The Running Effect's mission is simple: to enlighten, equip, and motivate the next generation of runners with advice from the best in the sport that will elevate your running to the next level In this show, we will interview some of the top athletes, coaches, and influencers in the sport. Each episode will be new and exciting bringing you some relevant advice on all things running.

Are we watching the rise of the greatest distance running teammate duo in history? Ethan Strand and Parker Wolfe are well on their way to grabbing that title, and their next stop is with Team USA for the World Cross Country Championships.Parker recently won his first professional national title at the 10,000m XC championship in December; Ethan won the 2,000m in electric fashion. Both runners are from the University of North Carolina and now run professionally for the Swoosh Track Club under coach Mike Smith.Ethan is the NCAA Men's Indoor 3000m record holder, having run a 7:30.15 back in 2024; his mile PR is also a sizzling 3:48.32. Parker won the 2024 5,000m Outdoor NCAA Championship, and ran his impressive 29:16 at the Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland recently to secure first in a competitive USATF championship field. Parker has PRs of 3:48 in the mile on the road, 3:34 in the 1500m, and 13:10 in the 5,000m. The boys are back to show how elite confidence is built, how teammates become rivals, and how records are meant to be broken.Tap into the Parker Wolfe/Ethan Strand Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Anyone can catch lightning in a bottle once. Kelly Christensen is proving that he can repeat success over and over, as he just won back-to-back national high school cross country titles at NXN, and is clearly on the Mount Rushmore of high school distance coaches. The Niwot boys cross country team just won a second consecutive national title on December 6 in Oregon. Their 61 points set a record for the best team score ever recorded at Nike Cross Nationals, which began in 2004.The boys were led by Quinn Sullivan (5th with a time of 15:09), Hunter Robbie (6th), Ryder Keeton (33rd), Jude Ritzenhein (40th), and Gabe Marshall (60th). The girls team came in second. Heading into this season, Coach Kelly had guided the Cougars to 12 total state championships. You can add to that number after another dominating season this year. He recently was recognized on a national level by being named MileSplit's Coach of the Month in November 2025 for his program's continued excellence.If you want to understand how elite programs stay elite, Kelly Christensen is back on the Running Effect. No fluff or preamble: he's opening up about another dominant and historic season for the Niwot Cougars. Tap into the Coach Kelly Christensen Strand Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

There's evidence-based training, and then there's actually understanding the evidence. Dr. Bill Evans is here to explain how exercise physiology, 80–20 training, and smart periodization translates into real performance gains for runners at every level.Dr. Evans has his PhD in Exercise Physiology and is an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science. He has experience as a Senior Scientist/Consultant at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. He also serves as an Assistant Cross Country Coach at the collegiate level with Elon University, giving him practical coaching experience with competitive runners. Dr. Evans is the founder/co-lead coach of The Endurance Lab, a personalized running coaching service focused on evidence-based training tailored to individual goals. His lab also integrates strength training and injury-prevention work into the mix to really give athletes a full-spectrum model.Dr. Evans never competed at the collegiate level because of a back injury, but has an impressive portfolio nonetheless: he owns PRs of 1:57 in the 800m, 3:58 in the 1500m, and 15:21 in the 5,000m. He also recently ran a 2:37 marathon.From the lab to the track to the marathon start line, Dr. Bill Evans lives the science he teaches. His insights will change how you think about training, and how you train going forward.Tap into the Dr. Bill Evans Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rsWhat if the habits you're most proud of, like discipline, the mileage, and the wins, are quietly working against you?Alex Ostberg returns to the show to sit down with Dominic and unpack the ideas behind his four most recent Substack essays, each challenging a deeply held assumption in running and high performance.They tackle the popular mantra “the way you do one thing is the way you do all things.” Alex argues that greatness isn't about equal intensity everywhere, but intentional trade-offs, seasonal focus, and knowing what deserves obsession.From there, they discuss training load and why not all miles are created equal. Alex explains why injury risk is less about total mileage and more about how that load is built.The guys then take aim at a sacred post-workout ritual in Cooldowns Are Overrated. He reframes recovery around what actually matters most: refueling, rehydration, nervous system reset, and social decompression, rather than mindless extra miles on tired legs.Then they talk about the psychology of success in When Winning Stops Feeling Good, exploring why anticipation often feels better than achievement, and how rising expectations can quietly drain joy from performance. If you want to train smarter, think deeper, and understand the real costs (and rewards) of chasing excellence, this episode will change how you run, recover, and define success.Tap into the Alex Ostberg Rundown Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

TWO WEEKS OF FREE WITH CODE "RUNEFFECT" : https://kaizen.app.link/TRESharon Lokedi set a Boston Marathon course record, ran a 65-minute half marathon, and stepped foot on another NYC Marathon podium. She didn't just have a good year in 2025, she had the kind of season that rewrites expectations for the future of women's distance running, and her 2:17:22 course record at Boston can attest to this.Sharon's most recent success came at the New York City Marathon, where she came in second place with a time of 2:20:07; this was her third career podium finish at NYC, as she won the whole thing in 2022 during an impressive marathon breakout performance. The year 2025 also saw her win the NYC Half Marathon in an event record time, and then set a PR in the 13.1 distance with a 1:05:00 at the Copenhagen Half. She came in an impressive 4th place in the marathon during the 2024 Olympic Games in France, running a 2:23:14. Prior to that she was a stalwart in the collegiate ranks while running at Kansas, winning the 10,000m at the 2018 NCAA Outdoor Championships. After a Boston course record and a world-class season, she's stepping into the next chapter with more clarity, more confidence, and more momentum than ever before. Sharon Lokedi's story is unfolding in real time, and we are here to witness it. Tap into the Sharon Lokedi Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

The holidays are in full swing, and we're pulling back the curtain on one of the most anticipated running-shoe launches of the year. The brand-new Brooks Glycerin Flex is here, and we have Nikhil Jain, Director of Product Line Management at Brooks Running–and the mind helping steer innovation behind the brand–joining us to break it all down.The Glycerin Flex is an all-new, highly cushioned running shoe debuting in early 2026 that offers a smoother, more flexible ride compared to the standard Glycerin.Nikhil Jain himself brings unmatched insight into the art and science of building world-class running shoes. From line planning to forecasting; from creative problem-solving to leading teams that shape what millions of runners feel underfoot; he offers a rare look into Brooks' product engine. Whether you're a shoe nerd, a data-driven athlete, or just curious about what makes the Glycerin Flex so different, this is required listening. If you're interested in delving into the experience of the future of cushioning in running straight from the source, this is the place to be.Tap into the Nikhil Jain Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

TWO WEEKS OF FREE WITH CODE "RUNEFFECT" : https://kaizen.app.link/TREDan Churchill has cooked for Lindsey Vonn at the Olympics, run five World Marathon Majors, survived Leadville 100, and built companies that fuse food, data, and performance. He isn't just a chef, he's a hybrid athlete rewriting what ‘fueling' really means. He is self-effacing and humorous, whowants to help athletes cook better to optimize performance in their given area. Dan was on Series 5 of Master Chef, he self-published his first cook book before he ever stepped foot on Gordon Ramsey's show, has a Masters in Exercise Science, has appeared on Good Morning America and The Food Network, and has his own restaurant in NYC: The Osprey, in Brooklyn. His newsletter is a terrific source for those looking to improve their food intake and ramp up their physical performance.He also hosts his own podcast, Epic Table, where he chats with guests about health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and much more.He also recently won an age group HYROX in Dallas, and has run a 3:05 marathon (Boston in 2023), while completingLeadville in 2024. If you care about running, training, nutrition, or performing at your best, Dan Churchill is the blueprint. His career shows that you can chase big goals, build meaningful work, and still show up with joy every day.Tap into the Dan Churchill Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

