Podcasts about runners connect

We're covering the top news stories in running on today's show, including a roundup of headlines including: Top American performances at the Boston Marathon Women's course records at both the London Marathon and Boston Marathon Alex Yee runs the fastest marathon by a pro triathlete Tokyo Marathon running out of water cups What happened at the first Grand Slam Track Meets Faith Kipyegon to attempt breaking the 4-minute barrier in the mile And more… We love the Spring racing season and if you missed some of the big races, this is your chance to hear the highlights all together in one podcast.  Grand Slam Track Schedule: https://www.grandslamtrack.com/events Breaking 4 Project: https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/releases/breaking4-faith-kipyegon-vs-the-four-minute-mile McKirdy Micro Races: https://mckirdytrained.com/mckirdy-micro-races/   Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron.  Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase. MetPro Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro's team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.  Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.  MetPro's coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they're empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs. Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt

Tina has been a podcast host for a decade; first on Runners Connect's “Run to the Top,” then since 2017 on her own award-winning show, “Running for Real.” Inspiring interviews and deep friendships have come out of the experience, but now, she has decided, it's time to move on. She'll be focusing on her passion for environmentalism, especially through her work with Racing for Sustainability, the nonprofit she's created to help small to mid-sized races become more eco-conscious. For complete show notes and links, visit our website at runningforreal.com/episode439.   Thank you to AG1 for sponsoring this episode.  AG1 is a research-backed Daily Health Drink that combines a multivitamin, probiotic, and blend of superfoods into one scoop that supports the microbiome, immune defense, and metabolism with 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food sourced ingredients. You'd be hard pressed to find a more comprehensive powder/supplement on the market.  They're offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You'll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. So make sure to check out https://DrinkAG1.com/tina to get this offer!   Thanks for listening! Keep up with what's going on at Running for Real by signing up for our weekly newsletter on our website, https://runningforreal.com/. Follow Tina on Instagram and Facebook.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TinaMuir) for additional content, including our “RED-S: Realize. Reflect. Recover” series of 100+ videos. Thank you for your support - we appreciate each and every one of you!

Just about every runner has made the mistake of going too fast on a recovery run and paid the price. There's a lot of things that we know we should do as runners and still get them wrong.  Coach Jeff brings his years of coaching experience to the show to share why runners make these 5 easy to fix mistakes: Overdoing recovery runs Ineffective strength training Rationalizing not having enough time Running through injury Eating the wrong fuel before and after training You might think this list looks basic, and you'd be right. Even veteran runners screw up the easy stuff sometimes and fixing them can help you to make massive performance gains. Marathon training is hard, so don't screw up the easy stuff.  Training Pace Calculator: https://runnersconnect.net/long-and-easy-run-pace/ Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase. Previnex Joint Health Plus Joint Health Plus from Previnex is clinically proven to reduce joint pain, joint stiffness,and improve joint flexibility in 7-10 days.  In fact, it is clinically proven to be up to 5 times more beneficial than glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination. I saw immediate results when I started using Joint Health Plus and that's why I reached out to Previnex to see if we could put together an offer for you guys. If you're suffering from joint pain or simply want to get a jump start on protecting your joint health as you get older, head to runnersconnect.net/joint and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order.

There's an ongoing debate whether it's harder to run in the heat or the cold; that's a trick question because the answer is whatever you're less prepared for. Racing season is here and we want to help you prepare for any condition with topics like: How much temperature affects running performance  What is the impact of weather conditions like wind and rain Is there such a thing as perfect running weather  How to prepare for the potential conditions of your goal race How to dress for any weather you might encounter during a race There's nothing better than a cool and clear day with no wind but the truth is that this doesn't happen very often. We're joined by coach Andie on the show to talk about what you can do to get the best result possible in any weather. Temperature calculator How running in the cold impacts performance Impact of running in the wind   Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase. Pique We've done quite a few podcast episodes on the performance benefits of caffeine. But, if you're like many runners I know, pre-run coffee often leaves you with jitters or stomach issues. That's why I was so excited when I found Nandaka by Pique—the ultimate coffee alternative designed to power your runs, your training, and your recovery. So, what makes Nandaka different? Most so-called “coffee alternatives” don't actually provide functional energy. But Nandaka is built for endurance  Unlike coffee, which spikes your energy and leaves you crashing mid-run, Nandaka fuels you with steady, sustained endurance—no spikes, no crashes, just clean energy that lasts.  Nandaka provides its caffeine from fermented probiotic teas, which provide a slow-release caffeine that prevents jitters and gives you sustained release for those long runs workouts.  It also contains cordyceps mushrooms, which help boost VO2 max, delivering more oxygen to your muscles for better endurance  Plus, the probiotic teas mean no digestive distress like you often get with coffee.  If you're tired of running on fumes—or worse, running on coffee crashes—it's time to make the switch.  Right now, Pique is offering 20% off for life AND a free Starter Kit with your first purchase.  Go to Piquelife.com/run and start running on real energy today.  Your legs, your lungs, and your PRs will thank you

You may have never heard of Molly Bookmyer, but since overcoming two brain surgeries in 2015 she's quickly becoming one of the top US Women's Marathoners.  Molly opened up about her health struggles and her path to elite running with questions like: How Molly overcame the odds to run a 2:28 marathon after two brain surgeries How she balances training as an elite with a full-time job When Molly realized she had undiagnosed Celiac's disease and how discovering this has changed her fueling What are Molly's goals for the 2025 London Marathon where she'll be toeing the line against some of the world's best marathon runners Molly Bookmyer is currently a Oiselle sponsored athlete and two-time Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier with a 2:28 personal best after winning the 2024 Twin Cities Marathon. Molly finally considers herself healthy after a long stretch of sickness and injury and will be a name to look out for when she toes the line at this year's London Marathon. Molly Bookmyer 2024 Olympic trials athlete bio Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Qualia Senolytic As a masters runner, I am always on the lookout to prevent (or at least slow down) many of the common performance declines that happen with age. Qualia Senolytic is designed to selectively target and eliminate damaged or dysfunctional cells in the body, which are called senescent cells.  By removing these cells, senolytics aim to rejuvenate tissues, reduce inflammation, and reverse some aspects of aging.  Early research has shown senolytics can…  Lead to a reduction in systemic inflammation Improve vascular function by reducing senescent cell burden in the arteries. Enhance muscle regeneration while also increasing exercise capacity and decreasing recovery time Lead to significant improvements in joint health Ready to resist aging at the cellular level? Try Qualia Senolytic and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% off any purchase. MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.

Matt Fitzgerald is the author of well-known books like 80/20 endurance and in his most recent book titled “Chasing Mastery”, he provides 25 lessons to reach your full athletic potential. During the episode, we discussed topics including: What it means to achieve mastery of your sport What are the habits of elite athletes that succeed in reaching their full potential Why keeping your training fun and hard is key to staying motivated How to top athletes succeed using very different training strategies Why personal character matters when it comes to improving as an athlete What Matt's personal pursuit of mastery has looked like as a non-elite runner and author Matt makes it clear that mastering running has nothing to do with talent. Instead, he shows how anyone can become your best self as a person and athlete. Chasing Mastery book purchase: https://8020books.com/product/chasing-mastery/ 80/20 endurance coaching and training resources: https://www.8020endurance.com/8020-endurance-books-best-training-resources/ Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Lagoon Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery. Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more. And the data on sleep improvement isn't only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.   If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that's perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you'll also save 15% off your purchase.  MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.

It can be overwhelming trying to make sense of all the data on your running watch but understanding how to use this data in your training can be a game-changer. In today's show, we'll focus on how you can use this data to your advantage and answer questions like: What are the most valuable running metrics to pay attention to? What are these metrics calculated and what do they actually mean? How accurate is the data from your running watch or other running accessories?  What is a data-driven approach to training and why you may benefit from this strategy? What are some specific examples of ways to adjust your training based on common running metrics? Is there such a thing as tracking too much data? Measuring your progress will let you learn what works for you to maximize your training. Previous podcast discussing the most important training data: https://runnersconnect.net/running-questions/most-important-data-to-look-at-after-your-run/   Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase. MetPro Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro's team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.  Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.  MetPro's coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they're empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs. Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt

Chipotle Mexican Grill has partnered with Strava to motivate runners across the globe with free burrito bowls and we're speaking with Vice-President of Brand Marketing, Stephanie Purdue, to find out more about this unique challenge. During the interview we chat all about the City Challenge, including: How runners competed to earn free Chipotle for a year Why participating runners get so competitive  How challenges can add excitement and motivation to your training Results and fun stories from the latest edition of the City Challenge Whether you can expect to see more opportunities for earning free burrito bowls To hear about this one-of-a-kind event, be sure to listen to today's episode. Socials: Instagram: @Chipotle X: @chipotleTweets City Challenge Press Release: https://newsroom.chipotle.com/2025-01-02-CHIPOTLE-X-STRAVA-PARTNERSHIP-GOES-GLOBAL-INTRODUCING-THE-CITY-CHALLENGE-IN-25-MARKETS-TO-KICK-OFF-2025   Other City Challenge Instagram Content: San Francisco Rallies around challenge  @chipotlechasers_sf Tempe, AZ tough competition Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase. The Race Fueling Blueprint Did you experience what it was like to hit the wall at your last race? Or maybe you're running your first half, full or ultra and you fear what that dreaded wall looks like? Well, what if I told you there was an exact, scientifically-researched formula to calculate exactly how much glycogen, water and electrolytes you personally need to guarantee you don't hit the wall? That's exactly what we give you with our Race Fueling Blueprint. The blueprint allows you to simply enter your data (like your weight, goal time and current fitness and then we calculate YOUR exact, specific fueling needs during the race More importantly, the Blueprint then provides an actionable, easy-to-follow prescription for how to practice, carbo-load, taper and execute your exact racing nutrition strategy. Plus, the calculations can factor in any food preferences or sensitivities, whether you're a heavy or light sweater and even what type of gels and fluids you prefer to use. And with the kick off to the spring racing season, we're offering our patented Cramp Prevention Program as an added bonus to the Blueprint. The Cramp prevention program is a first-of-it's-kind strength program specifically focused on training your body not to cramp during long races. So, if you're tired of hitting the wall or cramping during your longer races, we'll provide you with everything you need to get through your next race strong. Get yours here to runnersconnect.net/fuel

