The Strength Running Podcast

Ryan Wooderson owns Long Run Physiotherapy & Performance in Denver, Colorado and has spent nearly a decade helping athletes get healthy and stay healthy. He is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He's an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and his practice focuses on injury prevention and helping athletes perform. In this episode, we explore further details about: Variability in perceived exertion during workouts Prioritizing restorative in the morning hours Improving the quality of your sleep with environmental factors How to do naps the right way Anyone can benefit from better sleep and I hope this episode will provide you with ideas on how to do just that. Links & Resources from the Show: Connect with Ryan on Instagram and Facebook Learn more on his website Free advice from elite runners on recovery Thank You InsideTracker! Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor InsideTracker. Today, more than ever, it's essential that we're making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it. InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals. InsideTracker's patented system will transform your body's data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you're running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance. I've had my own blood drawn with InsideTracker several times and have been amazed at the valuable information that they provide. Not only are the results very detailed, but they also share guidance for how to improve any markers that are out of range. If you're ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker offers a selection of plans that best suit your needs with a limited time 25% discount. Thank You PATH Projects! PATH Projects continues to be a great supporter of this podcast! I'm grateful for their partnership and want to share more about their products that I've been loving because they so durable and comfortable. PATH Projects is an online-only retailer of high-quality running gear and apparel. That means there is no retail markup, making their products quite affordable. In particular, I've just started wearing their 3" Sykes shorts and they're a little different from the 5" Sykes shorts (you can see those in action here). The material is thinner and lighter, which is perfect in a performance short, and they're obviously shorter. I'm not sure if my wife thinks they're too scandalous or loves them, but I'm wearing them constantly. PATH uses new technical fabrics, like the Japanese fiber called Toray Primeflex, to create award-winning apparel for endurance athletes. In fact, their Brim shorts and Tahoe base liner won Runner's World's 2018 Gear of the Year award. And the Pyrinees hoodie was named one of the best six sweatshirts for running in the cold by Gear Patrol. You know you'll be wearing the best when you select PATH Projects!

Brodie Sharpe is a runner and a physiotherapist based in Australia who helps injured runners get healthy and stay that way. He is the host of The Run Smarter Podcast and has certifications from The Running Clinic, the Running Repairs Course, Sports Medicine Australia, and Athletics Victoria Run as a running coach. It's a pleasure to have Brodie as a part of our community. I was a guest on his podcast where we talked all about training plans and he was a prior sponsor of the SR Podcast. In this episode, Brodie is sharing some of the biggest lessons he has learned about running a new personal best while staying healthy. It can be hard to balance prevention with performance, but Brody knows what to focus on! Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Brodie on Instagram Check out more on his website Download Brodie's free ebooks here Free email course on injury prevention Complimentary ebook with tips from elites Thank you Elemental Labs! A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping. Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium. There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. They just released their first new flavor of 2021, their most requested flavor, watermelon salt. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack.

Our guest today is Scott Johnston, an expert in endurance sports including everything from alpine skiing to mountain running. He has worked with Killian Jornet, arguably one of the best ultra endurance athletes on the planet, and numerous top cross country skiers in the US. He's the author of Training for the Uphill Athlete and Training for the New Alpinism. Both books are manuals for athletes and coaches, filled with resources and tools to elevate endurance training. Scott Johnston is himself a lifelong endurance athlete, having performed at high levels in swimming, skiing, and climbing. As a coach, he has practiced and refined an approach to training athletes that emphasizes the skills that can be practiced and acknowledges the genetic determinants of certain abilities. In this episode, Scott explains the tripod of endurance, which are the foundational principles for going long in any sport. Listen to the entire episode to better understand these three principles and what you can do to improve your own training, including: Running with perfect form, as David Rudisha does Collecting feedback by video, mirror, or other method to assess your running Including strides in workouts Strength training for endurance Thank you Precision Hydration! Thank you to our newest sponsor, Precision Hydration. If you've ever struggled with hydration or electrolyte issues, use code STRENGTH15 to get 15% off your first order. They offer tablets, packets, and other essentials to help you train in any environment. Precision Hydration knows that there isn't a one-size-fits all approach to hydration, which is why I love that they help athletes refine their hydration strategy for whatever event they're training for. If you can't get a custom sweat test done, they have a free online test that will give you your own personalized hydration strategy. It's heating up where I am and I'm ending my runs a lot sweatier than I was just a month ago. I know I'll be paying a lot more attention to my hydration and electrolyte needs. This is especially important with longer runs in the mountains here at altitude. You can learn much more about hydration in my conversation with the founder of Precision Hydration, Andy Blow. Check out Precision Hydration and get 15% off your first order of electrolytes that match how you sweat by using the code "STRENGTH15".

Krissy Moehl has completed hunderds of ultra races and has over 50 first place finishes in the female category, along with several outright wins. She has won some of the hardest 100 mile courses on the planet, including the Hardrock 100 and the HURT 100 in Hawaii. Krissy is the author of Running Your First Ultra, which many athletes use as their ultimate guide to training. Although she didn't have a manual to follow for her own first ultra, she learned from a supportive community and shares those lessons with the readers. Krissy's longevity in a sport this difficult is something to admire and on the show today, we're talking about what got her hooked on running long races after being an 800m runner in college, how she's evolved and changed her approach to ultras and fueling since she first started, and her best training tips for you. Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Krissy on Instagram and Twitter Learn more from her website SR training plans for advanced runners The UK's Damian Hall on running 250+ miles Thank you Elemental Labs! A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium. There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. They just released their first new flavor of 2021, their most requested flavor, watermelon salt. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor and get your hydration optimized.

Matt Chittim is the host for the Rambling Runner and Road to the Trials podcasts. He is a running coach and, of course, a passionate runner himself. He is enthusiastic about amateur runners and contributes so much to the community through his content. In this podcast, we talk about his recent injury, what lead to it, and the lessons that Matt learned through this experience. Our topics of conversation also cover: The start and evolution of a running career What leads to a running injury and how to recover from it Importance of the proper training process The difference between knowing the right things and doing them I loved this raw and real conversation and I hope you will find it to be informative as well. Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Matt on Instagram and Twitter Check out the Rambling Runner website Mentioned episode with Duane Scotti See our injury prevention program with a free course Join our SR team - a community of passionate runners Thank you Precision Hydration! Thank you to our newest sponsor, Precision Hydration. If you've ever struggled with hydration or electrolyte issues, use code STRENGTH15 to get 15% off your first order. They offer tablets, packets, and other essentials to help you train in any environment. Precision Hydration knows that there isn't a one-size-fits all approach to hydration, which is why I love that they help athletes refine their hydration strategy for whatever event they're training for. If you can't get a custom sweat test done, they have a free online test that will give you your own personalized hydration strategy. It's heating up where I am and I'm ending my runs a lot sweatier than I was just a month ago. I know I'll be paying a lot more attention to my hydration and electrolyte needs. This is especially important with longer runs in the mountains here at altitude. You can learn much more about hydration in my conversation with the founder of Precision Hydration, Andy Blow. Check out Precision Hydration and get 15% off your first order of electrolytes that match how you sweat by using the code "STRENGTH15".

Damian Hall is one of the best ultra endurance athletes in the UK. He has represented Great Britain at the trail world championships, holds 7 records or Fastest Known Times (FKTs) and he has competed in the Sahara Desert and the Arctic. All this in less than a decade-long running career. Damian recently wrote a book called In It for the Long Run, which depicts his 2020 Pennine Way record attempt and details of his midlife crisis. In today's conversation, Damian shares about his most recent Wainwright Coast to Coast FKT and the hallucinations caused by hyponatremia (decreased sodium concentrations due to over hydration). We also talk about the lessons learned in ultra running that apply to life. In this episode we also talk about: How to prepare for days of running What drives someone to run for hundreds of miles How to know when you're ready... for anything in life Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Damian on Instagram Learn more from his website SR training plans for advanced runners Check out Damian's book! Thank you Elemental Labs! A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium. There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. They just released their first new flavor of 2021, their most requested flavor, watermelon salt. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor and get your hydration optimized.

