
• A strong team culture can elevate individual performances and create a supportive and motivating environment.
• Parents and family members can be significant inspirations in an athlete's journey.
• Mental and physical preparation are essential for optimal performance in races.

 

Chapters

 

00:00: Introduction and Apology

00:32: Discussion about Recent Race

01:29: Dealing with Injuries and Recovery

09:23: Family Background and Support

14:28: Mental Strength and Competing at the Highest Level

23:05: Competing in a Highly Competitive Field

25:18: The Changing Landscape of Running

30:55: The Importance of Fast Times in Track and Field

35:39: The Power of Storytelling in Track and Field

39:23: The Role of Team Culture in Performance

42:11: Creating a Strong Team Culture

47:14: The Meaning of Making the Olympic Team

51:18: Dream Races and Goals

53:36: Inspiration and Role Models in Running

56:01: Preparing Mentally and Physically for Races

 

References

 

Lets Run Article About OAC: https://www.letsrun.com/news/2020/08/on-establishes-pro-group-in-boulder-to-be-coached-by-dathan-ritzenhein-joe-klecker-is-groups-first-signing/ 

 

The On Athletics Club - https://www.on.com/en-ch/stories/the-on-athletics-club 

 

Fueling the Pursuit Interview - https://ucan.co/blogs/energy-lab/olympic-distance-runner-joe-klecker-on-training-and-preparing-with-purpose 

 

Guest: 

 

Joe Klecker - @joe_klecker 

 

Host:

 

Jon Rankin - https://gobemore.co/ | @chasejonrankin

 

Learn More:

 

RunnersTribe - https://runnerstribe.com/ | @runnerstribe

 

Tarkine - https://tarkine.com/ | @tarkineathletics 

 

Episode Notes

 

When it comes to the sport of running, every sprint, every breath, and every challenge is a testament to the resilience and spirit of an athlete. Today on the RunnersTribe podcast, I dive into the remarkable journey of a good friend of mine, Will Leer, a former professional American middle-distance star renowned for his dedication and achievements on the track. As a two-time indoor national champion in 2013, a world relays silver medalist in 2014, and a top 8 finisher in the 1500 meters at the World Indoor Championships in 2014, Will's career epitomizes the relentless pursuit of excellence.

 

But there's more to Will than just his accolades. Beyond the track, he has embraced new passions, finding as much joy in the tranquility of nature as in the adrenaline of competition. This conversation isn't just about running; it's a deeper exploration of life after the finish line, the pursuit of new challenges, and the enduring spirit that defines a true athlete.

 

Join us as we uncover the layers of Will Leer's journey, from the peaks of his racing career to the new adventures that keep the essence of his athletic spirit alive. Lace up for an inspiring episode that goes beyond the track, right here on the RunnersTribe podcast.

 

Summary

 

In this conversation, Jon Rankin and Will Leer discuss their experiences in running and the state of Track and Field. The conversation covers various topics related to track and field, including athletes' showmanship and storytelling, standout American athletes, field events, the Prefontaine Classic, and the mental side of running. They also dive into the role of storytelling in sports marketing and the impact of shoe technology on performance. They highlight the importance of creating visibility for athletes and celebrating their achievements. The conversation concludes with a discussion on standout athletes in track and field and the highly anticipated race between Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr.

 

Takeaways

 

• Storytelling plays a crucial role in sports marketing, as it helps create a connection between athletes and fans.
• The evolution of shoe technology, such as carbon plates, has had a significant impact on running performance.
• Creating a special experience for athletes, both in terms of product quality and support, can enhance their performance and brand loyalty.
• The sport of track and field faces challenges in gaining popularity, but social media and athlete-driven content can help generate interest and engagement.
• Standout athletes like Hobbs Kessler are emerging in the sport, bringing excitement and new storylines to watch. Athletes like Noah Lyles and Sha'Carri Richardson bring showmanship and storytelling to the sport of track and field.
• Field event athletes, such as Ryan Krauser, demonstrate incredible athleticism and dominance in their respective events.
• The upcoming Prefontaine Classic features exciting matchups, including Jakob Ingebrigtsen vs. Josh Kerr.
• The mental side of running is crucial, and athletes must find motivation and push through challenges to achieve success.
• The pursuit of excellence in running and life requires dedication, sacrifice, and a supportive community.

 

Chapters 00:00: Introduction and Skiing

00:30: Rediscovering Running and Skiing

04:00: Running as a Social Outlet

05:06: Finding New Passions

07:02: Unfinished Business in Running

08:12: The State of the Sport

09:38: Athletes' Stories and Social Media

11:32: The Power of Storytelling in Sports Marketing

13:05: The Impact of Shoe Technology

14:31: Making Track and Field Entertaining

16:26: Under Armour's Focus on Running

20:28: The Challenge of Making Track and Field Popular

22:35: Telling Athletes' Stories

23:34: The Excitement of Fast Running

25:12: The Evolution of Running Shoes

27:07: Elevating Athletes and Celebrating Their Achievements

29:21: Creating a Special Experience for Runners

31:42: Standout Athletes in Track and Field

34:29: Athletes' Showmanship and Storytelling

36:24: Standout American Athletes

38:21: Field Events: Shot Put and Discus

39:17: Ryan Krauser's Dominance in Shot Put

40:15: The Athleticism of Field Event Athletes

41:14: Emerging Stars in Field Events

42:21: Yared Nuguse and His Story

47:12: Prefontaine Classic: Ingebrigtsen vs. Kerr

49:18: Yared Nuguse's Competitiveness

52:29: The Mental Side of Running

55:08: The Pursuit of Excellence in Running and Life

59:09: Question for the Next Guest

 

References:

 

Yared Nuguse - @yaredthegoose

Jakob Ingebrigtsen - @jakobing

Josh Keer -  @joshhkerr

2024 Prefontaine Classic - https://www.preclassic.com/ | @preclassic

 

Guest:

 

Will Leer - @williamleer

 

Host:

 

Jon Rankin - https://gobemore.co/ | @chasejonrankin

 

Learn More:

 

RunnersTribe - https://runnerstribe.com/ | @runnerstribe

 

Philo Saunders is a well-known name in Australian elite running.  A 3:41 1500m runner, Philo holds the Australian record for the 40-45 age category over 1500m, with an amazing 3:45.

