Run To The Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide To Running

Racing season is here and if you’ve been training hard for your next goal race in the fall, it’s time to focus on translating that fitness into race day success, whatever that means for you.  Today’s show is all about how to PR at any distance. We’re going to be giving you our best advice to make sure you get the best results possible come race day. There are a lot of factors that can influence your race results but we’ll do our best to cover the biggest things you can control to maximize your chances at success over almost any distance. So whether you’re training for a track 5k or a hilly ultra marathon, we’ve got you covered with expert tips from our coaching team at Runnersconnect! Today’s racing topics include: How to taper for your goal race Fueling and hydration strategies for different distances How to deal with tough weather conditions and hilly courses And everything else you need to perform your best! Race day is fast approaching so let's get into it, with tips to PR at any distance! Heat adjustme

One of the universal interests of this audience, of course, is how we can stay injury-free longer, recover faster and stronger if and when we do get injured, and generally increase our health spans such that we can participate in and enjoy running for as long as possible.  That’s what today’s episode is all about. Joining Run To The Top is Dr. Kevin Stone, who’s new book “Play Forever” details a revolutionary approach to sports medicine that will put listeners in a position to thrive in our sport well into their 80s, 90s, and beyond.  Specifically, we examine: Why some people in their 80s and 90s remain competitive athletes while others struggle to walk up the stairs How the musculoskeletal system can be repaired through certain cutting-edge therapies Additional strategies for ow to come back from an injury to your sport better - fitter, faster, and stronger than before  Case studies of athletes that illustrate outcomes from following all the latest research here Play Forever: How to Recover From Injury and

Over the past few years we’ve seen massive changes in shoe technology with the growth of carbon-plated “supershoes” designed specifically to make you faster. But, are super shoes worth it for you and, if so, which ones are the best for you?  In today’s show, Coach Hayley and Coach Alex are going to discuss how you can find the perfect pair of racing shoes to meet your specific goals and running style. We’ll cover… What should you look for in a race-day shoe? To super shoe or not to super shoe and your other options Do you need a separate pair of shoes for racing? Some of our coaches’ personal favorite shoes And so much more! If you have lofty racing goals you’re going to want the best shoes to maximize performance, so let’s get into it with a discussion on how to find your next perfect shoes for race day! 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  R

Today we’re talking with Dr. Simon Marshall, one of the leading experts when it comes psychology of exercise, about how to manage the anxiety and psychological stress well all face during races These mental stresses can drastically impact our performance and, maybe even more importantly, sometimes make the act of racing itself so stressful that it stops becoming fun. In today’s episode, you’ll learn the exact strategies you can put into practice today to overcome mental fatigue and stress during racing. 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: Magnesium Breakthrough from Bioptimizers.  Supplementing with magnesium before you go to bed has been shown in scientific studies to… Increase in muscle oxygenation during high intensity exercise Reduce i

The fall racing season is fast approaching but September is also the deadline to register for the Boston Marathon, so on today’s show we’re covering everything you need to get to the start line of the world’s oldest annual marathon! For many, this April race is seen as the pinnacle of marathon running due to its difficult qualifying standards and notoriously tough hills. It’s also recognized as an Abbot World marathon major with over 25,000 competitors each year. Whether you’re targeting a trip to Boston this Spring or just want to learn more about what it takes to get there we’ve got you covered! In today’s show, we’ll walk you through the entire process of getting to that start line from qualification to registration and race logistics. These topics will include: What time do you need to qualify based on your age and gender Tips and last-minute races for hitting the qualifying times Key qualifying and registration deadlines What to expect when you get there and more! Let’s get into it! BAA website for mar

If you’re already pushing your physical training boundaries, it’s possible that adding visualization to your regimen can help you squeeze out that extra one or two percent on race day? Well, it’s well-documented that most of the top athletes and runners in the world believe it helps. So, today we’re going to be talking about all things visualization with one of the premier experts in the world, Dr. Jerry Lynch. Dr. Lynch received his doctorate in psychology from Penn State University, and has done extensive post-doctoral work in the area of philosophy, comparative religions, leadership development and performance enhancement.  He is the author of twelve books that focus on coaching, leadership, spirituality of sport, warrior spirit, peak performance, and sports psychology. If you’ve got a race coming up this fall, you’ll love the practical tips you can use to better utilize visualization and take your mental game to the next level. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the E

Nailing your workouts is key to a successful training block but it can be hard to know which workouts are most effective for your specific running goals. If you want to know when and why to run different types of workouts leading up to your next goal race you’ll want to keep listening! On today’s show, our team takes a deep dive on the benefits of some common workouts including specific examples of how they can fit in your training plan. This way, you’ll know exactly what training you need to take your running to the next level. During this conversation, we’ll cover workout topics including: The most important workout types for runners with specific examples What unique training benefits you can expect from each workout When to schedule different types of runs into your training And everything else you need to get the most out of your workouts We work hard to progress as runners so let's get into it with advice for getting the most out of those tough workouts. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersC

Is there an optimal diet for runners? Are certain supplements more appropriate and effective for runners than others out there on the market?  These are some of the bigger, intriguing questions that we runners face dialing in our nutrition strategies for training and racing. Here today to break down and answers these questions head on is Richard Rosenfeld, a Distinguished Professor of Otolaryngology at the State University of NY in Brooklyn, with over 350 peer-reviewed medical publications, 8 years as editor-in-chief of a major medical journal, and board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine among other significant credentials. Specifically, we address: What is means to engage in “clean eating” Differences, pros, and cons between various diets such as plant-based and low-carb, high fat The pros and cons of regular animal versus plant-sourced protein intake The benefits of certain supplements such as caffeine, creatine, and vitamin e  There’s a lot of practical value in this conversation. Let’s get into it! Conn

If you’re a runner, chances are you’ve dealt with some form of running injury or know somebody who has.  Whether you have specific training goals or simply love the act of putting one foot in front of the other, it can be extremely frustrating to have your progress derailed by an injury.  As frustrating as it may be, these setbacks are incredibly common with studies showing up to 65% of runners will experience some kind of injury in a given year.  But how amazing would it be if you could prevent injuries before they happen and avoid the never-ending cycle of going from one injury to the next?  That’s exactly what we’ll be exploring in today’s episode as we dive into what you can do to build resilience against injury. We’re once again bringing on our expert coaches, this time to help you stay healthy and injury-free. During today’s show you’ll learn about: Why injuries happen strategies to reduce your chances of becoming injured How to tell an injury from a niggle  And how to safely get back into training if

While we all start each training cycle rearing to go and extremely motivated for whatever training and life throws our way, the reality is we will all go through periods during training where we’re just not motivated. As an example, I know with some of the record heat this summer, it’s just plain exhausting to always be battling even when you get your runs in before the sun is up. There's no shortage of reasons we go through stints in our training when we just don’t feel motivated to get out the door. So, on today’s show we’re talking with author Mackenzie Havey. Mackenzie published an awesome book called “Mindful Running” so today we’re going to learn from her… How to overcome lack of motivation Tips and tactics to relieve anxiety about performance And the best ways to dispel negative thinking during training and racing We’re going to get in-depth about all these issues and the simple things you can implement in your daily training to conquer them. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on I

It’s not uncommon to hear conflicting information when it comes to training, nutrition, shoes and more.  There’s often a lot of misleading claims and it can be hard to tell what’s right and what might not be. So, in today’s show, we’ll go over some common beliefs in the running world to help sort out which have merit when it comes to your training.  We’re calling it truth vs myth and we’ll be using the latest research and science to help you make sense of what’s accurate and what’s not. To make this distinction we’re once again turning to our expert group of RC coaches who will cover topics including: Does more mileage make you a faster runner? Can super shoes really increase efficiency? Do you need to stretch before your runs? Is it possible that smiling can increase running performance? And many more popular claims For tips on an effective pre-run warmup check out our RC article on Proper dynamic stretching routine for runners. Video demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6rWCPZNHxQ Connect, Co

One of the most common setbacks in the running sphere is the onset of runner’s knee. Perhaps, it’s affected you at various points in the past, you’re currently suffering from it at this moment, or you’re worried that such an injury is right around the corner. Do not worry! Joining us on the podcast today is Ben Shatto, a licensed Physical Therapist committed to helping proactive runners of all ages to understand how to safely self-treat and manage common musculoskeletal, neurological, and mobility related conditions in a timely manner so they can reach their optimal health.   In this conversation dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and proactive avoidance of runner’s knee, we discuss: the common symptoms of runner’s knee and how it’s differentiated from other knee injuries specific risk factors that make certain athlete prone to developing this condition whether there are scenarios where you can continue training through runner’s knee specific exercises that can strengthen and stabilize the knee area to a

Have you heard about our in-person running retreats, but can’t fit the travel, time off or budget to make it happen? Have been curious about going, but not sure exactly what they are or if it’s a good fit for you? Well, in today’s podcast episode, Coach Jeff is going to detail his latest trip to Flagstaff, Arizona so you can get an inside look at what it’s really like. Plus, he’s going to discuss some of the lessons he personally took from the retreat. You’ll learn… Why you shouldn’t be afraid of altitude (and how to conquer it) How to get over your fear of being slow or not “good enough” Why lifting heavy is essential for Masters runners (even though most are scared of it) Plus, more little lessons he learned throughout the long weekend. This is really a unique inside look at our retreats and while I know most of you won’t be able to attend one of our retreats, we’re still eager to help you learn and get value from everything we do. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join t