Megan Roche is the 2016 USATF Trail Runner of the Year at the ultra and sub-ultra distances. She is a five-time national champion, a North American Mountain Running Champion, and a six-time member of Team USA. She graduated from Duke University with a degree in Neuroscience and received her M.D. from Stanford Medical School. She's currently back at Stanford, doing a PhD in epidemiology, focused on population health and genetics for athletes. Today we're focusing on how to modify your training after a positive test or after your vaccine. We're going to learn what the vaccine does in our bodies, the effect it has on athletes, the types of exercise we might want to be cautious about post-vaccine, what side effects we can run through vs. what we should not run through, and more. Thank you Precision Hydration! Thank you to our newest sponsor, Precision Hydration. If you've ever struggled with hydration or electrolyte issues, use code STRENGTH15 to get 15% off your first order. They offer tablets, packets, and other essentials to help you train in any environment. Precision Hydration knows that there isn't a one-size-fits all approach to hydration, which is why I love that they help athletes refine their hydration strategy for whatever event they're training for. If you can't get a custom sweat test done, they have a free online test that will give you your own personalized hydration strategy. It's heating up where I am and I'm ending my runs a lot sweatier than I was just a month ago. I know I'll be paying a lot more attention to my hydration and electrolyte needs. This is especially important with longer runs in the mountains here at altitude. You can learn much more about hydration in my conversation with the founder of Precision Hydration, Andy Blow. Check out Precision Hydration and get 15% off your first order of electrolytes that match how you sweat by using the code "STRENGTH15".

Clare Gallagher burst onto the ultrarunning scene with her first attempt at a 100-mile race, the Leadville 100, which she won despite being brand new to the distance. She followed up with wins of the grueling Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run and the CCC 101K. She also has the Fastest Known Times on the Zion Traverse and Joshua Tree Traverse. As an outstanding athlete, Clare has a platform that she uses to amplify voices, causes, and efforts that she feels passionate about. Clare is an environmental activist, helping preserve public lands across the country and bringing much needed attention to environmental issues that threaten the very lands our sport depends on. In this conversation, we talk about: Clare's rise in the sport How she won Leadville 100 with no prior experience and no coach - as well as the value of having a coach Low-mileage training and how it works for her Clare's (lack of) willingness to run a 200-miler in the future Her approach to balancing training and racing with the rest of her life Currently, Clare is training again for Western States 100, while continuing with her environmental activism. Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Clare on Instagram and Strava Check out her blog and updates Our prior interview with Clare Follow Alex Falconer on Instagram Take action with Save the Boundary Waters Thank you Elemental Labs! A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium. There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. They just released their first new flavor of 2021, their most requested flavor, watermelon salt. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor and get your hydration optimized.

Chris Napier quite literally wrote the book on the Science of Running. He is a professor of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver as well as a practicing physiotherapist, 2:33 marathoner, and medal winner at the Canadian Track & Field Championships in 1996 and 1997. Chris earned his diploma in Sport Physiotherapy and has a PhD in Running Biomechanics and Injury Prevention. With his academic background, Chis shares his knowledge on what the research has proven out and what we've learned from experience. In this conversation, we talk about: Who should modify their cadence and when Why foot strikes are better left alone Benefits of logging more than your running stats We also cover the myths that never die: Running is bad for your knees Static stretching prevents injuries Endurance runners should lift for endurance Certain types of shoes can help you prevent injuries Chris is passionate about educating runners to make wise decisions in their training and recovery. Links & Resources from the Show: Connect with Chris on Twitter Buy his book Science of Running Check our our free course on injury prevention Thank you Precision Hydration! Thank you to our newest sponsor, Precision Hydration. If you've ever struggled with hydration or electrolyte issues, use code STRENGTH15 to get 15% off your first order. They offer tablets, packets, and other essentials to help you train in any environment. Precision Hydration knows that there isn't a one-size-fits all approach to hydration, which is why I love that they help athletes refine their hydration strategy for whatever event they're training for. If you can't get a custom sweat test done, they have a free online test that will give you your own personalized hydration strategy. It's heating up where I am and I'm ending my runs a lot sweatier than I was just a month ago. I know I'll be paying a lot more attention to my hydration and electrolyte needs. This is especially important with longer runs in the mountains here at altitude. You can learn much more about hydration in my conversation with the founder of Precision Hydration, Andy Blow. Check out Precision Hydration and get 15% off your first order of electrolytes that match how you sweat by using the code "STRENGTH15".

Our guest today is coach Mario Fraioli, a 2:27 marathoner who hosts the Morning Shakeout podcast and publishes the newsletter of the same name. Mario coaches a wide variety of elite and sub-elite runners and has been involved in the running industry as an editor, book author, coach, podcaster, speaker, and thought leader for the better part of two decades. He's also one fast dude, running a blistering 4:09 mile. And I'm very fortunate to call Mario a friend. In this conversation, we're discussing longer training cycles and why you might be interested (or not) in lengthening the cycle in which you plan your training. We discuss: The nuances of longer training cycles The goals they aim to accomplish The practical difficulties of longer cycles Why most everyone sticks with a 7-day cycle The #1 skill you must learn if you adopt a longer training cycle For more coaching guidance, check out Team Strength Running! Thank you Elemental Labs Our sponsor, Elemental Labs, helped make this episode possible. The day before I recorded this, I rode my bike in the heat for nearly two and a half hours at altitude and I'd like to thank ELEMENT CITRUS SALT for the quick post-ride recovery. They make high-sodium electrolytes to help manage your hydration needs. Go to drinklmnt.com/strengthrunning/ to sign up for a free sample pack with 4 flavors just for the cost of shipping.

Alli Felsenthal is a certified running coach, personal trainer, Boston Qualifier, 86-minute half marathoner, fitness class instructor, and host of the Run with Alli Live Podcast. She came to running later in life but has progressed quickly after leaving her corporate job and focusing all of her attention on her coaching and running. She has an interesting story of why she made the leap and how she was able to start a successful career in the fitness industry. Alli is hard-working, gritty, and determined. She passes those traits on to her clients and helps them to achieve their running goals. Today, we're talking about the common questions that new runners face, like: How can I run consistently? Why is running not getting any easier? What are the common pitfalls for new runners? When is a runner ready to start training for a marathon? How can runners train if they're injured? Links & Resources from the Show: Connect with Alli on her website Follow her on Instagram Join Strength Running's community! Thank you Precision Hydration! Thank you to our newest sponsor, Precision Hydration. If you've ever struggled with hydration or electrolyte issues, use code STRENGTH15 to get 15% off your first order. They offer tablets, packets, and other essentials to help you train in any environment. Precision Hydration knows that there isn't a one-size-fits all approach to hydration, which is why I love that they help athletes refine their hydration strategy for whatever event they're training for. If you can't get a custom sweat test done, they have a free online test that will give you your own personalized hydration strategy. It's heating up where I am and I'm ending my runs a lot sweatier than I was just a month ago. I know I'll be paying a lot more attention to my hydration and electrolyte needs, especially with longer runs in the mountains here at altitude. You can learn much more about hydration in my conversation with the founder of Precision Hydration, Andy Blow. Check out Precision Hydration and get 15% off your first order of electrolytes that match how you sweat by using the code "STRENGTH15".

This episode is about racing and the pacing approaches available to you to help you run your best. Most of us would love to run faster and a big part of that is how you approach racing. But I've gotten countless questions about race strategy over the years, like… How do I negative split a marathon? Should I run even splits or run the first few miles slower? How do I get through the middle of a race where I always slow down? When do I know if I should go out really fast? And I want to give you a set of guiding principles that will help you select the race strategy that works best for you. Because race strategy can take many forms. Maybe you're trying to win your age group, run a new Personal Best, or just finish the race. No matter the goal, a good race strategy is a must-have to perform at the level that you'd like to. Links from the show: 13 Lucky Racing Tips Elemental Labs Thank you Elemental Labs! A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium. There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. They just released their first new flavor of 2021, their most requested flavor, watermelon salt. So check out Elemental Labs to get your free sample pack and get your hydration optimized.