In a year packed with breakout stars, one name has refused to fade from the headlines: Jackson Spencer. Herriman High's own just won the 2025 NXN Boys 5K championship with a time of 15:01.1, cementing himself as the top high school distance runner in the country and making a case to be in the mix with the best in the NCAA next year.In 2025, Jackson became the name every prep distance fan needed to know. The Utah standout, who is headed to BYU next year, had an impressive spring season, where he unleashed a 4:02.56 mile and 3:46.22 1500m at the HOKA Festival of Miles–performances that placed him among the fastest prep milers in the country.By late fall, Jackson was smashing the Woodward Park course record with a 14:16.9. Now, with an NXN title capping off a historic year, he stands at the edge of an entirely new chapter. The times, the records, the dominance–they're all real. Whether you're here for training insights, race breakdowns, or a front-row seat to the making of America's next collegiate star, this episode delivers.Tap into the Jackson Spencer Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

She built a real-food revolution. Now, she's taking it global.Elyse Kopecky is back: writing, running, and leading a movement bigger than ever.She is the three-time New York Times bestselling co-author with Shalane Flanagan of Run Fast. Eat Slow., Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow., and Rise & Run. She is also a chef, speaker, and nutrition coach who studied at the Natural Gourmet Institute (a health-supportive culinary school).Elyse is a former UNC distance runner, turned lifelong runner and trail retreat leader. She created the Run Fast. Eat Slow. brand which includes cookbooks, online classes, and women's trail running & culinary retreats.She previously landed a dream job in Nike Running marketing, while her college teammate Shalane Flanagan turned pro with Nike. From the outside, it was the perfect running-adjacent career.Elyse is here not just to reflect on a decade of bestselling books; she's charting a powerful new path for runners everywhere. From her expanded role as a coach and educator to her trail retreats in Bend, Chamonix, and Zermatt, she's proving that performance and joy can grow with time, not fade.Tap into the Elyse Kopecky Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

TWO WEEKS OF FREE WITH CODE "RUNEFFECT" : https://kaizen.app.link/TREMost training apps tell you exactly what to do every day. Josh Sambrook helped to build one that tells you your weekly target, and lets you train however your life demands.It's the system that helped him run 120-mile weeks, cut his marathon time to 2:28 by age 23 (he ran his first marathon at 17), and reinvent how thousands of runners train.Josh and Michael Keskerides are the co-founders of the Kaizen app for runners. The app is a flexible and dynamic training system that sets a training load target at the start of the week, and then the user is free to achieve this goal through whatever combination of runs works best for their lifestyle. With the app and this training system, athletes can “trade” intensity for distance. Kaizen is the Japanese business principle of continuous improvement; discrete, ongoing, small changes can lead to significant benefits, and they used this as their model. The two co-founders host the Miles Better Podcast, where they discuss running and how they use the app for training.Josh himself is a sports scientist, builder of training systems and prediction engines, a running coach, writer, and podcaster–and he's here to bring clarity to a sport drowning in noise.Tap into the Josh Sambrook Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

We're living in the golden era of NCAA middle distance running, and Elliott Cook is right in the center of it. Elliot is the NCAA Outdoor 1500m runner-up (3:39.57) from 2024, while also coming in 8th at the US Olympic Team trials that year, running a career best 3:33.84. His other PRs include a 3:55 mile and 1:45.26 in the 800m.In high school he was a four-time Ohio D1 Central District champion, a state indoor 1600m champion in 2020, and nabbed district titles in the 800m and 1600m; he also had a top-10 finish at Nike Cross Midwest. Now a senior at Oregon finishing up his last days as a collegiate runner, Elliot battled a hip injury throughout the winter, but was able to compete this spring and summer, where, in July he ran his 800m personal best. He competed at the US Olympic Trials again this past summer, running a strong 3:35.36 to finish fourth in his heat, but missed the finals in a stacked field. Elliott's rise reminds us that progress doesn't always announce itself, sometimes it builds quietly until the moment everything clicks. If you're chasing something big, take a page from his story. Stay patient. Stay consistent. Your breakthrough might be closer than you think.Tap into the Elliot Cook Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Joseph Miuccio spends his life at 35,000 feet, and somehow still logs the training hours for Leadville, Ironman, and marathon racing. Joey has run a 2:56 marathon, a 4:45 half ironman, and he's a Leadville 100 finisher. Now, he can add Ironman finisher to his resume, as he recently completed the Ironman Arizona in 9:46:37, an extremely impressive sub 10 hour feat coming in 136 overall in a field of over 1,200 racers. Online, he has an impressive following of over 455,000 on Instagram where he documents his racing, lifestyle, and career as a flight instructor and commercial pilot. He also offers 1-on-1 fitness coaching via his online profile. He's polished, competitive, and backs it up with impressive results in multiple domains. Growing up, sports were a key component in his fitness journey. He grew up playing every sport imaginable: baseball, soccer, basketball, football, wrestling, surfing and even bowling. When in high school, he focused on wrestling, which likely built in his work ethic for the future.He has shown what's possible while holding down a demanding career, exploring ultras, and going sub-10 in an Ironman. The question now is: what's your version of that? Tap into the Joseph Miuccio Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

From walk-on to Olympian, Emily Mackay has rewritten every expectation.Now, she's back on the show to open up about the reinvention that's powering the best chapter of her career.Emily ran collegiately at Binghamton University, where her best NCAA finish was 6th in the 1500m as a senior in 2022. She joined New Balance Boston that summer of 2022, while training under coach Mark Coogan. What followed was a rapid improvement as a professional, lowering her 1500m personal best from 4:08.97 to 3:59.99 in 2023. Emily was then one of America's best female middle distance runners in 2024. In addition to her 1500m exploits, her 800m season's best of 1:57.87 ranked sixth in the US that year. She also ran in the 1500m semifinals in the Paris Olympics. In 2025, Mackay finished 4th in the 3,000m at the US indoor championships in February, and took 10th at Tokyo in the 1500m semifinals with a 4:08.19. Emily signed with New Balance in 2022, and while she was formerly part of Team New Balance Boston, she has since left the team. Emily's rise is proof that belief, resilience, and reinvention can take you anywhere. If her journey fired you up, share this conversation and follow along, because her story is only getting betterTap into the Emily Mackay Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