Running doesn't take a lot of equipment, but racing can be expensive.  The cost of running a world major marathon or another race abroad can really add up but these are our 10 best tips to save a little money on costs such as: Travel expenses  Nutrition and fueling Race day gear Food Transportation And more… While we are giving these tips, we still recognise that it's not going to make it cheap or affordable for everyone.  There's something really special about running fast with huge crowds cheering you on though so tune-in to find out how you can be a part of that excitement for a little less money. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Personal Coaching As your training kicks into full gear this spring, don't underestimate the difference a personal coach can make when it comes to getting the results you deserve.  For newer runners, a personal coach is that expert who can answer every question you have (and even the ones you don't know to ask) so you're absolutely positive that each day you're maximizing your training.  For experienced runners, you'll finally have someone who knows and understands your strengths and weaknesses in-depth to help you squeeze that last 10% out of your training.   Personal coaching is more than just a training schedule.  Working one-on-one with a personal coach from RunnersConnect means you have someone analyzing both your short-term progress, but also helping you plan for long-term progression.  Plus, you get feedback and adjustments on all your runs and workouts so you know you're making optimal progress.  But, what makes our coaches different?  First, we specialize in working with runners between 45 and 65, not elite athletes.  Plus, our custom platform allows us to dig into your training data to give you insights and advice you can't get anywhere else.  To learn more and see some of the results runners like you were able to achieve, head to runnersconnect.net/personal.  Plus, you can get a free custom gait analysis through the end of January.  Again, that's https://runnersconnect.net/personal MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.

Today, we're here to make your next marathon decision a little easier by breaking down the best and fastest marathons out there. Let this episode be your marathon guide in 2025 with topics including: How to choose the right marathon for you What makes some marathons faster than others How to research potential races What are our favourite American and International marathons There's nothing like the feeling of running 42.2km with excited crowds cheering you on and then crossing the finish line to a new personal best. Today, we'll be your guides for finding your next marathon in 2025 or to give you some ideas for future races. Find My Marathon search tool: https://findmymarathon.com/ Running the USA Race Finder: https://runningintheusa.com/ Some US Marathons mentioned on the show: Houston Marathon Mesa Marathon Woodlands Marathon LA Marathon Eugene Marathon Grandma's Marathon Chicago Marathon Philadelphia Marathon Indianapolis Monumental Marathon California International Marathon (CIM) The Marathon Project Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Lagoon Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery. Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more. And the data on sleep improvement isn't only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.   If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that's perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you'll also save 15% off your purchase.  MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.

If you get sick, your body probably needs rest but how do you know how much rest to take and when to get back to normal training? This cold and flu season is the perfect time to prepare yourself since getting sick can be unavoidable. In this episode of the show we'll answer questions like: How to know if you're too sick to run How to adjust your training while you're sick and after recovering Whether running can impact the chances of you getting sick What to do if your symptoms linger after recovering from being sick A lot of runners will get sick at some point during the winter so make sure you know how to respond if you suddenly find yourself feeling under the weather. Previous podcast about whether to run through sickness: https://runnersconnect.net/running-interviews/should-you-run-when-sick-when-not-to-run-and-how-to-modify-your-training/ Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.

There's no doubt running is great for your health, but what healthy habits are good for your running?  We're answering this with another edition of overrated or underrated to help you decide what other healthy habits you should be adopting to become a healthier and better runner.  Joining us for this topic is DR. Richard Rosenfeld, an expert in lifestyle health and nutrition. He'll get into nutrition and tons of other great factors which can improve your overall health like: Should you take power naps to catch up on some sleep? How important is getting consistent animal protein in your diet? Does mindfulness have an impact on your running? Who benefits from adding walking breaks into racing and training? You already spend countless hours running, so here's an opportunity to take no more than a single hour and learn tons of great new habits for your health.  Link to donate to Richard's Berlin Marathon fundraiser:  https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/RMR “Live Long and Stay Healthy: 6 Simple Lifestyle Behaviors Anyone Can do”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAqjpYhq_aQ Run to the Top Podcast with Rich Titled “Is this the ‘optimal' diet and supplement strategy for runners?”: https://podcasts.apple.com/qa/podcast/is-this-the-optimal-diet-and-supplement-strategy/id535203893?i=1000625342389 Run to the Top Podcast on Building Mental Toughness: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-your-mental-running-potential-with-sports/id535203893?i=1000665238854   Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MetPro Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro's team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.  Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.  MetPro's coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they're empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs. Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and overall health.   If you didn't know, mitochondria are often called the “powerhouse” because most of the energy your muscle cells need during aerobic running is supplied by mitochondria.   This is why one of the primary goals of all the runs we do is to increase the amount of new mitochondria in our cells and to increase their efficiency.   But, now there's a new way to also improve your mitochondria - Mitopure from time-line nutrition.   Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.   In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle.   Mitopure comes in powder form to mix into your favorite smoothie or softgels to make them easy to take.   Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

Believe in the Run is one of the top sites online for honest reviews of running gear and today's guest Robbe Reddinger knows a thing or two about running shoes. We couldn't think of a more qualified person to give running gear advice so we brought him on the show to chat about his top gear picks. Some of the topics we'll cover include: How the shoe testing process works What makes a good running shoe What other pieces of gear every runner needs What are Robbe's favorite running shoes  Plus find out what running shoe Robbe would choose right now to run a marathon PR It can be hard to choose between so many great gear options, which is where Robbe comes in. The team at Believe in the Run are the ultimate shoe geeks and the perfect guests to help perfect your running shoe rotation.  Believe in the Run Website: believeintherun.com Believe in the Run Instagram: www.instagram.com/believeintherun/ The Drop Podcast: https://believeintherun.com/shows/the-drop-podcast/ Robbe's 5 gear picks he can't live without: Janji multipass sling: https://janji.com/products/multipass-sling-bag Coros Apex 2 Pro GPS Watch: https://ca.coros.com/apex2 Tracksmith Van Cortland Shorts: https://www.tracksmith.com/products/m-van-cortlandt-shorts?sku=MB311001RDC Asics Superblast 2: https://www.asics.com/us/en-us/superblast-2/p/ANA_1013A142-100.html LMNT electrolyte drink: https://drinklmnt.com/collections/salt?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=cold&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiArby5BhCDARIsAIJvjIQfY2Uf6aAAQ4ULZWZkSUiljAHrFes2gybt9Wr1Y1ifvUMRGNqWoq8aAtsoEALw_wcB Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Mushroom Breakthrough One of the most difficult things about training hard in the morning is the brain fog and mental fatigue that comes when you're trying to get your work day going.   I am sure all you morning runners can relate to that feeling of not being able to focus and get motivated those first few hours at work.   That's why I was excited when BIOptimizers released its one-of-a-kind product called Mushroom Breakthrough   It's a powdered blend of 5 potent superfoods including 1.2 pounds of concentrated mushrooms, which have been shown in research to enhance memory, focus, processing speed, and more.    It's the perfect way to not only boost recovery post-run, but improve mental clarity in the morning without taxing your adrenal system with caffeine. You'll notice the difference in concentration, focus and mood, especially on those days when morning training really has you feeling tired and unmotivated.   For an exclusive offer go to bioptimizers.com/runtothetop and use code RUN10 during checkout.   And the great thing about BIOptimizers is that you can try it risk-free with their 365-day money-back guarantee. Lever Have you seen top athletes like Eilish McColgan and Kara Goucher using the LEVER system lately? If not, let me fill you in on why this might just be the game-changer you've been waiting for. The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight while exercising on a treadmill, which means less impact on your joints. Whether you're coming back from an injury, looking to increase your running volume, or wanting to add some serious speed work to your routine, LEVER has got you covered. Our own has been using it and only 5 months after hip surgery has been able to build mileage up to 45 miles for the week by reducing impact on the LEVER. She's even been able to run faster with better mechanics while still keeping the effort and HR in the easy zone. What's even better? The LEVER system is incredibly portable. It sets up on your home treadmill or at your local gym in under two minutes. And because we know you'll love it, we've got an exclusive deal for you. Use the discount code RunnersConnect at https://levermovement.com to get 20% off your purchase. Trust me, your joints, achilles, and sore muscles will thank you, and so will your future self.