Tina Muir is a former pro runner and the host of the Running Realized Podcast and Running for Real Podcast. She's an 11-time All-American athlete and elite athlete for Great Britain who has run in two British Olympic Trials. In this episode we talk about: Recognizing pain versus injury Importance of your body's physiology to help with injury prevention Can you be a bodybuilder and distance runner at the same time? How to manage pain Top factors in injury prevention (this one may surprise you!) How training journals can help Links & Resources from the Show: Connect with Tina on her website Follow her on Instagram Check out the Running Realized Podcast Learn more about human physiology from Brad Beer on Instagram or Twitter Other episodes with Tina: Tina Muir Takes Your Strength Training Questions Tina Muir Cohosts The Podcast To Answer Your Running Questions What If You Stop Loving Running? An Honest Conversation With Tina Muir Learn more about injury prevention Invest in Injury Prevention for Runners Thank you Precision Hydration! Thank you to our newest sponsor, Precision Hydration. If you've ever struggled with hydration or electrolyte issues, check them out. They offer tablets, packets, and other essentials to help you train in any environments. Precision Hydration knows that there isn't a one-size-fits all approach to hydration, which is why I love that they help athletes refine their hydration strategy for whatever event they're training for. If you can't get a custom sweat test done, they have a free online test that will give you your own personalized hydration strategy. It's heating up where I am and I'm ending my runs a lot sweatier than I was just a month ago. I know I'll be paying a lot more attention to my hydration and electrolyte needs, especially with longer runs in the mountains here at altitude. You can learn much more about hydration in my conversation with the founder of Precision Hydration, Andy Blow. Check out Precision Hydration and get 15% off your first order of electrolytes that match how you sweat by using the code "STRENGTH15".

Peter Bromka recently got to pace Chirine Njeim to a 2:36 marathon PR in pursuit of qualifying for the Olympics. On the same course, at the same time, Desiree Linden broke 3 hours in the 50K ultramarathon and set a new world record. Peter is here to share his experience of this event. Peter is an incredible athlete in his own right. He was a very competitive runner for Tufts University, running 15:16 for 5K, who ended up running his first marathon post-collegiately in 2:56. Over the years, he lowered his best to a staggering 2:19:03, just 3 seconds off from the Olympic Trials qualifying mark. In his front row seat run with the pros, Peter got to witness, hear, and implement strategies of the world's top runners. We talk about a variety of topics, including: Mental games of an out-and-back course The idea of "banking" time in a race How to be a good pacer Dealing with missed goals When to push and when to revel in your success I'm also thrilled to share that Peter will be joining us at the Endeavorun Running Retreat. If you, too, want to be a part of the action, sign up using code 'strengthrunning' to save $100 on your registration. Hope to see you in August! Links & Resources from the Show: Endeavorun website and Instagram Follow the runners on Instagram Chirine Njeim Des Linden Peter Bromka Get our free race strategy ebook! Thank you Elemental Labs! A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium. There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. They just released their first new flavor of 2021, their most requested flavor, watermelon salt. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor and get your hydration optimized.

Strength and conditioning coach Kevin Carr has worked with Olympians and many other types of athletes. He has amassed a wealth of experience in functional anatomy, sports performance, and personal training. He is also the coauthor of the new book Functional Training Anatomy. Kevin has a bachelor's in kinesiology, he's a licensed massage therapist, and has numerous professional certifications in the functional movement screen, NeuroKinetic Therapy, functional range conditioning, and a lot more. In today's episode we're talking about ways to help runners strength, power, and mobility. We also cover topics on: Why bodybuilding techniques don't translate to runners What type of strength training should runners do and how often Exercise selection with specificity for endurance Progression in shoes for various activities Links & Resources from the Show: Connect with Kevin on Instagram Certified functional strength coach program Get the Functional Training Anatomy book at Human Kinetics Sign up for our complimentary strength training email series! Thank you Tanri Outdoors! Thank you to our newest supporter of the podcast, Tanri Outdoors! They're offering 10% off your order with code JASON at checkout. Tanri makes all-natural mineral sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer that protects you from both types of UV rays. Tanri is made by runners, for runners! All of their products are reef-safe and never tested on animals. If you spend a fair amount of time outdoors, you know the importance of applying sun protection. I have had to make it a habit myself, living in the mile high city of Denver. Using Tanri products is easy and effective, so I hope you'll give them a try. Mineral sunscreens like the ones from Tanri typically work better than chemical sunscreens as they protect you from both types of UV rays. And none of their products have phthalates, parabens, or artificial fragrances. Tanri also gives back 1% of their proceeds to help protect our National Parks. That's a win for you and for our planet! Browse all of their sun care products and use code "JASON" to save 10% on your order.

Jake Tuber is a part-time graduate school professor, a former college teammate of mine, and the creative force behind the Endeavorun Running Retreat. He is a sprinter turned distance runner with a story about how his first real injury caused a downward spiral amid the pandemic. Jake doesn't claim to have the answers or enlightened moments where the truth was revealed. He struggled through the many things that life threw at him and came out on the other end. He's here today to share some of the raw moments along his journey. Our conversation has some great takeaways that I think all runners can benefit from: Action before thoughts - actions help to model your inner beliefs but you have to take the first step Community - being around people who will support you (such as our Team Strength Running) Environment - surrounding yourself with an optimistic and encouraging space to guide you on the right path Enjoy the full episode below and if you come away eager to sign up for the Endeavorun Running Retreat, use code 'strengthrunning' to save $100 on your registration. Hope to see you in August! Links & Resources from the Show: Get in touch on Instagram or email at [email protected] Endeavorun website and Instagram Referenced New York Times articles: Adam Grant on languishing Lindsay Crouse on how action drives mood Podcast episode with Lindsay Crouse Running with the Buffaloes by Chris Lear Thank you Elemental Labs! A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium. There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. They just released their first new flavor of 2021, their most requested flavor, watermelon salt. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor and get your hydration optimized.

Everything from training to fueling has predominantly been researched on men and written about by men. Women's hormonal variations tend to skew research data so those results are often thrown out. As a professional triathlete, Dr. Stacy Sims recognized that she was poorly served by the same recommendations that male athletes were getting. So she set out to change that through her work. She has written a book called ROAR: How to Match Your Food and Fitness to Your Female Physiology for Optimum Performance, Great Health, and a Strong, Lean Body For Life where she breaks down her message that "women are not small men". Women can learn to cater their training, nutrition, and hydration when they understand the changes they go though in their cycles. You can get an introduction to her work to the now famous TED Talk titled "Women are Not Small Men". In our conversation today, we talk about: Nutrition recommendations throughout a menstrual cycle and different phases of life RED-S syndrome with strategies for prevention and treatment Changes that women undergo during peri and post menopause Common differences between men and women in training and nutrition The future of exercise physiology research Links & Resources from the Show: Learn about courses and coaching resources from Dr. Stacy Sims Follow her on Instagram and Facebook WILD.AI coaching platform High Performance Sport New Zealand organization Kathryn Ackerman at Boston Children's Hospital Thank you to XOSKIN for sponsoring this episode, who's offering 20% off with code 'SR' at checkout! I was introduced to this company a few months ago and have been impressed with the quality of the shorts, socks, and shirt that I've been wearing. They're soon launching a men's base liner and women's lightweight shorts. To be the first to know when the new items are launched, follow them on social media at @xoskinusa. XOSKIN is the only seamless athletic apparel brand in the United States, using 3-dimensional knit structures and their patented materials (PTFE and Copper) to create apparel with superior wicking and drying capabilities that work in all kinds of environments and conditions. Their apparel has been used in some of the most challenging races in the world, from Death Valley in the middle of summer, to the sub-zero temperatures of the Arctic. XOSKIN's material feels great against the skin and the fit is so comfortable you'll forget you're even wearing it. Their patented materials are your best defense against chafing, blisters, hot spots and odor. Unlike most technology in athletic apparel which is gone after a few washes, XOSKIN's RapiDriCopper™ technology is molecularly boned to the fiber and won't wash out. Be sure to check out XOSKIN to see all of their shirts, tights, socks, compression sleeves, and more. Their clothes are made for both men and women so you're sure to find something that suits your needs. Use code SR (not case sensitive) to get 20% off your order!

Dean Karnazes is an ultra endurance athlete who is highly regarded well beyond the world of running. He was named by TIME magazine as one of the most 100 influential people in the world, he is an ESPN ESPY winner, a three-time winner of Competitor Magazine's Endurance Sports Athlete of the Year award, and recipient of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition lifetime achievement award. Dean has a long list of impressive accomplishments, best told through his own narrative in the Ultramarathon Man. A short summary of his endeavors includes: Running 350 miles in one go Doing a marathon at the South Pole Completing 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days Winning the 135 mile Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley He has also written a new book, A Runner's High: My Life in Motion, where he takes readers on a journey through his career highlights and getting back into the game of ultra endurance running. Links & Resources from the Show: Stay up to date on Dean's website Follow him on Instagram and Twitter Golden Gate Trail Classic race How to run your first ultra Stay healthy (so you can run longer!) Thank you beam! Our newest sponsor is beam, one of my newest favorite companies! They have a great offer for the Strength Running community so don't miss out on 15% off your entire order with code JASON! The two products that I'm enjoying the most are their Elevate Variety Pack and Dream, their sleep-promoting mix. The Elevate options include Balance, with prebiotics and probiotics for a happy gut, Energy with a small amount of natural caffeine, and Recovery with collagen and amino acids. Dream is a powder that tastes like cinnamon hot cocoa and it helps you get a better sleep. It has THC-free CBD, melatonin, magnesium, l-theanine, and other compounds that help you rest more quickly and easily. I have trouble sleeping and this has made a huge difference in the quality of my sleep. Beam's products are low in sugar, taste great, and use responsibly sourced ingredients. They are offering 15% off your order with the code "JASON" (not case sensitive). Couple that with a subscription and your first month's savings will be 35%! Sleep better, recover faster, what's not to love? Check them out at beamtlc.com.

