Run To The Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide To Running

How to handle training and racing in heat and humidity!  Something a lot of our athletes are talking about now, is the role heat and humidity plays in training and racing. As great as it would be to not see any effect, we know we need to adjust in order to stay on track.  Our athletes have the ability to click a button in their schedule to automatically adjust their paces based on the dew point and temperature. Yet, it can still sometimes take some convincing that it is alright to be a little slower during this time. On this week’s Podcast we cover: How our athletes adjust their training and how you can use our temperature adjustment calculator A comparison of how much you need to adjust based on different weather conditions The hydration and heat acclimation strategies our athletes are using How dehydration affects performance and tips for staying hydrated And, is heat and humidity training really the poor man's altitude? Master training in the summer, and we can really see the benefits pay off in the fall

Sports and health journalist Christine Yu joins the podcast to shed light on the need for inclusive research and guidelines in sports and exercise science, and the transformative solutions that can empower women athletes at every stage of life. Christine’s ground-breaking book - “Up To Speed” -  addresses the gender data gap head-on. She exposes the limitations of current research and guidelines, revealing how they often fail to consider the unique experiences and bodies of women athletes. Through insightful interviews with researchers and advocates, she highlights innovative approaches proposed to enhance the athletic lives of women and girls, dispelling myths and biases while championing real science. In this conversation, we discuss: the challenges faced by women runners throughout different stages of their lives, such as adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause.  the crucial role of research in effectively addressing these challenges notable success stories and breakthroughs in sports science that have dire

Today we’re back with more listener questions, but this time we’re switching up the format and introducing one of the newest members of our team, Cory Nagler. Cory is coming on board as our podcast showrunner and today he and coach Jeff are going to answer the questions you’ve submitted to us over voicemail and through our social media channels. Along the way, Coach Jeff is going to introduce you into who Cory is and what exactly his role at RunnersConnect will be. They’re also going to cover topics such as… Whether you still get the benefits from a long run or workout if you have to split it up How to adapt heart rate zones for the heat If strength training is as beneficial for marathon performance as it is shorter events like the 5k And a few more. If you have questions you’d like our coaches to answer on the podcast, you can head to runnersconnect.net/daily and submit them to us or send them to us on any of our social channels.  Racing in hot weather? Use our exclusive Temperature Calculator to calculate

How do you know which supplements are actually improving your performance on race day and which aren’t? Well, you dig into the research.  And, since I know all of you listening aren’t researchers at heart (or you just don’t have time to dig into everything) we’ve brought on one of the foremost experts in the world at analyzing research studies and applying them to actual training, Alex Hutchinson. Hutchinson is a former physicist and national-class runner, and a National Magazine Award-winning science journalist.  Alex will help us… Look at the research on caffeine and how to best utilize it The research on beetroot juice and how to practically implement And explore if the hype of tart cherry juice has any evidence.  With his "what does the evidence show" mantra, I think Alex is one of the best people to speak on the subject of what ergogenic aids are worth trying and which aren’t Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everyt

A few months ago we shared a peek inside a week of training of an elite runner, our very own coach Alex Ostberg. Based on your feedback, you really enjoyed seeing how an elite runner shares the same struggles, doubts, and challenges you do, even though they are running paces and times that seem out of this world. Well, Coach Alex is back with another relatable glimpse inside a week of training of an elite runner. Alex is currently building back from a setback in his training, which I know many of us have also experienced. He’ll share… The mental and physical challenges of building back  The mindset of shifting goals and races when things don’t go as planned How he’s building his training to come back stronger. This is a really great, in-depth look at the mindset and training of an elite runner in a situation all of us can understand and learn from. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Co

Should runners be practicing their form?  Running is one of the few sports that we typically spend all our time training but not practicing. But running is a highly skilled movement, and while there is no perfect running form, should we look to optimize form to boost performance and reduce injuries?  Here to answer all these questions and provide a masterclass on the subject is Doug Adams Doug is a Physical Therapist who has published and spoken at an international level on all things related to running, taught thousands of professionals his approach to running gait analysis, and designed and created a widely-adopted portable 3D Motion Analysis system called Helix 3D for analyzing and categorizing running form. Specifically, we cover: how running gait impacts overall running performance common mistakes or inefficiencies in running form specific drills or exercises that can help improve running form? how optimizing running form can improve performance and reduce the risk of injuries Marching Drills - https:

It’s that time of year again when most runners are starting the real meat of their training plan. The summer has started, you’ve had your few weeks of building back into a plan, and now the real work begins. At RunnersConnect, we work with hundreds of runners each season and one of the big benefits of that is how much data we’re able to see every year. We’re able to see huge patterns across what type of training runners are doing when they start training for their race, what types of training and plans they’ve done in the past, and of course what’s worked and what hasn’t. In today’s episode we go in-depth on 4 of the biggest issues we see when looking at the data and give you some helpful tips on how to make sure you don’t succumb to the same mistakes. How Race Specific Workouts Will Help You Smash Your Personal Bests Download your FREE Improvement Performance Calculator now. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RT

I know I am often guilty of not wanting to warm-up like I know I should. Sometimes it feels like “just another thing” I need to do, especially when everything is feeling good. But, what always helps me step back and focus on warming up, even when I don’t want to, is thinking back to the scientific understanding of why it’s so critical and just exactly how much it can help decrease injuries. So, in today’s episode we’re going to help you by giving you that in-depth understanding of the why, the benefits and the how to so you can remind yourself just how important it is on those days you want to skip it. We’re going to dive into… Exactly why the warm-up is so important to performance and injury prevention How we often confuse flexibility with being warmed up and why we need to rethink this concept. The difference between active stretching and a dynamic warm-up Plus, how long and what type of warm-ups to do, even in bad weather You’ll learn a lot of helpful lessons in this one, so let’s get to it! Connect, C

Chat GPT been hailed as a game-changer for many industries, but what about for your running training? In this week’s Coach Chat episode, Coach Michael and Coach Andie take on Chat GPT and break down their responses.  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: Perform from the Amino Company Perform is an amino acid based formulation that I simply add to my water bottle during my run. It tastes great and is easy on my stomach. Clinical studies have shown that Perform helps improve endurance, reduce fatigue, and increases muscle protein synthesis so you recover faster after the run. Check out the research here: https://aminoco.com/rttt If you’re interested in learning  more and giving Perform a try, we’ve got a special offer for you where you can sav

GPS watches are an essential tool in the toolkit of runners everywhere.  But have you ever stopped to consider whether you understand the ins and outs of the technology at your disposal? Have you ever wondered about the utility of watch metrics like running dynamics, performance condition, or intensity minutes? Do you ever feel like you may have too many features and too much data to wade through? Here to help us understand how to get the most out of cutting edge GPS watches for our training, racing, and overall wellness is Joe Heikes, a Product Manager at Garmin.  Specifically, we discuss: how to organize and make sense of all the features a GPS watch has to offer  the basic and advanced metrics you can reliably track on your GPS watch tips and tricks for using GPS watches and getting the most out of features like training readiness  the features and benefits that differentiate Garmin GPS watches from the rest of the market  Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elit

Now that memorial day is behind us, it’s time to kick summer training into full gear! Most normal people think of the beach, bbqs and pools when they think of summer, but us runners know summer is really about the long runs and grueling workouts that fortify us for a fall of new personal bests. With that in mind, in today’s episode our coaching staff, both current and former, are going to answer some of your questions about summer training.  You’ll learn… Neat tips and strategies to adapt your speed workouts to the heat Uncommon signs of dehydration you may see Running on the beach and with your dogs Optimizing performance for hot summer races This is a must listen before we hit the peak of summer training and I guarantee you’ll pick up at least a few new ideas you can implement in your training. Get your free download of our exclusive Temperature Calculator now! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each mon

How many times have you finished a race and thought “I could have pushed harder”? If you’re anything like me, then this likely happens to you quite often. But, one thing I learned from interviewing some of the best runners in the world is that you can actually train your mind, just like your body, to overcome your brain telling you to slow down and learn how to better push your physical limits. To help you learn how to do this, I’ve brought on one of our favorite guests, Matt Fitzgerald. He’s going to teach you… The science of inhibitory control and the benefits of practicing inhibitory control How to deal with your thoughts during a long endurance race How to unlock neuroplasticity for better performance Perception of effort and how it affects physical & mental capacity If you’re tired of finishing races like you could have pushed yourself harder, this is a must listen! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything R

What age were you when you first started running? I’m guessing you were over 18 - and likely over 30, 40 or even 50. And unfortunately, as you may have well experienced, there’s something so much harder about starting when you’re older. So many more obstacles, worries, and challenges that your running peers who started earlier in life never had to deal with.  In today’s episode, Coach Jeff is going to dig deep into many of these reasons and share with you some tips on how to make some of them a little easier or less challenging. You’ll learn… The science behind why it’s more difficult to stay healthy The big physiological disadvantage you face (and how to catch up) And how our approach to goals as adult runners puts us at a disadvantage Having been someone who took up running very early in life and now someone who coaches almost exclusively people who didn’t, Coach Jeff has a lot of unique perspectives and anecdotes he’s going to share with you that really make some of these points hit home. If you started