It's a runner's worst nightmare being out on a run and suddenly GI issues strike.  If you've been running long enough, there's a good chance that at some point you've eaten the wrong thing or just gotten unlucky and suffered this uncomfortable situation.  So today, we're going to help you solve this problem! You'll learn… Why running can cause digestive problems How to fuel before your runs to minimize the chance of discomfort Why it's important for distance runners to “train your gut” for fuelling during a run What are the factors other than nutrition that contribute to GI struggle How to respond if you find yourself dealing with a case of runner's trot Don't let an upset stomach stop you from crushing your next run and tune-in to hear strategies from one of our expert coaches, Andie Cozzarelli, for preventing any GI issues on your runs. Gels, Sports Drinks and Gummies: Which is the Best Fueling Option for the Marathon - Runners Connect Dr. Stacy Sims - Supplementation for Women: https://www.drstacysims.com/blog/Empowering%20Female%20Athletes%20Part%202 Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Mushroom Breakthrough One of the most difficult things about training hard in the morning is the brain fog and mental fatigue that comes when you're trying to get your work day going.   I am sure all you morning runners can relate to that feeling of not being able to focus and get motivated those first few hours at work.   That's why I was excited when BIOptimizers released its one-of-a-kind product called Mushroom Breakthrough   It's a powdered blend of 5 potent superfoods including 1.2 pounds of concentrated mushrooms, which have been shown in research to enhance memory, focus, processing speed, and more.    It's the perfect way to not only boost recovery post-run, but improve mental clarity in the morning without taxing your adrenal system with caffeine. You'll notice the difference in concentration, focus and mood, especially on those days when morning training really has you feeling tired and unmotivated.   For an exclusive offer go to bioptimizers.com/runtothetop and use code RUN10 during checkout.   And the great thing about BIOptimizers is that you can try it risk-free with their 365-day money-back guarantee. TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and overall health.   If you didn't know, mitochondria are often called the “powerhouse” because most of the energy your muscle cells need during aerobic running is supplied by mitochondria.   This is why one of the primary goals of all the runs we do is to increase the amount of new mitochondria in our cells and to increase their efficiency.   But, now there's a new way to also improve your mitochondria - Mitopure from time-line nutrition.   Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.   In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle.   Mitopure comes in powder form to mix into your favorite smoothie or softgels to make them easy to take.   Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

Sabrina Little is a 5x national champion ultra runner who happens to also be a professor of moral philosophy. During her career, when she wasn't breaking American records, she earned a Phd in Philosophy at Baylor University. More recently though, she published her book “the Examined run - why good people make better runners” all about how running fits into a happy and fulfilling life. Her book is filled with thought-provoking lessons for anyone who loves to run and she is the perfect guest to explore how running can make us better people or even how practicing virtuous traits can make you a better runner. One of the key tenets of Sabrina's writing is that virtuous traits like patience and empathy are teachable and performance-enhancing, so practicing them is beneficial to excelling in sport. This means that becoming a better person can actually be a tool to improve your running! Some of the topics we cover include: Why virtue can be beneficial to athletic performance How to practice building traits of virtue through your running How to find your “why” for running What are Sabrina's thoughts on the role of running in a happy life Sabrina has a way of making philosophical topics approachable and relevant to runners that we're sure you'll love. Tune-in and find out for yourself how you can become a happier and faster runner all at the same time. The Examined Run by Sabrina Little Sabrina on Instagram: sabrinalittle Sabrina's Psychology Today Sports and character page: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/considerations-of-character Sabrina's iRunFar column: https://www.irunfar.com/author/slittle Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and overall health.   If you didn't know, mitochondria are often called the “powerhouse” because most of the energy your muscle cells need during aerobic running is supplied by mitochondria.   This is why one of the primary goals of all the runs we do is to increase the amount of new mitochondria in our cells and to increase their efficiency.   But, now there's a new way to also improve your mitochondria - Mitopure from time-line nutrition.   Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.   In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle.   Mitopure comes in powder form to mix into your favorite smoothie or softgels to make them easy to take.   Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice. MetPro Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro's team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.  Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.  MetPro's coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they're empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs. Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt

We pride ourselves on bringing you informative content, but sometimes it's even more fun to throw that out the window and just talk about how much we love running. We're bringing the classic game of One Gotta Go to the Run to the Top Podcast and there will be plenty of tricky decisions to make. The goal is to choose among a group of beloved running items and imagine which one to give up forever if you were forced to choose. Coach Ruairi Moyhnihan is taking on this tough challenge but don't worry because we won't actually make him give up any running gear and gadgets. What we will do is make him choose between his favorites. The result is great running banter that will entertain any lover of the sport.  Tune in as we force Ruairi to choose between items in categories including: Running accessories Racing essentials Types of carbohydrate-rich foods Running surfaces And many more… We might sneak in a few useful training tips but mostly, this is an episode to talk about all the things we love most about running. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Previnex Joint Health Plus Joint Health Plus from Previnex is clinically proven to reduce joint pain, joint stiffness,and improve joint flexibility in 7-10 days.  In fact, it is clinically proven to be up to 5 times more beneficial than glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination. I saw immediate results when I started using Joint Health Plus and that's why I reached out to Previnex to see if we could put together an offer for you guys. If you're suffering from joint pain or simply want to get a jump start on protecting your joint health as you get older, head to runnersconnect.net/joint and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order. UCAN If you're looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN. Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels.  By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run. All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance. Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT

Many runners already swear by their morning cup of coffee, but caffeine can also boost your running performance if used correctly. This effect works by reducing the perception of pain and increasing alertness on the run so that you may feel more comfortable running at faster paces. If this sounds too good to be true, it's even recommended by World Athletics as a legal performance enhancer. The key to getting the greatest benefits is understanding how to use it properly in training or racing since caffeine can have other effects like GI upset or dehydration if you're not used to running with caffeine in your system.  David Hellard is very familiar with the benefits of caffeine as an ultra-endurance runner and host of the Golden Trail World Series. He's even started his own line of caffeine products designed to make it more convenient for runners to get the athletic benefits of caffeine. He's joining the show to chat all about how he uses caffeine and how other runners can make the most of caffeine to improve their running. Some of the topics we'll be covering include: How caffeine can boost running performance How and why David started Caffeine Bullet How to avoid GI upset when running with caffeine Deciding the right timing and dosage of caffeine And whether there any benefits to a “caffeine taper” We're buzzing to share how caffeine can help your running so let's get into it! 20% Off any Caffeine Bullet product: caffeinebullet.com/RUNTOTHETOP or use code RUNTOTHETOP Guest Bio - David Hellard: www.davidhellard.run/runner Caffeine Bullet Instagram: @caffeinebullet Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and overall health.   If you didn't know, mitochondria are often called the “powerhouse” because most of the energy your muscle cells need during aerobic running is supplied by mitochondria.   This is why one of the primary goals of all the runs we do is to increase the amount of new mitochondria in our cells and to increase their efficiency.   But, now there's a new way to also improve your mitochondria - Mitopure from time-line nutrition.   Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.   In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle.   Mitopure comes in powder form to mix into your favorite smoothie or softgels to make them easy to take.   Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice. UCAN If you're looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN. Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels.  By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run. All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance. Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT

Running has the power to create a strong sense of community, but when it comes to road running and trail running they have very little in common aside from putting one foot in front of the other. These sports require different skills and come with their own set of challenges. This is part of what makes them so much fun. While we love both of these sports, we thought it would be fun to debate who are the better athletes: road runners or trail runners? You typically need more all-out speed to excel on the roads and it takes some time to callus your legs to the impact of racing on hard pavement. This doesn't mean it's any easier than trail running though, which takes a lot of agility navigating different terrains and precision to fuel for more time on your feet. There's no easy way to answer who are the better athletes so RC coach Hayley Munn joins the show to help settle this question.  We can't promise we'll follow any formal debate rules but we can promise a fun conversation that will including topics like: What skills separate road runners from trail runners? Which types of runners are the better athletes? Which type of running is the most fun? Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MetPro Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro's team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.  Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.  MetPro's coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they're empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs. Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt UCAN If you're looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN. Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels.  By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run. All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance. Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT

Building mental toughness is one of the best ways to improve your running. Without any change in fitness, having good mental strategies can help you to unlock a new level of performance. This is the key to overcoming a setback or managing stressful situations that all runners face like pre-race nerves or balancing a hectic schedule. Ashley Eckermann is a former competitive triathlete and a noted psychology practitioner who teaches athletes of all abilities to perform at their best without positive thinking. Studies show that positive affirmations don't actually work and this interview is all about uncovering what does. You can actually train your brain to perform better! This is not a science lecture, and we'll focus on going through specific examples of how to apply these strategies in training and racing. Some of the topics we'll cover include: What is mental resilience? How do the pros think differently than the rest of us? What is the best way to deal with a stressful situation in training? How can you apply strategies of mental resilience during training and racing to improve your performance? Ashley has helped numerous athletes to transform their thinking and perform at a higher level. This is a fascinating conversation that will literally change how you think. Maximize the Mind - Mental Performance Coaching Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better.  Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria.  Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier.  Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice. UCAN If you're looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN. Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels.  By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run. All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance. Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN  to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT

Running has a language of its own with terms that can range from obscure to downright hilarious. Training terms like tempo runs and fartleks can sound like gibberish if you're newer to the sport. We're probably even guilty on this show of using some of this running lingo without explaining first what it means. That ends today, because this show is all about helping you to understand common terms used by runners. Whether you're with a running group or getting ready for a race, you might overhear some of this running lingo and wonder what it means. Coach Hayley is answering these questions by covering the most common or bizarre terms runners like to throw around. This way, you can understand the unique vocabulary of running or even use some of these phrases to impress your running friends. Some of the training terms we'll cover include: What is a fartlek run? Is there a difference between a PR and a PB? What does it mean to sandbag a run? Why you might experience runger if you're training for a marathon There's too many running terms to cover them all but we handpicked the best ones for you to know so let's get into it! PR vs. PB Canadian Running article Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Lumen Have you ever wondered exactly how many carbs you need to fuel your training or if it's okay to train fasted?   Well, now you can get that exact data with Lumen, the world's first handheld metabolic coach.   With Lumen, all you have to do is breathe into your Lumen first thing in the morning, and you'll know what's going on with your metabolism, including recommendations to improve your pre-and-post workout fueling for better performance and recovery.   What I love most is that Lumen explains what every data point and value means with in-depth videos so you always know what's going on in your body and what changes you need to make to hit your goals.   Lumen is truly one of the most innovative devices on the market.   If  you want to take the next step in improving your health, go to lumen.me and use RTTT to get $100 off your Lumen. MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase.

