The Strength Running Podcast

Runners ask all the time: How should I fit strength training into my endurance goals, and how can I get as strong as possible with limited time? Holly Martin is a personal fitness trainer and run coach based in Nashville, TN who specializes in time-efficient circuit training and individually tailored run programs. Holly comes from a diverse background of professional ballet, ultramarathon running, and 10 years of experience in CrossFit. She’s finished many ultra marathons, including two 100 milers. In this episode, Holly and I talk about: Strength training for ultra runners to prevent injury and improve enduranceSingle leg work to reveal weaknesses, imbalances, and poor movement patternsProper mechanics and activation of certain areas, particularly for runners with weak glutes or other imbalancesPurposeful workouts over working out for appearanceStrength training for trail runners, focusing on heavy lifts and single leg exercisesAlternating between heavier weights and technical work like agility to improve power and explosivenessQuality over quantity in strength training while training for an ultra-marathonWhen to modify or cut back on strength training for runners based on hunger, fatigue, and formMatching strength training to current fitness level and adjusting as needed in the final two months before the raceEnjoying the training process for an ultra-marathon, rather than solely focusing on numbers and metricsAvoiding technical or skill-based movements in the gym that don't directly benefit runningMobility work and static stretching for runners who experience tightness or muscle boundness after training This is a must-listen episode for an ultra runner who knows they need to step up their strength training game in an approachable way. Links & Resources from the Show: Holly Martin's PatreonHolly on YouTubeHolly's websiteHolly on InstagramLearn to lift weights like elite runners. Thank you 2Before! We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles. So, if you want to try to boost your performance and immune system, use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com. Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running! Thank you AG1! We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews. One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train. I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They’ve made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do. For our listeners, they are offering a year’s worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop – the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today.

The running world gets to watch in awe as elites set new records and perform incredible feats. But it’s not all rainbows and unicorns for these athletes. World record holders face injuries and challenges, too. Charlie Lawrence set the record in the 50-mile distance in 2023, clocking in at 4:48:21. That’s an unbelievable average of 5:46 per mile. Charlie also ran his marathon personal record of 2:16 while qualifying for the US Olympic Trials Marathon for the second time. In this episode, Charlie and I talk about: The glute injury and hip labral tear that led Charlie to pull out of the 2024 Olympic Marathon TrialsThe emotions behind dropping out of the TrialsHow a series of injuries in 2024 led Charlie to take almost 3 months off of runningThe treatment and recovery Charlie applied to heal from the injuries, including aqua jogging and pool runningUsing PRP (platelet rich plasma) and a levering off-load device on the treadmill to aid recoveryAn aggressive approach to ultra training and the mentality needed to make it workBeing proactive in injury prevention, from foam rolling to activation workHow Charlie trained to set a 50 mile World Record at a 5:46/mile average paceCharlie’s fueling strategies for ultrarunning and a World RecordWhat running goals Charlie wants to focus on next This is an inspiring episode for runners of any distance who could use a realistic take on performance and recovery from an elite runner. Links & Resources from the Show: Charlie on InstagramGet strategies to prevent injury.Let me help you with your training! Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex! Thank you LMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.  DrinkLMNT's 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. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.

The midstance phase of a running stride is a crucial element of running form, but many runners are ignoring it. If you have weaknesses, imbalances, or poor movement patterns, this is the part of the gait cycle that will show it. Chris Johnson, DPT is a Seattle-based physical therapist, performance coach, entrepreneur, and multiple time Kona IRONMAN qualifier who shares how midstance affects your running performance and how you can improve it. In this episode, Chris and I talk about: Midstance importance in running mechanics and injury prevention The impact midstance has on muscles and running form Common problems in midstance technique from knees to hips The gluteus medius muscle, a common problem area for runners Training the gluteus maximus and hip abductors for running mechanics How to train the midstance for stronger running Single leg exercises for runners with injuries “Movement snacks” for runners: simple movements throughout the day to help runners improve midstance This is an excellent episode for any runner who’s considering how their running form plays into their performance, even beyond midstance mechanics. Links & Resources from the Show: Chris Johnson’s newsletter Chris Johnson on Instagram Chris Johnson’s website Run easier and more powerfully with these form cues Thank you 2Before! We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles.  If you want to boost your performance and immune system, use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com. Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running!   Thank you MOBO Board Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly! Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength. I was recently at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com.