America's next great distance runner might not be a pro, he might be a junior at Wake Forest.At the 2025 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships on November 22, Rocky Hansen delivered the race of his life, finishing second overall and coming within striking distance of the national title. Last year, Rocky placed 100th at this same meet, so his surge is proof that he's putting himself up there with the best who can do it right now.But rising to the front at the national championship level is nothing new for Rocky.Before Wake Forest, he was a three-time North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year (twice for track, once for XC) and a 10-time state record holder, including 3:58.23 for the mile, becoming the first in North Carolina to break the 4:00 barrier in high school.At Wake Forest, Rocky has only continued to elevate. He holds PRs of 3:38 (1500m), 3:57 (mile), 7:56 (3000m), and a stunning 13:07 5000m, which broke the Wake Forest school record and established him as one of the fastest collegiate 5K runners in NCAA history. He also placed 5th in the NCAA Outdoor 5000m last year.Rocky Hansen's story is still being written, but after finishing second on the biggest stage in the NCAA and making a massive leap from last year, it's clear he's ready for the spotlight.Tap into the Rocky Hansen Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Enter Oliver Horton, the high school Colorado phenom everyone will be talking about this season.At just 17 years old and a high school junior at Coronado High School (in Colorado Springs), he is already a state champion, a sub-14:30 performer, and a name climbing the national rankings, having just become the 2025 Colorado 4A state XC champion.He didn't just become the first Colorado runner to break 15 minutes on the tough Norris Penrose course in Colorado, he obliterated the previous course record, clocking 14:48. (For comparison, 2024 NCAA 5,000 National Champion Parker Wolfe ran 15:10 in 2020).He has benefited from the consistency of running for coach Lisa Rainsberger for the previous 10 years.Oliver's PR on the grass is a sizzling 14:23.9, which he ran this past September. On the track he ran 4:08.93 in the mile outdoors and 8:54.94 in the 3200m. Every generation has its defining runner. For Colorado, for 2025, and maybe for the nation, Oliver Horton is making his case. The records speak. The rankings confirm it. But the story behind it all? That's what we're digging into. Tap into the Oliver Horton Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER HERE: https://therundownbytherunningeffect.substack.comWhat if your next breakthrough doesn't come from doubling down on workouts, but from ten small habits hiding in plain sight?In this month's check-in, Alex Ostberg sits down with Dominic to unpack his latest deep dives.They begin with Alex's “Playbook of Greatness,” exploring why the best athletes in the world aren't defined by big heroic moments, but by the quiet, repeatable habits that shape their days. From structuring your environment to lowering the friction around training, Alex breaks down the kind of consistency that compounds into major gains.That naturally leads into a surprising question: Is it time to retire stretching? Alex challenges the long-held rituals that runners swear by, making a compelling case for smarter mobility, intentional strength work, and knowing what actually contributes to performance.From there, the conversation zooms out to recovery. Drawing from his “Hierarchy of Recovery Needs,” the guys look atwhat truly sits at the foundation of a successful recovery in the running space.They also look at team dynamics and Alex's idea of “viruses” that infect culture. Whether you're on a high school squad or a professional training group, subtle habits–good or bad–spread fast.If you're ready to rethink your approach from the inside out, this conversation delivers clarity, direction, and the kind of insights that can change a season. Hit play and level up.Tap into the Alex Ostberg Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

From American-record brilliance to a late-career grind, Evan Jager's story has been one of constant adaptation. But now he's ready to call it quits and move onto the next phase of life without running. The late-career push included an 8th place finish in the men's 3000m steeplechase at the U.S. Championships in 8:28.21 this year. He also ran the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile in September of this year and came in 19th with a 3:54.9. Jager originally made a name for himself when he set the 3000m Steeplechase American Record in July of 2015 with a 8:00.45. His other PRs include 13:02.40 in the 5,000m; 7:35.16 in the 3,000m; and 3:32.97 in the 1,500m. After one year in the NCAA ranks as a Wisconsin Badger (he came in 8th in the 1,500m at outdoors during the 2008 season), Jager turned professional. He then went on to win seven consecutive U.S. steeplechase titles from 2012–2018. He made his presence known on the world stage, grabbing a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Games in the 3000m steeplechase; prior to that he came in 6th at the 2012 London Games in the 3000m steeplechase.After a serious foot injury, Jager burst back on the scene in 2022, nabbing a second place finish at the 2022 USATF outdoor games.Check in as we unpack the peaks, valleys, and lasting legacy of one of America's most influential distance runners as he flips to the next professional chapter of his memorable career. Tap into the Evan Jager Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Meet the Harvard engineer who's running marathons, building companies, and rewriting the future of girls' sports.Sara Falkson is the Founder and CEO of Robyn / Robyn Athletic, a Sports-bra and body-confidence brand built “by athletes, for athletes,” focused on helping girls stay in sport, which started as a thesis project for her but is now a full-time gig. She also co-founded Reliable Maternity, a lactation-care and equipment company; she is credited as a design lead and co-founder, focused on digital experience and brand.Sara graduated from Dartmouth College in 2022, while being a four-year varsity field hockey player during her time there. She was a two-year captain, Academic All-Ivy and on the NFHCA National Academic Squad.She has also dabbled in distance running and is quite good at it. She has a marathon PR of 3:32:41 ( which she ran at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon); she has also had a half-marathon PR of 1:41:59 from 2023. She is completing her Harvard Masters Degree in Design Engineering (MDE) while training for her next marathon. From the labs at Harvard to the streets of New York and the fields of Dartmouth, Sara's mission is clear: give girls the confidence to stay in sport—one athlete, one team, one conversation at a time.Tap into the Sara Falkson Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Few people embody the intersection of endurance and intellect quite like Nicholas Thompson.He's a runner, writer, and CEO of The Atlantic, and in his new book, The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports, Thompson explores how running has shaped his resilience, his leadership, and his pursuit of meaning in a relentless world.It's a story of motion–literal and metaphorical–from chasing split times on the road to navigating the fast-evolving media landscape.A lifelong competitor, Nicholas has defied convention by getting faster with age. At 44, he ran a blistering 2:29:12 marathon in Chicago; at 46, he set the American 45–49 age-group record in the 50K (3:04:36); and in April 2025, at 50, he won the Lake Waramaug 50-Mile in 5:43:08. His regular "run commutes" through New York and obsession with sleep have become trademarks of his disciplined, data-guided approach; one that keeps him thriving as both an athlete and executive.As CEO of The Atlantic since 2021, Thompson has led the publication into a new era of growth, championing thoughtful journalism amid a fractured digital age. But behind the boardroom and the headlines is a runner who sees training as a mirror for leadership–patience, discomfort, and long-term vision.He's here to reflect on the lessons behind The Running Ground:how running taught him to manage pain and purpose, how endurance builds empathy, and why mastering the miles has made him a better human. Whether you're chasing a PR or perspective, his story is a testament to running not just as a sport, but as a way of thinking–and living–in motion.Tap into the Nicholas Thompson Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word "PODCAST" below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Three-time Olympian Shannon Rowbury knows firsthand the strength and resilience it takes to train at the highest level, especially through pregnancy and motherhood. Now, she's bringing that same elite mindset to a new arena: women's health. Alongside her co-author, Jessica Dorrington, a leading pelvic floor and orthopedic physical therapist, Rowbury has created the definitive guide for expectant and new mothers seeking to stay active, confident, and empowered in every stage of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.Their upcoming book, Strong as a Mother: Your Complete Pregnancy-to-Postpartum Health Program, launching February 17, 2026, blends Olympic-level athletic insight with evidence-based medical expertise.Drawing on years of research and personal experience, Rowbury and Dorrington challenge outdated advice that tells women to slow down or avoid movement. Instead, they show that pregnancy can be a time to build strength, connection, and confidence–when guided by the right science and support.With clear, medically-grounded guidance, Strong as a Mother addresses the questions every pregnant athlete and active woman asks: “What's actually safe? How can I keep training?” From strength training and mobility to recovery and mental health, Rowbury and Dorrington offer a comprehensive, empowering roadmap rooted in both athletic performance and women's health.Endorsed by Allyson Felix, Jordan Hogan, and Dr. Rachel Goldman, Strong as a Mother is already being hailed as a must-have resource for mothers and mothers-to-be. This will mark the start of a movement to redefine what strength looks like in motherhood.Tap into the Shannon Rowberry and Jessica Dorrington Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Blending Stanford smarts with relentless drive, Cole Sprout is emerging as one of America's most exciting young pros. Cole was the NACAC U23 Champion in the 5,000m in 2023 while also coming in 8th at the USATF Championships in the 5,000m the same year.His PRs include a 7:42.41 in the 3,000m indoors in March of 2025; a 13:24.38 in the 5,000m indoors in 2022; a 27:42.42 in the 10,000m in 2022; a 3:56.53 mile in 2022; and a 3:42.27 1,500m in 2021.His time at Stanford from 2020–2024 saw him become a five-time All-American; secure 4th outdoors in the NCAA championship in the 10,000 (2022); run an indoor 3,000m in 7:43.10 (which is number two in school history at the time); and show steady leadership on the grass.Cole recently came in second at the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5k in New York amidst an extremely competitive field. He's also now training under Jerry Schumacher and has his sights set on a whole lot more. He stands at the crossroads of promise and breakthrough, ready to turn potential into podiums on the world stage.Tap into the Cole Sprout Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