The Olympics is the biggest multi-sport competition in the world and perhaps the pinnacle of the sport for anyone in distance running. We gave you our picks for who would represent team USA before the Olympic trials and now we're back to preview the big finale. The Paris Olympics are sure to bring some interesting storylines featuring a huge depth of distance runners and some very hot conditions predicted. This is also the first time since 2016 that a full crowd will be hosted to watch these races since the last Olympics in Tokyo was run without spectators due to COVID-19 protocols at the time. The American team is stacked with talent this year and we'll be covering how you can watch all of your favorite events and we'll give you our bold predictions for some of the endurance races. By the end of the show we'll cover everything you need to know about the Paris Olympics including: How to watch your favorite races Who are the top Americans to watch out for at the Olympics What are some of the most exciting storylines for the summer games Bold predictions from the RC team for every endurance running event Paris Olympics Schedule Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: AG 1 Ask yourself - do you get enough green veggies each day? I'll admit, I don't. It's tough to fit all of those greens in with an active and busy lifestyle. But getting in your fruits + veggies is SO crucial as a distance runner for recovery, digestion, and optimal performance. That's where Athletic Greens is a gamechanger. One scoop has 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, green superfood blend, and more. That means fewer stomach issues, more focus and energy throughout the day (because the workday matters just as much as the morning run), and overall ... just feeling healthier. Look, if you're struggling to get those fruits + veggies in - or if you keep buying them but they always go bad in the fridge - Athletic Greens will make getting those micronutrients simple and delicious. Get 5 BONUS travel packs and a year's supply of Vitamin D when you order at drinkag1.com/RTTT. Get yours now! Bace   CBD is perhaps one of the most innovative, and misunderstood, supplements in the endurance world right now.   The biggest advantage of CBD for a runner like you is the anti-inflammatory properties. CBD can help your muscles heal and recover faster. Additionally, CBD can help you sleep better, which also leads to better rest and improved recovery times.   What CBD will not do is make you high and it is non-toxic. It is even approved by the World Anti Doping Agency.   If you ever tried CBD before and found it to be too weak or strong, or you haven't tried it yet because you're not sure how to best start, then Bace Health's Discovery Pack is a game changer.   The Discovery Pack leads you through a 7-day experience for you to find your perfect dose by slowly increasing from 10mg to 50mg. It's the perfect way to dip your toes into CBD.   If you want to see just how much CBD can improve your recovery, now is the time to give it a try. Right now you can get half off the Discovery Pack, alongside a FREE sample of their balm. That's 50% off, from $25 to just $12.50!    All you have to do is visit BaceHealth.com/RunnersConnect or enter the discount code ‘RunnersConnect' at checkout to pick up your Discovery Pack and prioritize your recovery today.

Summer is in full force and we're back with another overrated or underrated format to tackle all your summertime training questions. This time of year can be challenging to train through. The extra heat and humidity can force you to work harder to maintain the same paces and increase the need to properly fuel with fluids and electrolytes. There's also lots of other risks that come with training in warmer weather like dehydration and sunburns. There's a lot of information out there on how to cope with the warmer season but Coach Michael Hammond joins me to tell you what strategies and gear work to help you get fitter this summer, and which ones are overhyped. A few of the topics we'll cover include: Do runners need special types of sunscreen? Is it better to adjust your paces or your rest in warmer weather? Is there any benefit to pre-hydrating with extra fluids and electrolytes? Is a post-race beer the perfect summertime treat? The days might be longer this time of year but these answers are rapid-fire so let's get into it! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better.  Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria.  Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier.  Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice. LMNT  Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That's why we recommend all runners check out LMNT. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.   To get this special offer and make sure you're hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

If you struggle with staying healthy or you're looking for new ways to improve your running, then this episode is for you! Dr Matt Silver is passionate about helping runners unlock their potential and joined me to chat about his key principles for helping athletes run pain-free and perform at their best. Matt has many years of experience dealing with running injuries both as a runner and a physiotherapist. His latest book titled “Built to run” is self-described as being like a car manual for staying healthy and he has a way of cutting through the noise to give you the most important information to make meaningful changes. This information is meant to help you with becoming a more durable runner and fix common running problems. If you love to run, then you know how much injuries suck. Luckily, the purpose of this conversation is to keep you running and having fun in the sport. Some of the questions we'll answer include include: How do you treat and prevent some of the most common running injuries? Do runners really need to stretch? What is the difference between mobility work and strength training? Does heel-striking actually increase your risk of injury? How can you prevent yourself from getting the same injuries over again? The best way to improve your running is to be consistent with training, which requires staying healthy. We covered a ton of great injury-related topics in this interview that will help anyone listening to prevent injuries, recover from injuries, or bounce back from an injury.  Built to Run Paperback - Purchase Link How to Perform a Couch Stretch Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Bace   CBD is perhaps one of the most innovative, and misunderstood, supplements in the endurance world right now.   The biggest advantage of CBD for a runner like you is the anti-inflammatory properties. CBD can help your muscles heal and recover faster. Additionally, CBD can help you sleep better, which also leads to better rest and improved recovery times.   What CBD will not do is make you high and it is non-toxic. It is even approved by the World Anti Doping Agency.   If you ever tried CBD before and found it to be too weak or strong, or you haven't tried it yet because you're not sure how to best start, then Bace Health's Discovery Pack is a game changer.   The Discovery Pack leads you through a 7-day experience for you to find your perfect dose by slowly increasing from 10mg to 50mg. It's the perfect way to dip your toes into CBD.   If you want to see just how much CBD can improve your recovery, now is the time to give it a try. Right now you can get half off the Discovery Pack, alongside a FREE sample of their balm. That's 50% off, from $25 to just $12.50!    All you have to do is visit BaceHealth.com/RunnersConnect or enter the discount code ‘RunnersConnect' at checkout to pick up your Discovery Pack and prioritize your recovery today. LMNT  Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That's why we recommend all runners check out LMNT. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.   To get this special offer and make sure you're hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

Lauren Mantha is a local Toronto runner who created a simple solution to a common problem with her website, A Running List. What started as an Instagram post about the running clubs in her area has transformed into a full website mapping out running communities globally and their meeting times. Her mission is to make the sport more accessible to everyone by making this information more accessible.  Lauren only started running in 2023 to raise money for children's hospitals but flash forward one year and her website has been featured in the Canadian Running News and helped many runners discover new running communities. Lauren sat down with us to discuss her journey in creating this website including topics such as: Why running clubs are an important part of the running community  How an Instagram post about running clubs became a mapping tool for running clubs across the globe How A Running List is helping to make running clubs more accessible How runners can find running communities that suit them best How to make joining a new running club less daunting  Lauren has a really cool story to share about A Running List. She is every bit as passionate about helping others as she is about running so I'm excited to share that story with you. A Running List Website: https://www.arunninglist.com/ A RUNNING LIST IG: @arunninglist Lauren Mantha Personal IG: @laurenmantha Submit new clubs here: https://www.arunninglist.com/contact Canadian Running Feature of A Running List: https://runningmagazine.ca/the-scene/toronto-woman-creates-online-database-to-find-local-run-clubs/ Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better.  Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria.  Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier.  Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice. LMNT  Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That's why we recommend all runners check out LMNT. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.   To get this special offer and make sure you're hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

Running should be a safe sport for everyone who participates but unfortunately, that's not always the case. This could happen for a variety of reasons including injuries, weather conditions, and even harassment. This is especially true for women and people of color who more frequently confront unsafe situations.  On today's show, we're joined by coaches Andie Cozzarelli and Hayley Jane to discuss what risks runners need to be aware of to stay safe and tips for dealing with or avoiding these dangers. We'll hear their thoughts on how running can be made safer. Some of the questions we'll answer include: What are the most common safety concerns runners face? Why might female runners need to be especially careful when running alone? How Andie and Hayley have handled unsafe situations in their own running? What are some strategies runners can use to stay safe when running  Running can have incredible mental and physical benefits but it's important to practice it safely. Even if you have never experienced safety concerns when running, these strategies will prepare you for dealing with them if they do. So let's get into it! Rung Angel safety bracelet Running Mate app for finding real-time verified running “mates” Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better.  Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria.  Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier.  Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice. LMNT  Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That's why we recommend all runners check out LMNT. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.   To get this special offer and make sure you're hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