If you're starting to wonder whether your running form is helping or hurting your performance, we’re sharing two important tests that can help you better conceptualize how your body moves through space. Dr. Matthew Silver is a doctor of physical therapy, coach, cross country athlete, founder of Alpha Project Phyzio and Performance in Maryland, and author of the book "Built to Run." We spend a lot of time on foot strike, the problems associated with over-striding, and the many solutions for resolving this form error. In this episode, Matthew and I talk about: Testing running form through the jump test: How to do it to find the optimal jumping paceRunning cadence and its relationship to form and performanceTesting running form through the heel strike test: How to feel the difference between landing on the ball of the foot and the heel (which can lead to potential injury)Strength training and plyometric exercises for runners for improved tendon efficiency and cadenceRunning form and footstrike mechanics, including heel striking and overstridingRunning form and balance during sprinting: Don't run like a ballerinaRunning form and power training with dumbbellsFocusing on simplicity and effectiveness in strength training: the "big three" exercises and the "KISS method" If you’re already wondering whether your current recovery tactics are helping you perform better and stay healthy, this episode will give you great recovery strategies to start implementing today. Links & Resources from the Show: Dr. Matthew Silver on InstagramAlpha Project Phyzio on InstagramRead Matthew's book: Built to RunRun easier and more powerfully with these form cues Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex! Thank you LMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.  DrinkLMNT's 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. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.

What makes the biggest impact when it comes to recovery strategies and tools for runners?  Dr. Peter Tierney is a health and performance researcher, consultant, and coach who’s worked with many professional sports organizations to help athletes recover effectively from exercise. Peter’s “Big 5” recovery strategies are science-backed and possible for runners to add to their training and lifestyle. In this episode, Peter and I talk about: Recovery as part of a lifestyle, not just a post-exercise tool.The Big 5 recovery strategies for runners and endurance athletes, and how to use them.Adaptation vs. performance as recovery outcomes in endurance athletes.Tips for better sleep strategies for runners.Nutrition for running recovery.Balancing running, commitments, and life stressors for optimal performance.Hydration and electrolyte balance for runners and the link to recovery.How socializing with friends and family can be an effective recovery tool. If you’re already wondering whether your current recovery tactics are helping you perform better and stay healthy, this episode will give you great recovery strategies to start implementing today. Links & Resources from the Show: Peter on InstagramPeter on LinkedInPeter on X/TwitterHear 9 pro runner's favorite recovery and prevention tips Thank you AG1! We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews. One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train. I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They’ve made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do. For our listeners, they are offering a year’s worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop – the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today. The Performance Training Journal! The Performance Training Journal is now available on Amazon and debuted as the #4 new release in the running category. Since I started running in 1998, I’ve kept a hardcopy training journal. Holding a tangible log, writing in it daily, and reflecting on the ups and downs of running is a surefire way to improve.  This hardcopy training journal helps you focus on the training metrics that matter, prioritizes a long-term outlook so you don’t take any shortcuts, and maintains your motivation with strategic self-praise. With a no-frills, functional design, the Performance Training Journal includes coaching advice on racing, injury prevention, strength training, and more. It will guide you through race scheduling, how to plan your race morning, the best workouts for endurance runners, and encourage you to track your personal bests over time.  You have the space to make this journal your own whether you’re a new runner or a professional, a trail or road runner, or a mid-distance specialist or ultra marathoner.⁣ So don’t just track your running, learn from it with the Performance Training Journal! Check it out today on Amazon.