This episode features a coaching call about how to best prepare for a hilly trail race when you've never run one before. Even if you're not gearing up for trails or hills, this is a valuable discussion on sound training for different types of terrain. Aileen is a member of Team Strength Running and has very little experience with hills or trails. But she wants to "go for it" and do her first very hilly trail race coming up soon. How can she best prepare? What opportunities exist for building strength for hills and trails? What must her long runs and faster workouts look like? As Aileen adds all new variables to this upcoming race, our goal is to make sure that she's not just physically prepared for the elevation changes and trails, but confident in her ability to do so. Join the team and you could have the opportunity to come on the podcast, too! Thank you Elemental Labs! A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They're also offering free product: just pay for shipping and you can get their sample pack including 8 packets of citrus, raspberry, unflavored, and orange salt varieties. Check out Elemental Labs to try their sample pack for free and get your hydration optimized for this spring season.

Tim DiFrancesco is the former Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Los Angeles Lakers professional basketball team. After spending more than six seasons in the NBA, he left to grow TD Athletes Edge, his performance-oriented strength facility in Salem, MA. He earned his BS in Exercise Science & Athletic Training from Endicott College and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. His experience includes professional athletes, sub-elite athletes in the NBA-Development League, and recreational athletes across numerous disciplines. In this conversation, we discuss what really happens in your body when you start lifting weights. We also talk about: Why lifting will turn you from a donkey into a gazelle How we change minds about endurance runners lifting weights Whether plyometrics are drills or strength exercises How to get start with plyos, plan them in your training, and mistakes to avoid Links & Resources: Follow Tim on Instagram and Twitter Visit TD Athlete's Edge Lift weights for endurance High Performance Lifting Big thanks to Tim DiFrancesco for coming on the show and sharing his expertise. Please connect with him and express a big thank you! Thank You beam Our newest sponsor is beam, one of my newest favorite companies! They have a great offer for the Strength Running community so don't miss out on 15% off your order with code JASON! The two products that I'm enjoying the most are their Elevate Variety Pack and Dream, their sleep-promoting mix. The Elevate options include Balance, with prebiotics and probiotics for a happy gut, Energy with a small amount of natural caffeine, and Recovery with collagen and amino acids. Dream is a powder that tastes like cinnamon hot cocoa and it helps you get a better sleep. It has THC-free CBD, melatonin, magnesium, l-theanine, and other compounds that help you rest more quickly and easily. I have trouble sleeping and this has made a huge difference in the quality of my sleep. Beam's products are low in sugar, taste great, and use responsibly sourced ingredients. They are offering 15% off your order with the code "JASON" (not case sensitive). Couple that with a subscription and your first month's savings will be 35%! Sleep better, recover faster, what's not to love? Check them out at beamtlc.com.

Alison Pope-Rhodius is a professor of Applied Sport and Performance Psychology and a Program Director at Holy Names University in California. She is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and the co-editor of Excelling in Sport Psychology: Planning, Preparing, and Executing Applied Work. As an expert in this field, Alison got to travel the world working with elite archers and coaches, culminating in working with the U.S. team and U.K. number one archer at the 2004 Olympics. She has been an active member of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) for many years and was made a Fellow in 2018. Alison brings an approachable understanding of what the growth mindset is and how athletes can use it to their advantage. In our conversation, we talk about: Details of what a growth mindset is Common pitfalls to avoid How to recognize when you are in a fixed mindset Tips for practicing this technique Alison also shares about the power of controlling the elements that you can, and letting go of the rest. Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Alison on Twitter Read more on the growth mindset Additional podcast on mastering your mindset Get our free mindset email series! Thank you to XOSKIN for sponsoring this episode, who's offering 20% off with code 'SR' at checkout! I was introduced to this company a few months ago and have been impressed with the quality of the shorts, socks, and shirt that I've been wearing. They're soon launching a men's base liner and women's lightweight shorts. To be the first to know when the new items are launched, follow them on social media at @xoskinusa. XOSKIN is the only seamless athletic apparel brand in the United States, using 3-dimensional knit structures and their patented materials (PTFE and Copper) to create apparel with superior wicking and drying capabilities that work in all kinds of environments and conditions. Their apparel has been used in some of the most challenging races in the world, from Death Valley in the middle of summer, to the sub-zero temperatures of the Arctic. XOSKIN's material feels great against the skin and the fit is so comfortable you'll forget you're even wearing it. Their patented materials are your best defense against chafing, blisters, hot spots and odor. Unlike most technology in athletic apparel which is gone after a few washes, XOSKIN's RapiDriCopper™ technology is molecularly boned to the fiber and won't wash out. Be sure to check out XOSKIN to see all of their shirts, tights, socks, compression sleeves, and more. Their clothes are made for both men and women so you're sure to find something that suits your needs. Use code SR (not case sensitive) to get 20% off your order!

Jason Fitzgerald started Strength Running in 2010 with a small blog after he ran his first marathon in 2:44 and suffered through a severe IT Band injury. 11 years later, Strength Running is now a multimedia company with a YouTube channel, Instagram, award-winning blog, and Twitter. He also provides a number of training programs, including the popular Injury Prevention for Runners and High Performance Lifting. In addition to all this, Jason is the head coach of Team Strength Running - an engaged community of runners who cheer each other on while getting the resources they need to propel their running forward. And of course, there is the Strength Running Podcast, which is where we're catching up with Jason today. In this interview, Jason shares more details about: Why he stuck with running in his early years The positive impact that different coaches have had on him The ups and downs of Jason's own running career Running post college and how his focus shifted How Strength Running went from a passion project to a full time job Wisdom for those wanting to become entrepreneurs Thank You beam! Our newest sponsor is beam, one of my newest favorite companies! They have a great offer for the Strength Running community so don't miss out on 15% off your order with code JASON! The two products that I'm enjoying the most are their Elevate Variety Pack and Dream, their sleep-promoting mix. The Elevate options include Balance, with prebiotics and probiotics for a happy gut, Energy with a small amount of natural caffeine, and Recovery with collagen and amino acids. Dream is a powder that tastes like cinnamon hot cocoa and it helps you get a better sleep. It has THC-free CBD, melatonin, magnesium, l-theanine, and other compounds that help you rest more quickly and easily. I have trouble sleeping and this has made a huge difference in the quality of my sleep. Beam's products are low in sugar, taste great, and use responsibly sourced ingredients. They are offering 15% off your order with the code "JASON" (not case sensitive). Couple that with a subscription and your first month's savings will be 35%! Sleep better, recover faster, what's not to love? Check them out at beamtlc.com.

Today, we're talking to Jonathan Levitt who took his high altitude training seriously. Not only is he paying attention to how he performs at 9,600 feet, he's also using blood tests to track important biomarkers that indicate how his body adapts. Jonathan is a sub-3 marathoner, sales manager for InsideTracker (code strengthrunning saves you 20% on any test), and host of the For The Long Run podcast. Jonathan shares not only anecdotal stories of how his body is responding, be he also has the data to back it up. He is lucky enough to have a team of experts helping him figure out how to adjust to altitude. In our conversation, Jonathan and I talk about: Adjusting workouts when first moving to higher altitude Increasing fitness with decreasing intensity Biomarker changes after 2 months Importance of fundamentals like sleep and nutrition Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Jonathan on Instagram and Twitter Read the blog training at high altitude Blood test with InsideTracker (code strengthrunning saves 20% on any test!) Thank you Elemental Labs! A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They're also offering free product: just pay for shipping and you can get their sample pack including 8 packets of citrus, raspberry, unflavored, and orange salt varieties. Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite and I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium. There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out Elemental Labs to try their sample pack for free and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming spring season.