We have some bittersweet news to share. Our host Finn Melanson is leaving the RC team but you'll still hear a familiar voice as our current Showrunner, Cory Nagler, transitions to full-time host. We'll also be transitioning to only one episode per week on Wednesdays to help focus on providing you with high-quality and valuable content. In this transition episode of the Run to the Top Podcast, Finn takes on the other side of the interview as a special guest to say goodbye to the team and answer questions about his time with RunnersConnect. During the show, you'll hear about what you can expect to come next for Finn and for the podcast. Topics we'll cover include: Why Finn is stepping down, and what he's most excited about with his new focus on trail running How Finn first got started with the podcast and some of the most memorable moments from hosting the Run to the Top Podcast The guests Finn is most hoping to interview in the future What makes the running community such a welcoming space We hope you enjoy this episode and look forward to bringing more great content going forward. Interview with Jay Dicharry Interview with Kara Goucher Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Mushroom Breakthrough One of the most difficult things about training hard in the morning is the brain fog and mental fatigue that comes when you're trying to get your work day going.   I am sure all you morning runners can relate to that feeling of not being able to focus and get motivated those first few hours at work.   That's why I was excited when BIOptimizers released its one-of-a-kind product called Mushroom Breakthrough   It's a powdered blend of 5 potent superfoods including 1.2 pounds of concentrated mushrooms, which have been shown in research to enhance memory, focus, processing speed, and more.    It's the perfect way to not only boost recovery post-run, but improve mental clarity in the morning without taxing your adrenal system with caffeine. You'll notice the difference in concentration, focus and mood, especially on those days when morning training really has you feeling tired and unmotivated.   For an exclusive offer go to bioptimizers.com/runtothetop and use code RUN10 during checkout.   And the great thing about BIOptimizers is that you can try it risk-free with their 365-day money-back guarantee. NuNee Struggling with Runners Knee? NuNee is an innovative new product designed specifically to treat Runner's Knee. In fact, independent clinical research has shown that NuNee helped 9 of 10 runners start running again, immediately, without knee pain. Unlike other knee sleeves and supports that use compression, NuNee's unique design relieves the pressure on your patella (knee cap), which provides immediate relief and aids your recovery. To learn more head to runnersconnect.net/NuNee. And to make it easy, the discount code RTTT50 will automatically be applied so you'll save 50%. Even better, they offer a full money-back guarantee if you don't experience immediate relief.

Wade Lightheart from BiOptimizers joins the show to talk about his new book, “The Ultimate Nutrition Bible”.   We get into the 5 goals - your final weight loss journey, your lean muscle journey, achieving athletic dominance, maximizing your brain power, and maximizing your biospan before diving more deeply into the weight loss and dietary components.  Specifically in those spheres, we talk about key components like clearing emotional blocks, how to eliminate food toxins, how to choose the diet for your genetics, and how metabolic data shapes destinies. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! Ultimate Nutrition Bible This week's show brought to you by: AG 1 Ask yourself - do you get enough green veggies each day? I'll admit, I don't. It's tough to fit all of those greens in with an active and busy lifestyle. But getting in your fruits + veggies is SO crucial as a distance runner for recovery, digestion, and optimal performance. That's where Athletic Greens is a gamechanger. One scoop has 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, green superfood blend, and more. That means fewer stomach issues, more focus and energy throughout the day (because the workday matters just as much as the morning run), and overall ... just feeling healthier. Look, if you're struggling to get those fruits + veggies in - or if you keep buying them but they always go bad in the fridge - Athletic Greens will make getting those micronutrients simple and delicious. Get 5 BONUS travel packs and a year's supply of Vitamin D when you order at drinkag1.com/RTTT. Get yours now! TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better.  Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria.  Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier.  Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

Stephen is a masters runner just like you, but like a lot of runners, has really struggled with bonking during the marathon, despite putting in what seems to be great training. Sound familiar?  When it comes to marathon training and hitting the wall it's difficult to piece together exactly what the issue is.  Am I under or over training? Is my nutrition, salt or electrolyte intake the cause? How do I start to figure out where I'm going wrong? Well, you're not alone. In today's podcast, we're going to take you inside one of our coaching calls with Stephen Stone, a masters runner just like you, who struggled with the same issues.  We're going to dissect everything so you can see exactly how we look for the cause of this common problem. By the end of this episode, you'll have an exact plan for what you can look for in your training.  Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase. Flagstaff Retreat Spots are starting to fill up fast for our 2024 summer running retreat in Flagstaff, AZ. Our retreats are the perfect combination of spectacular running, hands-on coaching, informative and fun training lessons, and unforgettable memories with runners just like you!  Whether you're looking for the chance to run along the grand canyon, experience some of the most picturesque trails in the US, or learn directly from our team of coaches and some of the foremost experts in strength, nutrition and biomechanics, our Flagstaff retreat is for you. Now, keep in mind these retreats ARE NOT for elite runners. They are for runners like you who love running and just want to improve. Most of our attendees are between 40 to 70 years young and range in ability from Boston Qualifiers to those who are just getting started. To see all the accommodations, prices, photos, schedule and all other details, head to runnersconnect.net/flagstaff.

Maryke Louw a Physical Therapist and Founder of Exakt Health joins the show to talk about the importance of injury prevention protocols for runners and the pros and cons of various therapeutic approaches in cases where you do find yourself injured.  Specifically, we talk about the pros and cons of stretching, massage, taping, invasive treatments, and orthotics for therapy and the overarching importance of injury prevention and what you can do on a daily basis via running form drills and strength training to minimize risks.  Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! Exakt Health This week's show brought to you by: MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase. Lumen Have you ever wondered exactly how many carbs you need to fuel your training or if it's okay to train fasted? Well, now you can get that exact data with Lumen, the world's first handheld metabolic coach. With Lumen, all you have to do is breathe into your Lumen first thing in the morning, and you'll know what's going on with your metabolism, including recommendations to improve your pre-and-post workout fueling for better performance and recovery. What I love most is that Lumen explains what every data point and value means with in-depth videos so you always know what's going on in your body and what changes you need to make to hit your goals. Lumen is truly one of the most innovative devices on the market. If you want to take the next step in improving your health, go to lumen.me and use RTTT to get $100 off your Lumen. 

This month's RC spotlight features an entire family of runners. Arthur and Christine Leyva are so passionate about the sport that they got a local coach to officiate their wedding and now have two kids, Flint and Artistotle, who have caught the running bug as well. They train together and support each other in pursuing some pretty lofty goals including getting into the Boston Marathon Weekend. You'll hear all about it from them, including what they love about running and how it has brought them closer as a family. Arthur and Christine first met through a local running group in Austin, Texas when at the time, Arthur was just starting to get into the sport. Since then, they've gradually become more obsessed with improving their times, and now the whole family shares that common goal. They are incredibly encouraging but also aren't shy about a little healthy competition that makes their story even more fun. During the show, we'll cover fun stories from their family that include: How Arthur and Christine first met through their mutual love of running How running has helped to bring them closer as a family What lessons Arthur and Christine have learned from their running that they are passing on to their kids What running goals each member of the Leyva family is working towards And you'll hear their answer to who is the most competitive person in the family You're going to love hearing from this family of runners, so let's get into it! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Flagstaff Retreat Spots are starting to fill up fast for our 2024 summer running retreat in Flagstaff, AZ. Our retreats are the perfect combination of spectacular running, hands-on coaching, informative and fun training lessons, and unforgettable memories with runners just like you!  Whether you're looking for the chance to run along the grand canyon, experience some of the most picturesque trails in the US, or learn directly from our team of coaches and some of the foremost experts in strength, nutrition and biomechanics, our Flagstaff retreat is for you. Now, keep in mind these retreats ARE NOT for elite runners. They are for runners like you who love running and just want to improve. Most of our attendees are between 40 to 70 years young and range in ability from Boston Qualifiers to those who are just getting started. To see all the accommodations, prices, photos, schedule and all other details, head to runnersconnect.net/flagstaff. TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better.  Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria.  Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier.  Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

Marathon season is upon us and the team at RunnersConnect is bringing you all the greatest storylines going into the Boston and London Marathon. This year's field of professional runners is loaded leading up to the Paris Summer Olympics and we'll give you our take on what to expect and who might surprise or disappoint at upcoming marathon majors. We'll also chat about our thoughts on what to expect from the American Olympic Marathon team who have all opted out of running a Spring marathon. This is not your typical sports commentary show, so expect it to feel more like a conversation among friends than a data dump of performance metrics. We're throwing out all of our bold predictions and hot takes so you play along and feel free to disagree with anything said. This is going to be a fun conversation that you'll love if you also get excited talking about long-distance running events. Some of the stories you'll hear include: Will Olympic Trials 3rd place finisher Leonard Korir be competing in Paris? (03:26) Our thoughts on how the American Olympic team may be preparing for the Summer Games (14:12) Which elite men are likely to surprise or disappoint at the Boston Marathon? (29:58) Which American women are favorites to finish well at the Boston Marathon? (43:15) And will we see a new World Record from someone in a stacked field of Women at the London Marathon? (53:25) This might just be the most exciting time of the year for Marathoners and whether or not you follow elites closely, you can expect to enjoy some great combination of friendly banter and heated debates.  Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase. Fatty15 The benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids are widely espoused, and rightfully so, in almost every healthy diet in the world. The problem is that Omega-3 supplements face a lot of issues. From going rancid quickly to cheap forms not being absorbed. But thanks to Fatty15, now there's a better option. Fatty15's C15 omega-3 is made from a patented, oxidation-resistant form of pure C15 derived from plants. It's vegan-friendly, free of flavors, fillers, allergens or preservatives. Plus, independent studies have shown is has 3x the healthy-aging cell benefits of omega-3 or fish oil and that it's 3x better, broader, and safer than traditional omega-3. C15 works in multiple ways: It repairs age-related damage to cells, protects them from future breakdown, and boosts mitochondrial energy output. Fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/RTTT and using code RTTT at checkout for an additional 15% off your first order.