Thomas Neuberger has probably worn more pairs of shoes than anybody else over the last 15 years (with maybe the exception of Runner’s World Director of Product Testing and Runner-in-Chief, Jeff Dengate). Thomas’ deep experience in the running shoe industry gives him an unparalleled perspective on the evolution of shoes, why some features are no longer available, and the future of running shoes. In this episode, Thomas and I talk about: The 2009 origin story of Believe in the Run, a top shoe review company in the United States What it's like to test around 100 pairs of running shoes a year The evolution, trends, and fads of running shoes, and why personal runner preference matters How runners can look for and try running shoes that could work for their individual bodies, instead of focusing on a specific brand Tips for beginner runners on selecting a running shoe Stack height, arch support, material, heel-toe drop... What should you consider when looking for a pair of running shoes? Trends in running shoes: from minimalist and barefoot to maximum cushion How a certain model of running shoe can go for over $2,000 on the secondary market How running shoes can relate to foot health and injury (or injury prevention) Why you should be rotating your running shoes Super shoes: How often should runners wear them, whether they're worth it, and what to consider if you're looking for a pair The worst pair of running shoes Thomas ever tried, and some of the best pairs of running shoes from Thomas' experiences Running shoe wisdom: If your running shoes aren't fun, then you're running in the wrong shoes. Don't settle. I get many questions from runners about running shoes, so this episode will give you a ton of value to start making better shoe decisions. Links & Resources from the Show: Explore Believe in the Run Thomas Neuberger on Instagram Believe in the Run on YouTube Learn a great warm-up routine for runners Thank you DrinkLMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.  DrinkLMNT’s 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. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season. Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I’m now taking. Turning 40 – and having a thin frame – has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it’s designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don’t feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex!

Trail running doesn't always mean running an ultramarathon. From trail 5ks to marathons, there's a growing interest in middle distance trail events. Andy Wacker is making this space a more vibrant and welcoming community for runners. Andy Wacker is a professional runner who excels on the track, road, and trail. He is the 2019 world Mountain Running Champ, 2016 US Trail Half Marathon Champ, 2015 US Trail 50k Champion, and a two-time NCAA XC All-American. Andy seeks longevity in the sport and embraces a seasonal training approach to keep him running strong across different distances and disciplines. These days, Andy is growing the trail running community as the founder of The Trail Team, a group of elite and sub-elite athletes that work together in Boulder, Colorado. The Trail Team aims to professionalize the sport and create more opportunities for runners everywhere. In this episode, Andy and I talk about: Andy's running journey from his first trail race in 2013 (which made him temporarily quit trail running) to now The mindset shift from track running to trail running and finding freedom from obsessing over splits Andy's unique approach to training and leaning into challenges How Andy focuses on a seasonal approach and a cross-over model so that athletes can run on the roads and the track How Andy is running for longevity in the sport Why Andy loves sub-ultra races: Trail running isn't only ultrarunning, and sometimes it's a great idea to focus on middle distance races Supporting sub-elite and professional runners through media storytelling, mentorship, and trail camps Andy's plans for the Track Team in 2024 If you're looking to run through many seasons of life, you'll get inspired by this episode! Links & Resources from the Show: Learn about The Trail Team The Trail Team on Instagram Andy Wacker on Instagram Get tips to master your mindset Read the eBook on Running for Health and Happiness: The Beginner's Guide to Faster, Pain-Free Running Thank you MOBO board! Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly! Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength. I was recently at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com. Thank you AG1! We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews. One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train. I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They’ve made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do. For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today.