Candice Burt holds the FKT - or Fastest Known Time - on the 171-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, the 95-mile Wonderland Trail, and the 20-mile Enchantment Lakes Traverse. She won the Delirious W.E.S.T. 200-mile (which is actually 219 miles) and placed 4th at the HURT100 Endurance Run in 2019. She also has podium finishes at countless ultras over the years. Along with working out the arrangements for this year's races, Candice is currently getting ready to cover the Arizona Trail, which is 800 miles long. She shares details of her planning, logistics, and other intricacies of what it takes to run for weeks on end. In our conversation, we also cover topics on: Safety and comfort out on the Arizona Trail Gear considerations for runs and nights out in the wild What inspires the athletes that inspire us How Candice went about organizing her first ultra race The cost and logistics of putting on long races Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Candice on Instagram Check out more on her site: Candice Burt Join one of her ultra races The book that inspired Candice: Born to Run Thank You, beam! Our newest sponsor is beam and they have a great offer for our community. I've had the chance to try out their products and have become a big fan. The two products that I'm enjoying the most are their Elevate Variety Pack and Dream, their sleep-promoting mix. The Elevate options include Balance, with prebiotics and probiotics for a happy gut, Energy with a small amount of natural caffeine, and Recovery with collagen and amino acids. Dream is a powder that tastes like cinnamon hot cocoa and it helps you get a better sleep. It has THC-free CBD, melatonin, magnesium, l-theanine, and other compounds that help you rest more quickly and easily. I have trouble sleeping and this has made a huge difference in the quality of my sleep. Beam's products are low in sugar, taste great, and use responsibly sourced ingredients. They are offering 15% off your order with the code "JASON" (not case sensitive). Couple that with a subscription and your first month's savings will be 35%! Sleep better, recover faster, what's not to love? Check them out at beamtlc.com.

Brian is a consistent runner with two decades of experience and over 25 marathons under his belt. While his fastest marathon was 2:59 back in 2013, he hasn't been able to set a new PR since. As a member of Team Strength Running, Brian has the opportunity for these coaching calls. In this episode, listen to Jason and Brian talk about: His history and background as a runner What he's doing right in his training (and should continue) The improvements he can take to keep getting faster Why Jason is encouraged that he will meet his big goal! Brian is currently following the Half Marathon Training Plan from the High Performance Lifting program. He has added strides to his runs, lifts to support his training, and is training for a shorter distance than his goal race. All that is going to pay off! Brian has exciting opportunities to improve his marathon race time and we are all awaiting to hear about his next big race. From your feedback, I know that these types of coaching calls resonate with many of you. If you are interested in hearing more of these behind-the-scenes calls, check out the recent episodes with another masters runner and a discussion on running your first marathon. This information and support is the foundation of the Strength Running team, where you can join our thriving community. Thank You XOSKIN! Thank you to XOSKIN for sponsoring this episode, who's offering 20% off with code 'SR' at checkout! I was introduced to this company a few months ago and have been impressed with the quality of the shorts, socks, and shirt that I've been wearing. They're soon launching a men's base liner and women's lightweight shorts. To be the first to know when the new items are launched, follow them on social media at @xoskinusa. XOSKIN is the only seamless athletic apparel brand in the United States, using 3-dimensional knit structures and their patented materials (PTFE and Copper) to create apparel with superior wicking and drying capabilities that work in all kinds of environments and conditions. Their apparel has been used in some of the most challenging races in the world, from Death Valley in the middle of summer, to the sub-zero temperatures of the Arctic. XOSKIN's material feels great against the skin and the fit is so comfortable you'll forget you're even wearing it. Their patented materials are your best defense against chafing, blisters, hot spots and odor. Unlike most technology in athletic apparel which is gone after a few washes, XOSKIN's RapiDriCopper™ technology is molecularly boned to the fiber and won't wash out. Be sure to check out XOSKIN to see all of their shirts, tights, socks, compression sleeves, and more. Their clothes are made for both men and women so you're sure to find something that suits your needs. Use code SR (not case sensitive) to get 20% off your order!

Dr. Duncan Simpson has a PhD in Sport Psychology and is the Director of Personal Development at IMG Academy, a multi-sport training institution in Florida. He has worked with children, high school students, and professional and Olympic athletes in a range of sports. Duncan was formerly an Associate Professor in the Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology Program at Barry University. He is also a certified consultant with the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Given his experience and education, Duncan possesses a deep knowledge of the mental game that athletes are faced with. In our conversation, Duncan covers a variety of mental skills and how athletes utilize them to gain a performance advantage: Creating short- and long-term focus Avoiding external distractions Doing self-assessments And how to apply it all to your own running Connect with Duncan on Twitter Email him at [email protected] Train your mind A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They're also offering free product: just pay for shipping and you can get their sample pack including 8 packets of citrus, raspberry, unflavored, and orange salt varieties. Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite and I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium. There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out Elemental Labs to try their sample pack for free and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming spring season.

Shane Benzie is a running coach, movement specialist, researcher and the founder of the Running Reborn coaching platform. He has worked with beginners to world record holding runners all over the world to help them harness their elasticity and improvement their movement. His work has taken him to six continents and many different environments, where he lives with and trains with elite athletes, tribes and indigenous people to crack the code of natural human movement and how to turn it into human performance. This conversation covers: Why impact doesn't cause running injuries but mismanagement of impact could How to assess your running form and what to look for Proper mechanics of a foot strike Tips on moving beautifully while running What you can do in your daily non-running life to support your training How to modulate stride length while maintaining cadence Links & Resources from the Show: Find Shane on Running Reborn Shane's book: The Lost Art of Running Free Form Cues Worksheet mentioned in this episode Thank you XOSKIN! Thank you to our newest sponsor, XOSKIN, who's offering 20% off with code 'SR' at checkout! I was introduced to this company a few months ago and have been impressed with the quality of the shorts, socks, and shirt that I've been wearing. XOSKIN is the only seamless athletic apparel brand in the United States, using 3-dimensional knit structures and their patented materials (PTFE and Copper) to create apparel with superior wicking and drying capabilities that work in all kinds of environments and conditions. Their apparel has been used in some of the most challenging races in the world, from Death Valley in the middle of summer, to the sub-zero temperatures of the arctic. XOSKIN's material feels great against the skin and the fit is so comfortable you'll forget you're even wearing it. Their patented materials are your best defense against chafing, blisters, hot spots and odor. Unlike most technology in athletic apparel which is gone after a few washes, XOSKIN's RapiDriCopper™ technology is molecularly boned to the fiber and won't wash out. Be sure to check out XOSKIN to see all of their shirts, tights, socks, compression sleeves, and more. Their clothes are made for both men and women so you're sure to find something that suits your needs. Use code SR (not case sensitive) to get 20% off your order!

Zoë Rom is the Associate Editor of Trail Runner Magazine, host of the DNF podcast and an outspoken advocate for environmental justice. She has a Master's Degree in Environmental Journalism from the University of Colorado and has a deep passion for our public lands. Zoë lives, plays, and works in the mountains of Colorado. She has a firm belief that access to outdoor recreation should be equal for all. At the same time, the negative impacts of industrial development should not be weighted on certain racial or income groups. In today's episode, we dive into many topics such as institutional negligence, equal access, and the fight for justice. Zoë has numerous suggestions on how you can get involved – everything from individual food choices to the support of organizations that are doing meaningful work. Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Zoë on Instagram Check out her podcast: DNF Read more about Zoe on Trail Runner Magazine Zoë Rom's website SR's trail running guide Elite trail athlete Peter Maksimow on public lands Thank you Elemental Labs! A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They're also offering free product: just pay for shipping and you can get their sample pack including 8 packets of citrus, raspberry, unflavored, and orange salt varieties. Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite and I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium. There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out Elemental Labs to try their sample pack for free and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming spring season.