Roughly 1 in 4 US adults suffer from bunions and whether you knew it or not, there's actually such a thing as “National Bunion Day '' that's only a few days away. Given the time of year and the applicability to our community, I figured it'd be a good topic of conversation.  For runners like us, bunions often result from the repeated stress of hitting the pavement, wearing shoes that are too tight, as well as having flat feet or over pronation to aggravate the problem.  With that context in mind, I invited Dr. Brad Schaeffer, who you may know from the hit TLC show “My Feet Are Killing Me” onto the pod to talk about this issue. Dr. Schaeffer trained at the Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgical Residency Program at the Hoboken University Medical Center and is a Board Certified Foot Surgeon with the ABFAS. In this episode, we talk about the causes of bunions, the symptoms of bunions, what to keep in mind if you have them and you're running with them, how to treat them non-surgically, and some of the latest, cutting-edge procedures out there to take care of them fast with quick recovery. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Bace CBD ​​If you want to see just how much CBD can improve your recovery, now is the time to give it a try. Right now you can get half off the Discovery Pack, alongside a FREE sample of their balm. That's 50% off, from $25 to just $12.50! All you have to do is visit bacehealth.com/runnersconnect or enter the discount code RunnersConnect at checkout to pick up your Discovery Pack and prioritize your recovery today. Timeline Nutrition Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.  In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

After 8 years away, I'm finally making a return to competitive running. It's been a challenging road back, and I've learned some valuable lessons along the way. Here are three key takeaways from my journey: **Training at Your Current Fitness Level:** I've realized the importance of training based on my current fitness level, rather than aiming for past personal bests. It's been humbling, but ultimately crucial for progress. **Finding Your 'Why':** As my motivations have shifted, I've discovered that having a clear 'why' is essential for enduring the grind of training. Whether it's overcoming health issues or being a positive role model for my children, identifying your 'why' can be a powerful driving force.  **Balancing Health and Performance:** Through this journey, I've come to understand that prioritizing overall health is paramount. Better health doesn't just lead to improved running performance, but also a more fulfilling life beyond the track. Follow my journey towards the 2028 Olympic Trials Marathon on my YouTube channel by searching my name, Hammond. Thank you for your support, and I hope my experiences can inspire and motivate you on your own running journey!

We are just a few weeks away from one of the world's most popular running events, the Boston Marathon. With this highly anticipated annual event approaching, I imagine you'll be eager for relevant discussion.  So in this episode, we are joined by Jeff Gaudette, Founder of RunnersConnect, to address general questions about the race, offer advice on final race preparations, and discuss strategies for working towards the goal of qualifying for and racing in the Boston Marathon in the future, if you haven't already had the opportunity. Specifically, we discuss:  What makes this race so interesting from coaching, performance, and spectator standpoints Jeff's philosophy for getting athletes ready for this race The types of workouts, recovery protocols, and mindset practices runners should be incorporating in the final 2-3 weeks of preparation Whether it's possible to get into this race, despite the tough standards, and how you can successfully work backward from the goal of racing Boston one day And much more! If you're eager to start celebrating Boston, put the final training touches on your upcoming race there, or you want to start the dream of racing there one day - this episode is for you! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: AG 1 Ask yourself - do you get enough green veggies each day? I'll admit, I don't. It's tough to fit all of those greens in with an active and busy lifestyle. But getting in your fruits + veggies is SO crucial as a distance runner for recovery, digestion, and optimal performance. That's where Athletic Greens is a gamechanger. One scoop has 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, green superfood blend, and more. That means fewer stomach issues, more focus and energy throughout the day (because the workday matters just as much as the morning run), and overall ... just feeling healthier. Look, if you're struggling to get those fruits + veggies in - or if you keep buying them but they always go bad in the fridge - Athletic Greens will make getting those micronutrients simple and delicious. Get 5 BONUS travel packs and a year's supply of Vitamin D when you order at drinkag1.com/RTTT. Get yours now! BiOptimizers One of the most difficult things about training hard in the morning is the brain fog and mental fatigue that comes when you're trying to get your work day going. I am sure all you morning runners can relate to that feeling of not being able to focus and get motivated those first few hours at work. That's why I was excited when BIOptimizers released its one-of-a-kind product called Mushroom Breakthrough  It's a powdered blend of 5 potent superfoods including 1.2 pounds of concentrated mushrooms, which have been shown in research to enhance memory, focus, processing speed, and more.  It's the perfect way to not only boost recovery post-run, but improve mental clarity in the morning without taxing your adrenal system with caffeine. You'll notice the difference in concentration, focus and mood, especially on those days when morning training really has you feeling tired and unmotivated.  For an exclusive offer go to bioptimizers.com/runtothetop and use code RUN10 during checkout for 10% off your order.

Today's episode is a true story of courage and resilience. Alison's life was changed forever when she discovered two lumps on her neck in April of 2023 and later had these diagnosed as Non-Hodkins Lymphoma. Despite this news, she was so inspired to raise awareness and funding for another disease, motor neurone disease (MND), that she continued running and training throughout her chemo treatment. Alison finished her treatment last August and is now continuing her fundraising efforts while training forto complete her first ever marathon this May. This is the story of an incredibly courageous and patient runner who has faced significant adversity but come out the other side determined to continue bettering herself and show other runners that you should never give up. You'll hear all about how Alison won her fight against cancer, including topics such as: How Alison was motivated by her husband to first start running What it's like to run through chemotherapy cancer treatment Why Alison is so passionate about inspiring others and raising funds for MND And you'll learn more about Alison's future goal of officially completing a marathon after becoming a cancer survivor Alison is a perfect example of how running can change lives for the better and she told us that she hopes this episode helps other runners going through similar experiences.  Donate to Alison's fundraising page for Motor Neurone's Disease Association Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase. Previnex Joint Health Plus Joint Health Plus from Previnex is clinically proven to reduce joint pain, joint stiffness,and improve joint flexibility in 7-10 days.  In fact, it is clinically proven to be up to 5 times more beneficial than glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination. I saw immediate results when I started using Joint Health Plus and that's why I reached out to Previnex to see if we could put together an offer for you guys. If you're suffering from joint pain or simply want to get a jump start on protecting your joint health as you get older, head to runnersconnect.net/joint and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order.

Running biomechanics expert, Jay Dicharry, returns to the show to talk about the upcoming new edition (stay tuned) of his popular book “Running Rewired”. In this conversation, we talk about: why we all need to be students of our sport the specific skills you should have in your running toolbox why you need inputs (not just recovery) to improve the way you're moving why too much, too fast, too soon isn't the only pathway to injury the cognitive, associative, and autonomous stages of building muscle memory to move better the relative importance of prehab, precision, and performance workouts I found Jay to be a very interesting, engaging, and generously informative guest. Be sure to tune in, and if you're interested in checking out the latest edition of Running Rewired, stay tuned for its release very soon! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Bace CBD ​​If you want to see just how much CBD can improve your recovery, now is the time to give it a try. Right now you can get half off the Discovery Pack, alongside a FREE sample of their balm. That's 50% off, from $25 to just $12.50! All you have to do is visit bacehealth.com/runnersconnect or enter the discount code RunnersConnect at checkout to pick up your Discovery Pack and prioritize your recovery today. Timeline Nutrition Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.  In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier.  Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

Running is an incredible sport with the power to change lives for the better. Unfortunately, it's not as accessible as it can and should be. Despite being a relatively approachable sport with minimal equipment there are still systemic barriers that make it difficult for some to participate. Today, we're tackling this issue head-on with a panel of diverse runners sharing their experiences in the sport and thoughts on how to make it more welcoming for all types of runners. Our panel for this episode includes: Dione Mason: Toronto Carnival Run race director and recipient of the Canfitpro Fitness Professional of the Year in 2017 Andie Cozzarelli: RunnersConnect coach and semi-professional marathon runner  Catie Markesich: Youth running coach and community advocate  Not everyone feels welcome in the sport but this doesn't have to be the case. This was an enlightening conversation that did not stray from difficult topics. We hope you enjoy listening and hopefully come away with some helpful tips to become an advocate for creating a more inclusive sport in your own communities. Books and podcasts: Brown Girl Running: Podcast Running While Black: ebook and hardcover   Online resources: Dr. Stacy Sims: Blog Run4ACozz: Online Coaching   Community groups and events: Toronto Carnival Run: Information and registration Black Runners of the GTA: Run Group RunVermont Junior Milers: Coaching Group Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase. Fatty15 The benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids are widely espoused, and rightfully so, in almost every healthy diet in the world. The problem is that Omega-3 supplements face a lot of issues. From going rancid quickly to cheap forms not being absorbed. But thanks to Fatty15, now there's a better option. Fatty15's C15 omega-3 is made from a patented, oxidation-resistant form of pure C15 derived from plants. It's vegan-friendly, free of flavors, fillers, allergens or preservatives. Plus, independent studies have shown is has 3x the healthy-aging cell benefits of omega-3 or fish oil and that it's 3x better, broader, and safer than traditional omega-3. C15 works in multiple ways: It repairs age-related damage to cells, protects them from future breakdown, and boosts mitochondrial energy output. Fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/RTTT and using code RTTT at checkout for an additional 15% off your first order.