The Boston Marathon is quickly approaching! Whether you’re racing Boston this spring or have it in your sights as a long term goal, this episode will help you learn all the ins and outs of this iconic event. Today’s guest on the podcast will be headed to Boston for the 19th time! Marc Pollina has run 26 marathons and has been a fixture at Boston as both a charity runner and a sub-3 hour qualifier. Marc’s new book, The Boston Marathon Handbook, offers an incredibly thorough look at the Boston Marathon, whether you’re trying to qualify for the first time or want to be better prepared to navigate race logistics. His reverence for the event is clear, but as someone who has faced the profanity inducing weather of Boston in April, Marc also writes with a sense of humor!  Marc and I talk about all things Boston today, including: Marc’s long history with the Boston marathonThree elements that make Boston so specialThe “Four Cs” of Boston pacing executionCourse specific preparation: how to mimic it in trainingSome of the commandments of Boston Marathon etiquetteWhy it’s essential to learn all the Boston race logistics If you're looking to learn about the Boston Marathon, you won't want to miss this episode! Links & Resources from the Show: Get The Boston Marathon Handbook!Listen to the 2021 Boston Marathon preview episodeGet even more info on planning your Boston Marathon morningLet me help you with your marathon training Thank you DrinkLMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.  DrinkLMNT's 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. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season. Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex!

This week I decided to take you along on my conversation with my friend and fellow podcaster, Jon Levitt. Jon is a sub-3 marathoner and a Senior Sales Executive at InsideTracker. He also hosts the popular podcast, For the Long Run, where I was a guest on episode 264. We usually have long meandering conversations on trail runs throughout Boulder, but this time we recorded it.  While we start by discussing our current running troubles (and our efforts towards solving them), we ultimately focus a lot of our conversation on the professionalization of the running industry. As the sport continues to grow, all players in the industry have a responsibility to up their game by encouraging high standards and broader inclusion. Jon and I cover a lot of ground, including: Our current struggles with illness and injury and the road back to regular runningMy business decision to improve future content on StrengthRunningWhat we’re each doing to professionalize (and grow!) the sportThe common thread of setting high standards in both running and businessStudies on sauna benefits for running and longevityJon’s exciting plans for 2024Some thoughts on the use and science of ketones If you enjoy this episode, leave a review and let me know what you think about this new, conversational format! Links & Resources from the Show: Learn more about Jon and his podcast, For the Long RunFollow Jon on Instagram, Facebook and TwitterListen to our previous conversation about the running communityLet me help you with your training! Thank you MOBO Board! Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly! Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength. I was recently at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com. Thank you Ultimate Training Bundle! We’re also supported by Strength Running’s own Ultimate Training Bundle. Since 2010, Strength Running has helped runners around the world race faster, get stronger, and prevent more injuries with our evidence-based training programs and courses. Now, you can get all of our best courses - High Performance Lifting, Injury Prevention for Runners, Bodyweight Power, Mindset Mastery, Nutrition for Runners, and Team Strength Running - at a massive 35% discount. Give yourself the gift of certainty this new year and get your running, strength training, nutrition, and mindset on the right track. Get it here today!

Ryan Whited is an elite climber, personal trainer and strength & conditioning coach who owns Paragon Athletics in Flagstaff, Arizona. Together with author and coach Matt Fitzgerald he has written Pain & Performance: A revolutionary new way to use training as treatment for pain and injury.  His approach to pain is a novel one and requires you to think about it in a much different way than most of us currently do. Learning to use “training as treatment” and recognize the positive aspects of pain are just a few of the concepts we discuss today. Before pain starts, build injury resilience during training!  We also cover: Why pain can be a tool that is used to your advantageUnderstanding pain as a subjective experience from our history and beliefs What is inaccurate about the structural model of injuryHow our expectancy of pain can influence it“Sweet talking” your system and using tissue without damaging itThe problem with imaging - the difference between abnormal and problematicThe role of fun in returning to activity after an injury Why pain is neither all in your head nor all in your body   Links & Resources from the Show: Learn more about Ryan and Paragon AthleticsFollow Ryan on InstagramCheck out Paragon Athletic’s YouTube videosRead Pain and PerformanceGet advice on how to stay healthy Thank you DrinkLMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.  DrinkLMNT's 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. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season. Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex!

