Run To The Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide To Running

In this edition of RC spotlight we hear from Frederich Hayem (Fred), a relatively new runner who has achieved rapid success since taking up the sport just over a year ago. He is the perfect example of how good training and learning from your mistakes is the best way to improve as an athlete.  He joined our coaching program with the goal of running his first marathon and crushed it, running a 3:29. Despite some injury and setbacks, he has taken several minutes off of his already impressive half marathon PR and as he moves into a new age group, he is only continuing to get faster. Fred attributes much of his success to consistent strength training and sticking to a plan without stressing about hitting mileage or paces exactly. To learn more about Fred’s story and growth as an athlete we’ll chat about topics including: How Fred used his background in strength training to help his running performance Why consistency is king when it comes to improvement in running What it means to be a “smart runner” Why you shou

Joe Friel is a renowned endurance sports coach most notable for some of the elite triathlon and cycling athletes he’s worked with over the years. He’s also the author of a great book called the “Triathlete’s Training Bible” and he joins the show today to discuss some of the running-related themes in the newest edition.  In a wide-ranging conversation around mental readiness, physical readiness, and race-season planning you’ll get some excellent takeaways from topics like: why should you become mentally ready before you’re physically ready for a race the most important questions to gauge your mental readiness  the concept of a “success savings account” how to determine your “ability limiters” and “goal-specific weaknesses” how to properly use a training diary Joe is a wealth of training information. Give it a listen! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Co

It can be trickey to tell the difference between a niggle and an injury but how you respond when something doesn’t feel quite right could be the difference between a PR and and DNF. Coach Hayley Munn joins us in this to show, bringing her educational background in physical therapy and years of coaching experience to help tell the difference between an injury and a niggle and explain what to do about each of them.  It can be really challenging sometimes for even the most experienced runners to make this distinction but there are some general guidelines you can follow to stay healthy and limit the chances of a niggle or injury derailing your training. To better understand these strategies we’re going to cover topics that include: What is a niggle and how is it different from an injury? How thinking more positively about an injury can actually help in the recovery process How much running is appropriate if you think that you may be injured And strategies you can use to maximize your chances of getting to the st

In this episode of Run To The Top, sports dietitian Alex Larson delves into the intricacies of fueling for improved performance and body composition among endurance athletes, advocating for a flexible eating style.  Larson offers insights into post-race recovery, emphasizing the importance of timing and food group choices to optimize recovery windows. The discussion also touches upon the early signs and consequences of underfueling, highlighting the need for sustained nutritional support for athletes.  Addressing a common misconception, Larson explains how athletes can simultaneously enhance speed and achieve leanness, while also offering practical advice on balancing athletic aspirations with a hectic lifestyle.  Through nuanced guidance and expertise, this episode provides valuable insights for athletes seeking to optimize their nutrition and performance. Connect, Comment, Community Alex Larson Website Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything

If you’re a runner, you probably already know you need to train to get faster but what about taking this to the next level with over 175 miles per week?  This is exactly the type of extreme training that went into Kelvin Kiptum’s world record setting marathon performance, where he ran 2:00:35 in Chicago this past fall.  In this episode we’ll take a closer look at Kiptum’s training and discuss whether everyday runners can employ some of the same strategies or if Kiptum’s radical approach to training is best reserved for the elites. It takes an incredible amount of talent and dedication to make it to the professional level of marathon running. Most of us will never come close to holding the 5:36/mile pace Kiptum ran but this doesn’t mean you can’t learn a few things from these exceptional athletes.  Over the course of the show we’ll discuss what you might be able to take away from Kiptum’s success with topics including: What makes elite runners so good at their sport and could following their training make you

In this episode of Run To The Top, we are joined by Steve Sashen, the Founder-CEO of Xero shoes. We discuss his journey from returning to running in his late forties to becoming a competitive sprinter and building a prominent shoe brand. Our conversation delves into the problems with modern running shoes, the advantages and disadvantages of super shoes, various biomechanical studies informing the athletic footwear industry, and the case for minimalist footwear and barefoot running. Takeaways from this episode include: Whether modern running shoes negatively impact running form and performance Whether barefoot running or minimalist shoes can help improve form and reduce injury risk The pros and cons of “super shoes” and the concept of a level playing field in shoe technology New research on how to implement barefoot running into your training program Whether the barefoot running movement has lost momentum in recent years Steve is an engaging conversationalist with interesting views on shoe technology and the