Are you a runner that has suffered from hip-related injuries, weakness, or mobility issues? Do you suspect it’s having a negative impact on your training?  Well, you are in luck because in this episode runner rehab specialist Dr. Lauren LaPierre returns to the podcast to discuss all things hip strengthening. Specifically, we discuss: warning signs or symptoms of hip dysfunction common causes of hip tightness and restricted mobility in runners how hip mobility impacts running efficiency and performance specific hip stretches, mobility exercises for runners to consider the role of hip flexibility and range of motion and its impact on running mechanics strength training exercises that improve hip stability and prevent common hip injuries cross-training exercises that specifically benefit hip health To follow & connect with Dr. Lauren click here: @thepersonalizedrunningdoc   To learn more about 1:1 coaching opportunities with Dr. Lauren, whether you're looking to return to running pain free or improve your

There’s a lot to be said about the benefits of quick and easy online logs like strava, but is it possible you’re missing out by not keeping a hand-written log as well? Coach Ruiari and Dylan think so and in today’s episode they’re going to discuss why exactly they think hand-written logs can be such a beneficial tool to improve your running. Some of the benefits they discuss are… The ability to easily flip back over years and analyze trends Hand-written logs by nature help you write down more thoughts and feelings and not just data so you have more insight into why you might have been running so well or so poorly. Especially for beginners, it can help you understand the reason behind why you’re doing things. This is a great back and forth between the coaches and something I think every runner can get something out of. If you’re not already using a hand-written log, this will be a great listen. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first d

Setting realistic goals is perhaps one of the most important pieces of starting out your training on the right foot and one of the most common reasons we see runners struggle with their training. So, today we’ll be hearing from  Dr. Grayson Kimball, a Sport Psychology Consultant in the Boston area who is also a big runner himself. In this episode, you’ll learn… How to know if your goals are realistic and why this is so important How to combine setting long-term and short-term goals Re-setting your goals after an injury or period of missed running And how to exceed your limits with mental preparation. There are a lot of great insights from this interview that are going to help you plan and prepare for your upcoming fall races. So, let’s get to 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 RUNNERSC

With the main portion of the spring racing season completed, many of you are likely pondering what you should do next. So, today our current and past coaching team are going to answer some listener questions about what to do after your race. Here’s what you’ll learn… Why you need to have a period of recovery after a marathon (and how to do it properly) How to deal with muscle soreness after races and why it might be happening to you more than normal. How to put a bad race behind you The best way to approach training for back-to-back marathons And what to do between races to optimize your long-term progression If you have questions you’d like our coaches to answer on the podcast, you can head to https://runnersconnect.net/daily and submit them to us.  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 RUNN

Today we’re lucky enough to have our very own Coach Jeff on the show to talk about the importance of macronutrients and how ensuring you have the right mix can help you hit your performance and nutrition goals. You’ll learn… The role of each macronutrient and why each is critical to performance and health The optimal ratio of macronutrients to hit your goals How you should adjust these macros based on your training, age, gender and other factors. And if you stick around until the end, Coach Jeff will give you some awesome tips to make hitting you daily macronutrient goals easier. There’s a lot to unpack here and Coach Jeff is going to get real in-depth, so let’s get to 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: BiOptimzers Sleep If you strug

How much should you trust your GPS watch?  In this week's coaches chat, coaches Michael and Andy dig into GPS watches and cover some of the most common questions and concerns we see as coaches, plus metrics we recommend tracking.  They’ll discuss… Why GPS watches may not always be accurate, especially on trails or dirt roads. Why certified marathon courses are more accurate than GPS watches. Understanding effort is more important than just focusing on paces for training How to have a healthy balance between the data you consume and the effort you put in.  You don't want to miss this one.  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 the

On this episode of RunnersConnect, we explore various ways to improve running form and prevent injuries.  Our expert guest, Jay Dicharry, shares insights from his experience analyzing running patterns and addressing injuries as a physical therapist.  Jay’s going to discuss the most common issues we see when it comes to running form and injury, including the two most usual culprits of poor form and injury, posture and foot strike. Plus, we’re going to get into building strength and power in your legs, the impact of different types of footwear on foot strikes and load on the body, and the role of glute muscles in running posture alignment.  Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this episode has something to help you run stronger and with less injury risk. 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 EXPER