Philo is a Senior Sports Physiologist at the Australian Sports Commission and also is one of Australia’s best coaches.  Under his tutelage include stars like Jarryd Clifford, Michael Roeger, and Deon Kenzie.

We caught up with Philo for a quick chat and recapped the recent Para World Champs, dived into training, injuries, and heaps more…

In early 2022 we sat down with James Templeton, the manager to Peter Bol and Joseph Deng, and dived deep into the world of elite athlete management.   Fast forward 16 months and a lot has transpired.  Deng is now the Australian 800m record holder, once again, and JT now looks after a number of Australia's biggest names, other than Bol and Deng, including Cameron Myers and Jye Edwards.   We caught up with James and spent time on a vast array of topics; from Deng's return to form, to the signing of Cameron Myers,to how hard it is to qualify for Australian teams these days, to the impact of super shoes, and much more......

This week's host, James Constantine interviews 2 x Olympian, 2:25 marathoner, humanitarian and distance icon, Eloise Wellings.

Eloise's Love Mercy Foundation exists to empower communities in northern Uganda to overcome poverty caused by the horrors of war. Love Mercy began in 2010 in Sydney, Australia after Eloise met Ugandan Olympian and former child soldier, Julius Achon.  Learn more

5 years ago Zach Facioni was a top junior based out of Sydney when he made the pivotal decision to commit to Wake Forest and move to the United States.  Since then, it has been one hell of a ride for Zach, as he rewrote Wake Forest's record books and lowered his PBs to 3:39 for 1500m, 13:27 for 5000m and 7:51 for 3000m.  We caught up with Zach as he is figuring out the transition out of college, and back to Australian shores, to further his running career away from the support and comfort that the NCAA system affords.   This podcast is powered by Tarkine Running...  

Hey everyone,

We are excited to share with you a fun chat we had with Reece Edwards.  Many of you will know Reece as a marathon runner. With a 2:13 PB to his name, at his best he sits comfortably within the top 10 in the country, just outside that elite few who make the major championships teams.  

But recently Reece has started turning his attention to the ultra trail running world. With a win at UTA Australia under his belt, Reece is already known as one of our best endurance trail athletes around.

We caught up with Reece for a to-the-point chat about his running, training, racing and more.  

This podcast is powered by Tarkine Running...

Wayne is a highly experienced individual who has spent numerous years as the Assistant Race Director of one of the largest fun runs in the world, the City to Surf. Following his successful stint in the fun run, he proceeded to deliver a multitude of Sydney Olympic Sponsorship programs for AMP. As the CEO and founder of Pont3 in 2005, Wayne has played an integral role in the company's success, utilizing his diverse skill set to oversee both the operational and commercial aspects of the business.

With his breadth of expertise and his extensive network of relationships, Wayne has successfully led Pont3 to its current status as a highly sought-after event management company. Under his leadership, the company has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional results for its clients while maintaining a high level of professionalism and integrity. Through his continued commitment to excellence, Wayne has set the standard for event management and has positioned Pont3 as one of the key leaders in the industry.

 

This episode is brought to you via Tarkine Running.

EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE IN TRAIL RUNNING WITH THE TARKINE TRAIL DEVIL 

With its impressive combination of eco-friendly materials and advanced technology, this footwear is designed to conquer any terrain. Whether you're looking to race UTMB or simply explore the great outdoors, the Tarkine Trail Devil offers unmatched versatility, support, durability, and comfort. Featuring a lightweight and responsive design with loads of support, your legs will thank you as you crush personal bests and conquer new terrain. With our company focused on sustainable and ethical manufacturing processes, you can feel good about your impact on the planet.

Also as a pre-order promotion, you have the opportunity to decide where 10% of your order fee will be donated. 

All pre-orders will receive their shoes during May-June 2023.

Visit tarkine.com

Making a huge statement in the U20 800m national final last year, just finishing second, in the space of a year he has made a global semi-final, dropped his PB from 1:50 to a cracking 1:46 and is now a walk-up starter to any track classic. He's a star on the rise and one to look out for on the international stage in the future.

This episode is brought to you via Tarkine Running.

EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE IN TRAIL RUNNING WITH THE TARKINE TRAIL DEVIL 

With its impressive combination of eco-friendly materials and advanced technology, this footwear is designed to conquer any terrain. Whether you're looking to race UTMB or simply explore the great outdoors, the Tarkine Trail Devil offers unmatched versatility, support, durability, and comfort. Featuring a lightweight and responsive design with loads of support, your legs will thank you as you crush personal bests and conquer new terrain. With our company focused on sustainable and ethical manufacturing processes, you can feel good about your impact on the planet.

Also as a pre-order promotion, you have the opportunity to decide where 10% of your order fee will be donated. 

All pre-orders will receive their shoes during May-June 2023.

Visit tarkine.com

Runner's Tribe along with host Daniel Hopkins present the first episode of our new series 'When we were faster' which delves into the lives and careers of some of the greatest athletes that have ever competed. First, off the bat, we have Australia's only World Cross Country champion along with a plethora of other accolades, the legendary, Benita Willis.