After two years of rehab and earning her spot via a Golden Ticket roll-down, Abby Hall stormed into history at the 2025 Western States 100, running 16:37:16 for the fourth-fastest women's time ever and finishing 11th overall.Hall has since cemented herself as one of the premier athletes in the 100K–100-mile range, highlighted by podium finishes at UTMB's CCC (2nd in 2021, 3rd in 2022), a win at the 2022 Transvulcania 73K, and a debut finish at Western States in 2021.Her résumé includes a 16:37:16 100-mile best and an 8:52:35 trail 100K at Black Canyon — showcasing world-class range when it comes to varying terrain and courses.But her rise did not come without adversity. Early in her ultra career, she scraped under the cutoff at the Leadville 100 in 2017 and 2018. And in June 2023, a training fall resulted in a tibial fracture and major ligament damage, requiring reconstructive knee surgery and a long, uncertain recovery.From scraping cutoff times at Leadville to running one of the fastest Western States in history, Abby Hall's comeback is the ultimate story of resilience and redemption–and you won't want to miss how she did it. Tap into the Abby Hall Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

No American runner made more noise in 2025 than Nico Young.The 23-year-old prodigy smashed the 5,000m American record, claimed his first national title, and battled the world's best in Tokyo. In June, he stormed through the Bislett Games in Oslo, running 12:45.27 for 5,000 meters, which was a new American record. Barely two months later, he claimed his first U.S. title at 10,000 meters in Eugene, clocking 29:02.12 to solidify his dominance on home soil. Then, on the world's biggest stage in Tokyo, Young placed fifth in the 10,000m at the 2025 World Championships, closing his breakout season in a dynamic way.Young's rise has been meteoric but methodical. A former NCAA champion from Northern Arizona University, he first stunned the sport in 2024 by debuting at 26:52.72 for 10,000 meters–an NCAA and American collegiate record–then qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he finished 12th. Turning pro with Adidas that summer, he entered 2025 with sharper focus and the freedom to train through longer, uninterrupted blocks under coach Mike Smith in Flagstaff, Arizona.Now a national champion, world finalist, and record holder, Young owns personal bests of 12:45.27 (5,000m), 26:52.72 (10,000m), and 7:37.73 (3,000m). His performances are redefining what's possible for American distance runners, and he's doing it with trademark composure and humility.Tap into the Nico Young Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Michael Maiorano stormed through his first cross-country season at Utah State with fearless racing and an appetite for altitude.After debuting at the Utah State Alumni Challenge in August, he clocked 23:58 for 8,000m at the Paul Short Run and followed with a gritty Nuttycombe finish.Maiorano's route to this moment has been anything but linear. A star at South Medford High School (OR), he rose to national attention after placing 12th at Eastbay Nationals (2021) and taking runner-up at the Brooks PR 2-mile (8:52.85) in 2022. That same year he represented Team USA at the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships, finishing 7th; he repeated as top American the next season in Austria. He began college at Gonzaga, transferred to Salt Lake CC to reset his trajectory, and promptly won the 2025 NJCAA 3,000m steeplechase title in 8:56.70, earning his return to Division I with Utah State.With personal bests of 8:36 (3,000m indoor), 8:56 (steeple), and 23:58 (8,000m XC), Maiorano blends mountain grit, track speed, and mental composure rarely seen at the collegiate level. Michael has been down an unorthodox path–from Medford to mountain worlds, from JUCO champion to Aggie front-runner–and how his mindset of patience, faith, and self-belief fuels a breakout 2025 cross-country campaign that's just getting started.Tap into the Michael Maiorano Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