In today’s episode, we’re bringing you a story from an incredible athlete who spent years of training to accomplish his goal of competing at the olympic marathon trials by running an OTQ time - and ultimately fell just short of that goal during his most recent attempt. This athlete happens to also be one of our own coaches here at RunnersConnect and his name is Ruairi Moynihan. Ruairi came so close to hitting the 2:18 standard back in 2022, running an impressive 2:21 marathon while training mostly for trail and ultra race distances. Most recently though, under the guidance of his coach - and former RunnersConnect coach - Dylan Belles, the two crafted more focused plan to chase the OTQ standard at the 2023 CIM marathon in December.  We brought Ruairi and Dylan on the show to recap how they approached training and then get their thoughts on what runners can do to learn from races that don’t go exactly as planned. Ruairi is an absolutely inspiring athlete who shares an honest story of failing to hit your dream g

In the remote Arizona mountain town of Flagstaff more than half a century ago, a training ground for generations of legendary runners and a collegiate dynasty at Northern Arizona University were born. Authors Matt Baxter and Ron Mann capture the history of it all in their new book “Running Up The Mountain''. They join Run To The Top to reflect on some of the key insights from the story including: The benefits of altitude training and other environmental factors that shaped the birth and increasing success of the program Dealing with budget constraints to fund the team and how they overcame that adversity by emphasizing a culture of strong work ethic and total commitment  How rivalries with other teams and athletes over the years positively field performance gains How the team has been able to maintain a humble, underdog-esque mentality even after establishing a reputation as one of the nation’s strongest programs  The importance of leadership transitions for continued program success The experience and chall

Welcome back to RC spotlight where we highlight amazing achievements from runners just like you. Today’s athlete proves that success in running comes in a variety of forms. On today’s show, we’ll hear from Catie Markesich, an athlete who isn’t afraid to carve her own path by prioritizing personal growth and happiness in the sport. This is the story of a runner who brings out the best in herself and others as she tackles challenging goals. Catie competed in numerous marathons and ultra-marathons during 2023 with aspirations to do big things on the roads and on the trails in 2024. Despite some amazing accomplishments last year that included winning a marathon and completing a 105-mile race, Catie puts just as much time and effort into helping others accomplish their own goals.  She is an advocate for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sport at all levels and an overall great role model for others. In this episode Catie shares with us her running journey including the good, the bad, and the ugly w

It’s the New Year and that means aspirational thinking is in the air. Many of you might be wondering - how do you harness that mindset not just in the first days and weeks of the year, but throughout 2024? Well, metabolism expert and transformation specialist, Angelo Poli returns to the show to address just that. We talk about: goal setting around sports nutrition and everyday dieting understanding the levers for change in your diet and overall lifestyle to follow through on your ambitions new research in these areas that back up the latest protocols Angelo and his team use with their clients for nutritional breakthroughs the role of identity creation in hitting your nutritional targets and a list of the disruptive behaviors and lifestyle hacks that top coaches use with their clients to additionally help with follow-through If you’ve made big goals for 2024, whether it’s nutritionally related or in some other context, and you’re looking for best practices on how to stay excited and disciplined for the long

Every runner knows the best workout is the one you actually do, but it can be hard to find time for consistently sticking with your training program.  Luckily, there are ways to improve your training without taking time away from other activities or even to cut down on the time required for your current workout routine. Here’s our list of what you’ll learn Creative ways to make your runs more time-efficient Tips to make fueling your runs less of a chore Ways to combine some of your workout activities  And many other tips and tricks to cut down on training time  Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! 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 go

When dealing with everyday pain and tightness in your body, life may not be as enjoyable as it could be, and this extends to running. You become more injury-prone, your performance suffers, and movement becomes less enjoyable. Above all, you may not be living up to your full potential. If this resonates with your recent experiences, tune into this episode with Dr. Grayson Wickham, a Physical Therapy expert and founder of the Movement Vault. Dr. Wickham is on a mission to assist runners in moving better, performing better, reducing pain, and leading better lives. During this conversation, we explore various topics, including: The epidemic of back pain in the running community and why 99% of it is preventable. The importance of differentiating between static and active stretching. Active stretching is to joint maintenance what brushing your teeth is to tooth maintenance. How your choice of shoes may impact the health of your feet. Exploring whether sitting is the new smoking and providing actionable advice on

One of the most polarizing topics in running is the treadmill. Some love the comfort of running indoors while others find this machine boring or monotonous, giving it a nickname in the running community as the “dreadmill”. Wherever you stand on this debate, it can be a useful tool for training that provides consistency and control over your runs.  We’re right in the middle of winter right now and if you live in a cold climate, you’re almost certain to have days where cold and snow make running outside uncomfortable, or even unsafe. This applies to other climate as well like extreme heat or wind. On these days it can be extremely useful to make use of the treadmill. Even if you don’t own a treadmill, most gyms will have plenty of them and typically offer day-passes for those without a membership.  In today’s show, we’re going to hear from real runners like you with their best tips to keep treadmill running fun and make it a part of their running routine. We asked our RC audience to tell us how they make their