Dana Giordano is a middle-distance pro runner for Adidas and the Boston Athletics Association (B.A.A.). Prior to becoming a pro, she worked at Reebok for several years as a Product Manager, while keeping up with running as a lifestyle sport. She was also an All-American at Dartmouth University and reflects often on those years of running. Dana has had an interesting year as a pro, given the global pandemic that we are all facing. Her impact goes well beyond her performance, as the host of the More than Running with Dana Giordano podcast, where she features stories of women in the sport. Dana left her job in pursuit of her Olympic dreams and shares the many challenges that she has overcome and continues to deal with. In this episode, we talk about: Dana's journey from collegiate runner to pro The life on an underdog elite runner Training through cold, snowy winters Mental skills and mindset to overcome setbacks How to keep running fun Dana's overall humble perspectives and down-to-earth approach makes this conversation very accessible to all runners. I hope you'll come away with a new look at the life of a pro runner and how you can achieve more in this sport as well. Links & Resources from the Show: Dana's Instagram and Twitter Check out Dana's podcast Children's book: Girl Running: Bobbi Gibb and the Boston Marathon Thank you to our newest sponsor, XOSKIN, who's offering 20% off with code 'SR' at checkout! I was introduced to this company a few months ago and have been impressed with the quality of the shorts and shirt that I've been wearing. They have a patented knitting technology that keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It has even been used in Death Valley races, so you know the heat dissipation is excellent. The 3-dimensional knitting of the fabric is very comfortable and versatile because there aren't any seams so the risk of chafing, blisters, or hot spots is a lot lower. I'm also loving that they have powerful anti-odor properties. They use both copper and a synthetic treatment to reduce odor and friction and wick moisture. Plus, it's molecularly bonded so it doesn't come out in the wash. Be sure to check out XOSKIN to see all of their shirts, tights, socks, compression sleeves, and more. Their clothes are made for both men and women so you're sure to find something that suits your needs. Use code SR (not case sensitive) to get 20% off your order!

Dr. Caitlin Alexander is a physical therapist at Build Sports Performance Lab & Physical Therapy in Boulder, Colorado with a certification in Applied Functional Science. She's a certified triathlon coach, running coach, and has experience working with elite-level athletes. She's also an incredible athlete herself! Caitlin has qualified for the Kona World Ironman Championships and is a category 3 cyclist. In our conversation today, we're talking about what happens when you have an injury for a very long time. You see, our movement patterns live in our brain. Your brain is what controls how you run and if your brain learns over time to compensate for an injury, you'll develop all new movement patterns - and they won't be ideal. Finally, Caitlin and I discuss: the origins of disrupted motor patterns how these movement patterns become ingrained in our brain the process required to relearn optimal movement patterns fun Q&A! Resources & Links: Follow Caitlin on Instagram Mobility training for runners Dynamic warm up exercises Jay Dicharry on injury-free running Injury prevention email course Thank you Elemental Labs A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They're also offering free product: just pay for shipping and you can get their sample pack including 8 packets of citrus, raspberry, unflavored, and orange salt varieties. Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite and I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium. There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. I'm encouraged by the fact that Navy SEAL teams, Olympic teams, and pro athletes have started using Elemental electrolyte supplements to improve their performance. Learn more about what they do at their website (and don't forget to get your free sample pack!).

Steven Sashen is a Master's All-American sprinter and one of the fastest sprinters over 50 in the United States. He's a former All-American gymnast, a professional stand-up comic, a cognitive psychology researcher, and he previously tought Tai Chi and Zen Archery. Steven has quite the background which is probably needed for starting a successful company in one of the most competitive industries in the world: footwear. He's now the cofounder and CEO of Xero Shoes. We're going to talk about the beginnings of Xero Shoes, the benefits of minimalism, how to transition, plus feature a whole host of questions from members of Team Strength Running, our group coaching program. If you'd like to impact future podcast episodes, you can learn more about the team at strengthrunning.com/join/ Follow Jason Fitzgerald on Instagram and subscribe to the Strength Running YouTube channel!

Our guest today is Bryan Green, the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Go Be More apparel, host of the Go Be More Podcast, organizer of the Ignite Sendai Conference in Japan that connects entrepreneurs, and author of the new book Make the Leap. Bryan ran for UCLA from 1997 - 2002 where he was a 2x National Qualifier for cross country, captain of the track team, and 3rd place finisher at the 2001 Pac-10 10,000m final. In this conversation, we're focusing on the mental side of training. The mindset that is required for high performance and all of the little things that enable us to succeed that aren't really little at all. We're going to discuss feedback loops, his Optimal Training Pyramid, your hidden training program, and building your self-belief system. For more on mindset, sign up for Strength Running's free mental fitness course here. Support our sponsor InsideTracker by using the code strengthrunning on any of their tests at InsideTracker.com.

Michael Crawley is an anthropology professor at Durham University in England. A 2:20 marathoner, he spent 15 months training with the best runners in Ethiopia to figure out the secrets to their success. His book, Out of Thin Air, is a beautiful story of a culture where for many, "running is life." From their very different relationship to easy runs, metrics and pace, and even the social aspect of running, this episode will open your eyes to a different way of approaching running. But more than that, you'll see how running is life for many in Ethiopia and how the sport is an integral part of the Ethiopian identity. Visit https://strengthrunning.com/​ to learn more about barefoot running, getting faster, injury preventing, and lifting for speed. Or connect with Jason Twitter: https://twitter.com/JasonFitz1​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonfitz1/​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strengthrunning

Jay Dicharry is a physical therapist who rose to prominence as an expert in biomechanical analysis as Director of the SPEED Clinic at the University of Virginia. He has written two books that are highly recommended for our community: Anatomy for Runners and Running Rewired. Jay also consults for several footwear companies, the US Air Force, and USA Track and Field. Recently, Jay created and founded MOBO Board, an innovative foot stability tool. In this episode we talk about the 4 skills that Jay deems absolutely necessary for healthy, pain-free running. Those are postural control, rotational stability, hip dominance, and individual skeletal alignment. We go into detail on all of these, talking about what they are, why they're important, and how to build these skills into your training. For more on injury prevention, join our free prevention course here.

Ryan Banta is a coach with more than 19 years of experience and the author of the Sprinter's Compendium. At the high school level, Ryan has produced 135 All-State medalists, including 10 state champions and 15 runners-up. His teams have won 12 district championships and 5 top five state finishes in the last nine seasons. He has been elected Missouri Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (MTCCCA) president and served on the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) advisory board. In this podcast, we discuss: Prevention of sprinting-related injuries Common training errors in pursuit of speed Mechanics of maximum velocity running The speed development differences between teenagers and adults In the spirit of this year's Take Action theme, we leave off with a number of actionable steps that any runner can take to improve their speed. Show Links & Resources: Connect with Ryan on Twitter Check out his videos on YouTube Books mentioned by Ryan Supertraining by Yuri Verkhoshansky Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett Thank You PWURE! Our newest sponsor is PWURE; learn more about them at pwure.com. They're offering 20% off your first month with code "nextlevel" at checkout. Using either your Strava data or an online consultation, they create pre-run and post-run personalized shakes using organic ingredients. They're the first company to use your fitness data to craft on-demand nutrition - I think the potential of this is awesome and it reminds me of the testing and effort that goes into elite marathoners and their fueling. PWURE has been testing their products with pro runners and the promise here is that they can deliver optimized, better ratios of carbohydrate to protein so you can perform better and recover faster. You get a post-workout dose recommendation so everything they make and recommend is unique to you. All of their formulas can be made vegan, there are four flavors to choose from, and you can even add vitamins. 82% of users saw performance and recovery improvement after one month and 86% would recommend it to a friend. See all PWURE have to offer and don't forget that code nextlevel will save you 20% on your first month.

Tom Schwartz, also known as Tinman, has over 30 years of coaching experience. He has worked with youth runners, masters, and professionals. Tom has developed dozens of D1 collegiate athletes, national champions, and national record holders and works with athletes across every distance and on every terrain from the track, road, to trail. Tom has a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Coaching, a master's in Human Performance, an MBA, and is currently working on his PhD in Health & Human Performance. You might recognize Tom as the coach of Drew Hunter, one of the fastest high schoolers ever a few years ago. Drew is now running professionally for Adidas on the Tinman Elite team in Boulder, CO. In today's podcast, we talk about all the things that make teams special and how Tom works with his athletes to create a greater good in our world. We cover topics on: Elements of a successful team Life skills we can learn from running Delayed gratification Self discipline Modulation Purpose Specificity Coaching athletes of all ages, abilities, and events Tom's training philosophy to "keep the ball rolling" And of course, Tom shares so much wisdom and inspiration for all of us involved in the sport. Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor InsideTracker. Today, more than ever, it's essential that we're making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it. InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals. InsideTracker's patented system will transform your body's data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you're running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance. I recently had my own blood drawn and am glad to report that my results indicate that everything is in a healthy range. If you're ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker offers a selection of plans that best suit your needs. Use Code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker to save 10% of any of their tests.