From viral stunts to record-setting runs, Isaiah Photo went from YouTube daredevil to running six marathons on six continents in six days self aided. He built his audience on larger-than-life experiments before turning that creative drive toward running. What started as wild one-off ideas—like marathons in Crocs, flip-flops, and spray-on shoes—evolved into a genuine endurance journey.Since 2023, Isaiah has transformed from content daredevil to dedicated runner, logging massive months of mileage while inspiring millions to lace up alongside him.His running résumé reads like a creator's ultramarathon: a 100K finish in April 2024; his first 100-mile ultra at the Bighorn 100 in June of 2024; another 100-miler in 2025 (Crazy Mountain 100); and the audacious “6 marathons on 6 continents in 6 days” project—a self-aided, record-setting feat that made him the fastest human to complete it, finishing in 6 days, 3 hours, and 8 minutes.After suffering a meniscus tear following his 100-miler, Isaiah's comeback videos chronicled his recovery and renewed passion for the marathon. Now, he stands at the crossroads of content and sport, redefining what it means to be a runner in the age of creators.We're exploring how he built a 10-million-strong movement, why he loves the marathon, and what it takes to keep running toward the next crazy goal.Tap into the Isaiah Photo Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Conner and Kylie Mantz are redefining what it means to chase big dreams as a team.They're two runners with one purpose–moving stride for stride through life.Conner Mantz has become the new standard-bearer for American marathoning. After winning the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and placing 8th at the Paris Olympics (2:08:12), he stunned the running world in 2025–running 2:05:08 for 4th place at Boston, winning the Beach to Beacon 10K in a course record time of 27:26, and setting the American marathon record of 2:04:43 at the Chicago Marathon. His career arc, which was shaped by BYU coach Ed Eyestone's patient approach, reflects eight years of steady growth from NCAA champion to global contender.Kylie Mantz, meanwhile, has forged her own remarkable path. A latecomer to competitive running, she joined BYU's women's distance program in 2025 and quickly ran 34:57 for 10,000m and 16:49 for 5000m–astonishing progress for someone who didn't run track in high school. Her joy-driven approach, grounded in curiosity and consistency, mirrors Cennor's faith in long-term development.Their parallel journeys (Conner's disciplined pursuit of podiums and records; Kylie's joyful rise into Division I competition) intersect in a shared belief that running is both art and anchor. Together, Conner and Kylie Mantz are proving that love, faith, and discipline can fuel world-class performance.Tap into the Conner and Kylie Mantz Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Haftu Knight is proving that professionalism in running isn't limited to sponsorship: it's a mindset.His rise from shepherd in Ethiopia to one of the most exciting marathoners training under Jeff Cunningham with the Bat City Track Club is the perfect example of this.Now based in Austin, Knight is part of a blue-collar group grinding through 100-mile weeks, blending raw talent with Cunningham's precision system of controlled intensity and relentless rhythm work. It's an environment built on belief, and Knight has bought in completely.A former University of Texas standout, Knight was the 2022 Big 12 10,000m champion and NCAA Cross Country All-American, setting a school record of 13:32 for 5,000 m and ranking #2 in the 10,000m (28:30). After college he jumped straight into the marathon, running 2:17:22 in his debut at Indianapolis in November 2024. Five months later, he shocked the road scene with a 2:09:38 at the McKirdy Micro Marathon in March 2025, followed by a 1:02:47 half in Chicago and a 2:11:39 at his first World Major that October.Knight's day-to-day reflects Cunningham's mantra: manage everything well. Morning doubles, long runs in the Texas heat, and recovery shifts at Fleet Feet define the routine of a man chasing the next level. From a boy tending goats in Chelekot to a man redefining Texas distance running, Haftu Knight's story is one of grit, gratitude, and pure momentum. His next marathon block with Bat City isn't just training, it's the continuation of one of 2025's most inspiring breakthroughs.Tap into the Haftu Knight Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word "PODCAST" below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Two-time Olympian Elise Cranny has long been a model of precision, patience, and perseverance in American distance running. A Stanford All-American turned professional with Nike, Cranny owns a résumé that blends range and record-setting speed, most notably the American records for both the indoor 5,000m (14:33.17) and outdoor 3,000m (8:25.10). Now 29 and training under NAU coach Jarred Cornfield, with an altitude base in Flagstaff, she continues to redefine consistency at the highest level.After U.S. titles in 2021, 2022, and a 10,000/5,000 double in 2023, Cranny entered 2025 seeking balance: new coach, new league (Grand Slam Track), and renewed joy in the grind. That recalibration paid off this summer at USATF Outdoors in Eugene, where she claimed silver medals in both the 10,000 m (31:44.24) and 5,000 m (15:14.26). The double podium secured her spot on the U.S. team for the World Championships in Tokyo.In Tokyo, Cranny finished 12th in the 10,000 m final and contested the 5,000m heats, wrapping a long season that tested both resilience and recovery. Whether lowering records, mentoring young athletes through Voice in Sport, or pioneering a new professional model in Grand Slam Track, Cranny remains one of the sport's clearest voices on fueling, self-trust, and sustainable success.Tap into the Elise Cranny Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word "PODCAST" below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Yaseen Abdalla's story is one of adaptation and ambition.He's a runner who has thrived across programs, distances, and continents, representing Sudan on the international stage while redefining what a new-generation distance athlete can be.At the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Abdalla placed 21st in the marathon (2:13:32), continuing a remarkable ascent that began a year after his Olympic debut in Paris, where he set a Sudanese national record of 2:11:41.Known for his blend of speed and endurance, Abdalla's range is staggering. His personal records include a 3:55.31 mile in 2025, 7:34.17 in the 3,000m in 2024, 13:09.99 in the 5,000m in 2025, and that 2:11:41 marathon.Those numbers speak to a rare physiology: miler-level leg speed married to marathon efficiency.His rise has been anything but conventional. From Lanham, Maryland and growing up in Texas, Abdalla ran collegiately for Texas, where he anchored the Longhorns' 2022 NCAA champion distance medley relay, before transferring to Tennessee and later Arkansas, where he finished fourth at the 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championships. That same winter, he set Sudanese indoor records at 3,000m and 5,000m at the Boston University meets.Competing internationally for Sudan and a Bandit Running–supported athlete, Abdalla has his sights set on breaking the 2:10 barrier. His current training maintains track sharpness (strides/speed) alongside marathon preparation.In today's conversation, Tap into the Yaseen Abdalla Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

He's one of the NCAA's brightest young stars, and his recent sophomore season proved why.Kole Mathison, the 2022 Champs Sports Cross Country national champion, and now a rising junior steeplechaser for the University of Colorado, joins the show fresh off a breakout year on the track and a strong start to the 2025 cross country season. Just weeks ago, Mathison placed 10th at the Nuttycombe Invitational, helping the Buffs to a runner-up team finish; another sign that Colorado's storied distance tradition is alive and well.But the journey from Carmel, Indiana to Boulder wasn't linear. After winning a national title in high school and representing Team USA at the 2023 World U20 Cross Country Championships, Mathison faced an injury during his freshman campaign.What followed was a lesson in patience and consistency, culminating in an 8:32 steeplechase personal best and NCAA qualification in 2025, plus impressive indoor marks of 7:52 (in the 3,000m) and 13:42 (in the 5,000m) on the fast Boston University track.From national champion to NCAA contender, Kole's trajectory is proof that patience, belief, and relentless work still define greatness in collegiate running.Tap into the Kole Mathison Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word "PODCAST" below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