The turn to the New Year is a great time to reflect back to lessons learned and look forward to what you hope to accomplish. In that vein, in today’s episode I’ll dive into… 2 important lessons I learned in 2023 My goals for 2024 Exciting updates coming from RC Some of my favorite episodes from 2023 runnersconnect.net/638 runnersconnect.net/642 runnersconnect.net/650 runnersconnect.net/651 Training for the marathon? Get training advice and prep tips from some of the best coaches and athletes we've interviewed over the last 11 years: https://linkmix.co/12431456 Speed, workouts, base training and more. Learn how to run your best 5k with this podcast playlist. https://linkmix.co/12448840 Training for your first ultra and want to learn from some of the best runners in the sport? https://linkmix.co/12448966 Getting your fueling right is a critical part of marathon success. Learn from some of the best nutritionist and coaches about how to plan your fueling on race day. https://linkmix.c

The winter season is officially here and while most people spend their time inside watching Netflix or curling up to a good book; many runners brave the elements to keep training through tough conditions. If you’re a runner looking to run year-round we’re here to help. In this episode of underrated or overrated, we’re covering winter training topics so you know what gear and training strategies will actually help you to get through the colder winter season. Training in the wintertime can bring many unique challenges. In colder climates the cold and snowy weather means lots of extra layers and, depending on the conditions, some extra flexibility to find a safe running route. We thought we’d make it simpler to navigate these challenging conditions by answering winter training questions like: Does Goretex gear actually help to keep you warm and dry? Are mittens or gloves better for protecting your hands during colder runs? Should you run through a snowstorm? And many more winter training questions! Connect,

As we turn to 2024 many of us are starting to think about and plan our long-term goals. That’s why this week’s podcast is about helping you plan for the year. You’ll learn… How to think about and plan big goals Finding the right races Planning your seasons Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: BiOptimzers If you struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep all night, then you’re going to love the new product from BiOpimizes called Sleep Breakthrough. Sleep Breakthrough is a delicious sleep drink that supports your natural melatonin production and relaxation without creating a dependency so you can have your best night’s sleep on demand You’ll fall asleep in minutes and you’ll stay asleep throughout the night.  For an exclusive offer for our list

Welcome to another edition of RC spotlight. Today’s show is all about an athlete who is absolutely crushing it in the marathon after not even being allowed to run long distances until later in life. Her name is Sabina Havkins and this talented runner has proven the glass ceiling is no match for her determination and perseverance. Sabina started running as a kid in high school when women couldn’t even have their own sports team. Despite a passion for distance running, she ran the 400m to get around rules at the time against women running longer distances. She went on to run in college and is now a 4-time Boston finisher! This is such a fun runner who truly enjoys the sport. We’re going to share some of her incredible story including: Her experience with prejudice while running in high school How Sabina has excelled in the sport as a masters athlete The ways Sabina keeps running fun while training for challenging goals And we’ll hear what valuable lessons Sabina has learned along her running journey Age grade

Do you struggle to maintain your training during the holiday season? If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. It’s an exciting time of year, but all of the extra social activities can make it difficult to stick to a normal running routine. Not to mention the cold and snowy weather you might face depending on where you train. Luckily, you don’t have to choose between holiday fun and running success. If you want to enjoy your holiday plans while still maintaining fitness, this is the episode for you. The holidays are a time for celebration so you shouldn’t have to give this up. At RC Connect we believe that running is about balance and having fun so we’re going to give you our best advice to enjoy this time of the year without losing the fitness you worked hard to develop. Our goal on today’s show is to tell you how you can have your cake and eat it too. Cory and our guest coach Ruairi Moynihan will explore everything you need to navigate the holiday season including: How much does missing one or several wor

How do we overcome loneliness? And how can running help? In this episode of Run To The Top, Nick Jonsson joins the show to address these questions head-on. Guided partly by personal experience through recovery and partly through research for his book “Executive Loneliness”, Nick offers many lessons on how to take stock of your situation, ask for help, get healthy, and find your relationships and purpose in this world.  Tying it all back to our running community and Nick’s background in long-distance triathlons, we talk about: how to define and identify loneliness in an athletic context the impacts of loneliness on athlete well-being and performance strategies for overcoming loneliness  strategies to build resilience and maintain motivation in the face of setbacks how to stay focused on your long-term running goals Read Executive Loneliness Check out Nick's website Follow Nick on LinkedIn Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs

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 br