Run To The Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide To Running

We choose different running shoes for terrain, weather, price, ability, etc. In the second of this 2 part series we are talking with Derek Wun, running shoe expert in California as we continue our search into the best running shoes of 2019.  Derek will add to what started with Ross Martinson, from Philadelphia Runner Stores last week with his California based choices of the best running shoes of the year.

Shoes. As individual as… well, feet. In this episode’s conversation, we discuss training and racing shoes for both road and trail, what the unique features are as well as their (approximate) weights and price points. If your favorite  shoes have started to lose some life, this will give you some ideas you can take to your local running store to find your next running sole-mate. In the history of running, there has probably never been a time when more styles, brands, and models have been available. And every year, after countless hours of research, development, and testing, brands release something completely new and revolutionary as well as updated versions of our favorites.

Tom Fowler, president of Polar USA shares his thoughts on the future of wearables and how the data they provide will help the connected athlete improve their performance. Tom has vast expertise and engaging stories about fitness as a former professional triathlete, and via business experience with Intel, Recon Instruments and Cervelo Cycles plus a world handle on what runners want and need from technology.

Two medical doctors, who are also avid runners and personally advocate for the fat burning way of eating that creates ketosis, speak to host Stephanie Kay Atwood about fat loss and increased performance as a runner. We’re talking with Dr. Mark Cucuzzella and Art Zemach, who have both interviewed on this podcast before. This is an informative and interesting topic for many of you, presented from professionals who know the subject intimately. Both doctors have used the Low Carb /  High Fat concept in their own running and have offered to speak professionally as well as personally to the pros and cons of ketosis as a nutritional concept for runners.

Bob Babbitt highlights 5 outstanding athletes who have overcome horrifying disasters, danger, and difficulties to continue as runners and competitors. You’ll be hearing about Meb Keflezighi, possibly America's greatest marathoner of all time and his epic story originating in fleeing with his family from Africa; you’ll hear about endurance runner Johan Otter who was attacked by a grizzly bear, Danelle Ballengee who fell 60 feet into a canyon and survived for 56 hours and was rescued by her rescue dog(!); Jim Knaub, 5 time Boston Marathon Champion, and Scout Bassett, setting her sights on the US Paralympic team, hoping to medal in 2020 in Tokyo!

Staying on Top of Your Running Game - It’s a struggle to get there and, often, even more of a challenge to stay where you want to be with your running. Peyton Hoyal will share coaching tips on how he brings his clients to their best and helps them stay there.  We’ll also talk about the importance of a community of runners to support you. Whether it’s an actual team, a few good buddies, or a running club we’ll discuss the benefits of having other runners for support, accountability, and motivation.    

Shin Splints. ITB Syndrome. Patellofemoral Syndrome. The dreaded Plantar Fasciitis…  With even the slightest of niggles, we often keep ourselves up at night assuming we are developing any, or maybe even ALL of these injuries. But what are they exactly? And, as importantly, what aren’t they? How are they really caused and how does our perception of pain influence our recovery and rehab?  

Having struggled with Hashimoto's disease, Maria Aparis embarked on a journey that led her to understand the connection between gut health, autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s and natural healing techniques. Maria healed herself using ancient kundalini yogic science, all-natural plant allies and quantum energy mindset.

Dr. Ruth Parker and Dr. Carmen Patrick Mohan share their insight as primary care physicians to help athletes achieve their health and fitness goals. While focusing on women, they also offer practical tips and strategies for all genders, ages and levels of runners to become more fit and healthy.  

Some of us are lucky if we are able to run 5 days a week. Others even more fortunate may have been able to put together a streak of months or maybe even a couple years. Streaks are hard to maintain because so many things can get in the way; injuries, life, extreme weather… On today’s episode we interview Scott Ludwig who has run every day since November of 1978. Now that’s a lot of miles and a lot of years! Scott has stories about the big races like the Boston Marathon, the Western States 100, the Peachtree 5K and the Badwater 135 and the little, hidden races around much of the country. Chances are, over the 40 years of pounding the pavement, he’s run a bunch of them. He currently lives in a town that is part of the filming of The Walking Dead and directs a race that has evolved from that connection. This man is definitely a runner with a personality and a commitment to running! He has written several books on running and his recent book, Running Out of Gas is a fun collection of his experiences running arou

On today’s episode we interview Lena Zentgraf, assistant race director for the Oakland Run Fest. Held in March each year for the past 10 years the Oakland Run Fest offers a marathon, a half marathon, a 5K, a relay, and a combo race that includes the 5K and half marathon.