In 2025, Herriman High's Jackson Spencer became the name every prep distance fan had to know.The Utah standout, who is headed to BYU next year, opened his season with a victory at the Simplot Games 3200m (8:56.03), then surged into spring with a breakthrough 8:51.26 at the Arcadia Invitational. His momentum carried into June, where he unleashed a 4:02.56 mile and 3:46.22 1500m at the HOKA Festival of Miles, performances that placed him among the fastest prep milers in the country. Just weeks later, he anchored Herriman High's 4x800-meter relay to a national high school record of 7:26.12 at New Balance Nationals Outdoor.By October, Spencer had proven his range extended well beyond the track. At the ASICS Clovis Invitational, he shattered the storied Woodward Park course record with a 14:16.9. Balancing excellence with humility, the 2025 Gatorade Utah Boys Track & Field Player of the Year embodies both athletic drive and academic focus. His progression—from indoor champion to outdoor record-setter to cross country course dominator—reflects rare versatility and discipline.As he looks beyond Herriman, Spencer's times and trajectory point toward a seamless leap to the collegiate ranks. Whether chasing sub-four on the track or new records on the roads, his next chapter promises to include lots of record-chasing performances. Tap into the Jackson Spencer Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Final Surge: https://www.finalsurge.com (RUNNINGEFFECT20) He built a dynasty in Flagstaff, and now, Mike Smith is bringing that same fire to Nike's Swoosh Track Club.After nearly a decade at the helm of Northern Arizona University, where he built a dynasty that captured five NCAA men's cross country titles and earned him 41 Big Sky Coach of the Year honors, Smith made headlines in 2025 when he left collegiate coaching to join Nike's professional network. From his Flagstaff base, he's now guiding elite athletes through the same philosophy that made NAU unstoppable: a culture of belonging, relentless consistency, and daily excellence.A Georgetown University All-American and 2007 U.S. Olympic Trials marathon qualifier, Smith's journey from athlete to coach has always revolved around purpose over prestige. He founded Team Run Flagstaff, studied under the legendary Dr. Jack Daniels, and molded athletes like Nico Young and Luis Grijalva into global talents. Now, with the Swoosh Track Club, Smith's vision extends beyond collegiate borders: building systems that connect performance, identity, and community on a global stage. He currently coaches talents of Galen Rupp all the way down to Donvoan Brazier and many inbetween.From the mountains of Flagstaff to the global stage, Mike Smith continues to redefine what it means to lead, reminding us that true excellence starts with purpose, not medals.Tap into the Coach Mike Smith Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E SFinal Surge: https://www.finalsurge.com (RUNNINGEFFECT20) -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Sacrifice, grit, burnout, and the fight to be great: this month's Rundown Recap dives into four stories that every driven person needs to hear.The fellas kick things off with “Sacrifice Isn't Sustainable,” a raw look at how constantly grinding and giving everything can start to take more than it gives. What happens when the thing you love starts burning you out?Then, in “The Art of Championship Racing,” they unpack what separates the good from the great when everything's on the line; the mindset, the confidence, and the quiet control it takes to rise in the biggest moments.Next up is “Fuel for the Work Required,” a reminder that there's no secret sauce, just consistency, simplicity, and showing up when no one's watching. And finally, “Resist the Pull of Mediocrity” challenges all of us to fight against comfort, to refuse to settle for “good enough,” and to keep pushing toward what we're truly capable of.It's one of those conversations that goes way beyond running,it's about mindset, ambition, and how to build a life around doing hard things well. Tune in, this month's edition might be the reset you didn't know you needed.Tap into the Rundown Recap Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Claire Manley went from chasing PRs on the track to building a storytelling engine for athletes and running brands.She is the co-founder of Meet @ 7 Studios, a women-led social media and personal branding agency designed for professional runners and endurance athletes.Her work focuses on giving athletes Fortune 500-level strategy and visibility while helping them own their stories and reach new audiences.Before becoming a strategist and agency founder, Claire carved out her own story on the track.A walk-on at Gonzaga University, she battled her way to captaincy and scholarship status while setting a 5000m personal best of 16:31.06 at the Oxy Invitational (in May of 2019), along with collegiate bests of 10:04 for 3000m and 4:47 for 1500m, and qualifying for the NCAA West Preliminary Round that year.Her career timeline includes stops at Nike-sponsored Bowerman Track Club, where she built global community programs and launched the BTC Summer Training Program that drew participants from across 40 states and eight countries.Today, she runs Claire Manley Consulting in Brooklyn, continuing that momentum through her independent strategy work.Most recently, Claire has been active in Gonzaga's alumni ecosystem, engaging with career treks that connect current students to NYC's marketing and branding scene.While she may not be lining up for NCAA championships anymore, her presence in the endurance space remains sharp, shaping the way athletes connect, communicate, and thrive in an increasingly digital sport.Tap into the Claire Manley Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review!I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen.If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Jess McClain has become the new face of American women's marathoning: a symbol of resilience, balance, and belief in one's own path.A former collegiate standout at Stanford, she stepped into the pro ranks with Brooks, only to face years of injury, transition, and even stepping away from full-time running to build a life outside the sport. Jess never left the track mentally. In 2024, working full time and largely self-guided, she shocked the field by placing 4th in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, narrowly missing the team by seconds.Not content to be defined by near misses, she went on to win the USATF 10K title (setting a course record), she ran a breakthrough PR of 2:22:43 as top American at the Boston Marathon in 2025, and earned her place on Team USATF for the World Championships.In Tokyo this past summer, she finished 8th overall in the marathon, which was a stunning result on the biggest stage of all. This finish wasn't a random burst; it was built on her modest-mileage, high-quality approach.As of 2025, Jess blends stride sessions, strength work twice weekly, and intentional rest; she also rejoined a coach-athlete relationship with David Roche in 2025. Her story isn't solely about PRs and race placings, it's also about redefining what's possible when you craft your own path and control your narrative.Tap into the Jess McClain Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Kristen Holmes has worn every hat in the world of performance, including athlete, coach, scientist, and innovator.Today, she's setting the standard at WHOOP.At the University of Iowa, she was a two-time First-Team All-American, the 1996 Big Ten MVP, and even pulled double duty on the women's basketball team. From there, she rose to the U.S. National Field Hockey Team, earning a spot as an Olympic alternate in 1996 and competing in the 1998 World Cup.When her playing days concluded, Kristen turned her competitive fire into coaching. From 2003 to 2015, she led Princeton University's field hockey program to a staggering 12 Ivy League titles, 11 NCAA tournament appearances, and the crown jewel of them all, first NCAA field hockey championship by an Ivy League team, in 2012. Then, in 2016, she joined WHOOP, where she's now the Global Head of Human Performance and Principal Scientist. With a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Queensland, she's helping athletes, executives, and everyday performers unlock their best through the science of recovery, sleep, and HRV.In just the past few months, Kristen helped launch Project FASTT, a groundbreaking collaboration to close the research gap on female athletes. She's sharing her knowledge on the WHOOP Podcast and Science & Soul.Tap into the Kristen Holmes Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Few athletes have risen as fast—or raced as fearlessly—as Gary Martin.Now a senior at the University of Virginia, he has evolved into a consistent national contender with personal bests that rank among the fastest in collegiate history. His 3:32.03 1500m at the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships placed him sixth against the nation's best, while his 3:48.82 indoor mile at the Millrose Games stunned the sport and highlighted his breakthrough season. He also anchored UVA to its first NCAA indoor distance medley relay title with a 3:48.12 split indoors; he is a runner with impressive range, holding PRs of 13:16.82 for 5000m and 1:47.46 for 800m.Affiliated with UVA and Brooks Running through an NIL partnership, Martin credits strength-based training and heavy threshold work as the engine behind his speed. With the cross country season underway, he opened with a 22:51 8k at the Gans Creek Classic and was named ACC Performer of the Week, underscoring his momentum heading into the championship season. At just 21 years old, his trajectory reflects both resilience and the promise of a future star well beyond Charlottesville.Tap into the Gary Martin Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rsProgress in running is rarely smooth, often unpredictable, and sometimes shaped most by the days we'd rather forget.Alex Ostberg is back again to discuss ideas that every runner will recognize but few stop to articulate. The Run Down recap is here and full of gold once again.From the unseen pitfalls that quietly derail progress, to the illusions we cling to about steady improvement, to the challenge of bracing for what we cannot predict. And when it comes to bad days, the ones we often wish away, Alex makes the case that they might hold more value than we think.The beauty of these conversations lies not in polished answers, but in the back-and-forth exploration. Dominic pushes Alex to expand, clarify, and ground his reflections in the messy reality of training and racing, while Alex offers insights that invite listeners to look at their own running in a new light.This is not just a recap: it's an invitation to sit in on a thoughtful exchange between writer and reader, athlete and coach, runner and thinker. Press play, lean in, and expect to leave with more questions than you started with.Tap into the The Rundown Recap Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Dathan Ritzenhein has lived two lives in running: first as one of America's most decorated distance runners, and now as the head coach of the On Athletics Club (OAC). As a coach, Ritzenhein has been at the center of some of the sport's biggest moments in recent years. Under his leadership, Yared Nuguse set the indoor mile world record on Feb 8, 2025 (3:46.63) before it was lowered five days later by Jakob Ingebrigtsen and stormed down New York's Fifth Avenue to win the storied road mile that fall. On the roads, he's masterminded Hellen Obiri's back-to-back Boston Marathon victories in 2023 and 2024, and helped her remain a fixture at the front in 2025 when Sharon Lokedi's course-record run edged her for the win.Before he was a world-class coach, Ritzenhein was one of the fastest Americans ever. A three-time Olympian, he set the U.S. record in the 5,000 meters in 2009 with a blazing 12:56.27, claimed bronze at the World Half Marathon Championships that same year in exactly one hour, and ran 2:07:47 for the marathon in Chicago in 2012.From Boulder, Colorado, he now leads a team that competes and wins at every distance from the 1500 meters to the marathon.Tap into the Dathan Ritzenhein Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word "PODCAST" below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Fleet Feet CEO Joey Pointer has made a career of combining community-driven retail with cutting-edge data insights.His journey into running retail wasn't a straight line. Raised on a North Carolina farm, he began his professional life in accounting at Ernst & Young before joining Fleet Feet in 2004 as a financial manager. Over the next decade, he rose through the ranks: Director of Operations, CFO, and ultimately CEO in 2017. Along the way, he transformed Fleet Feet from a small specialty chain into a national leader with nearly 300 stores.What sets Pointer apart is his conviction that data can differentiate running retail. Under his leadership, Fleet Feet launched fit id® 3D scanning across its stores in 2017, collecting millions of scans to personalize footwear like never before. Of course, growth hasn't come without challenges. Pointer has been candid about navigating competitive pressures from powerhouse brands like On, Nike, and Hoka, while also integrating major acquisitions like JackRabbit and Marathon Sports.In recent months, Fleet Feet has kept expanding, marking anniversaries across nearly 300 shops in 2025 and pushingforward with its goal to make community-based retail thrive in the digital age. Pointer also deepened his community ties, joining the national board of Girls on the Run International, reflecting his belief that running should be a force for good.Tap into the Joey Pointer Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word "PODCAST" below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Andreas Almgren returns to the show, this time fresh off a bronze in the 10,000 meters at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.This marked Sweden's first World Championships medal in a long-distance track event—and the nation's first ever in the 10,000m. For Almgren, it was the culmination of a journey from middle-distance prodigy to one of Europe's most versatile runners.He burst onto the scene with a World U20 bronze in the 800m in 2014, followed by a 1:45.59 personal best in 2015 after setting the Swedish U20 record (1:45.65) in 2014.In January 2025, Almgren became the first European to break 27 minutes for 10,000m on the road, clocking 26:53 in Valencia. Months later, he ran 12:44.27 in Stockholm to break the European 5,000m record. He also holds Swedish records of 13:05 in the 5,000m on the road and 59:23 for the half marathon.His Tokyo bronze now sits alongside these marks, proof he can pair records with championship hardware.As of September 2025, Almgren is preparing for Valencia again, this time to chase the European half marathon record of 59:13. At 30, he stands at the peak of his powers, showing how patience and adaptability can redefine both an athlete and the record books.Tap into the Andreas Almgren Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Amid a pro reset in Eugene and a new flag next to his name, Charles Hicks is aiming his firepower at the marathon.Stanford's first NCAA individual cross-country champion turned Nike pro joins the show amidst a change. He's shifting his firepower to the roads and is making his marathon debut at the TCS New York City Marathon on November 2, 2025.He trains in Eugene with Nike's Swoosh TC (launched Feb. 7, 2025) and has been based there since 2023. He's also fresh off a USATF 10 Mile title in Washington, D.C., set in course-record time. On the track, you've seen the range: 13:09 indoors for 5k and 27:33 for 10k at “The Ten.” Now, he's translating that speed into 26.2 on one of the world's toughest courses.He's also a two-time European U23 XC champion ('21 Dublin, '22 Turin) and the European U23 5000m champion ('23 Espoo). And there's a timely wrinkle: World Athletics now lists him under the United States after switching from GBR, opening fresh conversations about U.S. teams and majors.Charles also co-founded Scholarly, a platform that links applicants with successful students' essays and insights. Between the racetrack and the startup world, he's clearly on the rise.Tap into the Charles Hicks Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Final Surge: https://www.finalsurge.com (RUNNINGEFFECT20)Few coaches have reshaped a running program the way Laurie Henes has.For more than three decades, she's been at the heart of NC State running, first as a competitor, then as a builder of champions.As an athlete, Laurie was an eight-time All-American, the 1991 NCAA 5,000-meter champion, and later competed for the U.S. at the 1995 World Championships (10,000m).She had personal bests of 15:31 for 5,000 meters and 32:05 for 10,000 meters.She knows the grind of the sport firsthand: the glory of winning and the sting of just missing an Olympic team by two places at the 1996 Trials in the 10,000m.That perspective carried seamlessly into her coaching career.Since joining the Wolfpack staff in the early '90s, Laurie has shaped the program into a national powerhouse.She became the women's cross country head coach in 2006, and in 2019, she was elevated to head coach of women's track & field.Since summer 2023, she has served as Director of Track & Field and Cross Country.The results speak for themselves: under her leadership, NC State women's cross country teams captured three straight NCAA titles from 2021 through 2023.She's coached NCAA champions like her daughter Elly Henes and Katelyn Tuohy, as well as countless All-Americans.Tap into the Laurie Henes Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review!I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen.If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E SThe Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rsBUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.runOur Website: https://therunningeffect.runTHE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQMy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=enTake our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Cordell Tinch just struck gold in Tokyo, and he's back on the show to tell us how it happened.This isn't just about a gold medal. Cordell's career is about resilience, reinvention, and the razor-thin line between heartbreak and glory. Just a year ago, he missed making the U.S. Olympic team by one place after undergoing mid-season surgery.Fast forward to 2025, and he's running 12.99 to capture the World Championship title in Tokyo, only weeks after becoming Diamond League champion with a blazing 12.92, equaling the meet record in Zurich. Earlier this season, Cordell clocked 12.87 in Keqiao, a performance that made him the fourth-fastest 110m hurdler in history.His journey has been anything but linear. From winning the Big 12 title as a Kansas freshman in 2019, to leaving the sport for nearly three years, to storming back at Pittsburg State with a world-leading 12.96 in 2023, Cordell's arc is one of resilience and belief.Now, after sharpening his rhythm and composure to consistently break the 13-second barrier, he's here to unpack the mindset shift that turned him from nearly quitting the sport into a global champion.Because of that, this isn't another victory lap. It's a raw and dynamic inside look at how belief, resilience, and technical mastery can transform an athlete's career and inspire a generation.Tap into the Cordell Tinch Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