RunnersConnect Founder and CEO Jeff Gaudette returns to Run To The Top this time to chat on a variety of topics. Specifically, we discuss: how his training methodology has changed in recent years peak week training tips for races like the Boston Marathon how to think about the non-running components of training like rest and active recovery protocols why he's a strong (no pun intended) proponent of strength training the benefits of online coaching and how RunnersConnect is different from other options on the market as well as his favorite running books and moments on the professional side of the sport And much more! Tune in for an equally fun, engaging, and informative chat with our Founder! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races. Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize.  But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase. Timeline Nutrition Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.  In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

Every racing distance comes with its own challenges, but in this episode the RC team is going to debate what race is the best test to crown the fittest runner on the planet. The winner of the 100m dash is typically given the title of fastest on the planet but we're not going to let sprinters have all of the fun. You'll hear our coaches each make their case for what they believe is the best test of fitness before we officially settle on a winner. Distance runners are a special breed of athlete and it takes dedication to compete in the sport. That's why we're celebrating your hard work by discussing all of the strengths required to excel at every distance from the mile up to ultra-marathons.  Although every race has its unique challenges, there can only be one victor. In order to help answer what race is the best test of fitness we'll cover topics including: What is fitness and how can it be measured? What traits make a runner successful over different races? And, of course, we'll give you our thoughts on what race is the best test of fitness Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase. LMNT  Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That's why we recommend all runners check out LMNT. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.   To get this special offer and make sure you're hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

A captivating chat with Fiona O'Keefe, a former coach at Runners Connect, about her remarkable journey to winning the US Olympic Trials marathon and earning a spot on the Paris Olympic team.  Her insights and experiences shed light on the dedication and balance required for elite-level training and competition.

To many of you, Abdi Abdirahman is a household name. He's the first American distance runner to make five Olympic teams and the oldest American distance runner ever to make an Olympic team. The list of accomplishments goes on. A few years ago, he wrote a book called “Abdi's World,” which chronicles his impressive career in running, and that's why I wanted to have him on the show. In this conversation, we discuss: Not taking the sport too seriously as a strategy to stay competitive. Self-belief and why he's never lacked motivation to be a professional runner. The importance of a team environment and the psychological challenges of group workouts. Rules to live by in running. What's next for his professional career. Like probably everyone else, I found Abdi to be equal parts generous, joyful, introspective, and excited in this conversation. I hope you take as much from it for your own running life as I did. Connect, Comment, Community Abdi's World: The Black Cactus on Life, Running, and Fun Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Fatty15 Fatty15's C15 omega-3 is made from a patented, oxidation-resistant form of pure C15 derived from plants. It's vegan-friendly, free of flavors, fillers, allergens or preservatives. Plus, independent studies have shown is has 3x the healthy-aging cell benefits of omega-3 or fish oil and that it's 3x better, broader, and safer than traditional omega-3.  C15 works in multiple ways: It repairs age-related damage to cells, protects them from future breakdown, and boosts mitochondrial energy output. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/RTTT and using code RTTT at checkout for an additional 15% off your first order. Timeline Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.  In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

In this edition of RC spotlight we hear from Frederich Hayem (Fred), a relatively new runner who has achieved rapid success since taking up the sport just over a year ago. He is the perfect example of how good training and learning from your mistakes is the best way to improve as an athlete.  He joined our coaching program with the goal of running his first marathon and crushed it, running a 3:29. Despite some injury and setbacks, he has taken several minutes off of his already impressive half marathon PR and as he moves into a new age group, he is only continuing to get faster. Fred attributes much of his success to consistent strength training and sticking to a plan without stressing about hitting mileage or paces exactly. To learn more about Fred's story and growth as an athlete we'll chat about topics including: How Fred used his background in strength training to help his running performance Why consistency is king when it comes to improvement in running What it means to be a “smart runner” Why you should avoid focusing on perfection if you want to get faster Fred's future goals, including some big races in 2024 A lot of runners strive to get better quickly but Fred shows that you don't need to rush the training process in order to see great results. If you are new to running or have been training for a while and want to get better you're going to love this conversation. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: MAS Iron Outside of training deficiencies, low iron is one of the most common reasons for poor results during workouts and races.  Recent research indicates that almost 56% of male runners and 86% of female runners suffer from an iron deficiency that severely hampers performance. The problem with eating iron-rich foods or supplementing with traditional iron supplements is that iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. In fact, only about 25% of dietary iron found in animal sources is absorbed while 17% or less of the iron from plant sources is absorbed. But MAS Iron has found a way to combat these absorption issues to ensure you can get the iron you need for health and performance. By combining the most efficiently absorbed form of elemental iron with clinically proven ingredients to aid in absorption, MAS Iron performs like no other iron product on the market. In fact, clinical research has shown the combination of ingredients in MAS Iron can quadruple absorption and increase bioavailability by 30%, all while reducing GI issues by 50%. Check out the research and the results for yourself at masedge.com/iron. Runnersconnect fans will automatically save 20% on any purchase. Flagstaff Retreat Spots are starting to fill up fast for our 2024 summer running retreat in Flagstaff, AZ. Our retreats are the perfect combination of spectacular running, hands-on coaching, informative and fun training lessons, and unforgettable memories with runners just like you!  Whether you're looking for the chance to run along the grand canyon, experience some of the most picturesque trails in the US, or learn directly from our team of coaches and some of the foremost experts in strength, nutrition and biomechanics, our Flagstaff retreat is for you. Now, keep in mind these retreats ARE NOT for elite runners. They are for runners like you who love running and just want to improve. Most of our attendees are between 40 to 70 years young and range in ability from Boston Qualifiers to those who are just getting started. To see all the accommodations, prices, photos, schedule and all other details, head to runnersconnect.net/flagstaff.

In this episode of Run To The Top, sports dietitian Alex Larson delves into the intricacies of fueling for improved performance and body composition among endurance athletes, advocating for a flexible eating style.  Larson offers insights into post-race recovery, emphasizing the importance of timing and food group choices to optimize recovery windows. The discussion also touches upon the early signs and consequences of underfueling, highlighting the need for sustained nutritional support for athletes.  Addressing a common misconception, Larson explains how athletes can simultaneously enhance speed and achieve leanness, while also offering practical advice on balancing athletic aspirations with a hectic lifestyle.  Through nuanced guidance and expertise, this episode provides valuable insights for athletes seeking to optimize their nutrition and performance. Connect, Comment, Community Alex Larson Website Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Lagoon Changing your pillow to something customized to your sleep position, firmness, and one that can keep you cool can have a dramatic impact on your sleep quality.  When I switched to the Lagoon pillow, my average number of times waking dropped to 2 per night and my deep sleep increased by 45 minutes. I've noticed a huge difference in how I feel in the morning, often waking up 30 to 45 minutes before my alarm and not feeling tired. If you want to see the dramatic effect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top. If you use the code TOP at checkout, you'll save 15% off your purchase. Timeline Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.  In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Mitopure comes in powder form to mix into your favorite smoothie or softgels to make them easy to take.  Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from Timeline nutrition, it has never been easier.  Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

If you're a runner, you probably already know you need to train to get faster but what about taking this to the next level with over 175 miles per week?  This is exactly the type of extreme training that went into Kelvin Kiptum's world record setting marathon performance, where he ran 2:00:35 in Chicago this past fall.  In this episode we'll take a closer look at Kiptum's training and discuss whether everyday runners can employ some of the same strategies or if Kiptum's radical approach to training is best reserved for the elites. It takes an incredible amount of talent and dedication to make it to the professional level of marathon running. Most of us will never come close to holding the 5:36/mile pace Kiptum ran but this doesn't mean you can't learn a few things from these exceptional athletes.  Over the course of the show we'll discuss what you might be able to take away from Kiptum's success with topics including: What makes elite runners so good at their sport and could following their training make you a faster runner? How much mileage is ideal for maximizing marathon performance? Should you consider running more than one long run in a week? What is the best type of speed training for runners competing at the marathon distance or longer? Do you need to take rest days and if so, what is the ideal amount of rest? If you've ever wondered how professional runners train or whether you could have what it takes to train like an elite athlete, you're going to love this conversation. Long run workout ideas Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Fatty15 The benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids are widely espoused, and rightfully so, in almost every healthy diet in the world. The problem is that Omega-3 supplements face a lot of issues. From going rancid quickly to cheap forms not being absorbed. But thanks to Fatty15, now there's a better option. Fatty15's C15 omega-3 is made from a patented, oxidation-resistant form of pure C15 derived from plants. It's vegan-friendly, free of flavors, fillers, allergens or preservatives. Plus, independent studies have shown is has 3x the healthy-aging cell benefits of omega-3 or fish oil and that it's 3x better, broader, and safer than traditional omega-3. C15 works in multiple ways: It repairs age-related damage to cells, protects them from future breakdown, and boosts mitochondrial energy output. Fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/RTTT and using code RTTT at checkout for an additional 15% off your first order. UCAN If you're looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN. Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels.  By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run. All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance. Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT

In today's episode, we're bringing you a story from an incredible athlete who spent years of training to accomplish his goal of competing at the olympic marathon trials by running an OTQ time - and ultimately fell just short of that goal during his most recent attempt. This athlete happens to also be one of our own coaches here at RunnersConnect and his name is Ruairi Moynihan. Ruairi came so close to hitting the 2:18 standard back in 2022, running an impressive 2:21 marathon while training mostly for trail and ultra race distances. Most recently though, under the guidance of his coach - and former RunnersConnect coach - Dylan Belles, the two crafted more focused plan to chase the OTQ standard at the 2023 CIM marathon in December.  We brought Ruairi and Dylan on the show to recap how they approached training and then get their thoughts on what runners can do to learn from races that don't go exactly as planned. Ruairi is an absolutely inspiring athlete who shares an honest story of failing to hit your dream goal that will be relatable to just about anyone listening. During this interview we discuss some lighthearted and more serious topics including: Why the olympic trials was an important goal for Ruairi and how it felt falling short of this objective Why Ruairi and Dylan were confident an OTQ time was achievable based on the previous training block Why the camaraderie between Ruairi and Dylan makes them an even better team And what went wrong on race day including thoughts on how runners can bounce back from a disappointing performance Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: AG 1 Ask yourself - do you get enough green veggies each day? I'll admit, I don't. It's tough to fit all of those greens in with an active and busy lifestyle. But getting in your fruits + veggies is SO crucial as a distance runner for recovery, digestion, and optimal performance. That's where Athletic Greens is a gamechanger. One scoop has 75 bioavailable vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients including a multivitamin, multimineral, probiotic, green superfood blend, and more. That means fewer stomach issues, more focus and energy throughout the day (because the workday matters just as much as the morning run), and overall ... just feeling healthier. Look, if you're struggling to get those fruits + veggies in - or if you keep buying them but they always go bad in the fridge - Athletic Greens will make getting those micronutrients simple and delicious. Get 5 BONUS travel packs and a year's supply of Vitamin D when you order at drinkag1.com/RTTT. Get yours now! Previnex Muscle Health Plus Muscle Health PLUS combines clinically effective doses of creatine, HMB, BCAAs, and AstraGin to make the most comprehensive muscle health supplement available.  Together, these ingredients are clinically proven to decrease muscle breakdown, increase lean muscle mass, boost protein synthesis, enhance strength, improve body composition, and more!  I'm fanatical about my post-workout nutrition and I used to take all of these ingredients individually. Now I have the convenience of a single scoop to get them all…and at a cheaper price.  To check out the science for yourself, head to runnersconnect.net/muscle and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order.  Plus, they offer a 100% money back guarantee, no questions asked, if you don't feel the benefits too.

In the remote Arizona mountain town of Flagstaff more than half a century ago, a training ground for generations of legendary runners and a collegiate dynasty at Northern Arizona University were born. Authors Matt Baxter and Ron Mann capture the history of it all in their new book “Running Up The Mountain''. They join Run To The Top to reflect on some of the key insights from the story including: The benefits of altitude training and other environmental factors that shaped the birth and increasing success of the program Dealing with budget constraints to fund the team and how they overcame that adversity by emphasizing a culture of strong work ethic and total commitment  How rivalries with other teams and athletes over the years positively field performance gains How the team has been able to maintain a humble, underdog-esque mentality even after establishing a reputation as one of the nation's strongest programs  The importance of leadership transitions for continued program success The experience and challenges of maintaining their team culture during the pandemic For those curious about the history of NAU's running program and what it's like building a marquee running program from scratch, you will enjoy this conversation.  Connect, Comment, Community Running Up The Mountain (Book) Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Fatty15 The benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids are widely espoused, and rightfully so, in almost every healthy diet in the world. The problem is that Omega-3 supplements face a lot of issues. From going rancid quickly to cheap forms not being absorbed. But thanks to Fatty15, now there's a better option. Fatty15's C15 omega-3 is made from a patented, oxidation-resistant form of pure C15 derived from plants. It's vegan-friendly, free of flavors, fillers, allergens or preservatives. Plus, independent studies have shown is has 3x the healthy-aging cell benefits of omega-3 or fish oil and that it's 3x better, broader, and safer than traditional omega-3. C15 works in multiple ways: It repairs age-related damage to cells, protects them from future breakdown, and boosts mitochondrial energy output. Fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/RTTT and using code RTTT at checkout for an additional 15% off your first order. Timeline Nutrition Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.  In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Mitopure comes in powder form to mix into your favorite smoothie or softgels to make them easy to take.  Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier.  Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

When dealing with everyday pain and tightness in your body, life may not be as enjoyable as it could be, and this extends to running. You become more injury-prone, your performance suffers, and movement becomes less enjoyable. Above all, you may not be living up to your full potential. If this resonates with your recent experiences, tune into this episode with Dr. Grayson Wickham, a Physical Therapy expert and founder of the Movement Vault. Dr. Wickham is on a mission to assist runners in moving better, performing better, reducing pain, and leading better lives. During this conversation, we explore various topics, including: The epidemic of back pain in the running community and why 99% of it is preventable. The importance of differentiating between static and active stretching. Active stretching is to joint maintenance what brushing your teeth is to tooth maintenance. How your choice of shoes may impact the health of your feet. Exploring whether sitting is the new smoking and providing actionable advice on what to do about it. Identifying the best times of day for active stretching and the top 5 stretches that runners should incorporate. Moreover, if you believe there's room for improvement in your joint maintenance, range of motion, and physical durability during crucial training blocks, this episode is a must-listen. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! Movement Vault This week's show brought to you by: BiOptimzers If you struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep all night, then you're going to love the new product from BiOpimizes called Sleep Breakthrough. Sleep Breakthrough is a delicious sleep drink that supports your natural melatonin production and relaxation without creating a dependency so you can have your best night's sleep on demand You'll fall asleep in minutes and you'll stay asleep throughout the night.  For an exclusive offer for our listeners go to sleepbreakthrough.com/runtothetop In addition to the discount you get by using promo code RUN10, you can unlock special gifts with purchase with retail values of at least 20 dollars. TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better.  Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria.  Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier.  Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

As we turn to 2024 many of us are starting to think about and plan our long-term goals. That's why this week's podcast is about helping you plan for the year. You'll learn… How to think about and plan big goals Finding the right races Planning your seasons Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: BiOptimzers If you struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep all night, then you're going to love the new product from BiOpimizes called Sleep Breakthrough. Sleep Breakthrough is a delicious sleep drink that supports your natural melatonin production and relaxation without creating a dependency so you can have your best night's sleep on demand You'll fall asleep in minutes and you'll stay asleep throughout the night.  For an exclusive offer for our listeners go to sleepbreakthrough.com/runtothetop In addition to the discount you get by using promo code RUN10, you can unlock special gifts with purchase with retail values of at least 20 dollars. TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and make your body work better.  Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria.  Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier.  Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

How do we overcome loneliness? And how can running help? In this episode of Run To The Top, Nick Jonsson joins the show to address these questions head-on. Guided partly by personal experience through recovery and partly through research for his book “Executive Loneliness”, Nick offers many lessons on how to take stock of your situation, ask for help, get healthy, and find your relationships and purpose in this world.  Tying it all back to our running community and Nick's background in long-distance triathlons, we talk about: how to define and identify loneliness in an athletic context the impacts of loneliness on athlete well-being and performance strategies for overcoming loneliness  strategies to build resilience and maintain motivation in the face of setbacks how to stay focused on your long-term running goals Read Executive Loneliness Check out Nick's website Follow Nick on LinkedIn Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Timeline Time-line Nutrition's Mitopure is backed by over a decade of research and is clinically proven to revitalize mitochondria, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.  Mitopure comes in powder form to mix into your favorite smoothie or softgels to make them easy to take. Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier.  Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice. BiOptimizers Beat the stress of the holiday season with stress guardian from BiOptimizers. It's packed with a blend of 14 adaptogenic herbs that help to regulate your stress response naturally.  With daily use, Stress Guardian becomes your personal shield against seasonal tension, enhancing both your mental and physical well-being.  To get a head start on your holiday stress, visit stressguardian.com/runtothetop and use promo code RUN10 for 10% off your first order.  BIOptimizers is so confident in their products that they offer a risk-free 365-day money-back guarantee.

Earlier in September we released a Boston Marathon special about qualifying for this iconic race. In today's show, we're giving you our expert tips on how to train for the Boston Marathon or any other marathon you might have planned this spring. As this episode airs, we're now about 4 months out from the Boston marathon which is the perfect time to start your training in order to make sure you're in the best shape possible for race day. Boston is a challenging course with lots of hills. If you managed to qualify, you'll want to make sure you're prepared for the specific challenges of this race. And, if you're running a different race, then these same training strategies will give you the preparation to tackle just about any marathon course with confidence. In today's show we'll be covering training topics including: Why this is the perfect time to start your spring marathon training How to incorporate hill training into your plan How to manage tough weather conditions in training and on race day And we'll break down how your plan might change at different stages of training Strength Workouts for the Boston Marathon Key Workouts for Boston How to Incorporate Hills in Training Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Oladance Looking for a perfect Christmas gift? Oladance Wearable Stereo is your top pick! Get superior sound and maximum comfort while staying aware of your surroundings for a safe outdoor run. The unique open-ear-design of Oladance allows you to listen to your favorite music when running, yet still hear your surroundings to keep you safe.  What surprised me is that, unlike bone conduction headphones, their open-ear-design and multi-support design mean your ears will never get tired or fatigued, even after 2 hours or more of listening.  Also, the dynamic driver the earbuds uses is 3x bigger than most headphones, which allows them to deliver superior sound. The 19-hour long-lasting battery can last for your whole day usage. The multipoint connectivity can allow you to seamlessly switch between devices and satisfy your multi-tasking demand. Just visit oladance.com/RunnersConnect and use the code RTTT to get 20% off on oladance OWS2. Grab yourself the best Christmas gift now! Lagoon Lagoon specializes in making pillows designed specifically for runners and athletes to help them optimize their sleep and recovery. Their sleep quiz pairs you with the perfect pillow for you based on sleep position, body size and more. And the data on sleep improvement isn't only from research papers. Using her whoop device, US Olympic Trials marathon qualifier Caitlin Keen saw her deep, restorative sleep increase by 52 minutes when she switched to a Lagoon pillow.   If you want to see the dramatic affect a pillow designed just for you can be, head to lagoonsleep.com/top Then take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz that matches you with the Lagoon pillow that's perfect for you. Plus, if you use the code TOP at checkout, you'll also save 15% off your purchase.