This episode is all about the off-season. The "in between" time between seasons of running. You'll learn how to best structure this time based on your goals, weaknesses, and ability. This episode was the suggestion from a listener. He asked if I could talk about what runners should do after they run a marathon but before they start their next big training block. Now, whether you're training for a marathon or any distance race, this is a great question. A good example is what to do after the Boston Marathon but before you start training for the NYC marathon. If you train for 16 weeks for New York, that puts the beginning of your training in late July. Assuming you take a full two weeks off from running after Boston, you're left with 11 weeks. What do you do with that time period? Our sponsor is the first tech-enabled sports nutrition company - PWURE that you can find at pwure.com. You hook up your Strava profile or do an online consultation to create personalized pre- and post-run shakes from organic ingredients. Use code 'nextlevel' to save 20% on your first month.

Eli Asch is currently the Race Director for the Twin Cities Marathon. Prior to this role, he directed the California International Marathon (CIM), which hosted two USATF marathon national championships. Under his direction, CIM was the fastest-growing major marathon in America. Eli also served as the Logistics and Operations Manager for the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon events. He holds an MBA in Sports Business from San Diego State University and a BA in English from Whitman College, where he was captain of the cross country team. I wanted to bring Eli on the podcast to share the details of what it takes to put on a major marathon race. We talk about: Nitty gritty details of getting a race permit How races are measured and certified Reconciling your GPS watch data with the race distance Expanding the running community to be more inclusive What you can do now to support your favorite races Enjoy my podcast with Eli and rejoice in the knowledge that races are, in fact, coming back! Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor InsideTracker. Today, more than ever, it's essential that we're making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it. InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals. InsideTracker's patented system will transform your body's data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you're running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance. I recently had my own blood drawn and am glad to report that my results indicate that everything is in a healthy range. If you're ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker offers a selection of plans that best suit your needs. Use Code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker to save 10% of any of their tests.

Noah Droddy is a professional runner, 2-time Olympic Trials Qualifier, 2-time collegiate All-American, and a 2:11 marathoner. He is sponsored by Saucony and trains under Richard Hansen in Boulder, Colorado for the Roots Running Project. His sights are currently set on breaking the 2:10 marathon barrier, which he shares about in this podcast. Noah's path to professional running was indirect, to say the least. He ran through high school and college but didn't take it too seriously. In fact, Noah attributes this casual approach to his decision to go all in on the sport. Noah is also one of very few runners to turn pro after a Division 3 college career, making his trajectory even more impressive. I caught up with him to ask about his current training and how he has been able to make such leaps in his performance. We cover many topics, including: Work ethic to pursue your goals Environmental factors that help your succeed Evolving pressures of a pro runner This is an inspiring episode and I hope you'll enjoy Noah's energy and thoughtfulness as much as I did. RESOURCES: Injury Prevention Train Your Mind Coaching Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor InsideTracker. Today, more than ever, it's essential that we're making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it. InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals. InsideTracker's patented system will transform your body's data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you're running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance. I recently had my own blood drawn and am glad to report that my results indicate that everything is in a healthy range. If you're ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker offers a selection of plans that best suit your needs. Use Code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker to save 10% of any of their tests.

Have you wondered if a BQ time is out of reach for you? Or if you're "good enough" to hire a coach? Or maybe you're still sorting out where running fits in with muscle building versus weight loss? We have you covered. On today's episode, Anya and Jason discuss the common misconceptions, set the record straight, and offer our own experience while debunking the myths. Anya has joined Jason on previous episodes and if you'd like to hear more, listen to a Q&A for new runners and a discussion about recreational runners. Anya has over a decade of running experience as a triathlete, marathoner, and ultra runner. She brings an interesting perspective as a mom and working professional (outside the running industry) that I think will appeal to many of our listeners. And a big thanks to our sponsor, Inside Tracker, a company that helps endurance athletes optimize their training after taking a simple blood test. I'm a customer, I love their science-based approach, and I think this is one of those investments that actually make you into a better runner. Figure out if you're over- or under-training so you can train more effectively. Use code strengthrunning (no space) to save 10% on any of their blood testing kits at insidetracker.com.

Molly is one of the best runners in the world. She holds the American Record in the 10k, 20k, and the half marathon. She represented the United States at the 2012 Olympics, qualifying for the 5,000m final and finishing 11th. Molly set the American Record in the 10k at the 2016 Olympics, finishing 5th overall. Later that same year she made her marathon debut at the NYC Marathon, making the podium in a 3rd place finish. Molly's talents are indisputable. Not only does she have range in her performance across a variety of distances, but she also has longevity. Molly has been a professional runner for well over a decade. In this podcast she shares about her unique training schedule and we also discuss: Training changes and records set during COVID How she stays motivated Advice for other runners in these challenging times Molly's new project (hint: it's a book!) releasing next year Thank you Molly for joining us on the podcast! Links & Resources from the Show: Hear injury prevention advice from Molly Follow Molly on Twitter and Instagram Keeping Track podcast hosted by Molly Huddle, Alysia Montano, and Roisin McGettigan Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor InsideTracker. Today, more than ever, it's essential that we're making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it. InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals. InsideTracker's patented system will transform your body's data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you're running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance. I recently had my own blood drawn and look forward to sharing the results with you soon. If you're ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker is offering their best deal of the year with $200 off their Ultimate Plan, which is their most comprehensive package. Use Code GIFTFROMSTRENGTHRUN at InsideTracker to claim your savings.

Alex Hutchinson holds a PhD in Physics from Cambridge, a Master's in Journalism from Columbia, and is a former national-class runner in Canada. He has written for Runner's World, Outside Online, The Globe and Mail, Popular Mechanics, and many other major media. I am a big fan of his fitness books as well. He wrote: Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights? Alex and I have partnered together before to bring you expert advise. We also recorded a podcast episode on the limits of human endurance. On today's episode, I wanted to have an in-depth conversation about all things related to tapering. I asked you, our Strength Running community on Instagram and Twitter, for questions that you may have. You guys rock, as always! Thanks for your thoughtful questions and helping to guide the conversation. If this episode was helpful, a rating and review in Apple Music is most appreciated!

Self-efficacy is one of the most important concepts in the world of performance psychology. Most of us understand this idea as "confidence" but it's actually more specific than that. It means: "Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in his or her capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments." Now you might have a lot of questions: How can we better prioritize our mental fitness so that we believe in our abilities? What are the sources of self-efficacy so we can draw from them during training? How can we use mantras for running to our advantage? Are there strategies for building confidence training (or self-efficacy training) into our running? To help us answer these critical questions, I invited Dr. Amber Shipherd onto the podcast. Dr. Amber Shipherd is an assistant professor and performance psychology program coordinator at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She's also a certified mental performance consultant and owner of Next Level Mind Consulting. She is a member of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee Sports Psychology Registry and an Executive Committee Member with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. And thankfully for us, she's an expert on self-efficacy! She joins us on the Strength Running Podcast to discuss the intricacies of confidence: Why confidence is not nearly as valuable as self-efficacy Strategies for building self-efficacy while running Mindset traps that sap confidence and leave you doubting yourself Best practices for incorporating imagery and personal affirmations in your running Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Amber on Twitter Visit Amber's website How to thrive during adversity My favorite mantras

Most diets claim to deliver one big goal. For some, that's making the body more alkaline (the opposite of acidic). Others promise to help you lose weight, reduce inflammation, improve gut health, increase mental clarity, burn fat, and generally just "upgrade your life." But are they real? Do these diets deliver on their promises? And they worth the hassle? These are critical questions because our nutrition and fueling is paramount to our success as runners. And as the saying goes, garbage in means garbage out. The days of believing that "the furnace will burn anything if the fire is hot enough" are over. We now know that nutrition plays a leading role in how energized we feel, how well we recover from hard efforts, and our general health and longevity. Without good nutrition, we're setting ourselves up for failure. But do we need a specific diet? To get a clear answer, I invited Registered Dietitian (and certified running coach) Claire Shorenstein to the podcast. Claire Shorenstein is a RRCA certified running coach, Registered Dietitian, and host of the Eat for Endurance Podcast. She has a private practice in New York where she puts her Master's degree in clinical nutrition to good use. We first met back in 2015 at the National Endurance Sports Summit at Princeton Univeristy where we both participated on a panel about fueling for endurance running. Since then, I've seen her name pop up in Runner's World, Salon, Food & Wine, and other big media outlets. She joins us for a two-part discussion. Part 1 focuses on three specific diets: the alkaline, anti-inflammatory, and microbiome (or gut health) diets. We talk about the goals of each diet, how they claim to deliver results, and whether or not it's a good choice for runners. Part 2 is about diets and eating for endurance. We talk more broadly about eating healthy, the rules that we each follow (and break regularly), and why runners should think twice about following a strict diet. Links & Resources from the Show: Claire's website Follow Claire on Instagram or Facebook Strength Running's free nutrition course More Q&A with a Registered Dietitian SR's Running for Weight Loss resource page