At just 18, Sadie Engelhardt has lived the kind of running career most athletes dream about: national records, Olympic Trials, and head-to-head battles with pros.Now, she's back on the show as her next challenge looms: the grind of NCAA competition at NC State.Sadie's remarkable journey from rewriting the record books to embracing the challenges of collegiate running are sure to be primetime viewing. This is coming from the girl who set the high school outdoor mile record at 4:28.46 in St. Louisthen lowered it again indoors with a 4:27.97 at the Millrose Games.She's already left an indelible mark on prep distance running. Along the way, she gained invaluable experience racing the pros; competing at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, finishing 7th at the Sir Walter Miler, and running a 4:07.78 1500m personal best this summer.Sadie has talked about bringing a “free feeling” approach into one of the most competitive NCAA programs, even after setbacks like managing an achilles issue late in her high school career.With a new NIL partnership with Brooks Running, her debut as a freshman at NC State, and fresh goals on the horizon, Sadie Engelhardt is redefining what's possible at the next level.Tap into the Sadie Engelhardt Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Final Surge: https://www.finalsurge.com (RUNNINGEFFECT20)Tim Surface's path runs straight through the heart of the sport of running.Tim is a University of Tulsa Academic All-American who kept competing after college, carving out a 2:24:39 marathon at Chicago and logging PRs of 1:09:12 for the half and 30:35 for 10,000m, before channeling that discipline into coaching and product building. Today, from Raleigh, he wears two hats: that of a high-school coach at North Raleigh Christian Academy and co-founder/CEO of Final Surge, where he's bringing an athlete's empathy and a coach's realism to endurance tech.His north star is simple: save coaches time so they can spend it with athletes. That philosophy shows up in practical tools like attendance and roster features for teams, deep device integrations, and a mobile Structured Workout Builder that letscoaches create, edit, and sync sessions on the fly. Tim is here to help guide coaches on how to communicate clearly and keep the human side of coaching front and center. Tim has a great perspective on what high-school athletes truly need in 2025, how to cut noise from data, and where endurance technology is headed next. This is a story of mileage becoming momentum—of a runner who never stopped building—and a playbook for coaches and athletes who want their tools to work as hard as they do.Tap into the Tim Surface Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