If you’ve been a RunnersConnect fan for long enough, you know one of the main principles we believe in when it comes to marathon training is improving your body’s ability to burn fat as a fuel source while running, especially while at marathon pace. So, how exactly do we do this and what does some of the latest research say? The research in question revolves around the two concepts of Nutrition Periodization and Metabolic Efficiency Training. Together they increase the body's ability to use fat as fuel during exercise and thus optimize both body composition and performance.  Joining us in this episode is Bob Seebohar, the creator of these two concepts. He’s going to help you learn… What these two concepts are and why they are so critical to your running performance. How to utilize them during your training and taper And how tweak these concepts to improve body composition, and reduce GI issues If you’re racing a fall half or full, this is a must listen! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect

Last week, our coaches Andie and Michael walked us through how runners should be thinking about using protein supplements and which of some commonly taken vitamins are beneficial for runners. If you have not already listened to that episode, you can find part 1 of our underrated vs overrated nutrition edition, released July 21st, on whatever platform you like to listen to your podcasts. There were a lot of great insights in that show and I highly recommend you give it a listen. This week, Andie and Michael are back to finish off this conversation on underrated vs. overrated with topics including: Can your morning cup of coffee improve running performance? Do you need to take gels for your longer races? Are fasted runs beneficial to your performance? And so much more! Let’s get into it! Timestamps: Beetroot juice: 2:56 Beta-alanine: 8:10 Caffeine: 12:41 Gels & hydration mixes: 19:02 Fasted runs: 25:34 Carb loading: 33:23 Keto: 37:53 Final thoughts: 46:50  Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersC

Improving your mind, your body, and the impact your have on the running community and the greater environment around you - these are the topics of conversation in today’s episode with Tina Muir and Zoe Rom. Their upcoming book - Becoming A Sustainable Runner - serves as a practical guide for runners of all abilities and backgrounds who want to better support their own endurance journey, and extend those lessons into meaningful environmental action. Specifically, we discuss: strategies to strive toward ambitious running goals while fostering a healthy sense of self-worth the spectrum between self-sabotage and self-acceptance in running and the ways to land in the camp of self-acceptance more frequently throughout our running careers? accepting who you are while still entertaining ambitions for growth the major takeaways they’ve discovered around reducing injury risk, strength training, and eating appropriately to be your best running self their philosophy around imperfect environment activism practical strate

When it comes to running performance, there are way too many variables to count and this can lead to some pretty strong opinions about what strategies work and which are a waste of your time.  In today’s show, we’ll be tackling several controversial running topics and getting our expert coaches to weigh in on which are overrated or underrated.  In this new format, our panel will be given a series of popular topics and tell you why they think each one is either overhyped or why you should be focusing on it if your goal is to progress as a runner.  Today’s discussion on overrated & underrated running topics will focus on fueling & nutrition.  We’ll be going over many nutrient types, training supplements, and fueling strategies so you know what to focus on for nailing down your personal nutrition.  To help us make those tough decisions we’ve brought you two of our expert coaches, Andie and Michael, who will be on our panel for the day.  In this episode you’ll learn: Do you need protein supplements as a

We all know that injuries are the biggest impediment to our continued progression and improvement. The longer you can get in uninterrupted training, the more consistently you’ll improve. That said, there’s a lot we can do (or at least should be doing) to modify our training to reduce the risk of injury. To help us dig deep into exactly what these elements are, we’re interviewing Ethan Paster.  Ethan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and has extensive experience working with runners one-on-one to keep them healthy and build back safely from existing injuries. We’re going to cover… When it’s okay to run through and injury and when it’s not (and how to go about it safely) The most important modifications you can make to your training to decrease injury risk How to deal with pain management when returning from an injury And much more. This is a great interview for any new runner, but also a great reminder for experienced runners as well.  Connect, Comment, Comm

There’s a lot of information out there about how to improve your running performance, but it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what to trust and how to fit this all in with your busy lifestyle. It would be great if we could spend the whole day training and recovering like the elites but for most of us, the reality is that we need to fit training around other priorities such as jobs, family, social obligations, and more.  That’s why we’ve brought on two of our expert coaches, Alex and Andie, to chat with showrunner Cory about what small changes you can make that have the biggest impact on running performance.  In this episode, you’ll learn: The workouts and strategies that serve as the foundation for optimal training The nutrition tweak that has the biggest impact on performance The single most important recovery tool that you should never skip And a recap of the other variables that have the biggest impact on performance relative to the time and effort required  Connect, Comment, Community Listen

Running and weight loss are two terms that always seem to go hand-in-hand. Almost everyone that wants to lose weight thinks they need to start running or run more. But, as you’ve heard us talk about before, for runners like us whose primary goal is to run faster, and stay injury-free, running and weight loss is a lot more complicated than many realize. Is weight loss actually going to help your running?  If it is a primary or secondary goal of yours, what is the best approach to not sacrifice your running progress?  What are the common traps runners fall into that derail either their weight loss or running goals and how do you prevent them? Well, on the show today is one of the leading experts in running nutrition, Nancy Clark. Nancy has over 35 years of experience helping thousands of active clients—from “ordinary mortals” to Olympians—win with good nutrition.  Her best-selling Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook has sold over 600,000 copies and her nutrition advice and photo have even graced the back o