Breaking through a performance plateau when you seem to be slowing down can be frustrating. Running improvement sometimes can be difficult. How do you train differently? What are the low-risk, high-reward activities that will prompt you to keep improving? Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes on your training is what it takes. Use the improvement suggestions in this episode to help you think more strategically about your training, challenge yourself to try something new, and get out of your comfort zone. For more, visit strengthrunning.com or our youtube channel. Our sponsor for this episode of the podcast is SteadyMD. They pair you with a primary care doctor, online, who's available via phone, text, or video for all of your needs. It's tele-medicine at its finest. And not just any doctor, but a fellow runner who understands the training process, your recovery needs, repetitive stress injuries, and can easily order you blood work, referrals for specialists, and more. Dr. Josh Emdur leads the program and he's a sub-3 marathoner! Visit SteadymD to learn more about this innovative medical service for endurance runners and reserve your spot.

Brian Zuleger is a professor of sport psychology at Adams State University, where he is also the mental strength coach for the Cross Country and Track and Field teams. He works directly with athletes in an integrative, holistic approach. Brian is a certified Exercise Physiologist from the American College of Sports Medicine. He applies his education with the athletes he works with as a personal trainer and coach. We discuss the partnership that he has with athletes, the skills that they focus on, and their unique psychology. We talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the youthful mindset, as well as what adult runners can take away. We also talk about: Healthy ways to view competition Temptation of numbers-driven outcomes Getting unstuck after a bad workout Advantages of having a team Show Links & Resources: Check out Brian's website Connect on Instagram Sign up for our free course on confidence, focus, and mental toughness Thank you to the Run Smarter Podcast! The Run Smarter Podcast is our newest sponsor that I know you'll love. Hosted by Brodie Sharpe, an expert in physiology, it aims to bridge the information gap for recreational runners and the field of physiotherapy. Brodie is an expert in this and is passionate about helping runners perform their best. Alongside the valuable resources shared in the Run Smarter Podcast, he offers online physiotherapy to help runners recovery from injuries. When I joined Brodie to discuss how to create the best training plan, I was impressed with his thoughtful questions and commitment to science-based information. Check out more of his episodes on The Run Smarter Podcast and subscribe to get the newest ones. I know you'll really enjoy it!

Starting anything new can be overwhelming, especially if you do all the research upfront. Read about running and you'll find yourself wondering if you have the "right" shoes, gear, training plan, etc. To simplify, we have a free course to help you with getting started as a new runner. The information will help get you going and keep you running. Today's podcast addresses questions that we collected from our community. Many are frequent ones that every new runner will wonder about at some point. Others topics are more specific and interesting to be aware of, even if they don't pertain to you. We divided the questions into several categories: Getting started - the "how" and "why" of running Training strategies - we discuss different paces, stretching routines, and goals Fueling - details for drinking and eating on the run Your body's performance while running Mental skills for runners Ever wondered how long it might take you to train for a marathon? Or when to consider packing water with you on the run? And most importantly - where do you start? We have you covered! Thank You PATH Projects! PATH Projects continues to be a great supporter of this podcast! I'm grateful for their partnership and want to share more about their products that I've been loving because they so durable and comfortable. PATH Projects is an online-only retailer of high-quality running gear and apparel. That means there is no retail markup, making their products quite affordable. In particular, I've just started wearing their 3" Sykes shorts and they're a little different from the 5" Sykes shorts (you can see those in action here). The material is thinner and lighter, which is perfect in a performance short, and they're obviously shorter. I'm not sure if my wife thinks they're too scandalous or loves them, but I'm wearing them constantly. PATH uses new technical fabrics, like the Japanese fiber called Toray Primeflex, to create award-winning apparel for endurance athletes. In fact, their Brim shorts and Tahoe base liner won Runner's World's 2018 Gear of the Year award. And the Pyrinees hoodie was named one of the best six sweatshirts for running in the cold by Gear Patrol. You know you'll be wearing the best when you select PATH Projects!

Rose is a scientist and an enthusiastic runner. While she wasn't involved with organized running teams through her earlier years, she has been running for several decades. Now, in her 40s, Rose is wondering if she can continue to get faster in her marathon times and beat a PR from her 20's. Rose is a strong and committed runner who has made significant improvements in the last few years. She previously dealt with a lot of discomforts, but is now running pain-free. She attributed that to her strength from the High Performance Lifting program and mobility improvements. In this conversation, you'll learn more about Rose's past race performance, training cycle lengths, and her goals. We talk though many other aspects that she can dial in and ultimately lay out a full year of training and races for her. Rose was pumped to hear that a PR is most definitely possible. We just have to be thoughtful in the approach and patient with the process. We're all cheering for her! If you'd like the opportunity to have a 1-on-1 coaching call with Jason for the podcast, join the Strength Running team, where you can join our thriving community.

Wondering what you can do to prevent injuries? Let's learn from the best in the sport! Today's podcast rounds up advice from the world's top female runners on what they do to prevent injuries and stay healthy while performing at the highest levels. I asked a single question to 5 of the best runners in the world - Colleen Quigley, Sara Hall, Grayson Murphy, Kate Grace, and Molly Huddle: What single idea, tool, or strategy is most helpful in keeping you healthy and running injury-free? The responses are fascinating. Particularly, pay attention to the commonalities. These women are especially focused on what allows them to run sustainably, improve over time, and focus on their own particular needs. Many of the women mentioned the importance of your mindset, and I couldn't agree more! That's why we offer a course designed to improve your mental toughness, along with techniques that you can implement in your own running. If you aren't ready for a full course, check out these helpful guides to up your mental game: Mantras for running Mental toughness training Additional tips from a sports phycologist See what these incredible women had to say and, of course, see our ultimate guide for injury prevention. Thank You PATH Projects! PATH Projects continues to be a great supporter of this podcast! I'm grateful for their partnership and want to share more about their products that I've been loving because they so durable and comfortable. PATH Projects is an online-only retailer of high-quality running gear and apparel. That means there is no retail markup, making their products quite affordable. In particular, I've just started wearing their 3" Sykes shorts and they're a little different from the 5" Sykes shorts (you can see those in action here). The material is thinner and lighter, which is perfect in a performance short, and they're obviously shorter. I'm not sure if my wife thinks they're too scandalous or loves them, but I'm wearing them constantly. PATH uses new technical fabrics, like the Japanese fiber called Toray Primeflex, to create award-winning apparel for endurance athletes. In fact, their Brim shorts and Tahoe base liner won Runner's World's 2018 Gear of the Year award. And the Pyrinees hoodie was named one of the best six sweatshirts for running in the cold by Gear Patrol. You know you'll be wearing the best when you select PATH Projects!

Matt Phillips in an expert in the field of massage therapy and performance, which is why he's one of our few repeat guests! Our previous podcast focused on running form, but today we're discussing another specialty of his: massage. Originally a strength and conditioning coach with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Matt turned his attention to Sports Therapy in 2004. Since then, he has focused his work on distance runners and endurance athletes. He is also a lecturer in Anatomy and Physiology and his work has appeared in most major media. In this episode, we talk about the common beliefs that are not supported by scientific data, in particular, that massages are not helpful for: Breaking down scar tissue Flushing out lactic acid Increasing circulation Reducing injury through added pain We also talk about how finding a knowledgeable massage therapist can help with: Relaxing the central nervous system Aiding with recovering Educating you Matt provides some great tips on how to find a therapist suitable for you and your needs, incorporating massages into your athletic pursuits, and sorting through all that anecdotal evidence. Thank You Elemental Labs! A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. Their products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite and I'm drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It's tasty and delicious and I find that I'm not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn't eating enough sodium. There's now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you're worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. I'm encouraged by the fact that Navy SEAL teams, Olympic teams, and pro athletes have started using Elemental electrolyte supplements to improve their performance. Learn more about what they do at their website.