If you smash together courtroom precision with marathon coaching, you get Jeff Cunningham.Jeff is a licensed Texas attorney turned creator of Austin's Bat City Track Club, and he is here to open up the playbook behind one of America's most quietly effective pro-development groups.From Haftu Knight's 2:09:38 breakthrough to Lindsey Bradley's Indy Monumental course record, Bat City's 2024–25 results are proof that Jeff's gritty, repeatable systems scale from first-timers to elites.Jeff is a man who can talk about the weeks that lead to a 2:09 marathon, the indicators that signal a breakthrough, and how to keep joy and accountability in balance. He's also coached entrepreneur and hybrid athlete Nick Bare, proving that Bat City's principles work just as well for high-performing professionals as they do for pros chasing the Olympic Trials. In this episode, Jeff explains his unorthodox “one big workout a week” approach tailored to busy working athletes, why monotony beats flash, and how Bat City grew from two athletes in 2018 to a deep roster—all while he still practices law and coaches before dawn. Mentored by legends and intent on paying it forward, he frames marathon prep as patient, evidence-based work and reminds athletes their ceiling is far higher than they think.Whether you're a first-time marathoner or an aspiring Trials qualifier, this episode is a masterclass in translating big goals into durable training—and results.Tap into the Jeff Cunningham Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ff

Most runners think their biggest limiter is training volume, paces, or genetics. Cortney Berling says it's something much simpler: you're not eating enough.Fresh off a 2:52:49 finish at the 2025 Eugene Marathon and armed with her credentials as a Registered Dietitian (MPH, RD, CDE), Cortney sits down to unpack RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport): what it is, why it matters, and how to fix it before it derails your running and your health.Cortney's perspective is unique because she's lived it on every stage: from a 3,000m steeplechase PR of 11:05.95 at the University of Cincinnati, to a 1:22 half marathon in Portland (2024), to road wins like the Old Port Half in Maine (2017), to her current life as a sub-3 marathoner in Oregon. Along the way she's been a board member and elite athlete coordinator with WMDP, coached high school runners, and led community seminars with OHSU Sports Medicine.She knows firsthand how under-fueling can lead to injuries, stalled progress, and experienced fertility challenges linked to under-fueling in her own journey — and how the right fueling strategy can flip the script.If you've ever bonked, felt flat despite training hard, or struggled to balance nutrition with performance, this episode is your wake-up call. Tap into the Cortney Berling Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Mitch Ammons is living proof that small, steady habits can transform a life.Just a few years removed from barely jogging half a mile after rehab, the Austin realtor has run 2:16:01 in the marathon, joined Bat City Track Club, won his hometown half in 1:08:32, and even stood on the start line in Boston's Professional Open Men's Field–all without ever running in college.What's his secret? Nothing flashy.Mitch leans on simple, controllable routines, like stacking threshold-heavy weeks, looped courses to calm race-day chaos, and dialing in a fueling plan he trusts.In training, he's learning to check his old “race every rep” instinct, following coach Jeff Cunningham's mantra to stay in control and always leave one in the tank.And the big dreams still burn for him, like dipping under the 2:16 Olympic Trials Qualifier, a mark he missed by seconds on a circular “micro marathon.”He's also caught the ultra-marathon bug.From a last-man-standing test of grit, to his first-ever DNF after an ankle sprain, to the belief that marathon fitness carries into the 50K distance and beyond.Running is both anchor and amplifier for Mitch, as he believes PRs matter no matter the level, and embraces being “a little nuts.”Because in the end, loops, thresholds, and habits aren't just for racing...they're for living.Tap into the Mitch Ammons Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review!I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen.If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

As the Toledo Marathon looms just six days away, Dominic hits record for a rare solo jam session on grit, growth, and chasing what matters most.From winging his first marathon off just two weeks of training to preparing for Toledo with modest mileage and plenty of gym sessions, he's here to share the highs, doubts, and lessons running continues to teach him. Along the way, he opens up about why the marathon holds such a special place in his story, how Garmin has leveled up his training with their newest watch, and what it's like to squeeze in a trip to Meta's HQ just days before race day. More than splits or gear, this is about grit, growth, and finding meaning in the grind.So whether you're running your first 5K, gunning for a PR, or simply looking for a reminder that hard things are worth doing, this is a fresh take from the man behind The Running Effect.Tap into the Solo Episode Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

We're going full scientist mode today, because Jonah Rosner is back on the show.If you don't know Jonah, he's the applied sport scientist who went from the Houston Texans to the streets of Brooklyn, translating lab data into PRs for everyday runners.He's walked the talk—he ran 2:57:22 at the Chicago Marathon on October 13, 2024—and he's been on a tear since on social media. He has unpacked what 99% of runners are missing, and then he dropped a durability framework with Stryd (plus a free 10-week plan) to help you fade less and finish stronger in races.In June he launched Brooklyn Running Company's Beginner's Pre-Run Fuel Playbook to make pre-run nutrition stupid-simple. Jonah continued breaking down exactly how he used caffeine to run 2:57, and expanded the fueling playbook with a Science in Sport piece on in-race carbs.If you coach, this is a blueprint you can deploy this week. If you're building for a fall race, this is the clarity you've been hunting: what to measure, what to ignore and what to change by your next long run.Grab a notebook. By the end, you'll have a simple checklist to move the ceiling on your performance—and a plan to chip away at it, session by session.Let's get surgical about speed.Tap into the Jonah Rosner Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run