Andrea Pomaranski just completed the 2024 Olympic Trials marathon, finishing 27th of 117 finishers in a time of 2:34:35. Andrea ran shorter distances in college and set the American under-20 record in the steeplechase in 2001. Then 22 years later, she also set the American Master’s record in the 50k. Des Linden is currently the only woman who has recorded a faster 50k! Andrea has qualified three times for the Olympic Trials in the marathon, and finished 27th this year only 20 days after racing the Houston Marathon. She credits her success to her long term consistency in training alongside regular strength work and pilates. As an elite marathoner, Andrea has used High Performance Lifting for the past several years to guide her strength training. In this episode we discuss her approach to training and strength work, and how she manages to run 120+ mile weeks with 3 children and a hectic schedule. Our discussion covers: Andrea’s experience at the 2024 Olympic Marathon TrialsHow Andrea manages her marathon recoveryStructuring 120 miles of weekly running as a busy momAndrea’s keys to staying healthy while running high mileageWhat’s next for Andrea! While Andrea is faster than most of us, her story of persistence and juggling a busy schedule is relatable to everyone. Enjoy our conversation! Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Andrea on InstagramCheck out Andrea’s impressive race performancesRead more about engineering a master’s marathon PR AG1 - Foundational Nutrition We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews. One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train. I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They've made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do. For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today. The Performance Training Journal The Performance Training Journal is now available on Amazon and debuted as the #4 new release in the running category. Since I started running in 1998, I’ve kept a hardcopy training journal. Holding a tangible log, writing in it daily, and reflecting on the ups and downs of running is a surefire way to improve.  This hardcopy training journal helps you focus on the training metrics that matter, prioritizes a long-term outlook so you don’t take any shortcuts, and maintains your motivation with strategic self-praise. With a no-frills, functional design, the Performance Training Journal includes coaching advice on racing, injury prevention, strength training, and more. It will guide you through race scheduling, how to plan your race morning, the best workouts for endurance runners, and encourage you to track your personal bests over time.  You have the space to make this journal your own whether you're a new runner or a professional, a trail or road runner, or a mid-distance specialist or ultra marathoner.⁣ So don't just track your running, learn from it with the Performance Training Journal! Check it out today on Amazon.

My guest on today’s episode in Dr. Caitlin Alexander. Caitlin is a physical therapist, a professional triathlete, and a certified triathlon and running coach. Three years ago she joined me on episode 179 to talk about long-term injuries, and now she is here to answer reader questions on injury reduction. Caitlin owns Hü Performance in downtown Boulder, Colorado. She works with a wide variety of athletes, from weekend warriors to competitive triathletes and elite runners. In addition to physical therapy, Caitlin also offers professional bike fitting, personalized strength and conditioning, and endurance coaching. Caitlin addresses a variety of reader questions on injury resilience, including topics such as: The most efficient means of injury prevention for time-crunched athletesEnding the cycle of recurrent tendonitis after time away from trainingDealing with lower back pain after long runsHow to determine what kind of pain is worrisome and what you can run throughWhat to prioritize for healthy running as we get olderWhy running alone doesn’t replace strength trainingHow different types of stress contribute to injury My conversation with Caitlin will help you stay healthy this season and in the years to come! Links & Resources from the Show: Learn more about Caitlin and Hü PerformanceFollow Caitlin on InstagramListen to my previous conversation with Caitlin about long-term injuriesNeed help with injury prevention? Thank you DrinkLMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.  DrinkLMNT's 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. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season. Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex!