In 2019 our first episode was full of success stories and inspiration for our listening audience. However, we did not have a female perspective, so today’s episode will focus on Bethany Rutledge. Bethany is an endurance coach, writer, small business owner, who regularly contributes to triathlon and endurance sports publications such as Triathlete Magazine, Women’s Running, and more.A self-described ‘unlikely’ endurance athlete, she and husband John are now co-owners of Atlanta Triathlon Club, a large triathlon community in Atlanta, GA, and Energy Lab, a unique cycling and coaching studio. Throughout her career as a coach, Rutledge has worked with hundreds of athletes, each with their own inspirational story.Bethany is also a two-time Kona (IRONMAN Hawaii) qualifier and new mom of twin boys.  In this episode, Bethany describes her entry into running and endurance sports and her journey becoming an author and fitness coach. She shares with us how her book, The Courage to Tri: Finish Your First Triathlon. A Moti

Goodbye, 2018; Hello, 2019 As we enter into a New Year, we take time to reflect on some running success stories close to home, even if they’re half a world away. ‘Close to home’ because our guests today all are part of the RunnersConnect family. Today we hear from our podcast editor, three of our coached athletes, and our founder, Jeff Gaudette. Jeremy Noessel began running in the spring of 2017 and completed his longest distance race to date this past summer; a 10-miler in the hot and humid New England summer. We get a glimpse behind the scenes and also insight into his approach to running. Jeremy also shares with us his favorite episodes from 2018. In 2018, Ethiopian-born Tensai Asfaw started competitive running in boarding school in New Jersey at age 15. He finished as NJ state champ in cross-country and the mile and received All-State honors. He ran at Princeton University where he was a multi-time Ivy League Champion and Captain of the Princeton Track team. He has worked with RunnersConnect for just over

Unheralded runner Austin Brogan ran down Matt Llano in the final 200 meters of the 2018 US Marathon Championship. Hear how he clawed his way back over the last few miles and the story of those suspenseful final meters. Plus, learn about the training that has allowed Austin to PR from the mile to the marathon.

There is often a stigma attached to the run walk method, but when used correctly it can be amazing for beginners and experienced runners alike. In today's episode we chat with the pioneer of the run-walk method, Jeff Galloway. We will get answers to many of the common questions about run-walking and even discuss proper run/walk etiquette during the race. This is another of those episodes that you listen to over and over because there is just so much good information.

Using data collected on running injuries from researchers around the world, Dr. Reed Ferber is on the cutting edge of what causes and can help prevent running injuries. In today's episode we discuss how wearable technology can predict fatigue-related injuries, how deviation from a training plan leads to injuries, and what specific muscle weaknesses is likely to lead to injury.  

How do you push through those inevitable thoughts during a race or tough workout that tell you to slow down or that "it's just too quick"? On today's show we interview Gary Dudney, author of the Mindful Runner, about the techniques we can use to deal with pain when racing, push past it, and eliminate that doubt we all have. This is a great episode if you've ever wanted to learn how to develop a tougher mindset when racing!  

Holly Zimmermann, mother of 4 and ultramarathoner shares her experiences with training, planning, and gear for some of the most extreme ultramarathons in the world. Even if you're not into extreme races, her experiences are truly incredible and inspiring.

In this episode we interview scientist and journalist Gretchen Lidicker about the research behind natural supplements such as magnesium, CBD oil, and more. If you're interested in natural supplements and learning how they may help your running, this is a must listen!

Have you considered trying a triathlon? Maybe you just started training for one and are now realizing it's more than just adding a swim and bike ride to your run. If so, this week’s guest is going to be a game changer. Mikael Eriksson, coach, podcaster and triathlete and he is going to break everything down for you with some actionable and amazingly helpful steps to help you transition to your first triathlon.