In recent years, runners have come to accept that strength training is a necessity to stay healthy and perform optimally. Learn how to periodize your strength work into 3 distinct phases to take your training to the next level! As a physical therapist, Jimmy Picard specializes in treating endurance runners and mountain athletes to help them stay healthy. He is also a certified running coach and strength coach. Jimmy’s experience in competitive endurance sports combined with his expertise in PT allow him to offer valuable insights to runners so they can avoid and recover from injury. On this episode with Jimmy, you’ll learn why and how to schedule the different phases of strength training, including: Complementing the catabolic nature of running with strength trainingWhy there is more room for a variety of strength work during base trainingThe role of muscular endurance work in various training phasesWhich training phase makes the best use of raw strengthHow to schedule strength training around your hardest workoutsWhen to focus on bodyweight and physical therapy-type exercisesWhy strength training is essential for tendon injuriesHow to schedule strength consistently to avoid the boom/bust cycle Get Strength Running's free weightlifting email series! My conversation with Jimmy can help you approach your strength training more efficiently and effectively. Enjoy! Links & Resources from the Show: Learn more about Jimmy and Redefine Physical Therapy and Performance Follow Jimmy on InstagramConnect with Jimmy on Linked InListen to my previous conversation with Jimmy on episode 223Let me help you with your strength training! Thank you MOBO Board! Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly! Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength. I was recently at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com. Thank You AG1! We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews. One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train. I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They've made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do. For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today.

Do you want to have a monster aerobic engine? No matter what your level of experience, you can learn how to build volume safely and implement intensity to get the most from your training miles. Zach Bitter was formerly the 100-mile world record holder, and is currently the American record holder in the 100-mile and 12-hour events. He's a four time national champion at the 50-mile, 100k and 100-mile distances between 2012 and 2021. Zach has won some of the country’s most competitive ultra races and competed on Team USA’s 100k world team on three occasions. He is also a coach and host of the popular podcast, Human Performance Outliers.    Our conversation today focuses on: Zach’s journey to 100+ mile weeksThe process of learning to truly race a 100 milerHow Zach maximizes his benefits from zone 2 runningUnderstanding how and when to train in zone 3The holy grail of distance running: how to run faster at a lower heart rateZach’s preparation heading into a fast 100 milerHow Zach uses cross-training in various ways through the training cycleAdvice for new and lower mileage runners to take their training to the next level No matter what distance you're training for or where you are at in your running journey, my discussion with Zach will help you build your own massive endurance engine! Links & Resources from the Show: Learn more about Zach’s training and coaching Follow Zach on Instagram and FacebookListen to Zach’s podcast: Human Performance Outliers Follow Zach’s training on StravaCheck out our YouTube channel for more actionable advice to reach your endurance goals Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex! Thank you CXP SPORT! Our newest sponsor is CXP Sport. They make the world’s most advanced underwear, engineered specifically for optimal sports performance with their patented pressure regulation technology. CXP Sport collaborated with ultra runner Zach Miller to create an amazing product. It has no-chafe, bonded seams, 4-way stretch sweat wicking fabric, and temperature regulating features that keep you cool when you start to get hot. For me, CXP’s performance underwear is snug, fits well, and most importantly, I just don’t think about them when I go running. They're that comfortable. For endurance runners who have to run for a long time, the goal is to have gear so good that it works without any problems! You can check out their Endurance XP, Run XP, and React XP performance underwear collection for the most comfortable pair of underwear you’ve ever worn. Use discount code CXPStrength for 20% off all their products at CXP Sport.

Dirk Friel is the co-founder of TrainingPeaks, the largest training platform in the world for athletes. He’s also a talented athlete who explores the mountains through cycling and ski mountaineering. In 2017, Dirk was named Business Person of the Year by Boulder, Colorado’s Chamber of Commerce. What began as a coach-focused triathlon training platform now includes running, cycling and a host of other sports,  And soon they’ll be launching Training Peaks Strength for coaches as well! Dirk and I discuss how training has evolved since the early days of faxed training plans, and where it is headed with the rapid advances in artificial intelligence.  Our conversation covers: The future of coaching and the impact of AIWhy coached shouldn’t worry about losing their jobs to AIHow TrainingPeaks harnesses AI to assist coaches and athletesUpcoming technology for athletes and coachesWhat has surprised Dirk from his decades of work with endurance athletesChallenges currently facing the coaching industry Dirk has had a huge impact on the world of endurance training and continues to influence coaches and athletes through his training platform.  Our conversation will help you think about the current and future role of technology in your own training! Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Dirk on InstagramLearn more about DirkListen to the TrainingPeaks CoachCastFollow Training Peaks on Instagram, Facebook or TwitterSign up for our email list to hear about my new training plans on TrainingPeaks! Thank you DrinkLMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.  DrinkLMNT's 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. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season. Thank you MOBO Board! Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly! Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength. I was recently at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com.

Sam Parr founded The Hustle in 2014, a business newsletter that he grew to over 3 million readers (and 8 figures in revenue) before selling it to Hub Spot. His most recent company, Hampton, is a membership community for entrepreneurs, founders and CEOs. Sam also hosts the incredibly popular business podcast called My First Million. In high school and college, Sam ran competitively at a variety of distances, and has completed several half ironman triathlons. While running is no longer his primary focus, he sets quarterly fitness goals that have pushed him to some pretty incredible accomplishments. Last year he completed the same tests as the NFL combine, scoring as well as an average wide receiver.  Sam and I discuss how he balances his work with his fitness and longevity aspirations, and how he tracks just about every area of his life to keep improving. Our discussion covers: Sam’s background in running and how it has evolvedHis love for the simplicity and suffering of individual sportsHow Sam’s wife helped turn his focus toward wellness and nutritionWhy he uses coaching for so many different aspects of his lifeHow Sam uses goal setting to hit remarkable achievementsWhat he does on a daily basis to promote his healthChallenges Sam is contemplating for 2024 If you're looking for inspiration in the new year, Sam's story is incredibly motivating. Enjoy! Links & Resources from the Show: Listen to Sam’s podcast, My First MillionLearn more about Sam’s company for founders and CEOs: HamptonFollow Sam on Instagram and Twitter Check out Sam’s original business newsletter, The HustleStrength training is essential for success. Learn how to do it right here. Thank you Inside Tracker! InsideTracker is the blood testing company that helps you prioritize your healthspan and longevity by evaluating your bloodwork, DNA, and lifestyle.  Just one test gives you your very own personalized health dashboard, showing you over 40 biomarkers. More importantly, InsideTracker explains which ones fall outside of your custom normal range and provides advice and recommendations on how to move them into the correct range.  Using InsideTracker is like having your very own personal wellness consultant that tells you what’s wrong and how to fix it. Sam uses them to improve his own health and mentions them in this week’s episode. Go to InsideTracker to save 20% today on any of their tests, and start being the healthiest version of yourself! Thank You Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. With clinically proven ingredients, I hope you'll try it. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex!

If you haven’t thought much about power as it relates to your running, you’re not alone. As runners, power isn’t something that we often consider in our training.  To help us understand power, we have David Roche with us today. David Roche is an elite trail runner, author, and running coach. He is a two-time USATF trail national champion and the 2014 Sub-Ultra Trail Runner of the Year. David publishes regularly in Trail Runner Magazine and wrote the book, The Happy Runner, with his wife Megan. He also contributed to our Little Black Book of Recovery & Prevention. Although the subject of power and mechanical output may sound daunting, never fear! David breaks down the concepts in a way that makes it understandable, approachable, and easy to apply to your running year-round. We discuss: The definition of power and mechanical output, both in theory and in practicality for runnersWhy power is a bigger limiter for non-elite athletesHow most benefits of developing power come from very short work intervalsWhy maintaining power is your key to longevity in the sportThe success of the Norwegian system using power developmentFive way to consistently improve your own power David is insightful and enthusiastic when it comes to discussing the technical aspects of running. You're bound to learn something new to apply to your own training! Links & Resources from the Show: Learn more about David and SWAPFollow David on InstagramListen to my previous podcasts with David and MeganGet our Little Black Book of Recovery & Prevention that David contributed to! Thank you DrinkLMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.  DrinkLMNT's 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. My favorite flavor is watermelon salt, but citrus salt is also a banger. 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 DrinkLMNT to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. Thank You AG1! We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews. One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train. I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They've made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do. For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today.

The tables get turned on this episode and Jason is interviewed by last week’s guest, Phil Batterson! This episode was initially recorded for the Critical Oxygen Podcast. Our conversation takes a broader look at the "why" behind our training philosophies.  Here are some of the topics our conversation covers: Jason Fitzgerald’s background in running and coachingThe importance of maximizing consistency Why optimization is going to be different for each athleteDistinguishing between utilization and capacity trainingWhy Jason considers himself “a developmental coach”How running teaches values that are universally applicableThe evolution of Jason’s strength training philosophy Training philosophy is a passion for us both, and our discussion will help give you a behind the scenes look at how I approach coaching for runners of all levels. Links & Resources from the Show: Work with me!Check out the Critical Oxygen podcast and blogListen to last week’s episode with PhilFollow Phil on Instagram Thank you DrinkLMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.  DrinkLMNT's 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. My favorite flavor is watermelon salt, but citrus salt is also a banger. 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 DrinkLMNT to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. Thank You Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. With clincially proven ingredients, I hope you'll try it. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex!

Today on the podcast I have Phil Batterson, a competitive runner, former running coach, and the founder of Critical Oxygen. Phil has a PhD in human bioenergetics and a love for all sorts of endurance sports, from rowing to track and field and ultras. His goal with Critical Oxygen is to teach athletes and coaches how to optimize their physiology to maximize endurance performance. Phil breaks down some of the complex physiology behind the three different thresholds to make it more accessible, as well as providing practical ways to apply it in training. Some of our discussion includes: Phil’s journey into endurance training and exercise scienceWhat physiology defines each of the three thresholdsHow runners can determine their own thresholdsThe importance of lactate threshold work for race preparationCommon mistakes when using training zonesHow to integrate VO2 max work with cross training Whether you like to geek out on physiology or just want to race faster, you'll learn a lot from my conversation with Phil! Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Phil on InstagramCheck out the Critical Oxygen podcast and blogLet me help you get the most out of your training Thank you MOBO Board! Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly! Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength. I was just at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com. Thank You AG1! We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews. One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train. I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They've made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do. For our listeners, they are offering a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop - the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today.

On the podcast with me this week to discuss strength training and durability is Dr. Tim DiFrancesco. Tim has a bachelors in Exercise Science & Athletic Training and a doctorate in Physical Therapy, and spent over 6 years as the head strength and conditioning coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.  After leaving the NBA, Tim developed TD Athlete’s Edge, a nationally renowned performance facility known for its scientific approach to training, nutrition, and recovery. He was a previous guest where we discussed how lifting can help you reach your potential as a runner, and today we are introducing a new program to help you do just that: Run Strong. Tim and I have worked together to build a durability program that will keep you healthy and maximize your running performances. We’re offering a special launch discount of 15% with code RUNSTRONG15 that’s valid through Sunday, December 10. Go here to check out the program and everything that’s included. In addition to introducing our newest program, Tim and I also discuss: Why durability needs to be built and be runner specificWhat it means to balance an acute and chronic workload Why strength training allows you to make more “mistakes” in your runningHow resistance training improves tissue performance and running economyUsing complementary strength training to make your running feel betterThe zones of lower body durability Enjoy our conversation and learn how you can Run Strong! Links & Resources from the Show: Follow Tim and TD Athletes Edge on InstagramListen to my previous episode with TimLearn more about Run Strong (save 15% with code RUNSTRONG15 through Sunday, 12/10!) Thank you DrinkLMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.  DrinkLMNT's 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. My favorite flavor is watermelon salt, but citrus salt is also a banger. 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 DrinkLMNT to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack. Thank You Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m less than a year from being a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. I’ve been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and  I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I’m giving my body what it needs.  I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex!